Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Woodland Hills office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
Mitchell Beer
CLU®, ChFC®
Managing Partner
Mitchell Beer started his career 35 years ago as a fulltime financial rep in Princeton, New Jersey and quickly rose in leadership. His leadership roles included College Unit Director and Field Director, and then in 1998, was promoted to Managing Director of the East Brunswick office. In January 2006 he moved across...
Mitchell Beer started his career 35 years ago as a fulltime financial rep in Princeton, New Jersey and quickly rose in leadership. His leadership roles included College Unit Director and Field Director, and then in 1998, was promoted to Managing Director of the East Brunswick office. In January 2006 he moved across the country and assumed Managing Partner responsibilities for the Woodland Hills Network Office. Under Mitchell’s leadership, the Beer Network Office has seen tremendous growth since his arrival opening 3 additional district offices: the first in Bakersfield in 2008, the second in Santa Monica in 2017 and most recently, the Westlake Village office in 2023. Mitchell’s passion for growth and leadership development has driven expansion, more than doubling its size since inception. When he’s not training for his next triathlon he and his wife Carolyn enjoy traveling with their 3 children, Peter, Jillian and Jesse, playing golf, and watching his son on the pitcher’s mound.
James Hefley began his career with Northwestern Mutual ten years ago in the internship program. James attended CSUB and earned his degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. Through his eagerness and work ethic, James has become one of the top Wealth Management advisors in the company....
James Hefley began his career with Northwestern Mutual ten years ago in the internship program. James attended CSUB and earned his degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. Through his eagerness and work ethic, James has become one of the top Wealth Management advisors in the company. He is currently the Managing Director of the Bakersfield District office. In his free time, James enjoys playing golf and competing in golf tournaments. He enjoys attending sporting events and is an avid Dodger fan. He loves spending time with his family and friends. James enjoys giving back to his community. In 2021, he founded the Fore the memories golf tournament in support of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Clifford Mortensen started his career at Northwestern Mutual as a college financial representative in 2009. After completing his MBA at Pepperdine University in 2010, Cliff began his full time financial advisor practice. As a financial advisor, Cliff helps his clients to create financial plans that are unique...
Clifford Mortensen started his career at Northwestern Mutual as a college financial representative in 2009. After completing his MBA at Pepperdine University in 2010, Cliff began his full time financial advisor practice. As a financial advisor, Cliff helps his clients to create financial plans that are unique to their goals and priorities with a particular focus on tax efficiency. Throughout his career, Cliff has focused on developing as a leader within the firm. He started by coaching college interns and quickly became the Director of Internship Development. He then began helping our advisors build their own successful financial planning practices. Cliff’s dream was to one day open a district office of his own. This dream was realized on January 1st, 2022 when he was promoted to the Managing Director of our Westlake Village Office. His vision is to impact the Ventura County community by continuing to lead and develop his team of financial advisors.
Devin Salinas joined Northwestern Mutual’s internship program in 2009 and after earning his finance and economics degree from Linfield College in Oregon, Devin became a full-time Financial Advisor and College Unit Director. Currently, Devin is the Managing Director for Northwestern Mutual Santa Monica. Devin...
Devin Salinas joined Northwestern Mutual’s internship program in 2009 and after earning his finance and economics degree from Linfield College in Oregon, Devin became a full-time Financial Advisor and College Unit Director. Currently, Devin is the Managing Director for Northwestern Mutual Santa Monica. Devin loves seeing clients actualizing their vision and finds great reward in helping them pay for college, transition into retirement with confidence, or plan to transfer their hard-earned wealth to the people and causes they care about most. When he is not working with his clients or coaching advisors, Devin enjoys spending time with his wife Kalyn and puppy Willa, traveling the world, and training for various endurance events. Devin loves doing triathlons and his greatest endurance achievement to date has been raising over $18,000 for “charity: water” by running an unsupported 30 miles for his 30th Birthday in 2018. A fun fact about Devin is he just tied the knot with Kalyn!
Davit Tadevosyan joined Northwestern Mutual Woodland Hills in 2021 as District Director. Davit is a trusted Financial Advisor and Manager bringing over 15 years of experience in the financial industry. Davit’s overall objective is the continued dedication to hiring and developing a team of financial advisors...
Davit Tadevosyan joined Northwestern Mutual Woodland Hills in 2021 as District Director. Davit is a trusted Financial Advisor and Manager bringing over 15 years of experience in the financial industry. Davit’s overall objective is the continued dedication to hiring and developing a team of financial advisors who can provide effective and innovative solutions for the problems people and businesses face. His expertise includes leadership, recruiting and developing within the financial services industry, with the focus on attracting, hiring, and retaining outside individuals with strong business acumen and superlative organizational, analytical, and strategic problem-solving skills. As a financial advisor his mission is to help his clients and community to attain financial security for their families and businesses.
