Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Atlanta office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
Dwaan Black
CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®
Managing Partner
Dwaan was born and raised in Morristown, TN. He attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where he graduated with honors with a BS degree in Finance in 1989. Dwaan joined Northwestern Mutual in 1988 as an intern. During his 32 years with the company, he has served clients and the organization in every...
Dwaan was born and raised in Morristown, TN. He attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where he graduated with honors with a BS degree in Finance in 1989. Dwaan joined Northwestern Mutual in 1988 as an intern. During his 32 years with the company, he has served clients and the organization in every field leadership role. He continues to lead Northwestern Mutual-North Atlanta as its Managing Partner, since being appointed in 2007. Dwaan married his high school sweetheart, Ellen, in 1991. They have 3 sons: William, Brantly, Robert, and a new daughter-in-law, Caroline, who married William in July 2020. In addition to investing his time and energy into growing the leaders and advisors in their office, Dwaan enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, exercising and reading. Dwaan and Ellen worship and serve at Peachtree Church. Dwaan’s strongest passion in life is to be a catalyst for personal and professional impact, fulfillment, and growth.
Allison Galusha
Executive Assistant
Allison joined our firm in February 2018 as Executive Assistant and Recruiting Coordinator. While maintaining her role as liaison for our Managing Partner, Dwaan Black; in June 2020 Allison officially gained responsibility for development as Assistant Director of Development. Allison uses her passion for coaching...
Allison joined our firm in February 2018 as Executive Assistant and Recruiting Coordinator. While maintaining her role as liaison for our Managing Partner, Dwaan Black; in June 2020 Allison officially gained responsibility for development as Assistant Director of Development. Allison uses her passion for coaching and developing our young advisors and staff members. She also leads the development accountability systems and processes while planning for Network Office Events. Allison has previous experience in Public Affairs and Community Giving, which translates to our work in Diversity & Inclusion and Community Service. Allison holds a bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University and is originally from Newnan, GA.
Sam joined Northwestern Mutual in 2012. He was born and raised in Athens, where he currently serves as the Managing Director for the Athens District Office. Sam spends time working with his personal clients as a Financial Advisor and spends time developing and coaching new advisors in our firm. Sam graduated...
Sam joined Northwestern Mutual in 2012. He was born and raised in Athens, where he currently serves as the Managing Director for the Athens District Office. Sam spends time working with his personal clients as a Financial Advisor and spends time developing and coaching new advisors in our firm. Sam graduated from the University of Georgia, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He enjoys playing golf, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.
Roberto was raised in Arvada, Colorado. He enlisted in the Navy and was primarily stationed at Naval Air Station Atlanta in Marietta, GA. His core values will always be those instilled by the Navy – Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Roberto married Ericka after separating from the military. He went on to earn...
Roberto was raised in Arvada, Colorado. He enlisted in the Navy and was primarily stationed at Naval Air Station Atlanta in Marietta, GA. His core values will always be those instilled by the Navy – Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Roberto married Ericka after separating from the military. He went on to earn his BS in Finance from Georgia State University. Roberto joined Northwestern Mutual in 2013. He serves as a Financial Advisor and District Director. His mission is to help people retire on their terms, protect families from unexpected financial obstacles, and provide guidance on achieving any financial goal. Roberto oversees the development of all North Atlanta’s new financial representatives. He aims to develop principled financial advisors and leaders to serve North Atlanta. Roberto and Ericka are the proud parents of Samuel, Sawyer, and Sara. Away from work, you'll find Roberto spending time with his family, playing golf, working on their home, or serving at his church.
Trey grew up in Snellville, GA. After attending the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) he has settled down in Watkinsville, GA with his high school sweetheart, Katie, whom he married in 2012. They have 3 boys – Powell, Clayton, & Beau. Trey enjoys helping his clients establish a financial plan that they feel...
