KNW GROUP - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Construction and Infrastructure Co - Leader
Al Papa - Managing Director
Al currently serves as managing director with NFP. Previously, Al was the executive chairman of Cambridge Consulting Group.
Al has always focused on a culture of excellence. His leadership, strategic savvy and belief in giving back permeates the entire firm, figuring prominently in its continued success. With over 30 years in finance and insurance, Al has built an impeccable reputation and was recently named a Five-Star Wealth Manager in Estate Planning by Business and HOUR Magazine. In 2021 and 2022, Al was named one of America's top financial security professionals by Forbes. He is the highest-ranking financial security professional in Michigan and in the top 40 in the United States.
Along with his responsibilities at NFP, he advises insurance and financial firms throughout the United States on product development and distribution. He believes one of the firm's predominant skills is helping clients synthesize their goals. He works to ensure that NFP always offers objectivity and a transparent, inclusive process to clients.
Al is active in business, civic and community organizations throughout Detroit and across the nation. Al also enjoys traveling, golfing, skiing, reading and spending time with his family. He and his wife Tracey reside in Bloomfield Hills, MI, and Palm Beach, FL.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Entertainment
Alex is a senior advisor on the Wealth Management team at NFP's Minnesota office and has been in the financial services industry since 2014. Prior to assuming his role as a senior advisor, Alex joined NFP through the acquisition of The KNW Group in 2017 as a private wealth manager.
Alex provides individuals and corporate clients with personalized wealth management guidance through high-quality financial services, independent investment advisory services, and insurance consulting. Alex's knowledge and his commitment to his clients provides them assurance and confidence that they are on track to achieve their financial goals. The trust of his clients is the asset he values the most.
With this knowledge, he is a consultant for other advisors, designing custom risk management strategies. His knowledge extends to buy/sell planning, key person insurance, executive recruitment and retention strategies, carve-out plans, and non-qualified plans such as deferred compensation and executive bonus strategies.
A graduate of Saint John's University, Alex earned a degree in business administration and management. He holds licenses for Series 6 (Investment Company and Variable Contracts), Series 7 (General Securities Representative), Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent), and Series 66 (Registered Investment Advisor). Alex also holds life, accident and health insurance licenses.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, National Operations Leader, Personal Risk
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Trade Credit
Job Titles:
- Regional Managing Director, Benefits
Billy is a senior advisor on the Wealth Management team at NFP's Minnesota office. He works with individuals and families providing comprehensive, personalized strategies to help them reach their financial objectives. He focuses on goal-oriented planning and investment management.
Billy covers all aspects of financial well-being - from budgeting and debt management to insurance and wealth management. He collaborates with tax and estate planning professionals to ensure truly comprehensive planning. NFP's investment management team oversees over $5 billion of private wealth in their fiduciary capacity.
Billy applies more than 20 years of experience in helping clients achieve financial wellness. He also helps businesses implement financial wellness programs. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Billy earned a bachelor's degree in finance. He holds his Series 7 and Series 66 securities registrations, as well as life, health and variable annuity insurance licenses.
Billy volunteers in his church, his children's school and the Higher Ground homeless shelter in Minneapolis. He passionately supports organizations that promote stable housing for all. Billy lives in Minneapolis, MN with his wife and three children and feels incredibly fortunate to enjoy their personalities every day. He also likes trivia, crossword puzzles, athletics and card games, volunteering, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Wealth and Retirement
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Executive Vice President
Brett leads the Financial Planning and Analysis, Financial Reporting, Tax, Treasury, Investor Relations and Internal Audit divisions of NFP. He's key in managing the capital structure of the company and is active in its debt-raising activities. As a strategic partner to executives across NFP, Brett provides guidance to growth initiatives that result in new capabilities throughout the organization. Prior to joining NFP, he was an audit manager at KPMG. Brett holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus, and is also a CPA in the state of New York.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Personal Risk Leader
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Private Equity Practice Leader
Brian has been in the financial services business since 2006 and holds a blemish free FINRA broker record. Brian works with individuals, families, and businesses on their complete and comprehensive financial planning. Brian and his team at NFP Mid-Atlantic Wealth Team are independent fiduciary comprehensive financial planners helping clients will all aspects of their financial lives.
Brian holds a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ board designation as well as a Master's Degree in Financial Planning. He also has earned the Chartered Financial Consultant Designation (ChFC), Chartered Advisor for Senior Living designation (CASL), Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) Designation which is the top graduate level estate planning credential in the financial services industry and is a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) which is specialized for helping individuals in the retirement income planning field. Brian also currently holds his series 7 General Securities License, Series 66 Uniform Combined State Law Exam, Life and Health License, and Property and Casualty License. Brian is licensed in numerous states throughout the country. Brian is also currently an active member of the Baltimore Estate Planning Council.
Brian is a University of Maryland graduate and native Washingtonian. He currently resides in Baltimore with his wife Jennifer.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Reinsuranc
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions
Carl and his highly experienced Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) team are dedicated to expanding NFP through the acquisition of firms that strengthen and scale our operations nationally and internationally. As the entry point for all new acquisitions, he ensures they are an economic and cultural fit with values that align with NFP's personal commitment to every employee and client. From prospecting and negotiating to closing and integrating, Carl and his M&A professionals actively enhance NFP service offerings while positioning the company for future growth. Carl also oversees NFP's Integration Management Office (IMO), which helps to create a more seamless process between the acquisition and onboarding activities for new firms and employees joining NFP. Prior to NFP, Carl was a member of the M&A teams at Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. He graduated from Syracuse University's Martin J. Whitman School of Management and holds a Master of Business Administration from Fordham University.