Alexandra Bulcke
MBA
Chief Financial Officer
Alex Bulcke has served as our CFO since 2013. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University and her Master of Business Administration in Finance from California Lutheran University. With 20 years of experience in finance and accounting, she oversees all financial aspects...
Alex Bulcke has served as our CFO since 2013. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University and her Master of Business Administration in Finance from California Lutheran University. With 20 years of experience in finance and accounting, she oversees all financial aspects of our network and district offices. In addition, Alex works closely with our organization’s leaders to support our business planning and strategy analysis. Outside work Alex enjoys spending time with her husband and playing with her kids. She loves travel, gardening, and reading a good book.
Colette Chrisman
Chief Operating Officer
Colette Chrisman our Chief Operations Officer has been with Northwestern Mutual for over 25 years and has held just about every position in the organization including previously holding the of Network Office Supervision role. She holds her Life & Health license and Series 6, 63, 7, 26, 65, 9 & 10 registrations....
Colette Chrisman our Chief Operations Officer has been with Northwestern Mutual for over 25 years and has held just about every position in the organization including previously holding the of Network Office Supervision role. She holds her Life & Health license and Series 6, 63, 7, 26, 65, 9 & 10 registrations. When not at work her interests include spending time in Mammoth skiing, hiking, road biking as well as riding horses.
Judy Jbara
MBA
Chief Supervision Officer
Judy joined Northwestern Mutual as a mid-life career changing advisor in 2006. She has held many roles & responsibilities with the firm during her tenure including Client Relations Center Director, Director of Operations and Associate Director of Supervision leading to her current role as Chief Supervision Officer....
Judy joined Northwestern Mutual as a mid-life career changing advisor in 2006. She has held many roles & responsibilities with the firm during her tenure including Client Relations Center Director, Director of Operations and Associate Director of Supervision leading to her current role as Chief Supervision Officer. Judy and her wife Dee Fairbanks, reside in Ventura, California with their English springer spaniel, Leila. Judy and Dee enjoy golf, travel and time with family including a love of creating wonderful, healthy meals and celebrations.
Kathleen Ford
Chief Growth Officer
Katie Ford, CLF® joined Northwestern Mutual in April 2015 as Beer Financial Group’s full-time Recruiter; today she is the agency’s Chief Growth Office and holds her Series 6 & 63 licenses and Certified Trainer designation. As the CGO, Katie oversees the agency’s growth efforts including early development...
Katie Ford, CLF® joined Northwestern Mutual in April 2015 as Beer Financial Group’s full-time Recruiter; today she is the agency’s Chief Growth Office and holds her Series 6 & 63 licenses and Certified Trainer designation. As the CGO, Katie oversees the agency’s growth efforts including early development and training, career advisor productivity, and strategy execution; her team’s mission is to attract top talent that reflects the local community and develop those individuals and teams to achieve at high levels and effectively serve those in the Los Angeles area and beyond. Katie is a member of the firm’s Community Impact Committee and is proud to work with the Diversity and Inclusion Council to help advance efforts to recruit, develop, and retain diverse advisors. Outside of work, Katie is involved in the National MS Society and enjoys spending time with her husband, young son, and fur babies, and loves to work out, travel, and enjoy a nice glass of wine or tequila with a great meal.
Rojia Rashidfarrukhi
MBA
Chief Recruitment Officer
Rojia Rashidfarrukhi joined Northwestern Mutual in January 2020 as Beer Financial Group’s full-time recruiter while obtaining her MBA at Pepperdine University in leadership. Today she is the Director of Recruitment and Selection for the Beer Network Office and holds her Life & Health Insurance License. She grew...
Rojia Rashidfarrukhi joined Northwestern Mutual in January 2020 as Beer Financial Group’s full-time recruiter while obtaining her MBA at Pepperdine University in leadership. Today she is the Director of Recruitment and Selection for the Beer Network Office and holds her Life & Health Insurance License. She grew up in Woodland Hills and was part of several charity organizations as giving back to the community is a passion of hers. After volunteering for over 15 years, joining Northwestern Mutual was her way of enriching her community with a career opportunity that could change their lives. Her team’s mission is to contribute to the career growth of high-performing individuals who have a vision to empower the financial strength of individuals, families, and businesses. In her free time, she enjoys painting, playing with her four dogs, hiking and coffee!
