Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Springfield office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
Maralee Willis
Director of Finance
Maralee joined our team in May of 2006. She began her career with Northwestern Mutual as an Associate Financial Representative for one financial rep and then continued her education and training to become securities registered. Maralee stepped into the role of Financial Director in 2013. She is an asset to our...
Maralee joined our team in May of 2006. She began her career with Northwestern Mutual as an Associate Financial Representative for one financial rep and then continued her education and training to become securities registered. Maralee stepped into the role of Financial Director in 2013. She is an asset to our team as she coordinates all financial matters for our district office and financial representatives, helping to ensure thorough communication and promote wise use of funds. Maralee and her husband, Tyler, live near Greenview, Illinois and have two daughters and a son, Macie, Mollie and Luke. She is involved in the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, the Heartland FFA Alumni, and teaches Sunday School for 3-5 year olds at First Christian Church in Mason City. Maralee also enjoys working with Tyler on their family farm. Maralee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business.
Audra Johnson
Director of Operations
Audra Johnson joined the Springfield district team in March of 2011 as the Agency Assistant/Receptionist. she obtained her life and health insurance licenses to become an Associate Financial Representative in July of 2011. She now serves as the Director of Operations for the district, and has obtained her securities...
Audra Johnson joined the Springfield district team in March of 2011 as the Agency Assistant/Receptionist. she obtained her life and health insurance licenses to become an Associate Financial Representative in July of 2011. She now serves as the Director of Operations for the district, and has obtained her securities license. She was named the 2015 McClure Network Office "Staff Person of the Year." Audra graduated from Hannibal-LaGrange University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, as is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity Degree. She was drawn to a career with Northwestern Mutual because it is a solid company with lasting values and a tremendous opportunity for personal and professional growth. Audra is involved with Cherry Hills Baptist Church where she is very active in student ministries. She has also the author of a student devotional, with many more to come!
Katie Smith
Associate Financial Representative
Katie joined our team in December of 2017 as the front desk receptionist. Katie quickly obtained life and health insurance licensed in January 2018 and became the New Business Specialist. She enjoys her role of New Business Specialist by assisting Financial Representatives who are in their first 5 years as well...
Katie joined our team in December of 2017 as the front desk receptionist. Katie quickly obtained life and health insurance licensed in January 2018 and became the New Business Specialist. She enjoys her role of New Business Specialist by assisting Financial Representatives who are in their first 5 years as well as the Managing Director. In September of 2019 she became securities registered, allowing her to help the Financial Representatives with investment accounts. Katie started her career with Northwestern Mutual after 7 years in the banking industry. She resides in Springfield with her husband, Rodney, and son, RJ. Katie’s hobbies include spending time with her friends and family and shopping.
Stacie Croff
Associate Wealth Management Advisor
Stacie joined our team in July of 2018. She joined with her Series 7 and 63 and quickly obtained her life and health licenses. She is an asset to our team as she currently serves in opening investment accounts and investment related client servicing. Stacie came to us after 14 year of prior investment industry...
Stacie joined our team in July of 2018. She joined with her Series 7 and 63 and quickly obtained her life and health licenses. She is an asset to our team as she currently serves in opening investment accounts and investment related client servicing. Stacie came to us after 14 year of prior investment industry service. She and her husband, Bill, have a son and daughter, Ashton and Averie. She also enjoys traveling with her family. She volunteers at her daughter’s school any opportunity that she can.
Samantha Paulus
Director of Recruitment and Selection
Sami joined our team in September of 2017. She is critical to our mission of introducing this excellent career and company to others. Sami’s passionate about helping students on their journey toward successful careers, as well as their personal and professional development. Sami came to us after serving as...
Sami joined our team in September of 2017. She is critical to our mission of introducing this excellent career and company to others. Sami’s passionate about helping students on their journey toward successful careers, as well as their personal and professional development. Sami came to us after serving as the Communications Specialist and International Counselor in the admissions office of Lincoln College. She and her husband, Bret, have a two sons, Braxton and Callan. Her hobbies include fishing, canoeing, cookouts, shopping and spending time with family and friends. Sami holds an Associate degree from Lincoln College and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Illinois State University.
Regan Duffy
Campus Recruiter
Regan joined the Scheina District office in October of 2018 as the Operations Assistant working as our front desk receptionist. In September of 2018, she obtained her life and health insurance license to become an Associate Financial Representative. In November of 2019, Regan began to assist in our selection process...
Regan joined the Scheina District office in October of 2018 as the Operations Assistant working as our front desk receptionist. In September of 2018, she obtained her life and health insurance license to become an Associate Financial Representative. In November of 2019, Regan began to assist in our selection process for College Financial Representatives soon taking on the role of Campus Recruiter. Regan graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. With a background in the health field, she enjoys the change of pace in financial planning. In her free time, Regan loves to cook, run and practice yoga.
Eli began his career with Northwestern Mutual in November of 2014 as a College Financial Representative as a freshman in college. He served as the College Team Captain in 2016 and 2017. In December of 2017, he graduated from the University of Illinois-Springfield with a degree in Accounting. Shortly after, he...
Eli began his career with Northwestern Mutual in November of 2014 as a College Financial Representative as a freshman in college. He served as the College Team Captain in 2016 and 2017. In December of 2017, he graduated from the University of Illinois-Springfield with a degree in Accounting. Shortly after, he converted his internship contract to a full-time Financial Representative contract.