Job Titles:
- President, Legal Practice Leader
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Environmental
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Business Management
Job Titles:
- SVP, Construction and Wrap - Ups
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Business Development
Chuck Bracht is vice president, Business Development, on the NFP Wealth Management team. Chuck has over 39 years of experience and has held many different roles in the industry, including as president of his firm from 1993 to 2010 and vice president prior to the company joining NFP in 2018.
Chuck specializes in retirement planning, asset allocation, estate planning and life insurance. He assists individual clients in their estate planning, which is especially important in light of upcoming changes in the estate tax exemptions. Longer life spans significantly impact the retirement calculus; to address that, Chuck assists our individual clients in their long-term asset allocation and cash flow planning. His extensive experience and breadth of knowledge provides his clients confidence that their financial goals will be achieved.
Chuck is involved in his communities and serves as chairman of the finance committee for VCPORA, a nonprofit organization in New Orleans that is dedicated to the quality of life and historical preservation in the French Quarter.
Chuck is a wine and food enthusiast and likes cooking. He also enjoys skiing, biking, Airstreaming and traveling. Chuck resides in Texas and loves being home, but he also enjoys spending time at his places in Steamboat Springs, CO, and New Orleans, LA.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Cyber Liability Practice Leader
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Energy
As managing director, Dan forges new paths and grows NFP in Michigan. Dan is integral in bringing acquisitions that share NFP's core values and guiding seamless team integration.
Prior to NFP, Dan was appointed CEO of Cambridge Consulting Group in 2014. He has over 30 years of industry experience. Dan has a passion for impacting lives and promotes professional focus and client education. Dan oversees Wealth Management, where he focuses on innovative estate planning, as well as developing plans for preserving and managing wealth and executive benefits programs.
For several years, Dan has been selected by dBusiness and HOUR Magazine as a Five-Star Wealth Manager in Estate Planning, an honor fewer than 7% of financial professionals in Detroit receive. Dan believes in listening and accessibility, whether at the firm or serving clients.
He is a strong supporter of Detroit and involved with several civic and business associations. He is also active with the Children's Foundation, Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation, Henry Ford Health System's Cancer Institute Task Force, Detroit Country Day School Foundation, Walsh College Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oakland & Macomb Counties. Dan resides in Bloomfield Hills with his wife and three children.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President, Protek ( MGA / MGU )
As vice president, Sales, Wealth and Retirement, Dan Taylor focuses on consulting with corporate clients on qualified retirement plan strategies.
Dan assists with recordkeeper selection, fiduciary needs and a strategic approach to employee communication. In addition to advising on ERISA qualified plan designs, his practice concentrates on incorporating non-qualified executive benefit programs to complement broader group strategies.
Centered on core values and a passion for NFP's team and clients, Dan's prioritization of building authentic interactions influences the way he consults with clients. Dan holds a FINRA Series 7 & 66 Registrations and is a licensed life, accident and health insurance agent in the state of Michigan.
Fundamental to Dan's identity is active in the professional community and the charitable community. He is involved with several organizations, including the Detroit Economic Club Career Readiness Academy, and is a board member of Red Run Golf Club in Royal Oak, MI. Additionally, Dan has volunteered for a number of years as a Big with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Detroit.
Dan enjoys traveling, golfing, handball, bowling and puzzling with his family. Dan resides in Royal Oak, MI, with his wife, Amy, their two children, Alexandra and Trudy and their dog, Leo.
Dave Lee - Managing Director
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Construction and Infrastructure Co - Leader
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, MGA / MGU - Healthcare Industry Insurance Services ( HIIS )
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Private Client Group
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Chief Executive Officer
Doug advances initiatives that ensure NFP is synonymous with a leading, full-capability global insurance broker, benefits consultant, wealth manager and retirement plan advisor that cares deeply about the well-being of its clients and 8,000 colleagues.
Doug has over 25 years of experience in executive management, operations, underwriting and law. He joined NFP in 1999 and has held several leadership positions, including president, chief operating officer, general counsel and head of strategy. He became chairman and CEO in 2013. Prior to NFP, Doug practiced corporate law at a national firm, where he represented NFP's founding capital partner before and during NFP's startup phase.
Doug's people-first approach drives his commitment to building exceptional leadership teams that embody NFP's dedication to trust, transparency and communication, and to delivering a broad range of high-quality solutions to clients. In 2013, he led NFP's pivotal $1.4 billion go-private transaction with Madison Dearborn Partners LLC (MDP), a leading private equity firm. He subsequently led several recapitalizations of NFP and in December 2023, NFP announced a definitive agreement to be acquired by Aon for $13.4 billion. NFP will be an independent but connected platform within Aon, subject to customary regulatory approvals, with Doug continuing as CEO post-close.
