Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Downers Grove office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
Ryan Kramer
CLU®, ChFC®, CLF®
Managing Partner
Ryan began his career with Northwestern Mutual as a college intern in 1997. In the spring of 1998. he graduated with a B.S. in Marketing from Illinois State University. Throughout his time at Northwestern Mutual, Ryan has held roles in each level of the leadership track, gaining rich experience at every capacity...
Ryan began his career with Northwestern Mutual as a college intern in 1997. In the spring of 1998. he graduated with a B.S. in Marketing from Illinois State University. Throughout his time at Northwestern Mutual, Ryan has held roles in each level of the leadership track, gaining rich experience at every capacity of the business. On June 1st, 2015, Ryan became the Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland. Ryan lives in Elmhurst, IL with his wife, Jennifer and three children, Kasen, Kinsley, and Kadence. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, and giving back to his community.
Kris is Chief Development Officer and District Director for Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland. Prior to that, Kris spent over 12 years working in Northwestern Mutual's Home Office in Milwaukee. Kris' mission is to help each individual person achieve their personal and professional goals. He received a Bachelor of...
Kris is Chief Development Officer and District Director for Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland. Prior to that, Kris spent over 12 years working in Northwestern Mutual's Home Office in Milwaukee. Kris' mission is to help each individual person achieve their personal and professional goals. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with emphasis on Finance from Marquette University in 2002 and currently resides in Wheaton, IL.
Scott began his career with Northwestern Mutual as a college representative in 1984 while attending ISU. After graduating with a B.S. Degree in Marketing, he joined full time and in 1987 became the Managing Director in Schaumburg. Scott has two adult children, Megan and Matt. Besides spending time with family,...
Scott began his career with Northwestern Mutual as a college representative in 1984 while attending ISU. After graduating with a B.S. Degree in Marketing, he joined full time and in 1987 became the Managing Director in Schaumburg. Scott has two adult children, Megan and Matt. Besides spending time with family, Scott enjoys golf and travel.
In 2001, Trent began his career as a College Financial Representative while attending the University of Northern Iowa. He graduated in 2002 with a BS in Finance and moved to Chicagoland to begin his full-time career as a Financial Representative. Trent’s vision is to maintain a balance of impacting lives through...
In 2001, Trent began his career as a College Financial Representative while attending the University of Northern Iowa. He graduated in 2002 with a BS in Finance and moved to Chicagoland to begin his full-time career as a Financial Representative. Trent’s vision is to maintain a balance of impacting lives through his own practice, while consistently bringing in new talent to represent the company and community that we serve. Trent is married to Shea and they reside in Park Ridge, IL with their three daughters, Reece, Claire, and Lauren. They are avid golfers, boaters, and travelers.
Jason is a proud Chicagoan and Illinois State University grad, husband and dad to 2 boys. his mission is to help individuals, families, and business owners achieve financial security. He aims to become a trusted professional to his clients and live at the center of their lives. Jason's promise is to always do...
Jason is a proud Chicagoan and Illinois State University grad, husband and dad to 2 boys. his mission is to help individuals, families, and business owners achieve financial security. He aims to become a trusted professional to his clients and live at the center of their lives. Jason's promise is to always do the right thing and live with no regrets while impacting people’s lives.
Richard Horner
Director of Strategic Development
As the Director of Strategic Development, Rich partners with veteran advisor teams to advance their business, refine their strategy, and implement tactics for long-term success.
Lori Ham
CMP
Chief Marketing Officer
Lori has worked with Northwestern Mutual for over 20 years. During her tenure, she has held a variety of roles: Human Resources, Marketing, Events, and Philanthropy. She is passionate about our unique planning process, our firm's culture, and the impact we have in the community. As part of her volunteer efforts,...
Lori has worked with Northwestern Mutual for over 20 years. During her tenure, she has held a variety of roles: Human Resources, Marketing, Events, and Philanthropy. She is passionate about our unique planning process, our firm's culture, and the impact we have in the community. As part of her volunteer efforts, she is involved with the following charitable organizations: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Feed My Starving Children and Ready, Set, Ride. Lori is a proud wife to John and mother to Julia and Brianna.
