Meet Our Team

Kevin Luchetta, CFP® AEP® began his career as a financial advisor in 1996. Kevin is a Wealth Management Advisor and a Partner of Pioneer Financial, which was formed in 2005, based in New York, NY. Pioneer Financial consists of 28 highly credentialed financial professionals, including seven that hold their CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, two that have earned their Accredited Estate Planner designations, one that has their Chartered Financial Analyst designation, and two that have earned their Retirement Income Certified Professional designation. They collectively service over 1.65 billion dollars, as of 06/30/21, of family wealth, corporate pensions, trust assets and privately held stock through Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company. They have secured approximately 5.7 billion dollars, as of 06/30/21, of in-force life insurance over their collective careers.

Kevin earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics while attending Rhode Island University. His commitment to higher learning has allowed him to not only differentiate himself from his peers but significantly advance his competency, knowledge and skill set. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional certification, and the ACCREDITED ESTATE PLANNER® designation.

Kevin has achieved various professional accomplishments over the years including qualifying for membership with the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the premier association of financial professionals. In 2018 was named one of the Financial Times 401 Top Retirement Advisors. He has also been featured in WORTH Magazine as a Leading Wealth Advisor™. He has qualified for Forum twelves times between 2007-2021, which is an accolade achieved by the most elite financial representatives within the Northwestern Mutual distribution system. He was honored in Northwestern Mutual’s 2016 Annual Report for the meaningful impact he made on his client’s life, helping him to leave Wall Street for a career in medicine by creating a holistic financial plan.

Kevin lives in Wilton, Connecticut with his wife Karen, his two children Riley and Ryan, and their dog Rascal. Kevin enjoys staying active coaching his kids sporting teams, traveling, as well as playing soccer and golf.

Stephen began his career in financial planning in 1999. Stephen is a Wealth Management Advisor and a Partner of Pioneer Financial, which was formed in 2005, based in New York, NY. Pioneer Financial consists of 28 highly credentialed financial professionals, including seven that hold their CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, two that have earned their Accredited Estate Planner designations, one that has their Chartered Financial Analyst designation, and two that have earned their Retirement Income Certified Professional designation. They collectively service over 1.65 billion dollars, as of 06/30/21, of family wealth, corporate pensions, trust assets and privately held stock through Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company. They have secured approximately 5.7 billion dollars, as of 06/30/21, of in-force life insurance over their collective careers.

Steve has achieved various professional accomplishments over the years including qualifying for membership with the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the premier association of financial security professionals. In 2020 was named one of the Financial Times 400 Top. He has also been featured in WORTH Magazine as a Leading Wealth Advisor™. In 2021 he was named one of Forbes Magazine Top Financial Security Professionals. He has qualified for Forum ten times between 2009-2021, which is an accolade achieved by the most elite financial representatives within the Northwestern Mutual distribution system. He was honored in Northwestern Mutual’s 2016 Annual Report for the meaningful impact he made on his client’s life, helping him to leave Wall Street for a career in medicine by creating a holistic financial plan.

Stephen graduated from Quinnipiac University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics. He resides in Manhattan, NY with his wife Gretchen and their daughter Olivia. Steve enjoys working out, cheering on his home town New York Mets, and traveling the world.

Jim began his career in financial planning in 2000. Jim is a Wealth Management Advisor and a Partner of Pioneer Financial, which was formed in 2005, based in New York, NY. Pioneer Financial consists of 28 highly credentialed financial professionals, including seven that hold their CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, two that have earned their Accredited Estate Planner designations, two have their Chartered Financial Analyst designation, and three that have earned their Retirement Income Certified Professional designation. They collectively service over 1.65 billion dollars, as of 06/30/21, of family wealth, corporate pensions, trust assets and privately held stock through Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company. They have secured approximately 5.7 billion dollars, as of 06/30/21, of in-force life insurance over their collective careers. Jim holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional certification, Chartered Life Underwriter® designation, Chartered Financial Consultant™ designation, and Retirement Income Certified Professional designation.