Doug also serves a variety of organizations whose activities align with the business and his focus on community impact. He is a Trustee of his alma mater, Fairfield University, and Northwell Health, New York's largest healthcare provider and private employer, and serves on the Board of Directors of The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers, a trade association for 200 of the world's top commercial insurance and employee benefits brokerages that promotes business growth for members and drives the industry forward.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Private Equity
Job Titles:
- Executive VP, Head of Insurance Brokerage and Consulting
Ed drives the operational progress of NFP's business segments (Property and Casualty, Benefits and Life, and Wealth and Retirement), as well as NFP's two flagship membership organizations, PartnersFinancial and Benefits Partners. He was the lead architect in transforming the company's outstanding corporate benefits businesses into a diverse and cohesive unit delivering an array of solutions to NFP's clients. Part of the company since 2002, he efficiently aligns people, services, and products across all regions, enabling NFP advisors to exceed client expectations with innovative offerings and a consistent, highly personalized experience. Prior to NFP, Ed launched vSimplify, a benefits administration technology company. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Cincinnati.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Advisor on the Wealth Management Team
Emily is an advisor on the Wealth Management team at NFP's Minnesota office. She is a people person, and client communication is key to her work philosophy.
Emily has 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining NFP in 2017, Emily held positions such as a licensed financial advisor, director of business operations, vice president of Client Relations, and licensed financial associate.
During her professional career, she's honed her skills in investor reporting, planning, organization, training, development, process improvement and procedural documentation. Combined, Emily uses these attributes to lead her clients and team to success.
Emily earned her B.A. in economics at the University of Iowa and earned her MBA at the University of St. Thomas.
She is also involved in the community and serves as a member on the DEIB Committee.
Job Titles:
- Chief Marketing Officer
- Executive Vice President
Eric joined NFP in 2001 and has held many roles within the company, giving him great insight into NFP at many different levels. In 2012, he assumed responsibility for the Marketing department and has helped transform the group from an internally focused department to an award-winning team. As CMO, Eric works to dedicate additional capital, resources, and executive attention to support NFP's Marketing team as the company as a whole expands its efforts to develop and execute a more robust digital strategy and elevate the NFP brand. Eric also continues to influence the progress of NFP's corporate development initiatives. His dual function enables marketing and distribution to remain closely aligned as the company advances its integrated sales and marketing strategies. From 1996 until joining NFP, Eric was at Putnam Investments, focusing on sales and distribution of mutual fund, retirement, and variable annuity products. He has an economics degree from the University of Colorado and a Master of Business Administration from New York University's Stern School of Business.
Job Titles:
- President, Atlantic Region
Evan Michael - Chief Legal Officer, EVP
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President
- General Counsel
- Principal Legal Advisor to NFP
Evan is the principal legal advisor to NFP's senior management on the company's strategic and tactical legal initiatives. He's also responsible for overseeing NFP's legal, compliance and risk management functions. With NFP since 2006, Evan leads our Legal department, which works on all aspects of major transactions and acquisitions to help maximize growth, mitigate risk and make sure we maintain and expand our robust compliance offerings. Before joining NFP, Evan began his career as a mergers-and-acquisitions attorney for Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, followed by work as a private equity and mergers-and-acquisitions associate at Goodwin Procter. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania and law school at New York University.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Vice President at NFP CA Insurance Services, Inc
Frank is a vice president at NFP CA Insurance Services, Inc. Over the past two decades, he has developed a broad knowledge of creative solutions for business owners and successful individuals with various financial needs with an emphasis on tax efficiency.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, NFP Sports and Entertainment
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Real Estate
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Private Client Group
Job Titles:
- Chief Human Resources Officer
- Executive VP
Ginnette brings results-oriented leadership and expertise to NFP, directing the full spectrum of human resources activities for the company. She leads all human resources operations, compensation and benefits practices, employee benchmarking, change management, and mergersand acquisitions diligence, playing an integral role in creating an environment that attracts and retains top talent through a people-first culture. Ginnette is a member of NFP's Executive Management Committee. Before being promoted to executive vice president in January 2019, Ginnette was senior vice president of Human Resources. She joined NFP in 2007 as vice president, Human Resources. Her strong technical and strategic knowledge, depth of organizational awareness, and insightful guidance on opportunities continue to elevate NFP's human resources capabilities. Ginnette is an engaged advocate of the caring and collaboration that are critical to NFP's success. Prior to NFP, Ginnette was director of Faculty Affairs at Columbia University and an HR generalist for MetLife.
Job Titles:
- President and Chief Operating Officer, Lenox Advisors
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Hap Feuerbacher Vice President
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President, Property and Casualty
Henry has more than 40 years of strategic experience and expertise in the property and casualty (P&C) space. He works with leaders across the business to deliver the expertise and solutions clients need to address various risks, overcome challenges and elevate their results. Henry also focuses on business development, complex risk and strategic accounts, bringing a strategic perspective and exceptional relationships to NFP's efforts. Since joining the team in 2017, Henry has driven the evolution of NFP's P&C business with invaluable insights and strategic vision that leverage NFP's increasing scale. Henry previously served as Aon's global chief broking officer and executive vice president in the company's construction and infrastructure practice. Prior to that, he spent 25 years as Allied North America's president and chief operating officer. Henry graduated from Farleigh Dickson University with a bachelor's degree in marketing.
