Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Irvine office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
Shawn has an intrinsic desire to impact individuals in a positive way. He is confident in the future, and has an optimism that carries his attitude at all times. Over his 30-year career with Northwestern Mutual, Shawn has shared this energy with others, building a culture wherein people are inspired to achieve...
Shawn has an intrinsic desire to impact individuals in a positive way. He is confident in the future, and has an optimism that carries his attitude at all times. Over his 30-year career with Northwestern Mutual, Shawn has shared this energy with others, building a culture wherein people are inspired to achieve transformational growth, personally and professionally. Through his continuous mentorship, Shawn hopes to leave behind a legacy of trusted advisors, who, in turn, are helping their clients achieve transformational growth. Shawn received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. He is a member of GAMA, the American Association of Advanced Life Underwriters, and NAIFA. Shawn currently resides in Corona Del Mar, California. He is an avid tennis player, traveler, and Pilates enthusiast. Most of all, he enjoys spending time with his four children - Nicholas, Chloe, Madeleine, and Aidan.
Alex aspires to create an environment where entrepreneurs can receive mentorship, hone their strengths, and become experts in the field. As the firm's Development Officer, he leads recruitment initiatives, productivity systems, training curriculums, and mentorship programming. Alex began his career with Northwestern...
Alex aspires to create an environment where entrepreneurs can receive mentorship, hone their strengths, and become experts in the field. As the firm's Development Officer, he leads recruitment initiatives, productivity systems, training curriculums, and mentorship programming. Alex began his career with Northwestern Mutual as a college intern in December of 2011, while working towards his undergraduate degree at the University of Southern California. In conjunction with building his planning practice, Alex graduated with dual degrees in International Relations and Business Administration. In 2014, Alex took on his first leadership role as Assistant District Director, helping facilitate training and development to drive growth and productivity for new financial advisors. Later in 2016, as a Recruiting Field Director, Alex and his team led the company that fiscal year. In 2019, Alex moved to Orange County and resides in Newport Beach with his wife Paris.
Didi Kovacs
MBA
Director of Marketing and Business Operations
Didi Kovacs is an influential businesswoman and community leader. She is passionate about fostering new relationships and empowering financial advisors and representatives to overcome obstacles and achieve their highest potential. In her current role as Chief of Staff in the Northwestern Mutual - Irvine District...
Didi Kovacs is an influential businesswoman and community leader. She is passionate about fostering new relationships and empowering financial advisors and representatives to overcome obstacles and achieve their highest potential. In her current role as Chief of Staff in the Northwestern Mutual - Irvine District Office, Didi leads efforts in growth, development, and strategic planning. Didi bodes several hats from her 11-year tenure with Northwestern Mutual. In 2010, she served as Executive Assistant to Shawn Mackey, Managing Director in the Irvine District Office. She quickly transitioned into the Director of Development role and continued to assist Shawn with complex reporting, forecasting and budgetary transactions. As the Director of Development, Didi engaged in business coaching and led the training, development, and sales execution teams.
Not only is Ryan a committed Financial Advisor, he also plays a crucial role on the leadership team. In his role as Field Director, he is responsible for mentoring interns participating in Northwestern Mutual’s competitive, nationally recognized internship program. He helps interns develop the skills necessary...
Not only is Ryan a committed Financial Advisor, he also plays a crucial role on the leadership team. In his role as Field Director, he is responsible for mentoring interns participating in Northwestern Mutual’s competitive, nationally recognized internship program. He helps interns develop the skills necessary to perform the full duties of a financial advisor. Since taking on this role in January 2018, his internship groups have placed in the top five out of 220 offices nationwide. Ryan received his bachelor's degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Biology and Geography from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Ryan spent his first four years after school working for Sunrun, a provider of residential solar energy, and later ran his own franchise solar business.
Taylor Volpe
Director of Career Development
Taylor is a skilled communicator who values deep connections with others. As the Director of Career Development, Taylor inspires talented, driven individuals, who are looking to make a career change and align with a Fortune 100 company, to join our business. She works closely with the Managing Director and Field...
Taylor is a skilled communicator who values deep connections with others. As the Director of Career Development, Taylor inspires talented, driven individuals, who are looking to make a career change and align with a Fortune 100 company, to join our business. She works closely with the Managing Director and Field Directors to foster career longevity, provide strategic coaching, and nurture a culture of success in the office. Taylor builds and sustains high-level, quality relationships in the community and in our office to promote the Northwestern Mutual career, generate referrals, and develop centers of influence. She also manages the transition process for candidates offered a contract. Taylor is a graduate of Colgate University with a degree in Educational Studies. Prior to joining our company, Taylor worked as a technical recruiter. During her free time, Taylor enjoys staying active, playing hockey with her fiancé and brothers, taking dogs on walks and hikes, and playing golf.
Ricardo, in partnership with the leadership team, identifies the best candidates to develop and provides an example for our newest advisors and representatives to emulate. Ricardo's passion for educating people in the financial world extends beyond the clients of NM and into the leaders of tomorrow. Over his five...
Ricardo, in partnership with the leadership team, identifies the best candidates to develop and provides an example for our newest advisors and representatives to emulate. Ricardo's passion for educating people in the financial world extends beyond the clients of NM and into the leaders of tomorrow. Over his five year career with Northwestern Mutual, Ricardo has developed a keen understanding of the financial industry, firsthand experience of the challenges facing new graduates in the constantly evolving LA/OC business ecosystem, and a genuine desire to develop the talents of Northwestern Mutual's future advisors. Ricardo received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, is a member of the Greater Irvine Chamber and currently resides in Anaheim with his wife, Cristina. He is a car enthusiast, avid reader, runner and golfer. Most of all, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their dogs.
As a Financial Advisor, Daniel is committed to being a valued resource for his clients. His goal is to educate and empower them to take action and make wise financial decisions. He often partners with medical device sales professionals, physicians, lawyers, tech professionals, and business owners to steer them...
As a Financial Advisor, Daniel is committed to being a valued resource for his clients. His goal is to educate and empower them to take action and make wise financial decisions. He often partners with medical device sales professionals, physicians, lawyers, tech professionals, and business owners to steer them towards financial success.
Maya Azimioara
Assistant Director of Recruitment and Development
Phoebe Hertz
B.A.
Director of Development