Meet Our Team
We have a diverse team of smart, friendly and professional personnel committed to making your financial life easier. We take time to understand the intricacies of your life and we assist you in streamlining the various tasks associated with managing your financial wealth.
Our wealth management team serves you in the way that best addresses your own special circumstances, sensitivities and concerns. We are ardently focused on delivering results and exceeding expectations.
Our culture is based on individual accountability, integrity and rewarding staff committed to broadening their financial competency. We work as a team and our interests are aligned with those of our clients.
It is our commitment to create, nurture, and preserve an inclusive culture, where our differences are celebrated, honored, and used to meet the complex needs of our clients and employees. We believe that collaboration among team members with varying perspectives generates deeper insights and empowers us to better serve our clients and our team every day.
We welcome you to learn more about our cross-functional team, their experience and life outside our organization.
Partners
About Kevin:
Kevin began his career as a financial advisor in 1996, he 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 over 30 highly credentialed financial professionals, collectively focused on providing comprehensive, customized, objective financial planning and wealth management advice. The Pioneer Financial advisor team has more than 75 combined years working to meet the varied and personalized needs of their clients. They are one of Northwestern Mutual’s largest multi-leader ensembles. Pioneer Financial is recognized as a Private Client Group firm within Northwestern Mutual. Private Group represents a small group of advisors who have the sophistication, experience, and tools to tailor investment strategies to high-net-worth clients.
Kevin meets individually with high net worth/emerging high net worth individuals and business owners to develop customized financial plans suited to their unique situations. He creates a financial blueprint and road map for his clients and their families to follow. Kevin’s approach is very simple; through a qualitative process he gets to know his clients, their concerns, goals and objectives. Utilizing that information, he takes a quantitative approach to design a distinct tailored plan. Plans range from simple needs-based insurance planning to complex estate planning designed to protect one’s assets upon transfer.
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. As a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, Kevin has access to a wide array of investment products and services. He maintains securities Series 7, 63 and 66 registrations and his Life, Accident & Health Insurance license. Kevin holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional certification, and the Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) designation.
Kevin has achieved various professional accomplishments over the years including qualifying for membership with the Million Dollar Round Table, the premier association of financial security professionals. In 2018 he was named one of the Financial Times 401 Top Retirement Advisors. Kevin was also named to the Forbes Best-In-State Top Financial Security Professionals List in 2022. Kevin has qualified for Forum Recognition thirteen times between 2007-2022, 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 also sits on the Northwestern Mutual Sophisticated Advisors and Ensembles Committee which provides a roadmap for advisors and their teams within the Northwestern Mutual system.
Kevin is active in his community and is a member of the Lower Fairfield County Estate Planning Counsel. He is consistently sought after to speak at company forums sharing his experience on building and sustaining a comprehensive financial security practice. He is a member on the Yale Eye Center Advisory Board. Additionally, Kevin and his Pioneer Financial colleagues’ team up each year since 2015 with the Northwestern Mutual Foundation dedicating time and money to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation; a leading national nonprofit organization focused on fighting childhood cancer and helping their families.
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.
| The Financial Times “401 Top Retirement Advisers” list, (Sept 2018), based upon data as of December 31, 2017. Listing is produced annually by the Financial Times. Forbes Best-in-State Top Financial Security Professionals list (July 2022), based upon data as of December 31st of the preceding year. Research and ranking provided by SHOOK Research. Northwestern Mutual and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating lists, but do pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success. |
About Stephen:
Stephen A. Schwartz, CFP®, AEP® began his career with Northwestern Mutual in 1999 and is a Wealth Management Advisor and founding partner of Pioneer Financial, formed in 2007, one of Northwestern Mutual’s largest multi-leader ensembles They are recognized as a Private Client Group firm within Northwestern Mutual. Private Group represents a small group of advisors who have the sophistication, experience, and tools to tailor advisory strategies to high-net-worth clients. As the name implies, Pioneer Financial has been a trailblazer in identifying early on the need to provide holistic financial planning through the integration of all aspects of their clients’ lives, insurance, investment, company benefits, and tax implications. They have grown into a team of over 30 highly credentialed professionals and have consistently invested heavily in themselves and their team, with the belief that education, innovation, and hard work enables them to provide industry-leading advice to their clients today and throughout future generations to come. The shared values of Courage, Loyalty, Commitment, Exceptionalism, and Impact are embraced by the Pioneer Financial team that inform all their engagements among colleagues and clients.
Stephen collaborates with his high-net-worth clients to help achieve their goals and objectives related to accumulation, protection, and distribution of wealth by applying a special blend of knowledge and skill that he has obtained throughout his years of experience.
Stephen earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics while attending Quinnipiac 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 earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional certification in 2004, he holds the Accredited Estate Planner™ designation, and is a licensed Investment Adviser Representative, in the state of New York, maintaining securities Series 6, 7, 63, 66 registrations and Life/Health Insurance licensing.
