SCOTT MILA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Executive Vice President - Chief Strategy Officer, President of Retail Investments and Head of Institutional Investments
Job Titles:
- Portfolio Management Specialist, Private Client Services
Andrew is a native of the Greater Milwaukee Area, having grown up in Germantown and earning his Bachelor's Degree from The Marquette University School of Business in Marketing. Following his graduation in 2020, Andrew spent 3 years working in the FinTech space with FIS. There, he was a Solution Consultant for online and mobile banking solutions. Knowing that he wanted to stay in the financial space, he then joined Structura Financial Partners in 2023 as an Operations Associate. The ability to have a positive and personal impact on each client's well-being is what excites him the most.
Andrew now resides in Bayview with his girlfriend Cesia, along with their two cats Huey and Stella. Outside of the office, you can find Andrew competing on the disc golf course, perfecting a new recipe, or cheering on the Bucks and Packers.
Job Titles:
- Financial Planning Analyst
Andy's Northwestern Mutual career started in 2016 as a Financial Advisor in Waukesha, Wisconsin where he was running his own practice and was a College Unit Director. After 4 years, his passion in planning led him to join downtown Milwaukee Home Office in the Financial Planning Consulting and Services teams. There, he helped NM Advisors across the country solve complex planning questions, adopt new planning software, and built plans and recommendations as a provided service. The need to have a direct impact on clients drew Andy to support a team based in Virginia where was an Associate Financial Advisor. Excited to serve the greater Milwaukee area again, Andy then joined Structura Financial Partners in 2024, as a Financial Planning Analyst to provide great advice and recommendations for our advisors and clients though detailed and actionable financial plans.
Annette started with Northwestern Mutual in 2017 as a Financial Advisor. From there, she went on to join another team at Northwestern Mutual and worked as a lead advisor/financial analyst- prior to joining our team, Annette was a Physical Therapist Assistant working in private practice, skilled nursing, and home health; as well as, held a role as mortgage loan manager. In her current role with our team, Annette works with clients to help them navigate new account openings, transfers of current accounts, and any services needed to their current NM investment accounts.
Annette grew up in Greenfield, WI and currently still lives in Greenfield with her husband Matt, and two daughters Sophia and Sydney. Annette attended Milwaukee Area Technical College where she earned her Associates degree in Applied Sciences. Annette has her life, accident & health licenses as well as her SIE, and Series 6 & 63 FINRA licenses.
Outside of the office, Annette loves spending time with her family and friends. She loves to travel with her husband and take yearly trips with her children and parents every year. Annette also enjoys hiking, reading fictional crime novels, going to wine and food tastings, concerts, and watching her daughters compete in gymnastics and basketball.
Annette loves working with people and making a difference in their lives no matter how big or small. She loves being part of a team that truly understands the value of great financial planning and how every person and family is different and has different goals and dreams they want to achieve!
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Investment Products, President, Mason Street Advisors
Christopher Carl Fugman, Douglas Hafemann, Scott Michael Mila, Peter Reding Benz, Andrew Steven Budnik, Jacob Hoffstatter and Terry Wayne Spencer use Structura Financial Partners as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Structura Financial Partners is not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, insurance agency or federal savings bank. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Christopher Carl Fugman, Douglas Hafemann, Scott Michael Mila, Peter Reding Benz, Andrew Steven Budnik, Jacob Hoffstatter and Terry Wayne Spencer provide investment advisory services as Advisors of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC), Milwaukee, WI, a subsidiary of NM and federal savings bank. Christopher Carl Fugman, Scott Michael Mila and Jacob Hoffstatter are Agents of Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, (long-term care insurance) a subsidiary of NM. Christopher Carl Fugman, Douglas Hafemann, Scott Michael Mila, Peter Reding Benz, Andrew Steven Budnik, Jacob Hoffstatter and Terry Wayne Spencer provide investment brokerage services as Registered Representatives of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA (finra.org) and SIPC (sipc.org). Christopher Carl Fugman, Douglas Hafemann, Scott Michael Mila, Peter Reding Benz, Andrew Steven Budnik, Jacob Hoffstatter and Terry Wayne Spencer are Insurance Agents of NM.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Financial Advisor
Job Titles:
- Member of the Fixed Income Team
Job Titles:
- Senior Research & Portfolio Analyst, NMWMC Research
Job Titles:
- Associate Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the Private Client Services Team
- Senior Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the Private Client Services Team
- Senior Director / Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Donna started with Sturctura in 2023- prior to joining the team she was a billing manager for an orthopedic surgery practice. In her current role with our team, Donna works with clients to help them navigate the insurance underwriting and application process.
