Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the West Los Angeles office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
Juan is energized by his leadership roles and has consistently set a standard for excellence in his own practice and beyond. Currently, Juan retains his responsibilities as the Managing Director of the West Los Angeles office while serving as the Chief Development Officer for the network office at large, which...
Juan is energized by his leadership roles and has consistently set a standard for excellence in his own practice and beyond. Currently, Juan retains his responsibilities as the Managing Director of the West Los Angeles office while serving as the Chief Development Officer for the network office at large, which includes offices in Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, Irvine, Las Vegas, and Manhattan Beach. As the CDO, Juan manages the horizontal growth of the network office through recruiting and selection, leadership development, college marketing, and early financial representative productivity. Juan is a sought-after speaker both industrywide and nationwide. His professional successes can be measured by the impact he has had and continues to have on his clients’ lives as well as those of the financial advisors in his firm. Under his leadership, Northwestern Mutual-West Los Angeles has been named one of the “Best Places to Work” by the Los Angeles Business Journal every year since 2016.
As Growth and Development Director, Elizabeth is proud to be a rising superstar in the finance world, where historically few women have had an opportunity to build a career. While she uses her personal and professional skills to benefit all those with whom she comes in contact, she is especially thrilled to be...
As Growth and Development Director, Elizabeth is proud to be a rising superstar in the finance world, where historically few women have had an opportunity to build a career. While she uses her personal and professional skills to benefit all those with whom she comes in contact, she is especially thrilled to be paving the way for other women – whether they are looking to build a planning-based career of their own, or simply just feel more empowered over their own finances. Elizabeth is passionate about giving back internally in her organization through mentoring new advisors and representatives, providing friendship and guidance along their journey.
Brad Bertner serves as a Financial Advisor and Field Director for Northwestern Mutual West Los Angeles. Brad is responsible for overseeing the development of new representatives as they build their practices. As part of the leadership team, Brad provides guidance and insight that is vital to the overall growth...
Brad Bertner serves as a Financial Advisor and Field Director for Northwestern Mutual West Los Angeles. Brad is responsible for overseeing the development of new representatives as they build their practices. As part of the leadership team, Brad provides guidance and insight that is vital to the overall growth of the firm. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Brad spent a decade in the television industry. He graduated from Syracuse University and currently lives in Sherman Oaks with his wife, Melissa, and their two children.
In addition to serving her own clients, Jaqilyn 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 herself, Jaqilyn has a true depth of understanding for the college representative...
In addition to serving her own clients, Jaqilyn 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 herself, Jaqilyn has a true depth of understanding for the college representative experience. Additionally, she 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 Victorville, California, Jaqilyn attended California State University Fullerton and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Finance. She enjoys spending the weekends outside, at the beach, with friends and family.
Lauren Brooks
Director of Career Development
Lauren enjoys meeting new people and fostering relationships, both professionally and personally. As the Director of Career Development for Northwestern Mutual - West Los Angeles, Lauren focuses on inspiring talented, driven individuals, who are looking to make a change to join our firm and build successful businesses...
Lauren enjoys meeting new people and fostering relationships, both professionally and personally. As the Director of Career Development for Northwestern Mutual - West Los Angeles, Lauren focuses on inspiring talented, driven individuals, who are looking to make a change to join our firm and build successful businesses at a Fortune 100 company. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Lauren served as the Commercial Operations and Sales Enablement Manager for Millennium Health. She managed a top medical sales team and worked alongside the CEO and Board of Directors to develop both the operational and sales strategies. She then became a Sales Manager for Simpleshow, where she was responsible for client acquisition and revenue from Fortune 500 companies in eight states. Lauren grew up in Sarasota, Florida and attended the University of Central Florida, where she earned her Bachelors in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication. Contact Lauren at 310.903.5091 or lauren.brooks@nm.com.
Zakia Whiteside
Director of Campus Recruitment
Zakia’s mission is to help others find clarity, meaning, and purpose in their career paths. As the Director of Campus Recruitment, Zakia oversees our college internship program. She fosters relationships with universities throughout Los Angeles to promote our internship program and affiliated career opportunities....
Zakia’s mission is to help others find clarity, meaning, and purpose in their career paths. As the Director of Campus Recruitment, Zakia oversees our college internship program. She fosters relationships with universities throughout Los Angeles to promote our internship program and affiliated career opportunities. She is also responsible for training and developing our college interns through strategic coaching sessions focused on productivity and new business generation. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Zakia worked at a prominent law firm, where she managed a department of 25+ employees who were responsible for a diverse portfolio of default mortgages in foreclosure. Zakia also worked at Bank of America as a Foreclosure Specialist and Team Lead. Zakia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations from State University of New York College at Buffalo. During her free time, you can often find Zakia hiking trails in the Palisades or Griffith Park.
Kelsie Kropp
Director of Operations
In her role, Kelsie oversees day-to-day operations in the West Los Angeles office. Her role includes meeting and event planning, management of the client experience center, and new representative onboarding support. She takes ownership in reinforcing a culture of professional excellence throughout the organization...
In her role, Kelsie oversees day-to-day operations in the West Los Angeles office. Her role includes meeting and event planning, management of the client experience center, and new representative onboarding support. She takes ownership in reinforcing a culture of professional excellence throughout the organization and collaborating with others in planning and management of our offices. A dedicated team member, Kelsie strives to lead by example. Her career has shown a pattern of dedicated and attentive care for others. Kelsie views creating a positive work environment as a personal responsibility in her role. Kelsie currently resides in Brentwood. Outside of work, she is an avid runner, having recently participated in the Los Angeles Marathon. She is also involved in the alumni chapter for her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha.