Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Des Moines office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
Keith Erhard
Managing Partner
Keith Erhard, Managing Partner of the Des Moines network office, began his career as a College Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual on the campus of Illinois State University in 1984. Upon graduating from college in 1985, he became a full-time Financial Representative with the Wright Group in Bloomington-Normal,...
Keith Erhard, Managing Partner of the Des Moines network office, began his career as a College Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual on the campus of Illinois State University in 1984. Upon graduating from college in 1985, he became a full-time Financial Representative with the Wright Group in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. Keith Erhard continues to build on the illustrious history of the Des Moines network office through the adherence to the strong core values of advocacy, accountability and excellence. He is passionate about the pursuit of organizational growth and the strategic implementation of the agency's drivers. These drives are Serve and Lead Communities and Deliver Financial Planning. Keith is proud to represent Northwestern Mutual in Central Iowa where he empowers the fantastic team of Financial Representatives to Be at the center of clients' financial lives.
Alexa Guessford
Alexa started with Northwestern Mutual in April of 2016. In her time with the agency, Alexa has helped recruit, onboard & coach numerous advisors and representatives throughout the network. She is responsible for the training & development of each advisor in the Erhard Agency, specifically focusing her time on...
Alexa started with Northwestern Mutual in April of 2016. In her time with the agency, Alexa has helped recruit, onboard & coach numerous advisors and representatives throughout the network. She is responsible for the training & development of each advisor in the Erhard Agency, specifically focusing her time on those in their first 5 years. Alexa graduated from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake in 2013 & now resides in Des Moines, IA. She enjoys spending time with family & friends on the lake, attending concerts & working out.
Andy started with Northwestern Mutual as a college intern & became a full-time representative in 2012. Since then, he has held various leadership positions throughout the agency, including College Unit Director and Growth & Development Director. Andy believes how well you do anything is how well you do everything....
Andy started with Northwestern Mutual as a college intern & became a full-time representative in 2012. Since then, he has held various leadership positions throughout the agency, including College Unit Director and Growth & Development Director. Andy believes how well you do anything is how well you do everything. He applies this in every area of his practice, whether its coaching & mentoring young advisors and representatives, or helping his clients think bigger about their financial future. He met his wife, Bailey at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake—once a Beaver always a Beaver—and together they have 2 kids, daughter, Macyn, and son, Camden.
Brandon Eley is a financial advisor & college Unit Director out of the West Des Moines district office. Brandon joined Northwestern Mutual in the Summer of 2015 as a post graduate intern and became a full-time representative 2 months later. He graduated from AIB College with a major in Business and Leadership....
Brandon Eley is a financial advisor & college Unit Director out of the West Des Moines district office. Brandon joined Northwestern Mutual in the Summer of 2015 as a post graduate intern and became a full-time representative 2 months later. He graduated from AIB College with a major in Business and Leadership. As a College Unit Director, Brandon’s goal is to recruit and development his college interns to help them make an impact in their client’s lives. Brandon lives in Huxley, IA with his wife Alexyss. They spend their free time traveling, cheering on the Cyclones, and rooting for the Cubs!
Brandon Coleman is a Financial Advisor & College Unit Director in West Des Moines, IA. He joined Northwestern Mutual in 2016 after leaving a career as a high-school teacher. As a College Unit Director, Brandon is responsible for recruiting, coaching & mentoring his team of college financial representatives. Brandon...
Brandon Coleman is a Financial Advisor & College Unit Director in West Des Moines, IA. He joined Northwestern Mutual in 2016 after leaving a career as a high-school teacher. As a College Unit Director, Brandon is responsible for recruiting, coaching & mentoring his team of college financial representatives. Brandon lives in Des Moines, IA with his wife Caitlin & their two children – son, Remmer & daughter, TBD. Brandon spends his free time playing basketball and reading.
Brian Carlson is a Growth and Development Director in the West Des Moines office. He joined Northwestern Mutual as an intern in 2008 and transitioned to full time in 2010 after graduating from Iowa. In addition to planning for his clients, Brian has a passion for coaching new representatives to help them...
Brian Carlson is a Growth and Development Director in the West Des Moines office. He joined Northwestern Mutual as an intern in 2008 and transitioned to full time in 2010 after graduating from Iowa. In addition to planning for his clients, Brian has a passion for coaching new representatives to help them build a successful business. Brian lives in Urbandale with his wife, Jessica, who is also a financial advisor at the firm.
Chase started his career with Northwestern Mutual through the Financial Representative Internship program while studying at Buena Vista University. As a College Unit Director and Financial Advisor, Chase is passionate about coaching new Financial Representatives in order to positively impact clients in Central...
Chase started his career with Northwestern Mutual through the Financial Representative Internship program while studying at Buena Vista University. As a College Unit Director and Financial Advisor, Chase is passionate about coaching new Financial Representatives in order to positively impact clients in Central Iowa communities. One of the best parts of this career is working closely with individuals, families and business owners to develop plans that provide structure to their financial lives. We will work together to provide a clear vision for your future!
Emily Byrn
Emily started with NM in 2007 as a Campus Recruiter. As a Campus Recruiter, she helped the agency’s College Unit Director become the #10 CUD in the company. In 2009, Emily became the Director of Operations for the Network Office. In her tenure, Emily has coached multiple Pacesetter 40 and Pacesetter Second...
