Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Cedar Rapids office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
Kalvin Grabau Keele
CLU®, ChFC®
Managing Partner
If you're like most people, you want guidance on how to save efficiently for retirement and spend confidently, once you get there. As managing partner of Northwestern Mutual Eastern Iowa, Kalvin Grabau Keele is responsible for attracting a diverse group of talent that can help you do just that. He's building the...
If you're like most people, you want guidance on how to save efficiently for retirement and spend confidently, once you get there. As managing partner of Northwestern Mutual Eastern Iowa, Kalvin Grabau Keele is responsible for attracting a diverse group of talent that can help you do just that. He's building the firm by investing in financial representative and advisor growth and development and creating an inclusive culture that engages employees and develops leaders. Kalvin joined Northwestern Mutual – Des Moines in 2005 as a college intern. Throughout his time, Kalvin built a successful wealth management practice while growing an incredibly successful team in West Des Moines. He earned a degree in finance from Iowa State University. Currently, he is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, Young Professionals group, Habitat for Humanity, Alex's Lemonade Stand, and JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes.
Amy Deputy
Chief Supervision Officer
Amy has worked in the financial services industry since 1996, becoming a compliance supervisor in 2008. Her role ensures compliance by financial representatives and their assistants, network office management and support staff with all applicable laws, regulations, and company rules related to the sale and servicing...
Amy has worked in the financial services industry since 1996, becoming a compliance supervisor in 2008. Her role ensures compliance by financial representatives and their assistants, network office management and support staff with all applicable laws, regulations, and company rules related to the sale and servicing of insurance securities, and advisory products and services. Amy’s leadership in our organization strongly influences Northwestern Mutual’ s Supervision Philosophy addressing the critical elements vital to proper supervision and addresses why it is important to apply sound management principles to our everyday sales process. The Supervision Philosophy is a foundation for reinforcing and enhancing our culture of gathering facts and feelings to support selling the right product - to the right client - at the right time - for the right reasons.
Jessica Boyle joined Northwestern Mutual in Cedar Rapids as a Campus Recruiter in 2010 and built the University of Iowa internship team to the #1 College Team by 2013. She served as the Director of Internship Development for 3 years and 2 years as Development Officer prior to her current role as Chief Development...
Jessica Boyle joined Northwestern Mutual in Cedar Rapids as a Campus Recruiter in 2010 and built the University of Iowa internship team to the #1 College Team by 2013. She served as the Director of Internship Development for 3 years and 2 years as Development Officer prior to her current role as Chief Development Officer of the firm. Jessica’s fulfillment comes from working with young professionals to identify their passion, connect it with a vision for their future, to ultimately live a life they never imagined. Originally from the Cedar Rapids area, Jessica is a board member for C.A.L.L., Corridor Area Leadership Live and a member at Veritas Church. Outside of the office, Jessica enjoys Cross Fit and is a cycling instructor at a local gym. She really enjoys traveling , specifically to their families place at Lake of the Ozarks. When she finds down time she enjoys spending it with the people that make life worth living!
Kelly Pestka
Chief Operations Officer
Kelly Pestka is responsible for Operations. She began her career in June of 2003 at Northwestern Mutual as a Compliance Officer. In 2011, she transitioned to Chief Operations Officer. Kelly is a graduate from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science. In 2019, she received her Certified Financial Services...
Kelly Pestka is responsible for Operations. She began her career in June of 2003 at Northwestern Mutual as a Compliance Officer. In 2011, she transitioned to Chief Operations Officer. Kelly is a graduate from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science. In 2019, she received her Certified Financial Services Coach designation. She resides in Robins with her husband and their two children.
Garrett Brander began his career with Northwestern Mutual in June of 2011 after receiving his Bachelors in Finance from the University of Iowa. Achievements throughout the industry include membership in the Million Dollar Round Table, and the National Quality Award. Garrett was named New Financial Representative...
Garrett Brander began his career with Northwestern Mutual in June of 2011 after receiving his Bachelors in Finance from the University of Iowa. Achievements throughout the industry include membership in the Million Dollar Round Table, and the National Quality Award. Garrett was named New Financial Representative of the Year for the Network Office in 2014 and 2015. Garrett is currently a Financial Advisor in the Iowa City/Coralville area and is also the Managing Director of the Coralville District Office. Garrett is actively involved with the Empowered Professionals of Iowa City, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, and sits on the board for the Vast Network.
Mark Funk began is career with Northwestern Mutual in May of 1999. Achievements throughout the industry include membership in the Million Dollar Round Table, the National Quality Award, and the National Sales Achievement Award. Mark was named New Financial Representative of the Year for the Network Office in 2001...
Mark Funk began is career with Northwestern Mutual in May of 1999. Achievements throughout the industry include membership in the Million Dollar Round Table, the National Quality Award, and the National Sales Achievement Award. Mark was named New Financial Representative of the Year for the Network Office in 2001 and 2004 and was also voted the top 20 business leaders under the age of 40 in 2005 by Cedar Valley Business Magazine. Mark currently runs a high level Wealth Management practice in Waterloo and is also the Managing Director of the Waterloo District office. Mark is actively involved in the Blackhawk County Estate Planning Council, Panther Wrestling Club, Sunnyside Country Club, The Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Mark resides in Waterloo with his wife Traci and children Madison, Garrett and Jenna.
Matt Schulte is the Managing Director of our Dubuque, Iowa office. He was born in Manchester, IA and lives there today with his wife, Keri, and their four children, Alivia, Hayden, Sofia, and Mylie. Matt never would've thought growing up on a farm would benefit his nearly 20-year career as a financial advisor....
Matt Schulte is the Managing Director of our Dubuque, Iowa office. He was born in Manchester, IA and lives there today with his wife, Keri, and their four children, Alivia, Hayden, Sofia, and Mylie. Matt never would've thought growing up on a farm would benefit his nearly 20-year career as a financial advisor. The work doesn’t carry the physical demands like farming but there are similarities. Life is funny, though. To parallel a career in financial planning, Matt and Keri own a small cattle and crop farm on the outskirts of Manchester, IA. It was important to them that their four kids grow-up with a similar experience to Matt. When not doing chores, the family is running kids to sports, activities, 4-H events or on the acreage enjoying the outdoors—hunting, riding four-wheelers…doing family things.
Quint Howell
Chief Marketing Officer
Quint partners with financial advisors and representatives to leverage the Northwestern Mutual brand. He works individually with advisors that want marketing help in growing their practice in the communities they serve. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Quint was leading the marketing efforts for a leading...
Quint partners with financial advisors and representatives to leverage the Northwestern Mutual brand. He works individually with advisors that want marketing help in growing their practice in the communities they serve. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Quint was leading the marketing efforts for a leading higher education marketing firm and large Eastern Iowa-based hospitality company. A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Quint lives in Marion with his wife, Jennifer, and three daughters, Harper, Oakley, and Collins.
Bridget Martin
Recruiter