
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.

Didi Kovacs
MBA
Chief of Staff
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.

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.