Donna is a Milwaukee native and currently resides in Wauwatosa with her husband Chris. They have three children Averie, Noah, and Lilly. Donna received her bachelor's degree from University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and her master's degree from Luther Seminary.
Outside of work, Donna takes great joy in her family, which is fortunate to be close by in Milwaukee. She is the director of children's ministry at St. Matthew's ELCA in Wauwatosa. In the summer, she relishes time at her family cottage.
When asked about what she enjoys most about her role on our team, Donna mentioned: Working in a team environment that is committed to making a meaningful and positive impact on people's lives is an incredibly rewarding experience.
After spending 17 years as an Institutional Equity Trader on Wall Street, Doug transitioned to Wealth Management driven by a passion for building meaningful client relationships. Observing the harm caused by financial media and so-called "professionals," he became an advocate for individuals seeking genuine advice for growing, enhancing, and protecting family wealth. Doug is dedicated to helping clients navigate their financial journey, eliminating external distractions for financial security.
Beyond his professional life, Doug is a devoted husband to Kalyn and a proud father of twins, Braedyn and Jace. Originally from Oak Creek, WI, he currently resides in Brookfield, WI, and holds a finance degree from the University of Notre Dame. Doug remains a steadfast fan of Notre Dame's athletic programs and actively contributes as a board member of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and creating shared experiences with his family. Doug's personal interests include golf, boating, health and wellness, and a continuous commitment to self-improvement.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Private Client Services Team
- Senior Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Ed has over 20 years of experience managing equity portfolios, conducting investment research and providing asset allocation strategies. He has an analytical background combined with extensive experience in domestic and international equity research.
Ed previously held the role as Senior Portfolio Manager with Next Generation Wealth Management. At Next Gen he was responsible for the development and implementation of asset allocation strategies utilizing model portfolios for a diverse group of clients. He also was responsible for initial and ongoing investment research, client communications and investment proposals.
Prior to Next Gen, Ed developed his expertise as a portfolio manager with Manulife Asset Management, Optique Capital and Johnson Asset Management managing in excess of $1.7 billion dollars for institutional and individual clients. While with these groups, he was instrumental in managing domestic large and small cap equity portfolios and led the development of the team's international small cap strategies.
Ed is a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) and member of the Milwaukee CFA® society. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse majoring in Finance and Accounting. In addition, Ed currently serves on the board of the Kenosha Museum Foundation and Finance Committee.
Ed grew up in Kenosha and resides in Racine with his wife Cheryl, and their two children. His daughter keeps him very busy with her synchronized skating team and golf tournaments. Ed and his son enjoy cycling and mountain biking together around the country. Ed and Cheryl prefer camping in the Northwoods over glamorous hotels for vacations. At home, he enjoys spending time with his two dogs, Jozi & Jenni, backpacking and participating in local triathlons with friends.
Job Titles:
- Portfolio Management Specialist, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Vice President - NMWMC Investment Management & Research, Vice President - Mason Street Advisors
Job Titles:
- Portfolio Manager, Equities
Job Titles:
- Associate Wealth Management Advisor
Jacob started with Northwestern Mutual in May 2013 as a College Financial Representative. Jacob worked as a Financial Advisor until 2015 before moving to Milwaukee to join Structura Financial Partners as a Support Advisor. In his role, Jacob works closely with clients scheduling appointments and supporting our advisors with integral research, planning and operational support.
Jacob's father served 21 years in the United States Air Force, so travel was a big part of his youth. While Jacob has lived in places such as Germany, Georgia and Illinois, his deepest roots are in the Chippewa Falls, WI area where he graduated from Stanley-Boyd High School. Jacob married his high school sweetheart Alaina on the same beach in St. Thomas, USVI in 2017 that he proposed to her on a couple years prior. They live in Wauwatosa with their two Labradoodles, Diggle & Cena.
Jacob attended the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire where he earned degrees in Accounting and Finance as well as being a member of the wrestling team. Jacob has his Series 7, 6 and 63 licenses. Jacob loves to travel, go to concerts and support anything and everything WI sports.
When asked what he loves most about the work we do, Jacob said "We are at the center of many of our clients' financial lives. A properly constructed plan allows for one to accomplish goals and make memories with those they care about most. It is an honor our clients put their trust and faith in our team to take care of their family."
