Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Leawood office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
R. Philip Sarnecki
CLU®, ChFC®
Managing Partner
Philip started with Northwestern Mutual in 1989 as a college intern in the John Wright agency in Champaign, IL. In both 1990-91 and 1991-92 he was a Top 10 intern in the company. He and John Wright II captained the #1 Northwestern Mutual college team in the country (The University of Illinois) in 1990-91. Philip...
Philip started with Northwestern Mutual in 1989 as a college intern in the John Wright agency in Champaign, IL. In both 1990-91 and 1991-92 he was a Top 10 intern in the company. He and John Wright II captained the #1 Northwestern Mutual college team in the country (The University of Illinois) in 1990-91. Philip went full time in June of 1992 as a Financial Representative and College Unit Director after graduating from the University of Illinois.
Lesle Griessel, the first female Associate Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual strives to joyfully inspire and empower others. She began her career as an intern with NM, and has since trailblazed many paths including Internship Development Officer, Chief Recruiting Officer, Chief Development Officer and appointed...
Lesle Griessel, the first female Associate Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual strives to joyfully inspire and empower others. She began her career as an intern with NM, and has since trailblazed many paths including Internship Development Officer, Chief Recruiting Officer, Chief Development Officer and appointed one of the first Associate Managing Partners in the company. She holds the CLU and ChFC designations and series 6, 7, 26 and 63 licenses. She is a Certified Trainer and Certified Coach. She was selected to participate in the Women’s Leadership Study Group, and serves on the Women’s Market Advisory Board. She has been recognized as one of Kansas City’s 40 under 40 and serves on the University of Kansas’ Business School Finance Advisory Board. Lesle lives in Lee’s Summit with her husband, Matt Griessel, CLU, ChFC, CFP®, a Financial Advisor with NM and their two daughters. She enjoys running, yoga, and cheering on her daughters in soccer, or spending time outdoors with family
Brock is originally from Springfield, Missouri and graduated from Evangel University. He specializes in delivering a comprehensive plan and strategies that are unique and have elevated his clients experience. He is leader in the organization and helps to develop new Financial Advisors that are just beginning their...
Brock is originally from Springfield, Missouri and graduated from Evangel University. He specializes in delivering a comprehensive plan and strategies that are unique and have elevated his clients experience. He is leader in the organization and helps to develop new Financial Advisors that are just beginning their career. Together, him and his wife, Claire live in Lenexa and recently welcomed their first son to their family. When he is not meeting with people, he loves to play basketball, golf and enjoy family time.
Brent joined Northwestern Mutual in 2011 and has since received several awards throughout his career as a Financial Advisor. He is passionate about leadership and has held several leadership positions within the organization. After a strong track record of success in working with clientele, developing advisors...
Brent joined Northwestern Mutual in 2011 and has since received several awards throughout his career as a Financial Advisor. He is passionate about leadership and has held several leadership positions within the organization. After a strong track record of success in working with clientele, developing advisors and representatives within the organization, and recruiting, Brent was appointed Managing Director of the downtown Kansas City, MO office in 2019. Having grown up in a family of multi-generational business owners, his team’s focus is working with business owners, farmers, and high-income earners such as physicians and real estate professionals. Brent looks forward to having a greater impact in the Kansas City, MO area into the future. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, the outdoors, boating, travel, and cheering on the Royals and Chiefs!
Christian Kirk became the Managing Director of the Springfield Office on June 1st, 2019. Christian started his business with Northwestern Mutual in June of 2015. During his first year with the company he achieved Pacesetter first 40 and Pacesetter Second 60, a feat that only 2% of new Financial Representatives...
Christian Kirk became the Managing Director of the Springfield Office on June 1st, 2019. Christian started his business with Northwestern Mutual in June of 2015. During his first year with the company he achieved Pacesetter first 40 and Pacesetter Second 60, a feat that only 2% of new Financial Representatives achieve. After his first year Christian became the Springfield Office’s College Unit Director. Over the next two years while still maintaining and growing his clientele Christian recruited and developed over 90 Interns. In his last year of being a College Unit Director Christian finished as the #4 College Unit Director in the company while also coaching the #4 intern in the company. Christian and his team surround themselves with diverse individuals with the highest integrity and motivate them to accomplish goals they would have never thought were possible.