Job Titles:
- Director, Wealth Transfer
Jay is a director of the Wealth Transfer team at NFP's Minnesota office, formerly The KNW Group, where he was a managing partner and cofounder.
Jay began his financial services career in 1991 as a financial consultant with AXA/Equitable. In 2001, Jay cofounded The KNW Group, which rebranded to NFP in 2019. With over 30 years of experience, his specialty is working with families, closely-held businesses, and tax-exempt organizations.
In 2021 and 2022, Jay was named one of America's top financial security professionals by Forbes. In 2022, he ranked #8 in Minnesota. This list recognizes specialists who are helping clients in a world in which wealth protection matters more than ever.
Jay earned his economics degree from Saint John's University. He holds his Series 6, Series 7, Series 63 and Series 65 licenses. Jay also has his Life, Health and Variable Annuity Insurance licenses in several states. He is a registered representative with Kestra Investment Services, LLC and investment advisor representative with Kestra Advisory Services, LLC.
Jay is very active in the community. In addition to serving on the Children's Minnesota Foundation board, he is a member of the Mount Olivet Board of Life and Growth. He is also a previous member of the Children's Minnesota Legacy Advisors board.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Retirement
Jim is currently a senior consultant and investment advisor. He has 49 years of domestic and international business experience with multinational financial services organizations, small entrepreneurial biotech, pharmaceutical and internet companies.
Before joining NFP, Jim founded Adam Consulting, a firm designed to assist small medical and technology companies by applying broad-based business experience in the areas of strategy, finance, business development, corporate governance, planning and execution. His many years of experience offer him a perspective that he channels into his many successful client relationships. Staying true to himself and his clients keeps him focused on demonstrating his core values.
Jim is an investment advisor representative and holds a Series 7 and Series 66 designation. He uses his wealth of experience to serve his clients as a trusted advisor.
Jim is a US military service-disabled veteran and served three years in the Air Force in Southeast Asia.
Jim is an assistant vice president and an investment advisor representative in Wealth Management, with over 29 years of experience in the financial services industry.
He began his career in CS First Boston's High Net Worth Group in San Francisco in 1989. He worked covering West Coast mutual and hedge fund trading desks for 20 years and then cofounded Paragon East Advisors, LLC in 2015, joining NFP when his practice was acquired in 2017. Throughout, he has provided comprehensive wealth management solutions, financial advice and investment management for individuals and families. Now, he uses his vast experience to help provide exceptional results to his clients.
Jim graduated with departmental honors in political economy of industrialized societies from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1989. He received a master's in business administration with a finance emphasis from the University of San Francisco in 1996.
Jim loves the outdoors, specifically spending time in Tahoe and backpacking with his family and friends. A sports enthusiast, he also plays golf and follows everything Cal Athletics-related. Jim and his wife, Danya, have three sons.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Senior Associate on the Wealth Management Team
Joey is a senior associate on the Wealth Management team for NFP's Minnesota office. Joey is responsible for investment management, client services and department operations within the Wealth Management division.
Prior to assuming his role as a senior associate, Joey started at NFP early as an intern assisting advisors with market analysis and reports and later as an operations associate. With his experience and knowledge, as well as his ability to connect and build rapport, Joey ensures that clients' needs and expectations are met with confidence and results.
Joey graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a degree in Finance. Joey holds his Series 65 (Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam) license.
Joey believes in giving back to his community through fundraising and devoting his time to charities and organizations.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Surety
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Hospitality and Leisur
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Sports
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Aviation Practice Leader
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Captives
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Business Development
Job Titles:
- President, Northeast Region
- Regional & Divisional Leadership
As vice president, Kevin Bates works with professionals, business owners and high net-worth individuals, advising them on strategies for asset accumulation and wealth preservation. Prior to joining NFP, Kevin was a partner at Cambridge Consulting Group.
Kevin has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and offers a unique approach to financial planning that goes beyond the normal scope of client service. This approach includes consideration of a client's taxation, retirement planning, business structure and real estate through all stages, from accumulation of wealth to estate planning and philanthropy.
Kevin is recognized by HOUR Magazine as a Five-Star Wealth Manager in values-based planning for families. To serve his clients' needs, Kevin educates his clients and utilizes financial mapping to help address both their financial and lifelong goals.
An active member of the professional community, Kevin is affiliated with many local organizations including The Greater Detroit Association of Life Underwriters and the Society of Finance Service Professionals. He also served previously as a registered financial advisor for the National Football League Players Association. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys skiing, playing golf and traveling.
Kevin and his wife have three children, and currently reside in Clarkston, MI.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President, Head of Health & Benefits
As the strategic and operational director of NFP's national employee benefits practice, Kim is focused on driving growth and creating value across our business through partnerships, solutions and collaboration aimed at enriching NFP's diverse offerings and differentiating NFP in the marketplace. With over 30 years of experience in the employee benefits industry, Kim's leadership has led to a continued growth and expansion of NFP's catalog of consulting and client solutions. This includes an array of products and services that support NFP offices in their sales and client retention efforts. As a long-term thought leader in the corporate benefits space, having served in a variety of roles on both national and regional levels, Kim is a crucial piece of what drives our industry and our business forward. She is currently sitting on several national advisory councils while also playing an active role in NFP's diversity and inclusion initiatives. Kim graduated from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in finance and has a Master of Science degree in management from Indiana Wesleyan University. She also holds a CEBS designation from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Financial Institutions Practice Leader
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer, NFP Sports and Entertainment
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Advisor on the Wealth Management Team
Mack is an advisor on the Wealth Management team at NFP's Minnesota office. Mack has an active role in the financial planning and development of investment strategies to help clients meet their short and long-term financial goals. He also serves as an investment committee member at NFP. Mack's breadth of knowledge and expertise makes him a valuable resource to clients.