Job Titles:
- Associate Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Senior Director / Senior Portfolio Manager, Equities
Job Titles:
- Associate Portfolio Manager, Fixed Income
Job Titles:
- Senior Investment Consultant Advisor Recruiting
Jesse joined Structura Financial Partners at the end of 2023. Prior to this, Jesse worked in Northwestern Mutual's home office for 5 years on the Asset Movement team. During that time, Jesse honed his skills in all asset movement related processes, assisted in developing key workflows for the digital supervision queue process, and was a subject matter expert in both retail and investment workflows. Prior to this, Jesse also worked in Human Resources and served in the United States Air Force for 7 years as a Military Police Officer. Jesse's passion for helping others and his logistical approach to unique challenges, aligns perfectly with Structura's vision.
Jesse is a Milwaukee native and currently resides in West Allis with his wife Esmeralda. They have 5 children Johan, Angel, Valeria, Alani and Adelyn. In his free time, Jesse enjoys spending time with his family, attending auto show events, traveling and cheering on the Packers.
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Analyst, NMWMC Research
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
Karen started with Northwestern Mutual in 2017 - prior to joining our team, Karen was a district sales manager for various retailers. In her current role with our team, Karen works with clients to help them navigate the insurance underwriting and application process. Karen also provides client policy service, billing support and general operational assistance to our entire office and staff.
Karen grew up in Racine, WI and currently lives in Brookfield with her husband Bob, daughter Izzy. She also has three step-kids; Colin, Neal and Marie. Karen attended The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she earned her degree in Business Administration and Marketing. Karen has her life, accident & health licenses as well as her Series 6 & 63 FINRA licenses.
Outside of the office, Karen loves spending time with her family and friends. She is fortunate to have her parents, one brother and two sisters who live in the Midwest. Being close has allowed them to watch their kids grow up together and stay tight as a family. Karen enjoys working out every day before coming to the office, reading fictional crime novels and is an avid Wisconsin Badgers football fan.
When asked about what she likes the most about her role on the team, Karen mentioned "I love being part of a team that is passionate about helping people plan for an amazing future. I take pride in making sure that my part of the servicing process is seamless for our clients."
Job Titles:
- Associate Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Senior Investment Consultant
Job Titles:
- Senior Investment Research Analyst, NMWMC Research
Lisa joined Structura Financial Partners in October 2022. Prior to this, Lisa worked in Northwestern Mutual's home office for 31 years. In her tenure there, Lisa spent 16 years within the retail investment products area where she assisted in the development of several key aspects of the investment product line development, including metric measurement for NMIS as a full-broker dealer, performing in-depth financial analysis of the business to aid in financial decision making, building revenue projections in accordance with the business plan, and playing an integral role in building out the Signature Advisory Programs. Prior to her retirement at the home office, she was Assistant Director, Data Science & Analytics where she led a team of experts to build out insights for business partners and coordinated a community of analysts across the organization to democratize data via building of analytical skills, capacity, and capabilities for the over 300 analytic professionals.
Lisa lives in southeastern Wisconsin and enjoys spending time outdoors in her yard and taking walks with her dog. Lisa has a B.A. in Accounting and an M.S. Finance degree. She also holds her FINRA 6, 7, 24 licenses and the Series 63 license.
In addition to having the opportunity to work for Structura Financial Partners part-time, Lisa was drawn to the work that takes place within the field office as she is passionate about what we do for our clients.
Lois joined Northwestern Mutual in 1991 with Tolan Schueller & Associates. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Lois spent five years as an auditor for a large public accounting firm. In 2016, she joined with Structura Financial Partners Co-Founder, Chris Fugman. In her current role, Lois works on complicated insurance cases and plan design for corporate owned and advanced planning insurance policies. Lois has serviced many of the same accounts and clients for nearly 30 years!
Lois grew up in Watertown and now lives in New Berlin with her husband Lee and three children Erin, Amy and John. Lois attended the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater where she received her degree in Accounting. Lois is a CPA as well as having earned her CLU and ChFC designations.
Outside of work, Lois and her family love watching the children's sports and musical performances. Her daughter Erin is a singer, Amy plays the flute and John plays tennis and volleyball. Lois would be remiss if she didn't mention that her family is known throughout her community for their decadent chocolate chip cookies!!
When asked about what she enjoys most about her role on our team, Lois mentioned "I love problem solving - either by providing reasons for obtaining insurance or explaining options for currently owned insurance. I love digging into the details."
