Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Los Angeles office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
James Verzino
ChFC®
Managing Partner
When a childhood friend introduced him to Northwestern Mutual, James discovered a place where he could truly lead and inspire people. Nearly a decade later, he has developed and influenced dozens of new financial representatives and advisors, while maintaining a successful practice. As a Wealth Management Advisor,...
When a childhood friend introduced him to Northwestern Mutual, James discovered a place where he could truly lead and inspire people. Nearly a decade later, he has developed and influenced dozens of new financial representatives and advisors, while maintaining a successful practice. As a Wealth Management Advisor, James has impacted the lives of hundreds of clients, striving to build lasting bonds and human connection in a world of uncertainty. As a leader and Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual's downtown Los Angeles office, he upholds the utmost standards of success within the larger district office in the country. James' leadership philosophy focuses on high standards of education and integrity, enabling his team to put the clients' needs first while building his legacy of talented, educated, and dedicated financial advisors and representatives.
Josh is a committed leader, focused on building a strong foundation for the future of Northwestern Mutual Manhattan Beach. He started his career with the company as a Financial Representative, and after an impactful first year in the business, Josh took an accelerated path to leadership and was appointed Managing...
Josh is a committed leader, focused on building a strong foundation for the future of Northwestern Mutual Manhattan Beach. He started his career with the company as a Financial Representative, and after an impactful first year in the business, Josh took an accelerated path to leadership and was appointed Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual’s Manhattan Beach office. Before joining Northwestern Mutual, Josh built a successful career working at a friend’s family business, a furniture wholesale company. During his time there, Josh’s efforts in brand building, the management of sales channels, and the establishment of teams and operations systems helped grow the company from a small domestic family business with 18 employees to a major international player with presence in over a dozen foreign markets and over 100 employees.
Kyle King
Director of Operations
Kyle attended the University of California, Berkeley where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics. He was also a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Kyle currently holds his Series 6, 7 and 63 securities licenses. Kyle lives in Walnut, California where he was born and raised. He loves Southern California...
Kyle attended the University of California, Berkeley where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics. He was also a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Kyle currently holds his Series 6, 7 and 63 securities licenses. Kyle lives in Walnut, California where he was born and raised. He loves Southern California for the sunny weather and access to the beach. Outside the office, he enjoys an active lifestyle playing basketball, hiking and bicycling on the weekends.
Kimaada Kiongozi
Director of Financial Planning
Kimaada started as an intern at Northwestern Mutual in 2017. While interning, she demonstrated the high energy, intellect, diligence, and commitment that led her to a full time job with the firm. Kimaada is motivated to always do work that she is proud of, making her a valuable asset to the team. Kimaada leads...
Kimaada started as an intern at Northwestern Mutual in 2017. While interning, she demonstrated the high energy, intellect, diligence, and commitment that led her to a full time job with the firm. Kimaada is motivated to always do work that she is proud of, making her a valuable asset to the team. Kimaada leads the financial planning team in the creation of investment plans and client onboarding. She holds her Series 7 and Series 63 securities licenses as well as the California Life and Health license. Kimaada earned a B.A. in International Relations and Global Business from the University of Southern California. A Georgia native, she loves Los Angeles for its easy access to a variety of outdoor activities, such as snowboarding and surfing. Her other hobbies include photography and riding her motorcycle.
Elizabeth Gilbert
Director of Marketing
Elizabeth leads our marketing initiatives, including event planning and execution, trade association research, community partnership and sponsorship outreach, team development, and assistance with securing targeted speaking engagements and media relations opportunities. Elizabeth brings to the table her interpersonal...
Elizabeth leads our marketing initiatives, including event planning and execution, trade association research, community partnership and sponsorship outreach, team development, and assistance with securing targeted speaking engagements and media relations opportunities. Elizabeth brings to the table her interpersonal and communication skills, along with her passion for writing. She is a graduate of Pepperdine University, where she earned her B.A. in Interpersonal Communication.
Dustin Krause
Director of Development
Dustin leads the training and development program for the network’s financial advisors and representatives. His mission is to help others maximize their potential and achieve their definition of success. Dustin is a self-development enthusiast and passionate about transformative leadership.
Autumn Katz
Director of Career Development
Autumn is energized by interactions with hard-working, ambitious individuals, who are thirsty for growth and seeking a culture of career equity. She and her team work diligently alongside our top financial advisors to attract and develop top performers from a variety of industries including medical device sales,...
Autumn is energized by interactions with hard-working, ambitious individuals, who are thirsty for growth and seeking a culture of career equity. She and her team work diligently alongside our top financial advisors to attract and develop top performers from a variety of industries including medical device sales, banking, entertainment, law and hospitality.
Ilana Sloggatt
Director of Planning and Development
Ilana is responsible for connecting, growing, and retaining career advisors. She oversees the development of new advisors and supports their journey to retirement. With her previous experience as an advisor, she understands the grit required in the business while recognizing the dedication to cultivating an enduring...
Ilana is responsible for connecting, growing, and retaining career advisors. She oversees the development of new advisors and supports their journey to retirement. With her previous experience as an advisor, she understands the grit required in the business while recognizing the dedication to cultivating an enduring firm. Ilana is passionate about helping people identify their values, discover their growth potential, and elicit self-efficacy to achieve their vision. She is the mother of three children and married to her husband, Bill. Her hobbies include sketching, dancing, camping, and biking with her family. Ilana proudly became the Women’s Field Association Liaison. She has her Series 6, 63, SIE, and CA Life and Health licenses.
Kingsley Wong
J.D., MPA
Director of Supervision
Kingsley aims to empower advisors to grow and succeed while maintaining a defined risk appetite. He is energized by working with advisor teams to review business practices and help them better serve clients as well as providing a foundation and training for advisors just starting in the business. Prior to Northwestern...
Kingsley aims to empower advisors to grow and succeed while maintaining a defined risk appetite. He is energized by working with advisor teams to review business practices and help them better serve clients as well as providing a foundation and training for advisors just starting in the business. Prior to Northwestern Mutual, Kingsley was a Vice President - Monitoring/Testing Lead at J.P. Morgan Chase and an Agency Supervisory Officer at MassMutual. When not at work, Kingsley enjoys spending time with his family, traveling on cruises, and automotive maintenance.
As Growth & Development Director, Tyrone’s role is to attract and develop new professional talent to support our rapidly-expanding firm. Through his continuous mentorship, Tyrone hopes to leave behind a legacy of trusted advisors, who, in turn, are helping their clients achieve transformational growth.
Fred Chang
Chief Financial Officer
With a background in Corporate Finance, Fred 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...
With a background in Corporate Finance, Fred 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. Fred earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business, with a concentration in Finance, from the University of Southern California. He later received his Master’s in Business Administration from New York University’s Stern School of Business. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual in 2011, Fred worked as an investment banker for Bank of America Securities, where he advised on equity and debt financing and M&A works.
Rebecca Itzen
Leadership Development Officer
Becky is passionate about helping individuals cultivate an increased self-awareness, realize their goals and achieve their highest potential. As the Leadership Development Officer, Becky specializes in coaching and guiding advisors and staff to achieve optimal success as they launch and build their career. She...
Becky is passionate about helping individuals cultivate an increased self-awareness, realize their goals and achieve their highest potential. As the Leadership Development Officer, Becky specializes in coaching and guiding advisors and staff to achieve optimal success as they launch and build their career. She fosters an office culture of optimal performance and camaraderie, and is an advocate for positive psychology and its implications for personal and professional success