Anna Nelis
Chief Supervision Officer
Anna navigates the regulatory landscape by creating supervision awareness, promoting growth, building relationships, and providing guidance with an emphasis on risk management.
Rebecca Eilers
Chief of Staff
As Chief of staff, Rebecca leads and manages the accountability of EOS process and executes special projects for our four Chicagoland offices. Ultimately, her goal is to ensure smooth operations within our firm to aide in the growth and success of advisors and teams. Rebecca graduated from the University of Illinois...
As Chief of staff, Rebecca leads and manages the accountability of EOS process and executes special projects for our four Chicagoland offices. Ultimately, her goal is to ensure smooth operations within our firm to aide in the growth and success of advisors and teams. Rebecca graduated from the University of Illinois in 2015 and began her career in both retail and third party staffing, which lead to her competitive drive and love for recruiting. She currently lives in Lincoln Park and on the weekends you can find her exploring the city with friends.
Rebecca Feeley
Executive Director of Recruitment
Becky is the Executive Director of Recruitment for the Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland network. She oversees the alignment of the recruiting process, recruiter development and candidate experience. Her passion for making an impact in people’s lives drives her to guide others to find their purpose. Becky is native...
Becky is the Executive Director of Recruitment for the Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland network. She oversees the alignment of the recruiting process, recruiter development and candidate experience. Her passion for making an impact in people’s lives drives her to guide others to find their purpose. Becky is native to the Chicagoland area, where she lives with her husband, twin boys, and daughter. In her free time, she likes to attend sporting events and is part of the Peloton community.
Kimberly Hargis
Director of Internship Development
As the Director of Internship Development, Kim’s mission is to coach and lead students during their Financial Representative Internship. Ultimately her goal is to impact the community through service and leadership. Kim plays an integral role in developing the next generation of leaders at Northwestern Mutual...
As the Director of Internship Development, Kim’s mission is to coach and lead students during their Financial Representative Internship. Ultimately her goal is to impact the community through service and leadership. Kim plays an integral role in developing the next generation of leaders at Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland. She has a passion for helping students grow personally and professionally by instilling our core values of abundance, integrity, loyalty, growth, and culture. Kim attended the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, where she received her Bachelors In Education and Human Services. In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts and Broadway musicals as well as traveling and trying new restaurants.
Agnes Janisch
Recruitment Coordinator
Agnes is a key player in our recruitment process. She oversees the firm reporting and tracking to ensure recruiters are aligned with our goals for growth and impact.
Daniel Witthouse
Director of Training
Dan is instrumental in the onboarding of representatives joining our firm. He helps acclimate them to their new role in financial services. He is also active in the reporting of data to ensure they are staying on track to reach their goals.
Octavia Morton
Director of Development
Octavia oversees the productivity processes, development curriculum, and milestones of advisors. She acts as a mentor and captain for representatives as they learn to effectively manage their business.
Devon Hempe
Professional Growth Mentor
Devon works alongside leaders and representatives to ensure they are on the path to growth and success. She also operates as the Chief of Staff to the District Director of the Downers Grove office, Kris Plog.
Eric is a Field Director and Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland. In his role on the leadership team, Eric aids in the growth, and development of financial representatives. Eric is a proud husband to Cathy and father to his sons, Aiden and Anderson. He currently resides in the suburbs of Chicago...
Eric is a Field Director and Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland. In his role on the leadership team, Eric aids in the growth, and development of financial representatives. Eric is a proud husband to Cathy and father to his sons, Aiden and Anderson. He currently resides in the suburbs of Chicago with his family. Eric is also fluent in Korean and participates in Korean networking groups.
Luke impacts our firm in two ways: providing financial security to his clients and is a Field Director on our leadership team.
Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Nick has an immense pride in where he came from. He is a retired Division 1 college baseball player who applies his determination and hard-working demeanor to his practice and team of reps. Nick's mission is to give everyone he works with the freedom to do what they want...
Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Nick has an immense pride in where he came from. He is a retired Division 1 college baseball player who applies his determination and hard-working demeanor to his practice and team of reps. Nick's mission is to give everyone he works with the freedom to do what they want with their life.