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.
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.
Peggy McCarthy Havenar joined Northwestern Mutual in November 1998. She started her career in Schaumburg IL as the Director of Recruitment. After spending some time working for the home office and an office in Pittsburgh, she transitioned back to Chicagoland in August of 2019 as our District Director in Downers...
Peggy McCarthy Havenar joined Northwestern Mutual in November 1998. She started her career in Schaumburg IL as the Director of Recruitment. After spending some time working for the home office and an office in Pittsburgh, she transitioned back to Chicagoland in August of 2019 as our District Director in Downers Grove. She resides in LaGrange IL, with her husband, Marty and her daughter, Colleen. Outside of Northwestern Mutual, Peggy enjoys spending time with her family. She volunteers as her daughter's cheerleading coach through St. Cletus Parish & LFC Cheer.
As one of two District Directors in our Downers Grove Office, Eric Yu is a driver of the culture and values at our firm. He leads the recruitment, 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...
As one of two District Directors in our Downers Grove Office, Eric Yu is a driver of the culture and values at our firm. He leads the recruitment, 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.
I am a proud Chicagoan and Illinois State University grad, married with 2 boys. My mission is to help individuals, families, and business owners to achieve financial security. I aim to become a trusted professional to my clients and live at the center of their lives. My promise is to always do the right thing...
I am a proud Chicagoan and Illinois State University grad, married with 2 boys. My mission is to help individuals, families, and business owners to achieve financial security. I aim to become a trusted professional to my clients and live at the center of their lives. My promise is to always do the right thing and live with no regrets while impacting people’s lives.
In January of 2020, Kris began his role as the Chief Development Officer 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...
In January of 2020, Kris began his role as the Chief Development Officer 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.
Frank Ribaudo
Chief Financial Officer
Frank took the role of Chief Operating and Chief Financial Officer of Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland in 2012. He oversees all operations and logistics for the four offices within our Network. Frank is a practical, data driven and down to earth leader with a passion for success. Frank resides in Naperville, Illinois...
Frank took the role of Chief Operating and Chief Financial Officer of Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland in 2012. He oversees all operations and logistics for the four offices within our Network. Frank is a practical, data driven and down to earth leader with a passion for success. Frank resides in Naperville, Illinois with his wife, Cheryl, and two sons, Nicholas and Jeffrey.
Lori Ham
CMP
Director of Events and Philanthropy
Lori has worked with Northwestern Mutual for the past 19 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 the past 19 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 Loaves & Fishes. Lori is a proud wife to John and mother to Julia and Brianna.
Anna Nelis
Director of Supervision
Erik Krueger
Director of Financial Planning
Allyson Czadowski
Training Coordinator
Field Director
Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, I have an immense pride in where I came from. I am a retired Division 1 college baseball player who applies my determination and hard-working demeanor to my practice. Now, I'm attacking the issues that are relevant to so many people. My mission is to impact every single...
Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, I have an immense pride in where I came from. I am a retired Division 1 college baseball player who applies my determination and hard-working demeanor to my practice. Now, I'm attacking the issues that are relevant to so many people. My mission is to impact every single person I sit down with to achieve their life plan.
Devon Hempe
Executive Director of Recruitment
Melissa Zeman
Director of Recruitment
As the Director of Recruitment with our Chicago office, Melissa spends her days networking, sourcing, and speaking with business-minded self-starters who personally align with our mission and values. She also focuses her efforts on building a strong community of supporters and influencers who can help drive our...
As the Director of Recruitment with our Chicago office, Melissa spends her days networking, sourcing, and speaking with business-minded self-starters who personally align with our mission and values. She also focuses her efforts on building a strong community of supporters and influencers who can help drive our mission. From food to fashion to finance, Melissa has grown her career through relationship building and assisting others in finding success. With experience as an educator, a marketer, a stylist and now a recruiter, she has become a career coach when speaking to candidates, helping each learn their strongest skills and goals. Melissa was honored as Recruiter of the Year in 2018 and plans to continue her achievements by building an office with a growth mindset.