Jim has achieved various professional accomplishments over the years including qualifying for membership with the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the premier association of Financial Security Professionals. In 2021 he was named one of Forbes Magzines top Financial Secuirty Professionals. He has also been featured in WORTH Magazine as a Leading Wealth Advisor™. He has qualified for Forum ten times between 2009-2021, which is an accolade achieved by the most elite financial representatives within the Northwestern Mutual distribution system.

Jim graduated from Hamilton College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy. He later received his Masters of Science in Financial Services from The American College in Bryn Mawr, PA. Jim resides in Larchmont, NY with his wife Mary and their daughters Cadence and Reagan. Jim enjoys competing in triathlons and the occasional IronMan competition.

Paul has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2001 and for several years ran his own wealth management practice. He is a Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company and a Partner and Founding Member of Pioneer Financial. Paul is an Insurance Agent with Northwestern Mutual and a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC. He facilitates the day-to-day practice in the areas of strategy, company vision and business development.

Paul grew up in Larchmont, NY. He graduated from Manhattanville College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Paul is the ex-Chief of the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department and served the community for over 15 years in the roles of firefighter and officer.  He resides in Westport, CT with his wife Maria and their three daughters, Katelyn, Malena, Evelina, and their dog Yoda. Paul enjoys both competitive and recreational clay target  shooting.   

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 6 and 63 registrations and his Life, Accident & Health Insurance license. Brandon also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional certification, Chartered Financial Consultant™ designation, 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.

Lucas joined Pioneer Financial in 2016. Lucas 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.  Lucas is a co-creator of Pioneer Financials’ Retirement Income Philosophy and also sits on the firm’s Investment Committee.

Lucas was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. He graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor's of Science in Finance with a Minor in Accounting. Academically, Lucas was a four-time Horizon League Honor Roll Student. Athletically, he competed for the NCAA Division 1 Golden Grizzlies for 4 seasons in a late-bullpen role and was a two-time Captain of the Oakland University Baseball Team.

Lucas’ hobbies include riding his motorcycle, weight lifting, and fishing. He currently resides in Long Island City, NY with this fiance Elizabeth.

Michael joined Pioneer in August of 2020 as a Lead Advisor. He graduated from the CW Post Campus at Long Island University in 1994, summa cum laude, majoring in Marketing. He brings to Pioneer Financial a wealth of knowledge and experience in both financial planning and servicing high net worth individuals. Early in his career, he worked as a market-maker/trader on one of the busiest OTC trading floors at the time.

Later in his career he shifted his focus to planning and eventually worked to obtain his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional designation in 2012. Michael grew up on Long Island, NY and now resides in Massapequa with his wife and two teenage children. He enjoys running, boating, and pretty much anything that involves his family.

Sue started her Northwestern Mutual career at the home office in 2012 as a Financial Planning Consultant and joined Pioneer in 2021. Sue is a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC maintaining securities Series 7 and 66 licenses. Sue also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional certification, Chartered Financial Consultant® and Chartered Life Underwriter® designations.

Sue graduated with degrees in Risk Management & Insurance and Personal Finance, both from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She lives in WI with her husband Dave, two sons Zander and Will and their black Lab, Teddy. Most of her time outside work is spent with her family, reading, cheering on the boys’ baseball teams, volunteering with Junior Achievement and being outdoors.

Ray has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2011 and joined our team in 2013. Ray is an Insurance Agent with Northwestern Mutual and a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC maintaining securities Series 6 and 63 registrations and his Life, Accident & Health Insurance license.

Ray grew up in Rockaway Beach, NY. He graduated from Amherst College with a Bachelor of Arts in Law, Jurisprudence and Social Thought. While there he balanced his time between academics and athletics, playing point guard on the varsity basketball team. Ray has a passion for music and currently lives in Greenwich, CT with his wife Sarah and their baby boy Kieran.