Chris began his career with Northwestern Mutual in 2010. In 2011 Chris transitioned to a college unit director where he coached 9 power of 10’s. Currently Chris is the Director of Development for the under 5-year team within Beer Financial. He earned a Business Marketing degree from Cal State Northridge and...
Chris began his career with Northwestern Mutual in 2010. In 2011 Chris transitioned to a college unit director where he coached 9 power of 10’s. Currently Chris is the Director of Development for the under 5-year team within Beer Financial. He earned a Business Marketing degree from Cal State Northridge and was the captain of the men’s swim team.
Brittany Shultz
PHR
Director of Financial Planning
Brittany has been with Northwestern Mutual for over 17 years. She began her career as an advisor's assistant and quickly moved into leadership roles coaching new reps. While continuing to hold the Office Manager role, she's most recently been promoted to the Director of our Financial Planning Department. With...
Brittany has been with Northwestern Mutual for over 17 years. She began her career as an advisor's assistant and quickly moved into leadership roles coaching new reps. While continuing to hold the Office Manager role, she's most recently been promoted to the Director of our Financial Planning Department. With the experience she gained in these positions and her well-rounded knowledge of the business, Brittany has played a significant role in growing the Bakersfield District office into what it is today. She and her husband, Ryan, enjoy spending time with their 3 children: Emery, Everett and Eleanor. She especially loves taking the kids on adventures such as hiking, camping, and even just scootering around the neighborhood.
Janice is a Financial Advisor and Growth & Development Director. She joined the NM team in Newport Beach, CA in 2008, while attending Long Beach State University where she received her degree in Business and Financial Management. Janice started as an intern in talent acquisition and worked her way up through roles...
Janice is a Financial Advisor and Growth & Development Director. She joined the NM team in Newport Beach, CA in 2008, while attending Long Beach State University where she received her degree in Business and Financial Management. Janice started as an intern in talent acquisition and worked her way up through roles such as the Dir. of Recruiting and Chief Recruitment Officer. In 2014, Janice joined the Beer Network Office. After recruiting nearly 100 financial representatives from 2010-2015, she became the Development Officer which oversaw the firm’s training & leadership development, internship program, and recruiting efforts. Janice is a Certified Coach, Certified Trainer, and holds her CLF® leadership designation. Today, she focuses on mentoring new advisors, identifying top talent to join her team, and works directly with clients on their financial planning needs. In her spare time, she enjoys taking spin classes, Pilates, hiking, and going on weekend getaways as often as she can!
I help young professionals and families reach their financial goals through personalized and thoughtful planning. Coming from a teaching background, I prioritize education and relationships, and look to deliver expertise in everything from investments to insurance and tax-efficiency.
Maribel has been serving her clients in the Financial Services industry since 2006. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual she worked as an Oncology Pharmaceutical Sales Rep servicing Cancer patients and their families for seven years. Maribel is a woman of strength and warmth which has endeared her to her clients....
Maribel has been serving her clients in the Financial Services industry since 2006. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual she worked as an Oncology Pharmaceutical Sales Rep servicing Cancer patients and their families for seven years. Maribel is a woman of strength and warmth which has endeared her to her clients. She has proven to be consistent, reliable and forward thinking.
Craig Kvinsland began his career as a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual in 2012 after leading a non-profit enterprise as the National Sales Director for over 7 years. Since 2013, he also is a Field Director in Woodland Hills, CA where he coaches and mentors new advisors. In 2016, he finished #2 Top...
Craig Kvinsland began his career as a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual in 2012 after leading a non-profit enterprise as the National Sales Director for over 7 years. Since 2013, he also is a Field Director in Woodland Hills, CA where he coaches and mentors new advisors. In 2016, he finished #2 Top Advisor in the Western Region for advisors in their 4th year and hold a CLTC® designation. He and his wife Stacy enjoy spending time with their two kids, Annika & Colton coaching, boating, skiing and traveling. Craig worked as an actor for 17 years and has been in various movies, television shows and commercials and he currently serves on the Board of Elders as Treasurer of Bel Air Church in Bel Air, CA.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA and attended the University of California at Santa Barbara graduating with a major in Business Economics and a minor in Spanish in 2010. During my spare time I enjoy surfing, playing soccer, traveling, hiking, and spending quality time with my family and friends. I am also...
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA and attended the University of California at Santa Barbara graduating with a major in Business Economics and a minor in Spanish in 2010. During my spare time I enjoy surfing, playing soccer, traveling, hiking, and spending quality time with my family and friends. I am also an avid Lakers, Dodgers, and FC Barcelona fan.
