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
In January 2006, Mitchell Beer assumed Managing Partner responsibilities for the Woodland Hills Network Office. He started his career 31 years ago as a fulltime financial rep in Princeton, New Jersey and quickly became involved in leadership. Under Mitchell’s leadership, the Beer Network Office in Woodland...
In January 2006, Mitchell Beer assumed Managing Partner responsibilities for the Woodland Hills Network Office. He started his career 31 years ago as a fulltime financial rep in Princeton, New Jersey and quickly became involved in leadership. Under Mitchell’s leadership, the Beer Network Office in Woodland Hills has seen tremendous growth since his arrival opening 3 additional district offices; one in Santa Barbara in 2006, one in Bakersfield in 2008, and most recently, the Santa Monica office in 2017. Mitchell’s passion for growth and leadership development has helped the leadership team expand exponentially from 5 to 17 associates.
James was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Cal State University, Bakersfield. James was a Kappa Sigma Fraternity member when he decided to gain experience by joining the Northwestern Mutual internship...
James was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Cal State University, Bakersfield. James was a Kappa Sigma Fraternity member when he decided to gain experience by joining the Northwestern Mutual internship program. Upon graduation James started his career as a Financial Advisor. With his experience and passion for the business, James took a leadership role as a College Unit Director to help mentor others in the internship program. He then transitioned to the Field Director role, where he mentored full-time financial representatives, eventually becoming the Growth and Development Director, and now is the Managing Director of the Bakersfield Office. While not in the office, you may find James spending time with his girlfriend Taylor, traveling, and golfing at Seven Oaks Country Club. He also spends time volunteering with the National Alzheimer’s Association and Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
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!
Jason joined Northwestern Mutual in 2008. Prior to joining NM, Jason completed his degree in communications from University California-Davis, played minor league baseball for 2 years. Then following his brief baseball career, he spent 13 years in the mortgage lending industry where he started as an employee and...
Jason joined Northwestern Mutual in 2008. Prior to joining NM, Jason completed his degree in communications from University California-Davis, played minor league baseball for 2 years. Then following his brief baseball career, he spent 13 years in the mortgage lending industry where he started as an employee and finished as a business owner. Since then, he has more than made a mark in the financial security space. With his work ethic and expertise, Jason has cemented himself as a perennial mentor and leader. Now as a District Director, Jason and his team are laser focused on helping their clients achieve financial security. Jason loves traveling with his family to the mountains of Lake Tahoe and the beaches of Hawaii. Jason sits on the El Caballero Country Club board where he also spends his off-time swinging a golf club. Additionally, Jason always makes time for philanthropy; donating his time to the Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, Alex’s Lemonade Stand and many more.
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.
Larry Stevenson
Director of Investment Operations
Larry has over 20 years of Financial Planning and Investment experience. He joined Northwestern Mutual' s Beer Financial Group in Woodland Hills in 2010, after several years working with retail brokerage and fee based advisory clients. Larry brings his experience in Retirement Income Planning and with many investment...
Larry has over 20 years of Financial Planning and Investment experience. He joined Northwestern Mutual' s Beer Financial Group in Woodland Hills in 2010, after several years working with retail brokerage and fee based advisory clients. Larry brings his experience in Retirement Income Planning and with many investment products and services, including mutual funds, equities, fixed income and annuities. Larry holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, holds CA Life and Health Insurance Licenses and Series 7, 9, 10, 63 and 65 Securities Licenses. Larry is a Southern California native and resides in Wood Ranch, CA with his wife, Nicole, and their children. He enjoys golfing and spending time outdoors with the family and their two dogs.
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 the following licenses; Life & Health, Series 6, 63, 7, 26, 65, 9 & 10. When...
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 the following licenses; Life & Health, Series 6, 63, 7, 26, 65, 9 & 10. 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 Woodland Hills in September 2005 as a career-changing Financial Representative after a nearly 20-year career working internationally as a product and marketing manager for General Motors, JATO Dynamics and Reuters, LLC. Judy moved to the role of MP Executive Assistant in 2007,...
Judy joined Northwestern Mutual Woodland Hills in September 2005 as a career-changing Financial Representative after a nearly 20-year career working internationally as a product and marketing manager for General Motors, JATO Dynamics and Reuters, LLC. Judy moved to the role of MP Executive Assistant in 2007, then subsequently to Director of Client Relations, Director of Operations and, after completing her AWMA credentials, joined Field Supervision in 2012. Judy was named Chief Supervision Officer, her current role, in March 2018. Judy earned her Bachelor of Science in engineering and MBA degrees from the University of Michigan, of which she is a very proud alumnus. Judy also chairs the Beer Network Office Diversity & Inclusion Council.
Janice Brodin joined Northwestern Mutual in 2008, while attending Long Beach State University where she received her degree in Business and Financial Management. Janice started as an intern in the talent acquisition department and over the years took on new challenges to prepare her for the current role as a...
Janice Brodin joined Northwestern Mutual in 2008, while attending Long Beach State University where she received her degree in Business and Financial Management. Janice started as an intern in the talent acquisition department and over the years took on new challenges to prepare her for the current role as a Financial Advisor and Growth & Development Director. In her spare time, she enjoys taking spin classes, completing spartan races, and reading leadership books.
Kathleen Ford
Director of Training and Development
Katie Ford joined Northwestern Mutual in April 2015 as Beer Financial Group’s full-time Recruiter; today she is the agency’s Director of Training and Development and holds her Series 6 & 63 licenses and Certified Trainer designation. As the Director of Training & Development, Katie oversees the agency’s...
Katie Ford joined Northwestern Mutual in April 2015 as Beer Financial Group’s full-time Recruiter; today she is the agency’s Director of Training and Development and holds her Series 6 & 63 licenses and Certified Trainer designation. As the Director of Training & Development, Katie oversees the agency’s recruiting and training efforts; 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 and fur babies, and loves to work out, travel, and enjoy a great meal.
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.
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.
Nate Choe transitioned to Northwestern Mutual in 2016 when he decided teaching math was not going to be his career. Since then, he has built a practice that serves over 350 clients in 28 different states and has recruited and mentored several other advisors as a Growth and Development Director. Outside of work,...
Nate Choe transitioned to Northwestern Mutual in 2016 when he decided teaching math was not going to be his career. Since then, he has built a practice that serves over 350 clients in 28 different states and has recruited and mentored several other advisors as a Growth and Development Director. Outside of work, Nate enjoys playing the piano, practicing tennis and pickleball, and sailing with his wife, Sarah.
Kalyn Shah
After graduating Cum Laude in Communication from USC in 2010, Kalyn launched her career in the fashion world. She spent 6 years in agency recruiting as a Director of Talent Acquisition in JBCStyle’s LA office running a team of recruiters, doing business development and managing client relationships before joining...
After graduating Cum Laude in Communication from USC in 2010, Kalyn launched her career in the fashion world. She spent 6 years in agency recruiting as a Director of Talent Acquisition in JBCStyle’s LA office running a team of recruiters, doing business development and managing client relationships before joining Northwestern Mutual in 2019 as the Head of Selection and a Growth + Development Director.