Sarah joined the Pioneer team in 2016 and continues to deepen her knowledge to best serve our clients. 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, winning the Heartland Conference in 2007, and also participated on the university’s Cheer Team.

Sarah was born and raised in Texas, and now resides in Buffalo, NY with her husband Mihai and their son Luca. She has a passion for music and singing, travelling with her husband, outdoor sports, food festivals, serving in her community, and making new friends. Learning excites her and continual growth is what she strives for.

Stephen began his career in finance in 2008. He is an Investment Analyst with Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, maintaining securities Series 7 and 66 registrations. Stephen earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2015 and Certified Financial Planner professional certification in 2017. Prior to joining the firm Stephen worked in Institutional Sales at Sidoti & Company where he covered hedge funds and mutual funds in Boston and New York City, and he has experience working in private wealth management from his time at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.

Stephen grew up in Pelham, New York. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and minor in Economics. He resides in Manhattan.

Andrew joined our team in 2014. His primary role is focused on the creation and management of financial plans for prospective and active clients. Andrew is an Associate Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company. He is a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC maintaining securities Series 7 and 63 registrations.

Andrew previously served as an assistant to partner, Paul Tortorella. His responsibilities included a wide range of activities related to IT, operations and human resources. In all three areas, Andrew was instrumental in creating new systems and process efficiencies.

Andrew has spent most of the past 6 years living abroad in different countries including China, Russia, the UK and Syria. He graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science and from the London School of Economics with a Master of Science in International Relations. Andrew currently lives in New Rochelle, NY with his wife, Batma.

Song started his career in finance in 2015 and joined our team in 2019 as research analyst, responsible for investment analysis and research. Previously he exceled in different roles including securities consultant, M&A analyst and risk analyst which gave him in-depth analytical experience of different investment activities across United States and China.

Song grew up in Beijing, China. He majored in Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence in college and graduated from Brandeis University with Master of Science degree in finance. He currently resides in Jersey City, NJ. He loves travelling, outdoor sports and films.

Brian started his career at PricewaterhouseCooper, then joined the home office of Northwestern Mutual in 2004, prior to joining our team in 2021. His primary role is focused on the creation and management of estate plans, in-depth insurance plans, competitor product analysis, premium financing and other trust funding techniques for prospective and active clients.  He is a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC maintaining securities Series 6 registration.

Brian graduated from University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee with Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Mathematics, and a Master in Business Administration.  Brian lives in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin with his wife, Sheila and their dog Tucker.  They have two adult children, Megan and Collin, and one granddaughter, Sophia.  They enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time at the lake in northern Wisconsin.

Stefan began his career as a trader in 2016 and is responsible for overseeing trading and portfolio management functions. Stefan trades equities, fixed income, options, and derivatives to help manage the firm’s assets under management. He utilizes quantitative analysis to enhance trading strategies and provides ongoing information about the trading environment and financial markets.

In 2016, Stefan earned his Bachelor of Economics from The University of Texas at Austin, where he was selected Captain of the Longhorn’s Division 1 Rugby Team.  Prior to joining our firm, he excelled as a futures and options trader at a hedge fund in Texas and then moved to New York City to join J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. Stefan is currently an MBA candidate, specializing in investment management, at Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business and resides in Manhattan with his greyhound, Ares.  His hobbies include weightlifting, playing basketball, and riding his motorcycle.

Colin began his career in 1998 as a proprietary equity trader specializing in short-term trading strategies. After several successful years with two firms, Colin traded his personal capital while developing a short-term discretionary strategy for trading futures. He incorporated technical analysis, momentum, trend-following, and market microstructure. He later used this strategy as the basis for his Commodity Trading Advisor which traded equity, financial, FX, energy, metal, and grain futures for proprietary and client accounts.