I am very passionate about helping people with financial planning. Unfortunately, curriculum in schools do not teach us about our financial future, so I feel blessed to get the opportunity to share my knowledge to help people become more financially fit. I believe in taking the time to educate my clients on all...
I am very passionate about helping people with financial planning. Unfortunately, curriculum in schools do not teach us about our financial future, so I feel blessed to get the opportunity to share my knowledge to help people become more financially fit. I believe in taking the time to educate my clients on all of their options, first managing risks, then growing wealth to achieve their goals.
Shawn, is a former U.S. National Field Hockey team member for 20 years, competing internationally in over 30 different countries during his career. He joined Northwestern Mutual in 2018 after being referred in by his uncle, Peter Miller, who has been with NM for over 30 years. Shawn followed the Granum system...
Shawn, is a former U.S. National Field Hockey team member for 20 years, competing internationally in over 30 different countries during his career. He joined Northwestern Mutual in 2018 after being referred in by his uncle, Peter Miller, who has been with NM for over 30 years. Shawn followed the Granum system to a T and quickly achieved P40 and P60 his first year and currently holds the current Beer Financial records for both. He has produced over 100 lives in each of his first 5 years and specializes in working with young families who are starting to build their financial futures together. He is President of the local field hockey organization (Field Hockey Federation) and you can always find him on the field playing, volunteering, and coaching new players, including his sons Maddox (8) and Mason (3). He enjoys watching his wife Katie ride her horse, Oliver, going to the beach with their chocolate lab, Corona, and skiing/sledding in Heber, Utah where his parents now live.
Carlos began his career with Northwestern Mutual in 2020 as a Financial Advisor. Carlos received his Bachelors in Business Administration and Masters in Management from California Coast University in Santa Ana, CA. He comes from years of experience in a corporate level background in the E&P sector dealing in a...
Carlos began his career with Northwestern Mutual in 2020 as a Financial Advisor. Carlos received his Bachelors in Business Administration and Masters in Management from California Coast University in Santa Ana, CA. He comes from years of experience in a corporate level background in the E&P sector dealing in a wide range of expertise such as; Capital Projects, Operations, Compliance, Marketing, Exploration, Planning, Regulatory Affairs, Business Risk & Advising. Currently resides in Bakersfield where he has spent majority of his life. He enjoys playing golf and spending quality time with his family. Carlos is devoted to his community and has shown his involvement over the years in his early stages of his career by staying engaged, donating, volunteering and helping others to succeed.
Erik, a seasoned Financial Advisor, embarked on his professional journey with Beer Financial Group in 2020, right after graduating from college. Bringing his financial acumen to the forefront, he has been dedicated to delivering comprehensive wealth management services to clients. Beyond client interactions, in...
Erik, a seasoned Financial Advisor, embarked on his professional journey with Beer Financial Group in 2020, right after graduating from college. Bringing his financial acumen to the forefront, he has been dedicated to delivering comprehensive wealth management services to clients. Beyond client interactions, in 2023 Erik has collaborated with the Managing Director to drive new advisor development, ensuring the team's preparedness for success in the dynamic world of wealth management. Erik's mission revolves around empowering both clients and advisors, guiding them towards lives aligned with their aspirations. Beyond the financial realm, Erik actively contributes to his community by engaging in kids' ministry at his church, participating in local intramural sports, and coaching little league baseball at his childhood Little League. With a passion for both financial growth and community development, Erik strives to make a meaningful impact in every facet of his life.
Jessica embarked on her journey as a Financial Advisor in 2019 with NM. Currently she is dedicated to educating the next generation of wealth holders, with a particular focus on empowering women in the tech, marketing and PR/content creation sectors. Her commitment to financial empowerment extends beyond traditional...
Jessica embarked on her journey as a Financial Advisor in 2019 with NM. Currently she is dedicated to educating the next generation of wealth holders, with a particular focus on empowering women in the tech, marketing and PR/content creation sectors. Her commitment to financial empowerment extends beyond traditional boundaries, reaching corporate landscapes and enhancing financial literacy for employees and business owners alike. Jessica actively contributes to gender equity initiatives as a board member for the Women's Field Assoc. and Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Council. She oversees the college development program for West LA, working towards fostering a supportive environment for college students to explore the career and company. Beyond her professional endeavors, Jessica leads the Leadership Development Institute for the Junior League of LA and has been dedicated on giving back to the community for the past 5 years through their various community initiatives.