Mack started at NFP in 2018. Prior to assuming his role as an advisor he was a senior associate on the Wealth Management team and has been in the financial services industry since 2017.
A graduate of Saint John's University, Mack earned a degree with a double major in accounting and economics. Mack is a CFP® Professional. He also holds his Series 7 (General Securities Representative Qualification Examination), Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam) and Series 65 (Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam) licenses.
Mack is an Alumni Class Committee Member at Saint John's University. He enjoys golf, hockey and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Sports
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Workers' Compensation
Job Titles:
- President, Windsor Insurance Associates
Job Titles:
- Chief Technology Officer
- Executive Vice President
Mark drives the technology that accelerates NFP's evolution. His specialized team develops and standardizes technology across the company to maximize economies of scale and enhance client support. He also protects NFP employees and clients with best-practice cybersecurity solutions and elevates common technology practices and systems into intelligent client-facing technology tools. Mark effectively articulates the benefits of technology tools and resources, cultivating strong relationships with business leaders to optimize adoption. Prior to NFP, Mark served in a variety of leadership roles, including vice president of Professional Services and Support at Resolution EBS, program manager and regional delivery lead at GTECH, director of Consulting at Trilogy Software, and manager at Andersen Consulting. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in operations management and management information systems from Texas A&M University.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Assistant Vice President
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Chairman of the Board for PartnersFinancial
- Managing Director at NFP 's Minnesota
Marty Nanne is a managing director at NFP's Minnesota office and leads the Wealth Transfer division. Marty was CEO and cofounder of The KNW Group prior to joining NFP. Marty's passion is creating meaningful connections to help people achieve personal and business goals.
Marty has over 28 years of experience and specializes in providing solutions to business owners, families and individuals regarding estate preservation and distribution. He also specializes in business and charitable planning to support succeeding generations, business succession and charities.
Marty holds his licenses for Series 6 (Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Limited Representative), Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam), and Series 65 (Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam) Securities Registration. He also is a certified LUTCF, a registered representative with Kestra Investment Services, LLC, and investment advisor representative with Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. In 2022, he made Forbes' 2022 Top Financial Security Professionals List and ranked #4 in Minnesota.
Marty serves as chairman of the board for PartnersFinancial and is a board member for the PartnersFinancial Foundation. Marty also is a board member for Spring Hill Golf Club and the 3M Tour.
Marty supports several charities locally including Best Christmas Ever (BCE), Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, Northside Boxing Club, Heroes Helping Heroes, Folds of Honor, Children's Hospital Minnesota, Make-A-Wish, Humor to Fight the Tumor, Mind Over Matter and more.
Job Titles:
- SVP, Florida Account Executive Leader, Property and Casualty
Mary drives NFP's PeopleFirst agenda. In particular, she partners with NFP's business leaders to ensure the strategies employed and programs offered attract, engage and retain top talent. Mary is also responsible for all Human Resources field operations, talent management, recruiting, and community and charity initiatives, among others. Mary joined NFP in 2008 and she has progressively taken on more responsibilities throughout her tenure. Mary has been working in human resources for over 25 years across a range of industries including financial services, hospitality, restaurants and construction. Her experience, paired with her knowledge of NFP's rich culture and history, positions her strongly to help define where we need to go to support our employees and culture. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in management from the University of Texas at Austin.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Management, Cyber and Professional Liability Practice Leader
Matthew serves his clients as a financial advisor and has over 15 years of experience in the industry. Of those 15 years, Matthew has spent the past eight at NFP, working to offer his wealth of experience to the team and his clients.
Among his licenses and achievements, Matthew holds a General Securities Series 7, Uniform Investment Adviser Series 65 & Uniform Securities Agent Series 63 licenses. Matthew is a Registered Representative with Kestra Investment Services, LLC and an Investment Advisor Representative with Kestra Advisor Services, LLC.
Matthew works in the Private Client Services division, helping clients establish and maintain investment portfolios and financial strategies to meet their long-term objectives. He uses his experience and forward-thinking to help clients devise plans that work to achieve their goals.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Property and Casualty
Job Titles:
- Regional Managing Director, Benefits
Michael Hoch focuses on financial planning and wealth management as a senior advisor with the NFP Wealth team.
With over 23 years of experience in financial planning, investments and asset protection strategies, Michael brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his clients and team. He has worked with NFP's Retirement Plan Services Division for 13 years and previously had his own firm in Bethesda, Maryland. His many years of experience guide his approach to wealth management, working to advise innovative and informed strategies.
Michael holds a FINRA Series 6 Investment Company/Variable Contracts Products Limited registration, Series 65 Uniform Investment Advisor Law Exam Registered Investment Advisor registration, and Series 63 Uniform Securities Agent and is insurance licensed.
