Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Scottsdale office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
Justin is from St. Charles, MO and has resided in Arizona since 2019. Justin graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Sales and also in Marketing. He began his career with NM in the College Internship Program and became full-time immediately following graduation. During his tenure...
Justin is from St. Charles, MO and has resided in Arizona since 2019. Justin graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Sales and also in Marketing. He began his career with NM in the College Internship Program and became full-time immediately following graduation. During his tenure with NM Justin has received many industry awards for his personal achievements. In 2013 Justin took the role of Managing Director for the Springfield Office of RPS Financial Group. Under his leadership, the Springfield District Network Office ranked 6th among all offices in the NM Internship Program. In 2019 he and his family moved to Phoenix to expand his Practice and develop new Financial Representatives. In 2022 he transitioned back into the Managing Director role and opened the new Scottsdale office in 2023. Justin, his wife, Stephanie, and their daughter, Margot, reside in Chandler, AZ. His hobbies include exercising, playing golf, music, and traveling.
Christa is originally from the Midwest and has resided in Scottsdale, AZ for the past 6.5 years. She is a graduate of Purdue University and was a 4-year member of the women’s soccer team. She then attended Arizona State for her masters degree. She has been with the firm since May of 2019 and is a full-time,...
Christa is originally from the Midwest and has resided in Scottsdale, AZ for the past 6.5 years. She is a graduate of Purdue University and was a 4-year member of the women’s soccer team. She then attended Arizona State for her masters degree. She has been with the firm since May of 2019 and is a full-time, fully insurance and investment licensed financial advisor. Christa aspires to help her clients (across 34 states and counting) creating meaningful and intentional financial plans from the start line to the finish line in life. She also is our College Unit Director, where she helps to recruit, mentor, and develop both current and prospective college financial representatives. Christa is a Chipotle enthusiast! And in her free time, she enjoys watching FRIENDS, playing soccer, pickleball, and golfing in the sunny AZ weather.
Matthew Ripley
Director of Selection
Matt Ripley is a 2015 graduate from Michigan State University with a degree in Criminal Justice, with a specialization in Security Management. Immediately following graduation, Matt started his career in the P&C Insurance industry. In 2022 Matt decided to make a career & life pivot, and move to the Valley as...
Matt Ripley is a 2015 graduate from Michigan State University with a degree in Criminal Justice, with a specialization in Security Management. Immediately following graduation, Matt started his career in the P&C Insurance industry. In 2022 Matt decided to make a career & life pivot, and move to the Valley as the Director of Selection for the Scottsdale office of Northwestern Mutual. He is actively involved in the community, serving as a board member of the AZ Spartans Alumni Group, and giving back to the ASU Chapter of his fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha.
Roxanne Alexander
MBA
Director of Operations
Roxanne is originally from Mississippi and has resided in Arizona since 2014. She has a Bachelors and Masters degree in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University. She has been with Northwestern Mutual since March 2023 where she is the Director of Operations for the Scottsdale office. And she is also...
Roxanne is originally from Mississippi and has resided in Arizona since 2014. She has a Bachelors and Masters degree in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University. She has been with Northwestern Mutual since March 2023 where she is the Director of Operations for the Scottsdale office. And she is also a notary public for the State of Arizona. Roxanne is a United States of Americas (USOA) Pageant Ms Titleholder representing Arizona for 2023-2024. She is actively involved in the community through various nonprofits and is an advocate for Service Animals with her service dog, Nash. In her free time, she enjoys training with her service dog, traveling, and playing golf.
KaSondra Smith
CLU®, ChFC®
Contract, License and Registration Coordinator
KaSondra was born and raised in the Springfield area and attended Missouri State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Management. Since joining NM in 2010 KaSondra has served in multiple roles including the Director of Operations and Director of Development for the Springfield...
KaSondra was born and raised in the Springfield area and attended Missouri State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Management. Since joining NM in 2010 KaSondra has served in multiple roles including the Director of Operations and Director of Development for the Springfield office and is currently serving as an Associate Financial Advisor for Justin Fuehrmeyer and Andrew Butzlaff and is the Contracting, Licensing and Registration Coordinator for the Scottsdale office. She is series 6 & 63 registered and has earned the Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant Designations. KaSondra is passionate about helping others and enjoys spending time as a volunteer in the community. She has been an active volunteer for Lost & Found in the Ozarks in Springfield since 2013. She has three grown children and 2 grandsons that she enjoys spending her free time with doing a variety of activities.