Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leaders
Sarah joined our Pioneer team in 2016. She is an Associate Lead Advisor, a member of our Leadership Team, and serves on the D&I Committee.
She graduated in 2015 with her Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, where she was a member of the Women’s Volleyball Team and the Cheer Team.
Sarah was born and raised in Texas. She and her husband Mihai have lived in Texas, New Jersey, and Buffalo, NY, where their two children, Luca and Mia, were born. She and her family now reside in San Antonio, TX. She enjoys music, singing, running, outdoor sports, and hiking and kayaking with her family.
Brandon I. Luke CFP®, CIMA®
Lead Advisor & Director of Talent Development
Brandon has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2010 and joined our team in 2011. Brandon is an Associate Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual and a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC maintaining securities Series 7 and 63 registrations and his Life, Accident & Health Insurance license. Brandon also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, Certified Investment Management Analyst®, Chartered Financial Consultant®, Chartered Life Underwriter®, and Retirement Income Certified Professional® designations.
Brandon grew up in Kailua, Hawaii and moved to New York in 2005. He is a graduate from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a minor in Education. Brandon is on the Junior Board of Read Ahead, a non-profit organization focused on mentoring children to succeed in school through literacy. He resides in the Bronx, NY with his wife Miho.
Paul D. Tortorella
Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer
About Paul:
Paul began his career in financial services in 2001 and is a founding Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Pioneer Financial, which was formed in 2005 and based in New York, NY. Pioneer Financial is one of Northwestern Mutual’s most prominent multi-leader ensembles They are recognized as a Private Client Group firm within Northwestern Mutual. Private Group represents a small group of advisors with the sophistication, experience, and tools to tailor advisory strategies to high-net-worth clients. Pioneer Financial consists of 30 highly credentialed financial professionals who collectively focus on providing comprehensive, customized, objective financial planning and wealth management advice. The Pioneer Financial Partners team has over 85 years of working experience that meet their client's varied and personalized needs.
As the second highest-ranking executive, Paul provides strategic direction and leadership, setting the overall vision and goals for the organization. He is responsible for making critical decisions that impact the company's growth, profitability, and long-term sustainability. He oversees various departments and functions, ensuring operational efficiency and effective resource allocation. Paul actively engages with stakeholders, including owners, employees, clients, and business partners, fostering relationships, and representing the company's interests.
Paul is an active member of Northwestern Mutual’s field and home office committees and has sat on several committees advocating and contributing to the direction and development of home office and field initiatives dating back to 2012 when he was a founding member of the NM Connect sub-committee dedicated to advancing the client-facing web experience. He currently sits on the Wealth Committee and the PCG COO Ad Hoc Committee.
Paul earned a bachelor’s degree from Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY. He maintains securities Series 7, 63, and 66 registrations and his Life, Accident, and Health Insurance license.
Paul lives in Westport, CT, with his wife Maria, his three daughters Katelyn, Malena, and Evelina, and their two dogs, Yoda, and Ruby. Paul enjoys staying active by coaching his daughter’s sports teams and recreational and competitive clay shooting.