A graduate of the University of Maryland and native Washingtonian, Michael lives in Gaithersburg with his wife Kerry and four children. He is an avid runner and two-time Ironman competitor.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Managing Director, HR Services
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Sales
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- President
Mike directs initiatives that empower NFP to strategically expand within an efficient, global operating structure. With a focus on ensuring the company offers a breadth of solutions to clients, Mike is involved in bringing in new acquisitions and guiding the seamless integration of their employees, expertise, relationships, and unique capabilities. Mike came to NFP in 2001 and served in a number of diverse roles before becoming the head of Mergers & Acquisitions in 2005. He leads NFP's emerging insurtech/fintech venture investment fund, supporting the company's initiative of active and deliberate investment in innovative technology, and is a member of the NFP board. Prior to NFP, he worked in the Mergers & Acquisitions department of the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Mike also serves on the board of Project Sunshine, an organization that provides play and activities to help children cope while facing medical challenges. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Yale University and Juris Doctor from Columbia University School of Law.
Job Titles:
- Chief Sales Officer
- Executive Vice President
Mike is responsible for driving the strategic direction of our sales organization and cultivating a competitive edge in our sales activities that increases our market share, revenue and brand awareness. His responsibilities include expanding opportunities with clients through integrated sales initiatives that leverage our growing expertise and capabilities across regions, business lines and solutions, while working with regional sales leaders to provide clarity on goals, facilitate the sharing of best practices and ensure consistency in our sales efforts. Mike also serves as a special advisor to the NFP board on race issues, facilitating learning, refining strategy, and collaborating with NFP's Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer to advance the company's diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging efforts. In everything he does, Mike is motivated by opportunities to create connections and cultivate relationships, amplify ideas, encourage perseverance and inspire teams to new levels of success. Mike joined NFP in 2006 and has played an increasingly instrumental role in aligning the organization's business guidelines with its vision and culture. Before joining NFP, he spent more than 14 years with John Hancock Financial Services where his successes included building a thriving relationship between John Hancock and NFP. Mike is an active participant in a variety of industry and community organizations, serving on the Executive Committee of the Finseca Board of Directors, the Board of Trustees for Suffolk University and The American College of Financial Services, and the Board of Directors of LL Global, the nonprofit parent company for LIMRA and LOMA. He is also an engaged supporter of Nationwide's Financial Alliance for Racial Equity, the No Books No Ball Basketball Program and the Roxbury YMCA. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from American International College.
Job Titles:
- CEO, Wealthspire Advisors
Job Titles:
- President, Central and West Region
- Regional & Divisional Leadership
Michael is a senior advisor on the Wealth Management team at NFP's Minnesota office. Serving as an independent personal CFO, Michael specializes in helping high-net-worth families and business owners collaborate with trusted advisors to provide unified and objective advice on their key decisions.
Michael has over 11 years of experience and started at NFP in 2010. Michael's ability to provide insight and solutions to help clients accomplish financial goals earned him a place on Fortune Magazine's Five Star Wealth Managers Under 40 list in 2020.
Michael earned his bachelor's degree in business with minors in economics, art and coaching from Saint John's University and earned his MBA at the University of St. Thomas. Michael is a CPWA® and CFP®. He also holds his licenses for Series 7 (General Securities Representative) and Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law Examination), as well as Life, Health and Accident licenses.
Michael is involved in his community and is a board member on the Mounds Park Academy Alumni Association Board, where his wife, Ashley, is also a mental health counselor. Together, they have two daughters, Claire and Natalie. Michael enjoys running, biking and hiking. He also enjoys cooking, traveling and Minnesota sports.
Job Titles:
- President, Northeast Region
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, MGA / MGU -
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Pamela is an accomplished leader with nearly three decades of experience improving diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) outcomes for employees, clients, partners and communities. She works with leaders across NFP, building from the solid DEIB foundation in place, to move the organization forward with deliberate action, measurable results and continuous refinement. Prior to NFP, Pamela consulted with National Football League Operations on their DEIB efforts. Prior to that, she led the Women's National Basketball Players Association, where she accelerated DEIB in a number of areas for the players. She also served as director of Business Development for the Continental Basketball Association, and general counsel and marketing manager for Bob Woolf Associates/Arnold Communications. Pamela is also a lecturer in Columbia University's MS Sports Management program, serves on the board of the US Center for SafeSport, is a former member of the foundation board of the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, and is a member of the trustee emeritus board of the Women's Sports Foundation. She earned a BA from Dartmouth College and a JD from Boston University.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, MGA / MGU - Auto Services Group
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, PartnersFinancial
Price is a financial advisor who has served on the NFP team for three years as part of The Bailey Group. Price uses his expertise and capabilities as a fiduciary to serve his clients and team and holds the AIF® (Accredited Investment Fiduciary) designation.
Price is active in several leadership roles, demonstrating his commitment to the industry and to excellent client service. He recently joined the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors board of directors of the Northeast Florida chapter. Price sits on the MassMutual Worksite Advisory Council, and is a two-year member of the Million Dollar Round Table.
As a Flagler College graduate, he also serves on the Flagler College Alumni Board of Directors as well as the Steering Committee for the President's Leadership Academy.