Colin joined our team in May 2022 as a research analyst, responsible for investment analysis, research, and trading. He has completed his CFA Level 1 studies. Prior to joining Pioneer, Colin took a career break to raise his two sons.

Colin grew up in Tifton, GA. He graduated with honors from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA, where he earned a bachelor’s in Human Evolutionary Biology. While there, he balanced his time between academics and athletics, conducting laboratory research on testosterone and cortisol and playing defensive end on the football team. Colin spent his time in Cambridge as a biology course assistant, Senior Counselor with Phillips Brookes House Association’s Franklin I-O, and volunteering with PBHA’s Franklin Afterschool Enrichment.

Colin lives in Caldwell, NJ, with his wife Johanna, two sons Harper and Quinn, their Shiba Inu, Sora Koi, and three cats, Bob Whiskey, Cookie, and Ginger Licorice. Most of his time outside work is spent with his family, cheering on the boys’ sports teams, maintaining his yard, and renovating his ninety-six-year-old house.

Jenn is an Associate Financial Representative of Northwestern Mutual and has been a part of our team since 2001. She currently works with us in the areas of new insurance business coordination and policy owner services and holds her Life, Accident and Health Insurance license. She has most recently earned the Certified in Long-Term Care designation.

Jenn lives in Freeport, New York with her husband Pete and their two daughters, Harley and Kendall.

Rita has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2006 and she joined our team full time in 2008. Rita is an Associate Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company. She is a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC maintaining securities Series 7, and 63 registrations. As the Director of Operations and Client Services her responsibilities include overseeing and creating internal controls and processes, risk management, supervising all operations of Pioneer Financial, and strategizing for firm to deliver on overall client experience.

 Rita is an original member of the Pioneer Financial Leadership Team formed in 2018 which is comprised of members of the Pioneer Financial team that have demonstrated leadership in their client facing efforts as well as role models for fellow team members. The Leadership Team advises and collaborates with ownership on all matters related to internal policies, client service, and talent development.

Rita graduated from Hunter College in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Rita has a passion for traveling, she speaks fluent Russian and currently lives in Merrick, NY with her husband Dmitry and their two children Chloe and James.

Kenneth joined Pioneer Financial in 2016 but began his financial services career in 2006.  Kenneth is an Associate Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company.  He is a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC.  He maintains the securities Series 7 and 63 registrations and the Life, Accident, & Health license.  His responsibilities include a wide range of investment operations activities from client onboarding to trade reconciliation. 

Kenneth graduated Cum Laude from St. John's University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.  Kenneth is a born and bred New Yorker who resides on Long Island.

Andrew joined our team in 2018 as the assistant to the partner Paul Tortorella.  His primary responsibilities included IT, operations, and human resources.  Now Andrew is an Investment Operations Associate where his responsibilities includes investment operations activities and account administration.

Andrew graduated from Wilkes University in 2018 with a degree in Marketing and Management.  While in college Andrew was a part of the Men’s Tennis Team and served as captain his junior and senior year.  He also has interests playing basketball, golf and spending time with his family and friends. Andrew currently resides in Englewood, New Jersey. 

Andrew joined Pioneer Financial in 2021 as an Investment Operations Associate. He is a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC maintaining securities Series 7 and 66 registrations and his Life, Accident, & Health Insurance license. His responsibilities include investment operations activities such as account maintenance, client onboarding, and trade reconciliation.

Andrew graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2019 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Andrew now resides in Manhattan.

Amy began her career at Northwestern Mutual in 2009. She has been a part of our team since 2010. Amy is responsible for handling client service, scheduling and manages the daily operations.  She is an Associate Insurance Agent with Northwestern Mutual and holds her Life, Accident and Health insurance license and is certified in the Long-Term Care designation.

Amy grew up in Marlboro, NY. She graduated from Berkeley College in NYC where she earned a Bachelors in Business Finance. She is fluent in Hungarian and resides in New Jersey.