Joe Morris and his team have been serving clients for over 20 years. They work with affluent families all over the country. They help their clients define what financial success means to them. They work together to create a plan and most important to follow through on making that plan come to life.
Michael E. Geary, LUTCF joined Northwestern Mutual as the Managing Director in El Paso, TX in 2019. In his role, Michael is responsible for all facets of the district’s growth and development. With expertise in the advanced markets, business, and estate planning, Michael has established a successful track record...
Michael E. Geary, LUTCF joined Northwestern Mutual as the Managing Director in El Paso, TX in 2019. In his role, Michael is responsible for all facets of the district’s growth and development. With expertise in the advanced markets, business, and estate planning, Michael has established a successful track record for creating and building agencies, recruiting advisors, building training programs and driving performance and revenue. He has built award winning Agencies at John Hancock, MassMutual, Guardian Life, and Penn Mutual. Michael has garnered numerous industry recruiting, development, and production awards during his career. He is Series 7, 24, 65, and 63 licensed. He is an active supporter of the Special Olympics and Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well as being active in his Church and other local institutions. Michael and his wife, Rose, are the proud parents of four children. In addition to spending time with his family, Michael enjoys the outdoors, hiking, beach time, and Cinema.
In 2007 Nick started his career in financial advising with New York Life in Chicago, IL. He qualified for Executive Council in his first year, President’s council in his second year, and in 2008 Nick won the New York Life New Agent of the Year award, which is given to the advisor in their first three years in...
In 2007 Nick started his career in financial advising with New York Life in Chicago, IL. He qualified for Executive Council in his first year, President’s council in his second year, and in 2008 Nick won the New York Life New Agent of the Year award, which is given to the advisor in their first three years in the business that produces the most commission. In 2010 and 2011 Nick’s team earned the Gathering of Eagles award, which at the time was awarded to the top 20 new advisor teams in the country. After 5 years of independent advising Nick wanted to get back to a company that was dedicated to the growth and development of financial advisors. He was introduced to Philip Sarnecki and found strong alignment between what he wanted to build and the Northwestern Mutual mission. In 2020, Nick joined Northwestern Mutual as the Managing Director of the Albuquerque office.
As Chief Development Officer for Northwestern Mutual - Leawood, Carmen Allen does more than read sales reports and make projections. With more than 25 years' experience with Northwestern Mutual, she is passionate about ensuring all clients have the best experience possible. This has been Carmen's motivator in...
As Chief Development Officer for Northwestern Mutual - Leawood, Carmen Allen does more than read sales reports and make projections. With more than 25 years' experience with Northwestern Mutual, she is passionate about ensuring all clients have the best experience possible. This has been Carmen's motivator in her collaborations with Financial Advisors and has evolved through her various roles within the company. She provides strategic business solutions and innovative ideas across Kansas, Western Missouri, Arizona, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas to facilitate business growth and helps advisors maximize their potential. Carmen is also a professional growth mentor and coach with Northwestern Mutual. She is from the southern Kentucky area where she attended Georgetown College with a major in political science. Her greatest accomplishment is her 26-year marriage with her husband, Curt and together raising their five children.
Jill White
CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Jill graduated magna cum laude in 1992 from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. She then earned a Master of Science degree in Accounting from Illinois State University in 2002. Jill successfully passed the CPA exam on the first attempt with a score placing her in the top 25 in the...
Jill graduated magna cum laude in 1992 from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. She then earned a Master of Science degree in Accounting from Illinois State University in 2002. Jill successfully passed the CPA exam on the first attempt with a score placing her in the top 25 in the State of Illinois. Jill began her career as a high school math teacher in central Illinois. After passing her CPA exam, she and her husband, Brad, opened an accounting services firm doing payroll, tax preparation, and bookkeeping for many financial representatives and other clients. She began working for Philip Sarnecki at his district network office in Normal, IL in 2003 and then accepted the position as Chief Financial Officer with his network office in Cincinnati, OH in 2005. In 2008, she made the move to his network office in Kansas as Chief Financial Officer.
Darla Goodrich
J.D., CLU®, CFP®, CASL®, RICP®
Chief Supervision Officer
Darla has been in the securities and insurance industry for over 35 years. Initially, she was a registered rep for 9 years and has been in compliance and regulatory for 26 years. Darla has been a Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for 2 broker/dealers and President and Chief Compliance Officer for an...
Darla has been in the securities and insurance industry for over 35 years. Initially, she was a registered rep for 9 years and has been in compliance and regulatory for 26 years. Darla has been a Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for 2 broker/dealers and President and Chief Compliance Officer for an additional broker/dealer. She has been an associate examiner with FINRA, an expert witness in securities arbitration cases, and a FINRA Chairperson and Arbitrator. Darla received a Juris Doctorate from Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas. Darla received her Bachelor of Science degree with Professional Honors from Bellevue University, Bellevue, Nebraska. Darla currently holds a bar license in Kansas & Nebraska. She currently has FINRA securities licenses 4, 7, 24, 27, 53, 63, and 65 in addition to the life, health, and variable annuities licenses. Darla has passed, but does not currently hold, the Series 6 and 55.
Kim Schumacher is the Director of New Financial Representative Development. Kim started her career with Northwestern Mutual in 2000 and has held progressive leadership roles in her tenure. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Family & Consumer Sciences, Early Childhood Education, and Psychology from Pittsburg...
Kim Schumacher is the Director of New Financial Representative Development. Kim started her career with Northwestern Mutual in 2000 and has held progressive leadership roles in her tenure. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Family & Consumer Sciences, Early Childhood Education, and Psychology from Pittsburg State University. Kim began with NM as a Technology Coordinator. She was honored to pilot the Technology Coach program which is now a nationwide program. During this tenure, she spoke at the Annual Meeting, Home Office Clinics, and has been part of Home Office Technology Advisory Committees. Kim has overseen training and has been the Director of Development at the Network Office. Her expanded role supports the AMP's and MD's while working with Directors of Development in the 3 territories. Kim is a Certified Trainer and Coach with NM, and holds her Life and Health, Series 6 and 63 licenses. Kim lives in Olathe, KS with her husband and son. They enjoy being outdoors as a family
Brooke Rosel
Chief Operating Officer
Brooke Rosel began her career with Northwestern Mutual, RPS Financial Group, Inc. in 2008. She has held a variety of roles within the Network Office which include, Director of New Business, Contract, License and Registrations Manager as well as the Director of Operations for the Kansas City District. In 2017 she...
Brooke Rosel began her career with Northwestern Mutual, RPS Financial Group, Inc. in 2008. She has held a variety of roles within the Network Office which include, Director of New Business, Contract, License and Registrations Manager as well as the Director of Operations for the Kansas City District. In 2017 she became the Director of Operations, overseeing the Network Office operations, Human Resources, developing and sustaining the associate financial representative training program as well as collaborating with each District Network Office manager. Most recently in 2022 she was promoted to the Chief Operating Officer position. In this position, Brooke participates in the strategic planning and infrastructure of the Network Office. She works closely with the Client Relations Center and oversees the Human Resources department, Contract and Licensing, Welcome Director and the Technology Program. Brooke also spearheaded and continues to lead the local Diversity and Inclusion Council.
Kevin Farrell
Chief Growth Officer
Kevin Farrell is an accomplished executive leader with more than 25 years of experience in diverse leadership and advising roles within the financial services industry. His expertise is extensive with regards to setting strategy and vision, steering national growth through recruiting and advisor coaching, strengthening...
Kevin Farrell is an accomplished executive leader with more than 25 years of experience in diverse leadership and advising roles within the financial services industry. His expertise is extensive with regards to setting strategy and vision, steering national growth through recruiting and advisor coaching, strengthening leadership development ideals, and driving organizational efficiencies to ensure achievement of goals.