Price is a Navy veteran, proud father and husband. He participates in Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Johns County and is an advocate for Spike's K9 fund. He works passionately to help families and businesses find solutions to protect and preserve their legacies.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Client Services
Richard (Rick) has over 30 years of experience as an investment senior advisor, with the last 21 years focusing on retirement plans and investing for retirement.
His work with individuals includes investment planning, and building portfolios to match their goals and risk level. As well as, the ongoing active management to help clients tax-efficiently meet their income needs.
Rick has been awarded the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) Designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies™. He has also passed the Series 65 and Series 7 exams. He received a BS in finance from the University of Alabama.
Rick is a founder and board member of Dunwoody, GA, Police Foundation, and is a membership chairman at The Standard Golf Club in Johns Creek, GA. He is a proud father of two and husband.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President, Wealthspire Advisors
Rob provides comprehensive financial planning to a diverse client base in areas including budgeting, retirement, college, investing, insurance, taxes and estate planning as a senior advisor.
He began in the financial services industry upon graduation from college and has now been serving clients for almost 20 years. The majority of his professional career has been with NFP, where he has gained significant experience working with employers to help design and manage their retirement and executive benefits programs.
Rob has managed countless sophisticated consulting engagements and has conducted thousands of one-on-one meetings with clients. His passion is the design and execution of unique solutions to meet individual financial aims. His time is spent focusing on his individual clients and counseling individuals as part of their workplace benefits. Rob is a Certified Financial Planner professional, Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designee and Retirement Income Certified Professional®.
He received a B.A. from Temple University and has been mentored and trained by industry leaders.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, US Complex Risk Practice Leader
Ronald is an investment advisor with 35 years of experience in the industry. He is passionate about his work with clients, paying close attention to details and building long-term relationships.
Ronald focuses on stock portfolio management and technical analysis. He takes careful consideration in offering advice that is based on each client's respective personal situation. This consideration provides a greater level of support and a strong array of resources to help clients achieve their short-term and long-term financial goals.
Ronald partners with clients to regularly monitor life situations to be proactive in considering any portfolio changes. He makes it his goal to provide open and ongoing communications to help to develop and maintain appropriate investment strategies.
Before joining NFP, he previously worked for Morgan Stanley, Citigroup and Lehman Brothers. He holds a Series 6 investment license, Series 3 commodity license and Illinois Life Insurance License. Outside of work, he enjoys gardening.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Entertainment
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President of Operations
- Assistant Vice President of Wealth Management Operations & Advisor
Sara is an assistant vice president of Operations and an advisor on NFP's Minnesota Wealth Management team. As an advisor, Sara is actively involved and responsible for managing client relationships. She works with clients to develop a financial plan to help them meet their financial goals. Additionally, Sara manages all aspects of the Operations department within the Wealth Management division.
Sara started at NFP in 2017 and has been in the financial services industry since 2010. Prior to joining NFP, Sara held roles as an associate financial representative and associate wealth management advisor.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, Sara earned her bachelor's degree in marketing with a communications emphasis. Sara is a CFP® professional. She also holds her Series 7 (General Securities Representative Exam), Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law Exam), and Life, Accident and Health licenses.
Sara enjoys being outdoors, camping, and spending time with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Market Leader ( South Florida ), Benefits
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Healthcare and Life Sciences Practice Leader
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Risk Management and Complex Risk
Steve is a Certified Financial Planner™ with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare and finance industry. Steve manages comprehensive financial planning by identifying financial needs, providing solutions and setting goals while keeping budget in mind.
Steve has extensive experience providing consulting and advice in financial planning, health, life, dental and disability insurance for individuals as well as large and small corporations. His holistic approach to providing insurance solutions, expertise in forecasting market trends and desire to cultivate long-term relationships makes him a partner you can rely on. He is a nationally recognized expert who has been featured on Fox News.
Prior to NFP, Steve owned and operated Casico, a Managing General Underwriting firm and lead the company to $12 million in stop-loss premium. He was directly responsible as the COO for the financial turnaround of The Preferred Plan, the first PPO in Illinois; a family-owned business.
Outside of work, Steve enjoys traveling, spending time with family and cycling all around the world. He is also a wine enthusiast and enjoys trying new food and wine pairings.
Steven is a senior advisor on the Wealth Management team at NFP's Minnesota office. Steven advises individuals and families with retirement projections, income planning, tax planning, and investment oversight and allocation. He also oversees qualified retirement plan investments and provides participation education for qualified retirement plans.
Steven has been in the financial services industry since 2009 and has experience serving as a resource and advisor for clients. Prior to his role as a senior advisor, Steven started at NFP early in 2014 as registered client service representative and as an account manager in 2015.
Steven earned his degree in business management with a minor in economics at Hamline University and earned his MBA at the University of St. Thomas. Steven is a CRPS® professional and holds his Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law Exam) license.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of the Wealth Management Team for NFP 's Minnesota
- Vice President, Wealth Management & Financial Advisor
Steve Jans is the vice president of the Wealth Management team for NFP's Minnesota office and is also a financial advisor and the managing director of the Financial Wellness Division.
For more than 25 years, Steve has worked closely with businesses to design financial wellness programs for their employees. Steve looks to empower employees through unbiased education to help them effectively manage personal finances and retirement savings. He also works with individuals and families to help design investment strategies that support them as they move toward their financial goals.
A graduate of St. Cloud State University, Steve earned a degree in political science with a minor in economics. He holds his Securities Series 6 (Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Limited Representative), Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam), and Series 65 (Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam) registrations through Kestra Investment Services, LLC. He also holds Life, Accident and Health Insurance licenses.
Steve is actively involved in his community, coaching youth baseball and basketball. He also serves as the president of the St. Michael-Albertville Boys Basketball Association. Steve enjoys and cherishes the time he spends with his wife and three sons. Together, they enjoy golfing and spending time at their cabin.
Steven is a vice president on the Wealth Management team of NFP's Minnesota office. Steven is an investment advisor for corporate retirement plans, and regularly meets with leadership to manage the fiduciary process for the benefit of their employees.
He also coordinates education and financial planning as part of wellness programs for corporate clients. This provides a high touch and more personal experience for employees giving them support to measure and stay on track for financial and retirement planning. Steven's skills in individual retirement income planning include cash flow analysis, investment management, income tax review and family legacy planning.
Steven started in the financial services industry in 2000 and has many years of advisory experience. He earned his degree in Finance and Economics at St. Cloud State University and his Master's degree in Finance at DePaul University. He is a CFP® professional and holds his Series 65 and Series 66 licenses.
Steven is involved in his community and is part of Lord of Life Lutheran Church and Redeem Christian Academy. Steven and his wife, Alison, have two children, Cole and Eddie. He also enjoys canoeing and hiking in the boundary waters and home gardening.
Job Titles:
- Associate General Counsel
- Chief Compliance Officer
- SVP
Suzanne spearheads NFP's corporate compliance initiatives, emphasizing the company's commitment to legal and regulatory compliance, integrity and business ethics. Her primary areas of focus are legal and regulatory compliance, corporate governance, corporate ethics, legislative affairs, interactions with government agencies and corporate compliance communications. Suzanne has 17+ years of insurance industry experience and joined NFP in 2007 as vice president, Legal and Compliance, to lead the Benefits Compliance department and create a centralized insurance licensing department. Prior to joining NFP, Suzanne worked as an insurance regulatory attorney for Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld and was awarded the Rising Star Designation by the Super Lawyers edition of Texas Monthly magazine. She serves on the Legal Counsel Working Group of the Council for Insurance Agents & Brokers and the Women in Leadership Council. Suzanne earned her bachelor's in business administration from the University of Texas and graduated cum laude from the Southern Methodist School of Law.
Taylor is a senior advisor on the Wealth Management team at NFP's Minnesota office. Taylor has been with NFP for over ten years and is an expert in helping her clients reach their financial goals. She specializes in retirement planning for individuals and families by coaching them through life's challenges and rewards.
Taylor advises clients by identifying quality and diversified investment options to utilize in their portfolios. She has a wealth of knowledge and guidance that helps her clients feel confident, informed and in control of their financial future. In addition, she has an active role in helping businesses develop and implement financial wellness programs to assist in educating their employees.
A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Taylor earned a degree in entrepreneurial management and marketing. She holds her Securities Series 7 (General Securities Representative Qualification Examination) and Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law Examination) registrations through Kestra Investment Services, LLC. Taylor also holds Life, Accident and Health Insurance licenses.
Taylor enjoys being active through golfing, playing tennis and running. She also enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President, Property and Casualty
Tim joined NFP as executive vice president, P&C, in April 2023. As the leader of NFP's Property and Casualty (P&C) business, Tim drives strategy with a focus on enhancing organic growth, capturing new business and increasing revenue. He brings extensive strategic leadership capabilities to NFP's growing P&C business, collaborating with executives, client advisors, subject matter experts and resource leaders to ensure we are attracting the best talent and positioning our teams for continued success. Prior to joining NFP, Tim was with AIG, where he served as head of Distribution and Field Operations, North America. In this role, he was responsible for the business development and distribution strategies of all commercial products and industry segments across the US, Canada and Bermuda. He was also previously with Lockton, where he served as EVP of risk practices and oversaw their national practice teams. Tim earned his BA in accounting from Blackburn College and his CPA license in Illinois.
Tim Fazzini currently serves as a sales associate for Wealth Management and believes in creating long-term relationships with his clients. Prior to this role Tim, was a business development coordinator and a client service representative for Cambridge Consulting Group.
There, Tim was responsible for handling account and policy summaries and updates, assisting clients with account-related issues and questions, executing authorized trades and providing general account support and assistance to the Wealth Management team.
Tim's background in client service allows him to foster deeper and more meaningful connections with clients, working to provide financial peace of mind so that his clients can focus on other aspects of their lives. Tim believes that nothing shows more value to a client than having a service team that is both attentive and reliable
Tim holds a FINRA Series 7 & 66 Registrations and is a licensed life, accident and health insurance agent in the state of Michigan.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, MGA / MGU Programs
Job Titles:
- Director, MGA / MGA - EMS Program ( Healthcare Industry Insurance Services, Inc. HIIS )
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Long - Term Care Insuranc
Job Titles:
- President, Executive Benefits
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Captives
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Energy and Marine Practice Leader