Stephen has achieved many professional accomplishments over the years including qualifying for membership with The Premier Association of Financial Professionals®. Stephen is consistently named to the top of the table within the Million Dollar Round Table Association (MDRT). He has been honored for the last 15 years with Forum Membership, recognizing the top level of excellence within Northwestern Mutual. Stephen has placed in the top 3 of 5 Star Pathfinders in the Eastern Region at Northwestern Mutual for 3 of the last 4 years. The 5 Star Pathfinder recognition is only given to the most elite and sophisticated advisors within Northwestern Mutual. Stephen was selected as one of the top financial advisors by Financial Times, on their Top 400 Financial Advisors list published in 20201. He has also been named to the Forbes Top Financial Security Professionals List in 20212, 2022 and the Forbes Best In State Wealth Management Advisor list in 2022.
His accomplishments have been shared online by CNBC, REUTERS, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL’s - MARKET WATCH, THE STREET, YAHOO FINANCE, and WORTH magazine. Stephen is also a published author.
Stephen and his wife Gretchen, along with their daughter Olivia, reside in New York City. In his spare time, he enjoys exercising, reading, travelling and spending time with his family.
1The Financial Times “Top Financial Advisers” list (April 2020). Produced annually by Ignites Research, on behalf of the Financial Times. Data as of 6/30/2019. Northwestern Mutual and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating lists, but do pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success.
2Forbes Top Financial Security Professionals list (October 2021 and July 2022), based upon data as of December 31st of the preceding year. Research and ranking provided by SHOOK Research. Northwestern Mutual and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating lists, but do pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success.
3Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" list (April 2022), Research and ranking provided by SHOOK Research, LLC. Based upon data as of 6/30/2021. Northwestern Mutual and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating lists, but do pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success.
About James:
James received his Undergraduate Degree from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, and is a Wealth Management Advisor and founding partner of Pioneer Financial, formed in 2007. Pioneer Financial is one of Northwestern Mutual’s largest multi-leader ensembles and they are recognized as a member of Northwestern Mutual’s Private Client Group. James and his partners are true trailblazers and have grown into a team of over 30 highly credentialed professionals. Their shared dedication to their values of Courage, Loyalty, Commitment, Exceptionalism and Impact are embraced by every member of Pioneer Financial and inform all their engagements among colleagues and clients.
In guiding his clients as an advisor and financial resource, James strives to go beyond providing expert guidance in the creation of their financial plan. James works with his clients to pull a thread through their estate planning, wealth management, deferred compensation and insurance needs in a tax efficient manner. His goal is to build values driven relationships that help create financial security which impact clients for a lifetime.
As a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, James has access to a wide array of investment products and services. He maintains securities Series 7, 63 and 66 registrations and his Life, Accident & Health Insurance license. James also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) and Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designations. He earned his Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) from the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA.
He has achieved recognition through accomplishments such as the prestigious National Quality Award from The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), and Northwestern Mutual Forum Recognition. He is a Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) and a Worth Magazine Leading Wealth Advisor™. James was also named to the Forbes Best-In-State Financial Security Professional List in 2021, 2022 and the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list in 2022.
Jim resides in Larchmont, NY with his wife Mary and their two daughters, Cadence and Reagan. Jim enjoys competing in triathlons and the occasional Iron Man competition.
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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 largest multi-leader ensembles They are recognized as a Private Client Group firm within Northwestern Mutual. Private Group represents a small group of advisors who have 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 have over 85 years of working experience that meet their clients varied and personalized needs.
In Paul’s role, he maintains and directs the business’s daily operations, including coordinating human resources, legal, sales, marketing, accounting, IT, and other priorities. He meets with and reports to his Partners about the company’s daily operations, as well as about the Partner’s plans for any upcoming adjustments or developments to business growth and operations strategy or other company goals and objectives. He also heads the firm’s Leadership Team, which comprises four senior team members and supports areas of the company, including team culture, operations, and client satisfaction.
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 & 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.
Advisors
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.
Research & Planning
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.
Operations
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.
Wealth Management Support Team
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.
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.
Christian joined Pioneer in June 2022. He graduated from the Marshall School of Business at USC with a degree in Business Administration.
Christian lived abroad for a year in Rome and his hobbies include sports, trying new foods, and travelling. Born and raised in Southern California, Christian now lives in Manhattan, NY and spends his free time with friends exploring the city
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leaders
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.
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.
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 largest multi-leader ensembles They are recognized as a Private Client Group firm within Northwestern Mutual. Private Group represents a small group of advisors who have 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 have over 85 years of working experience that meet their clients varied and personalized needs.
In Paul’s role, he maintains and directs the business’s daily operations, including coordinating human resources, legal, sales, marketing, accounting, IT, and other priorities. He meets with and reports to his Partners about the company’s daily operations, as well as about the Partner’s plans for any upcoming adjustments or developments to business growth and operations strategy or other company goals and objectives. He also heads the firm’s Leadership Team, which comprises four senior team members and supports areas of the company, including team culture, operations, and client satisfaction.
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 & 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.