Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the San Jose office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
Kate Michaels
CLF®, CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®
Managing Partner
Kate’s focus is to lead and inspire change while empowering people to achieve their true potential. She does this by attracting skilled and diverse individuals to the firm and providing the training and support that they need to best serve their clients and communities. As a managing partner at Northwestern...
Kate’s focus is to lead and inspire change while empowering people to achieve their true potential. She does this by attracting skilled and diverse individuals to the firm and providing the training and support that they need to best serve their clients and communities. As a managing partner at Northwestern Mutual, Kate has coached dozens of advisors to achieve significant career milestones such as membership in the Million Dollar Round Table and regional leadership roles. Over the years, Kate and financial advisors in her unit have helped thousands of families and business execute financial plans. In addition to her role at Northwestern Mutual, Kate has served on the board of directors for You Can’t Fail, Inc.. She also has led a chapter of the St. John Fisher Alumni Association and was the past chair for the Women’s Fund of Central New York. Northwestern Mutual also recognized Kate with the coveted Community Service Award for her work with Dress for Success.
A local Californian, Doug grew up in the Santa Cruz mountains and later moved to New York while attending Columbia University, where he played football for four years. After completing his degree, Doug spent the next four years working with Northwestern Mutual in New York. After moving home to California, he then...
A local Californian, Doug grew up in the Santa Cruz mountains and later moved to New York while attending Columbia University, where he played football for four years. After completing his degree, Doug spent the next four years working with Northwestern Mutual in New York. After moving home to California, he then joined the San Jose agency, of which he is a proud leader today. Doug is married to his wife Tamara. Together, they have three young children. In his free time, Doug enjoys spending time with his extended family, golfing, travel, and wine making.
Natalie holds a Finance degree from San Francisco State. She is a 2-year Advisor. She has been a Field Director for the last year and has participated in the training and development of the newest advisors. Natalie has been instrumental in the recruitment and development of female professionals. She is also involved...
Natalie holds a Finance degree from San Francisco State. She is a 2-year Advisor. She has been a Field Director for the last year and has participated in the training and development of the newest advisors. Natalie has been instrumental in the recruitment and development of female professionals. She is also involved in the Women’s Field Association and the Asian Affinity group. Natalie enjoys working with female professionals and young families. Natalie lives with her partner Justyne and they share a dog Milo. In their free time they enjoy aqua scaping, cooking at home, and time with family.
Nicknamed “Peter,” Young Woo is one of our emerging leaders. Pete holds a degree in Marketing from Menlo University. Pete engages in joint work, training, development and language with the newest advisors at the firm. Personally, Pete is engaged to Marisol, who works in scientific research, and they have a...
Nicknamed “Peter,” Young Woo is one of our emerging leaders. Pete holds a degree in Marketing from Menlo University. Pete engages in joint work, training, development and language with the newest advisors at the firm. Personally, Pete is engaged to Marisol, who works in scientific research, and they have a dog. Their families are from the Fresno Area. In his free time, he enjoys visiting museums and spending time outdoors.
Robert helps in the mentorship, training, and development of the firm’s newest financial representatives, many of whom Robert has recruited to the firm. Robert also specializes in helping young families and tech professionals’ plan effectively for the financial future they desire. Outside of work, Robert enjoys...
Robert helps in the mentorship, training, and development of the firm’s newest financial representatives, many of whom Robert has recruited to the firm. Robert also specializes in helping young families and tech professionals’ plan effectively for the financial future they desire. Outside of work, Robert enjoys spending time with his twins Mason and Maya, taking trips to the beach in Santa Cruz, and NASCAR Sundays.
Michal holds an associate degree from Mission Valley College. Michal specializes in helping young families and tech professionals achieve financial peace of mind. In addition, he has helped in training, development, and mentorship of the newest advisors at the firm. Michal is married to his wife Gina, who works...
Michal holds an associate degree from Mission Valley College. Michal specializes in helping young families and tech professionals achieve financial peace of mind. In addition, he has helped in training, development, and mentorship of the newest advisors at the firm. Michal is married to his wife Gina, who works in administration. Together they share three wonderful children.
Tamara Miller
CLF®
Director of Operations
Tamara has been with Northwestern since 2005. She specializes in the development of new advisors and champions the strategic growth and evolution of the San Jose Team. She has a BA degree from Sonoma State and her Chartered Leadership Fellow through the American College. In her free time, Tamara enjoys spending...
Tamara has been with Northwestern since 2005. She specializes in the development of new advisors and champions the strategic growth and evolution of the San Jose Team. She has a BA degree from Sonoma State and her Chartered Leadership Fellow through the American College. In her free time, Tamara enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She enjoys traveling, fishing, spectating their children's athletic events, and spending time with extended family. Tamara is also passionate about supporting and volunteering with Alex's Lemonade Stand, and the Second Harvest Food Bank.