Victoria joined Pioneer in April 2020 as Assistant to the COO. Victoria graduated magna cum laude from the Sawyer Business School of Suffolk University, where she was elected to the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society.

She worked as a wealth management consultant at a major financial institution in Boston, and later served as office manager for a technology company in New York City. Victoria has also worked in fashion sales.

Victoria’s interests include baking, traveling and finding cool new restaurants to try in New York City. She is a native New Yorker, living with her family, her cat, Baby, and the family dog and cat.

Ashley joined Pioneer in March 2022 as an Executive Assistant. She graduated from SUNY Purchase in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Economics. She has past experience in customer service and education administration.

Ashley lived abroad for 2 years in Kobe, Japan and has her eye on Switzerland next! She has a passion for traveling, cats, books, and photography. She currently lives in Queens, NY with her roommates.

Natali joined Pioneer in March 2022 as an Executive Assistant. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University in 2010. She dedicated over 15 years of service in the education field. Her previous work consisted of calendar management, coordination of meetings and special events, travel arrangements, daily operations of facilities and customer support.

In her current role, her main priority is to always stay organized, informed and prepared for anything that comes her way. She is excited to continue learning and growing in her new career path.

Natali was born in Los Angeles, raised in Miami and now lives in Plantation, FL in the home that she helped renovate with her fiancé. Her hobbies include exercising, watching sports, dancing and spending time with family and friends. She hopes to continue traveling the world and exploring new countries.

Alis is a graduate from Berkeley College and holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration.  She joined Pioneer Financial in the spring of 2019 as a Lead Advisor Support Associate.

Originally from Chicago, she has lived in New York City since 2010 and currently resides in the Financial District with her husband Raj.

Alis enjoys traveling and has visited 17 countries to date.  She is a true foodie and a dedicated elephant advocate.

Chris began his finance career as a Financial Advisor at another financial institution and joined Pioneer Financial in 2021 as a Service Advisor. Chris is a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC maintaining securities Series 7 and 66 registrations and his Life, Accident, & Health Insurance license.

Chris grew up in Brookfield, CT. He graduated from Marist College with Summa Cum Laude honors and a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance and a double major in Economics. Academically, Chris was a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma international business honor society for AACSB accredited schools. Athletically, he competed year-round at the NCAA Division 1 level in cross-country, indoor track, and outdoor track as a long-distance runner and Captain of the team his senior year.

He currently resides in New York City where he enjoys training for marathons and spending time with family and friends.

Ilene joined Pioneer Financial in 2021 as a Service Advisor.  Ilene possesses over a decade of experience in the Financial Services industry. Her trajectory has allowed her to appreciate the importance of the client/advisor relationship.  As such Ilene strives to deliver client focused, goal-oriented service.

In 2002, Ilene earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Bernard Baruch College.  She began her career as a financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley where she focused on building a book of business composed of underserved markets.  She initiated various campaigns centered on women and investing. Additionally, Ilene provided financial planning services to Spanish speaking clientele.

In 2014 Ilene decided to pause her professional pursuits to focus on her children. Having had the opportunity to dedicate her time and attention to her children has been the highlight of her life.  During the quarantine of 2020, Ilene and her family decided that it was finally time to return to the industry that she feels so passionate about.  Ilene is delighted to have joined Pioneer Financial.  She looks forward to providing an exceptional client service experience.

Jason has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2018 as a Financial Representative. He worked as a consultant for Pioneer from 2020 - 2022 and in May of 2022 joined the Pioneer team full time working in Business Devlopment for the firm. He is responsible for marketing for the firm and developing new and on going relationships.

Before joining Northwestern Mutual, Jason was a peforming classical musician and educator and holds a Master of Music and Professional Studies Diploma in Performance from the Manhattan School of Music.

Jason recently moved to the Hudson Valley from Manhattan where he resides with his wife, Raina and their puppy, Georgia. In his spare time he enjoys painting, cooking and traveling.