Special agent mother/daughter tandem makes FBI History

Jet, July 31, 2006

The FBI recently released information out its first-ever mother/daughter special agents.

In June of 2004, Special Agent Marlo McGuire graduated from the FBI Academy and made history. Why? Because her mom, Supervisory Special Agent Ethel McGuire, is also an FBI special agent. They are the first mother and daughter special agents in the Bureau.

Ethel, who currently serves as assistant special agent in charge (ASAC) stationed in Los Angeles, is executive manager of the counterterrorism branch of the FBI field office. In her role, she manages six supervisors, overseas special agents and task force officers of three resident agencies, and manages six squads within the Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Marlo, 28, is single and works from the Oakland/San Francisco field office where she reviews case developments with colleagues and supervisors, talks to confidential sources, investigates, gathers evidence, and assists in the prosecution of cases.

JET Magazine caught up with Marlo (her mother, Ethel, was away on special assignment) to ask about her history-making position with the FBI.

"I've always admired my mom," says Marlo, "and thought anything she deemed worth doing, I should do as well. After a presentation in 8th-grade about careers, I realized how cool it must be to work for the FBI."

Although Marlo, who earned her bachelor's degree in accounting from Jackson State University and her MBA from Maryville University of St. Louis, got sidetracked when she accepted a post with the IRS after an internship, she never lost sight of an FBI career.

"I knew the diversity there was unmatched ... and they are involved in so many things ... You can use both your physical and mental energies."

Marlo adds: "I think it does take a strong woman to be in the FBI, but you are certainly treated fairly. You speak up, and people listen. I couldn't have asked to join a better group of people. I would recommend an FBI career to anyone without hesitation."

She continues: "I think the special agent position allows everyone to find their niche. There are scientists, computer programmers, accountants, lawyers, engineers, as well as many other types of individuals who use their particular skills as agents."

To find more about Ethel and Marlo and the FBI, go to www.fbijobs.gov.