Job Titles:
- Portfolio Manager Specialist, Fixed Income
Job Titles:
- Associate Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Financial Planning Analyst
Mark joined our team in 2021 after spending 16 years at Northwestern Mutual's home office. During his tenure there, Mark held a series of roles that resulted in a host of valuable skills and experiences that he brings to our firm. His responsibilities included a variety of Program Management roles that delivered on significant corporate initiatives. Additionally, as Assistant Director of the Financial Planning and Consulting Team, Mark provided training and consultations to advisors across the NM network on financial planning and client experience tools.
Mark grew up in Wisconsin and currently resides in Lisbon with his wife of 38 years, Karen. Together they are the proud parents of 3 children who have given them the joy of 6 grandchildren - 4 girls followed by two grandsons. Mark earned his degree from Carroll University and has received his CFP®, RICP®, CLU®, ChFC® designations. He also has his Series 7 FINRA license.
In his free time, Mark is an avid distance runner and has competed in 23 marathons - including 3 in Boston! He also enjoys woodworking and there always seems to be a home renovation project on his list. Both Karen and Mark enjoy camping - often in Door County and are dedicated to their volunteer work together that is often focused on hunger related needs in our communities.
When asked about what he most loves about the work we do, Mark said "I love being part of a team that understands the value of a financial plan, has the talent and experience to develop a plan that is relevant to each client and their respective aspirations and goals, and has the proven ability to bring the plan to life through implementation and servicing that helps clients reach their goals."
Job Titles:
- Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the NMWMC Investment Consultant Team
- Senior Director, Advisory Investments
Melissa grew up in the Milwaukee area and started her career with Northwestern Mutual in 2014. Before joining Structura Financial Partners, she led a team of 10 financial advisors with a mission to reconnect and service unassigned clients. Melissa, inspired by Structura's passion for helping people achieve their financial goals, joined the team in 2023 and is excited to build on her experiences and skills with the firm. As an Investment Operations Associate, she works closely with clients to help navigate the investment onboarding experience.
Melissa grew up in the Greater Milwaukee area and currently resides in Wind Lake with her fiancé, Rusty, two children: Rosie and Rusty and their dog, Rhody. Melissa attended University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she earned her degree in communication. She has her life, accident & health licensing and has earned her CLF®designation.
In her free time, Melissa loves spending time with her family doing outdoor activities such as tending to their ducks, camping, snowmobiling, hiking, swimming, or taking golf cart rides through the woods with their dog. If she's not outside, you'll find her planning their wedding or coming up with new house projects with Rusty.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Fixed Income Team
- Chief Portfolio Manager, Fixed Income
Mona is a Milwaukee native and started with Northwestern Mutual 15 years ago in our corporate office. She has held various leadership roles throughout her career. Before starting with Structura Financial Partners, Mona worked closely with top offices around the country coaching advisors and implementing development plans with leading Managing Partners. Mona works with our team to create efficient operations and develop client appreciation events and marketing strategies. She has always had the ability to thrive as an operations leader in a busy environment but also loves developing others so they can be their best.
Mona and her husband Chad live in Brookfield with their 3 children Alexis, Blake and Ciara. They are extremely active in various activities and Mona loves that their house has become the main hangout for their kids and all their friends.
Mona is a fitness enthusiast, whether it be Orange Theory, rowing, running, TRX or being a certified Pilates instructor - she is always moving and staying healthy. Mona is passionate about wellness - both mind and body. If she's not working out, you'll find her watching her kids' activities, reading a good suspense book and is an admitted Disney fanatic.
When asked what she loves most about the work we do, Mona said "I love the fact that we have an impact in some way shape or form on each person we meet… while we won't work with everyone, at a minimum, we may ask a question that has them consider their goals, think about their future and leave our meeting better educated. For those we do work with, the fact that we help people realize their dreams and goals is incredibly motivating and fulfilling."
Nathan joined Structura Financial Partners in March of 2024, and has spent most of his career in the investment industry. In previous roles he worked with retirement plans, produced mutual fund financial statements, provided performance attribution, and helped manage an investment trust.
Along the way, he completed master's degrees in business administration and accounting from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. He is also a CPA and a CFA charterholder.
A Wisconsin native, he enjoys running, lifting weights, and playing basketball in his free time.