Bailey Carrabotta
Director of Recruitment
As the Director of Recruitment, Bailey’s mission is to recruit and develop hardworking & self-motivated financial advisors for our Naperville office. Our advisors serve their clients and communities through building integrated financial advising practices. Bailey works to ensure that this role is truly a mutual...
As the Director of Recruitment, Bailey’s mission is to recruit and develop hardworking & self-motivated financial advisors for our Naperville office. Our advisors serve their clients and communities through building integrated financial advising practices. Bailey works to ensure that this role is truly a mutual fit, by getting to know each candidate on both a personal and professional level. Because culture and community is so important to Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland, she will introduce you to all aspects of our firm throughout the process. Bailey enjoys staying active, spending time with family and friends, and planning events and trips. She graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2015 and lives in Naperville, IL with her husband Brian, and their dog, Nike.
Jacki Struif
Director of Recruitment
As the Director of Recruitment for the Schaumburg office, Jacki introduces career opportunities in financial advising, and guides candidates through our selection process. She serves as a guide and resource throughout, and counsels each candidate to learn what opportunities fit their goals best. Our financial...
As the Director of Recruitment for the Schaumburg office, Jacki introduces career opportunities in financial advising, and guides candidates through our selection process. She serves as a guide and resource throughout, and counsels each candidate to learn what opportunities fit their goals best. Our financial advisor career allows for both growth and achievement on a personal & professional level. Jacki graduated from University of Illinois Chicago with a BA in Theater Performance. She's married to her high school sweetheart, Tylr. Together, they have three sons, Emmitt, Layne, and Jude. She spends her spare time singing, binge-watching Netflix, and making memories with friends and family.
Laura Menolascino
Director of Recruitment
As a Recruiter for Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland, Laura oversees the selection process for financial representative candidates. She aims to connect with business minded, self-starting and entrepreneurial professionals. By introducing our firm and culture, she is able to showcase the values we live by here at...
As a Recruiter for Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland, Laura oversees the selection process for financial representative candidates. She aims to connect with business minded, self-starting and entrepreneurial professionals. By introducing our firm and culture, she is able to showcase the values we live by here at Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland. Laura then helps these individuals identify their goals to find their best career fit. Laura graduated from Western Illinois University with a BS in Fashion Merchandising. She is Mom to two energetic boys, Joey and Luca, a self-proclaimed foodie & yoga enthusiast. Laura enjoys staying active and being outdoors.
Michelle Norton
Director of Recruitment
For Michelle, recruiting goes beyond helping you make your next career move. She aims to learn your story and discover your skillset; ultimately equipping you to make a career decision that is best for you. Our firm’s values are abundance, integrity, loyalty, growth, and culture. Here at Northwestern Mutual...
For Michelle, recruiting goes beyond helping you make your next career move. She aims to learn your story and discover your skillset; ultimately equipping you to make a career decision that is best for you. Our firm’s values are abundance, integrity, loyalty, growth, and culture. Here at Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland, we always aim to live by these; both in and out of the office. Michelle will introduce you to our culture to give you a feel for what it’s like to be a part of our NM family. She graduated with a B.A. in Communication Arts & Psychology from North Park University in 2018. This background allows her to help council and steer you in a direction that corresponds with your career aspirations. Michelle enjoys staying active. In her free time, she loves to dance and skates for the Chicago Blackhawks Ice Crew.
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.
Rebecca Eilers
Internship Director
As the Director of Internship Recruitment, Rebecca oversees all activities related to sourcing top talent throughout Chicagoland. Her mission is to build relationships on campus and help young professionals gain real-world experience. Ultimately, Rebecca's goal is to guide students as they decide to make their...
As the Director of Internship Recruitment, Rebecca oversees all activities related to sourcing top talent throughout Chicagoland. Her mission is to build relationships on campus and help young professionals gain real-world experience. Ultimately, Rebecca's goal is to guide students as they decide to make their transition from the classroom to the workplace. She helps them identify their career goals to determine if our internship program is the best mutual fit. 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.