NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY - Key Persons

Chelsea Nelson

Job Titles:
  • Licensed Service Assistant
Chelsea joined Waterside Financial Group in 2019, bringing over 10 years of administrative experience with her. Born and raised in Northern Nevada, Chelsea moved from Reno to Virginia in 2017. She lives in Virginia Beach, VA with her husband, Dylan, and their Goldendoodle, Finn.

Stuart J. Birkel

Job Titles:
  • Principal, Financial Services Professional
Stuart started his financial services career with New York Life Insurance Company and NYLIFE Securities LLC, in October of 1992 by following in his father's footsteps, John Birkel and becoming a Second-Generation Career Agent with New York Life. During his career with New York Life, Stuart has qualified over 20 times for New York Life Council. Stuart's achievements include: New York Life President Council 2020^ Current Court of the Table, Qualifying and Life member of MDRT* Current board member of Forkids Past President of the Norfolk General Office Agent Advisory Council (AAC) Active member in the local chapter of Norfolk Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Member of NBA Study Group since 2011 Co-Founded WFG, LLC in March of 2010 with Thomas Raddatz 2009 Agent of Year at the Norfolk Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors 2007-2008 President of the Norfolk Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors Past President of the Lion's Club in Newport News Stuart lives in the city of Norfolk with his wife, Dr. Nathalie Cassis, OD, FAAO and their two daughters, Sophie & Emilie. Nathalie practices as an Optometrist locally in historic Ghent of Norfolk. When Stuart is not serving as a deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk, he enjoys spending his personal time with his family by traveling in the U.S. or internationally and snorkeling in the Caribbean. Stuart and his family also enjoy spending time relaxing on the many area beaches.

Thomas J. Raddatz

Job Titles:
  • Agents
  • RICP®, LACP . Principal, Financial Advisor
Tom started his financial services career with New York Life Insurance Company and NYLIFE Securities LLC, in January of 1994 after serving four years in the Navy and an additional four years working for his family's business. During his career with New York Life Tom has qualified for council every year since 1996 and is a Financial Advisor with Eagle Strategies LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Tom believes his naval service instilled in him the discipline to be successful and experience in a family business gives him an elevated understanding of business dynamics and concerns that often need to be addressed.