Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the La Jolla office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
Garrett T Bleakley, Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual in La Jolla, has been providing financial solutions for over 20 years. Garrett started with Northwestern Mutual in 2001 as a College Intern. In 2011, Garrett opened the La Jolla office and became Managing Director. Under his leadership, Northwestern...
Garrett T Bleakley, Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual in La Jolla, has been providing financial solutions for over 20 years. Garrett started with Northwestern Mutual in 2001 as a College Intern. In 2011, Garrett opened the La Jolla office and became Managing Director. Under his leadership, Northwestern Mutual in La Jolla has been the leader in their category nationally numerous times. He is focused on growing the organization and developing both existing and new Financial Advisors entering the business. Garrett received his Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Economics from The University of Colorado-Boulder and later continued his education to earn his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations. Garrett and his wife live in La Jolla with their 3 sons, Tucker, Luke and Grant. Outside of work Garrett enjoys spending time with his family, coaching his kids sports teams, and traveling.
Joel Fletcher
CPA
Chief Financial Officer
With over 18 years of experience in Accounting and Finance, Joel Fletcher is our Chief Financial Officer. Joel leads the organization’s efforts in financial management, business planning, strategy and analytics. In his role, he works closely with company leaders and top advisors to employ strategic business...
With over 18 years of experience in Accounting and Finance, Joel Fletcher is our Chief Financial Officer. Joel leads the organization’s efforts in financial management, business planning, strategy and analytics. In his role, he works closely with company leaders and top advisors to employ strategic business efforts. These efforts include benchmarking analysis, business growth projection, and P&L consultations. Joel is originally from Milwaukee, WI, and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Saint Norbert College, and his Masters in Business Administration from Marquette University. Joel and his wife Joni have 2 children, Benjamin and Caitlyn.
Kelly Thede
Chief of Staff
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Kelly Thede received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from UCLA in 2006. She has been working for Northwestern Mutual since then. As the Chief of Staff, Kelly is part of the leadership team at Northwestern Mutual in San Diego. In this role, she works closely with the Managing...
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Kelly Thede received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from UCLA in 2006. She has been working for Northwestern Mutual since then. As the Chief of Staff, Kelly is part of the leadership team at Northwestern Mutual in San Diego. In this role, she works closely with the Managing Director to oversee and implement specific growth strategies for the agency. She is focused on providing strategic counsel to the key leaders within the organization. Kelly and her husband, Garrett, reside in La Jolla with their 3 sons, Tucker, Luke and Grant. She loves spending time with her family, going to the beach, playing tennis and working out on her Peloton!
Garrett Bleakley
Business Manager
After 27 years as Managing Partner leading the San Diego and Hawaii offices, Gary retired in 2018. He now coaches new Financial Advisors in the La Jolla office, helping them develop the skills, disciplines and mindset necessary for success in the Northwestern Mutual system. His focus is on the fundamentals that...
After 27 years as Managing Partner leading the San Diego and Hawaii offices, Gary retired in 2018. He now coaches new Financial Advisors in the La Jolla office, helping them develop the skills, disciplines and mindset necessary for success in the Northwestern Mutual system. His focus is on the fundamentals that each new advisor must master to build a strong base of planning clients, and the knowledge needed to run a self-employed business. His 40 years of experience has proven invaluable to the development of new advisors in La Jolla.
Alex Chrisman
Director of Development
As the Director of Development for Northwestern Mutual in La Jolla, Alex specializes in coaching and guiding advisors to achieve optimal success as they launch and build their financial planning practice with Northwestern Mutual. She is passionate about helping individuals cultivate an increased self-awareness,...
As the Director of Development for Northwestern Mutual in La Jolla, Alex specializes in coaching and guiding advisors to achieve optimal success as they launch and build their financial planning practice with Northwestern Mutual. She is passionate about helping individuals cultivate an increased self-awareness, realize their goals and reach their highest potential. Alex plays a key role on the leadership team in the conception and execution of education and coaching that enhance advisors' career development. Alex graduated from San Diego State University in 2015 and first started working for Northwestern Mutual as a college intern in 2014. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
In addition to serving his own clients, Aaron serves as a mentor for college financial representatives by helping them plan for and achieve success during their internship and beyond. Having joined Northwestern Mutual as an intern himself, Aaron has a true depth of understanding for the college representative...
In addition to serving his own clients, Aaron serves as a mentor for college financial representatives by helping them plan for and achieve success during their internship and beyond. Having joined Northwestern Mutual as an intern himself, Aaron has a true depth of understanding for the college representative experience. Additionally, he helps people achieve their financial goals by working with clients to build a vision for their future and create a comprehensive plan to meet their needs. Born and raised in Orange County, California, Aaron attended UCSD and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Management Science. He enjoys spending the weekends with his girlfriend and his dog, and also loves fishing!