Job Titles:
- Associate Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Penny joined Northwestern Mutual in 2007 first as a Financial Advisor before moving over to lead operations and client service for Structura Financial Partner Co-Founder, Scott Mila. Penny has since provided over 12 years of support and advice to thousands of clients by helping with plan design, insurance underwriting and client billing and policyowner support. Penny loves getting to know clients and their stories and is passionate about giving ‘phenomenal client service.'
Penny grew up in Elmhurst, IL and currently resides in Oconomowoc with her husband of 34 years, Randy. Penny and Randy have a daughter Jennifer who lives in Virginia and is a recent Navy veteran. Penny received her bachelor's degree from Alverno College and her master's degree from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.
Penny and Randy love to travel, they enjoy seeing the world and going on adventures from seeing Machu Picchu in Peru or the Great Pyramids in Egypt. Together they have visited 45 countries and hope to have a chance to visit more. They both love spending time with friends and enjoying great food and wine!
When asked about what she loves most about the work we do, Penny mentioned "I am passionate about providing our clients with the highest level of service possible. I love the fact that I can interact with our clients and have had the pleasure of getting to form so many wonderful relationships with them and my coworkers. Being able to represent a great team and wonderful company makes me feel very fulfilled."
Job Titles:
- Director of Retirement Plans
Peter Benz, Director of Retirement Plans, has over 15 years of experience working in insurance and financial services, with a dedicated focus on Qualified Plan consulting since 2015. Pete is a trained economist with a Master's Degree in Applied Economics from Marquette University. His extensive credentials and diverse skill set put him in a unique position to help Structura Financial Partner's clients balance how to create and implement successful retirement plan strategies and to understand how complex global economic events impact individual and group portfolio returns.
Job Titles:
- Director of Retirement Plans
Job Titles:
- Senior Investment Research Analyst, NMWMC Research
Scott started his career at Northwestern Mutual as a College Financial Representative in 2003. In 2004 Scott transitioned to a full-time role as a Financial Advisor and built a successful practice until Co-Founding Structura Financial Partners with Chris Fugman in 2020. Over the last 15+ years, Scott has earned numerous advisor awards and industry accolades. Scott is a frequent speaker and trainer for Northwestern Mutual advisors and leads financial planning seminars for local businesses and hospital systems, educating medical residents on financial planning.
Scott grew up in Waukesha and currently resides in Pewaukee with his wife Breann and their daughter Gracie. Scott attended the University of Wisconsin Madison for three years before beating his second bout of cancer. After years of treatment, Scott completed his degree in Finance and Investments from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Scott has earned his WMCP®, RICP®, CLTC® designations as well as obtaining his Series 7, 6 and 63 FINRA investment licenses.
Outside of the office, Scott loves to travel with his family and friends. Scott is an avid golfer and has a ‘bucket list' goal to play the top 100 courses in the country. Scott is a huge sports fan and proud season ticket holder for the Milwaukee Bucks and Milwaukee Brewers. Gracie keeps Scott and Breann busy as they've recently become club volleyball parents and will be travelling the Midwest to watch Gracie and her team. They also enjoy her basketball games and acting performances - she loves to perform and isn't scared to sing/dance/act in front of hundreds of people!
When asked about what he loves most about his career at Northwestern Mutual, Scott shared "I'm passionate about helping people achieve their goals and I'm humbled that our clients allow us to be an integral part of their financial and professional lives and put the trust in our team to deliver financial peace of mind. I'm eternally grateful for joining Northwestern Mutual and being part of a company and culture that delivers strength, stability and security for everyone we work with."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Large Cap Equity Team
- Associate Portfolio Manager, Equities
Job Titles:
- Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the NMWMC Investment Consultant Team
Job Titles:
- Retirement Planning Specialist
Terry Spencer joined the Structura Financial Partners in the role of Retirement Plan Specialist. Working closely with Peter Benz, Terry is responsible for account management of existing retirement plan clients, advisor support for existing wealth management clients and sales support for new qualified plan and advisory opportunities.
Terry attended Marshall University and served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He holds his Series 7,63,65 and 24 licenses.
Prior to accepting this position, he served as Area Sales Manager at Wells Fargo Advisors in Omaha, Nebraska, and as a Regional Consultant at Russell Investments here in Milwaukee. He brings 20 years of investment experience and a proven track record of success in advisory consulting, qualified plan support, and sales development. Terry has in-depth knowledge of retirement planning and capital markets.
Job Titles:
- Research Specialist, NMWMC Research
Job Titles:
- Associate Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services