Emily started with NM in 2007 as a Campus Recruiter. As a Campus Recruiter, she helped the agency’s College Unit Director become the #10 CUD in the company. In 2009, Emily became the Director of Operations for the Network Office. In her tenure, Emily has coached multiple Pacesetter 40 and Pacesetter Second 60 award winners. She currently manages a team of 15 that supports all aspects of Network Office Operations.
Jeff is a Wealth Management Advisor and District Director in West Des Moines, IA. He started his career at Northwestern Mutual through the college internship program in 2006. His leadership role within the office consists of interviewing, training, and coaching the advisors and representatives in central...
Jeff is a Wealth Management Advisor and District Director in West Des Moines, IA. He started his career at Northwestern Mutual through the college internship program in 2006. His leadership role within the office consists of interviewing, training, and coaching the advisors and representatives in central Iowa. He has a huge passion for helping people grow a business to help people make sounds financial decisions so they can spend life living. Jeff lives in Urbandale with his wife Emily, daughters Kamryn and Elysen, and son Brasen.
Jeff Boes is a Managing Director & Financial Advisor in Carroll, IA. Jeff joined Northwestern Mutual in June of 1982, after graduating from Wayne State College in Nebraska. He is married to Ann Byrne-Boes and they have two children, Vicka and Lucas. Jeff enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and having an occasional...
Jeff Boes is a Managing Director & Financial Advisor in Carroll, IA. Jeff joined Northwestern Mutual in June of 1982, after graduating from Wayne State College in Nebraska. He is married to Ann Byrne-Boes and they have two children, Vicka and Lucas. Jeff enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and having an occasional craft beer.
Kara Christensen
Executive Director of Recruitment
Kara started with Northwestern Mutual as Director of Selection in October of 2010. In her tenure, she has lead the office from 7 recruits in 2010 to an average of 18 FT recruits per year. In addition to recruiting, Kara is also a RACE coach and has contributed to coaching numerous P40’s and second 60’s....
Kara started with Northwestern Mutual as Director of Selection in October of 2010. In her tenure, she has lead the office from 7 recruits in 2010 to an average of 18 FT recruits per year. In addition to recruiting, Kara is also a RACE coach and has contributed to coaching numerous P40’s and second 60’s. Kara and her husband, Rees reside in Ankeny, Iowa with their son Logan, daughter Karsyn, dog Mac, and they are expecting their third child this May.
Lauren Kerr started with Northwestern Mutual in 2011 as a part of Sparks Financial in Denver, CO. In 2016, she started as a Financial Advisor in West Des Moines. As a College Unit Director, she mentors and coaches her team of college interns. Lauren loves helping families bring clarity to their financial lives,...
Lauren Kerr started with Northwestern Mutual in 2011 as a part of Sparks Financial in Denver, CO. In 2016, she started as a Financial Advisor in West Des Moines. As a College Unit Director, she mentors and coaches her team of college interns. Lauren loves helping families bring clarity to their financial lives, and empowering other advisors and representatives to impact their clients as well. Lauren lives in Des Moines with her husband, Stephen and their two kids Reese and Ray.
Marissa Dombrowski began her career with Northwestern Mutual in 2012 through the internship program while attending Iowa State University. She is currently a Financial Advisor and College Unit Director, recruiting and developing for the internship program. Marissa is passionate about giving back and growing the...
Marissa Dombrowski began her career with Northwestern Mutual in 2012 through the internship program while attending Iowa State University. She is currently a Financial Advisor and College Unit Director, recruiting and developing for the internship program. Marissa is passionate about giving back and growing the program that gave her so much and started her track with Northwestern Mutual. Marissa currently lives in Des Moines with her husband and enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, camping, boating and attending Iowa State Football games.
Nick joined the firm in 2014 as a career changer. He had a coaching background & was immediately drawn to the leadership opportunities NM provides. Nick became a College Unit Director in January of 2016 & held that title until 2018, when he transitioned to a Growth & Development Director. Nick has had fun mentoring...
Nick joined the firm in 2014 as a career changer. He had a coaching background & was immediately drawn to the leadership opportunities NM provides. Nick became a College Unit Director in January of 2016 & held that title until 2018, when he transitioned to a Growth & Development Director. Nick has had fun mentoring & developing college students and watch them turn their internships into full-time careers.
Victoria Nelson
Vicki Nelson is the Director of Network Office Supervision for the Erhard Network Office. She has her Series 9, 10, 7 & 66 along with Life & Health licenses. Vicki joined the management team in 2015 and continues to lead the supervision team ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company...
Vicki Nelson is the Director of Network Office Supervision for the Erhard Network Office. She has her Series 9, 10, 7 & 66 along with Life & Health licenses. Vicki joined the management team in 2015 and continues to lead the supervision team ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company rules related to the sale and servicing of insurance and securities products. She lives in West Des Moines with her husband, Brett, and has two grown children. Vicki enjoys spending time with family and friends, biking, traveling, and volunteering as a track official for Drake Relays.
Logan Molina is a Financial Advisor & College Unit Director in West Des Moines, IA. He joined Northwestern Mutual as an intern in March of 2014 & became a full-time representative two years later. As a College Unit Director, Logan is responsible for recruiting, coaching & developing his team of college financial...
Logan Molina is a Financial Advisor & College Unit Director in West Des Moines, IA. He joined Northwestern Mutual as an intern in March of 2014 & became a full-time representative two years later. As a College Unit Director, Logan is responsible for recruiting, coaching & developing his team of college financial representatives. Logan lives in Norwalk, IA with his wife Scarlett & daughter Presleigh. Logan spends his free time golfing & keeping up with NCAA/World wrestling.