Trey grew up in Snellville, GA. After attending the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) he has settled down in Watkinsville, GA with his high school sweetheart, Katie, whom he married in 2012. They have 3 boys – Powell, Clayton, & Beau. Trey enjoys helping his clients establish a financial plan that they feel confident in and encouraging them to always live abundantly. He spends his free time with his family, serving at Watkinsville First Baptist, cheering on the Dawgs, and enjoying the life of an avid outdoorsman.
Since 2009, Jose has gained experience in Business to Business, Account management, and relationship building experience, that today helps him serve his clients with the upmost dedication and commitment with their financial planning needs. As a Field Director, he helps support our firm’s growth goals by being...
Since 2009, Jose has gained experience in Business to Business, Account management, and relationship building experience, that today helps him serve his clients with the upmost dedication and commitment with their financial planning needs. As a Field Director, he helps support our firm’s growth goals by being actively involved in the recruiting, selection, and development process as a trainer, coach, and mentor to younger advisors. He is a very involved leader in our firm's development and growth efforts. When Jose isn’t meeting with clients, personally, enjoys spending time with his two loves, his daughter, Avianna “Avi” Estelle and pup Maddux.
Brandon joined our firm in December 2015, transitioning from a career working in television and film. Brandon’s contagious energy and enthusiasm spark excitement in both his clients lives and the culture of our firm. His passion is to serve and coach, as he finds his fulfillment not only in helping his clients,...
Brandon joined our firm in December 2015, transitioning from a career working in television and film. Brandon’s contagious energy and enthusiasm spark excitement in both his clients lives and the culture of our firm. His passion is to serve and coach, as he finds his fulfillment not only in helping his clients, but also in developing young advisors to get the most out of their careers and business. Brandon is a proud graduate of the University of South Florida (Go Bulls!) and is most happy spending time with his wife and kids.
Neely Griffith
Director of Operations
Neely joined our firm in September 2020. She brings a foundation of recruiting and staff development, performance management, organizational strategies, vendor management, and project coordination. In addition, she provides critical support for teams within the firm as she strives to improve the firm's operations...
Neely joined our firm in September 2020. She brings a foundation of recruiting and staff development, performance management, organizational strategies, vendor management, and project coordination. In addition, she provides critical support for teams within the firm as she strives to improve the firm's operations through continuous innovation and partnership. Neely is originally from Greenville, SC and holds a bachelor's degree from Clemson University.
Jose Rivera
CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Jose joined our firm in June 2011 as a Staff Accountant. His duties included helping with all financial aspects of the firm. As time went on, Jose took on more and more responsibilities helping Dwaan Black, our Managing Partner, with financial decision making. These decisions included budgeting, planning, financing...
Jose joined our firm in June 2011 as a Staff Accountant. His duties included helping with all financial aspects of the firm. As time went on, Jose took on more and more responsibilities helping Dwaan Black, our Managing Partner, with financial decision making. These decisions included budgeting, planning, financing options, and forecasting. As Jose gained more accounting knowledge with the help of his firm duties and our corporate Home Office he decided to take the next step and work on a long time goal, his CPA designation. After many hours of tough work, classes, and studying, Jose finally earned his CPA. Around the same time he was named the CFO of our firm. Jose currently enjoys overseeing all accounting and financial areas for Northwestern Mutual-North Atlanta. Jose also takes large satisfaction in helping our advisors as business owners. He currently resides in SW Cobb and enjoys spending time with his wife and two young daughters.
Jessica Burks
MBA, CLU®
Director of Supervision
Jessica joined our firm in September 2019 after spending 16 years working in various roles with our home office in Milwaukee, WI. Her experience includes life underwriting, marketing compliance, field supervision, and distribution policy. Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University, a master’s...
Jessica joined our firm in September 2019 after spending 16 years working in various roles with our home office in Milwaukee, WI. Her experience includes life underwriting, marketing compliance, field supervision, and distribution policy. Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University, a master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch University, and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She has a passion for financial literacy and sees herself as a teacher at heart. Jessica works with our advisors and teams to help them navigate our regulatory environment, so they can grow their practices with confidence.