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
Aaron achieved Northwestern Mutual Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum awards in his first four years. He is a multiple 100 lives candidate, MDRT, and Lives Leader Summit qualifier. In 2011 he achieved the OARS (Outstanding Achievement in Recruiting and Sales) Award, which is given to the top 5% of Managing Directors...
Aaron achieved Northwestern Mutual Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum awards in his first four years. He is a multiple 100 lives candidate, MDRT, and Lives Leader Summit qualifier. In 2011 he achieved the OARS (Outstanding Achievement in Recruiting and Sales) Award, which is given to the top 5% of Managing Directors for performance in Rep Development and Personal Production. He also received the DNO Growth Award in 2009 through 2012. Aaron is currently in the Northwestern Emerging Leaders Program for Managing Partner development. In his personal practice Aaron uses a planning platform and primarily specializes in physician and small business owner markets. He is a mentor at the Loch Lloyd Country Club. He is married to Lindsay and they have two children.
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!
Originally from Boston, MA. Paul is a 1999 graduate of Davidson College. While attending Davidson, Paul was a scholarship member of the varsity tennis team. Paul began his career with Northwestern Mutual immediately following graduation. In his first 3 years as a financial representative Paul qualified for...
Originally from Boston, MA. Paul is a 1999 graduate of Davidson College. While attending Davidson, Paul was a scholarship member of the varsity tennis team. Paul began his career with Northwestern Mutual immediately following graduation. In his first 3 years as a financial representative Paul qualified for the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. In 2003 Paul was the office New Financial Representative of the Year. In addition to his role as a FR, Paul began mentoring and coaching new FR’s as a Field Director and has been a member of the office Leadership Development Group (LEAD) since 2004. In 2010 Paul qualified for the company’s inaugural Lives Leader’s Summit.
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 almost 15 years. They work with affluent and emerging affluent families all over the country, with a focus in the Gilbert and Chandler areas. They help their clients define what financial success means to them. They work together to create a plan and most...
Joe Morris and his team have been serving clients for almost 15 years. They work with affluent and emerging affluent families all over the country, with a focus in the Gilbert and Chandler areas. 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.
As Chief Growth and Strategy 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...
As Chief Growth and Strategy 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 Certified 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.
D. Duane Bartlett is the Chief Development Officer for our organization, and he brings over 25 years of industry experience. He is a past Managing Partner where he ran one of the largest financial firms in the U.S. Duane holds his CLU designation, as well as Series 6,63, 65, 7 and 24 Securities registrations....
D. Duane Bartlett is the Chief Development Officer for our organization, and he brings over 25 years of industry experience. He is a past Managing Partner where he ran one of the largest financial firms in the U.S. Duane holds his CLU designation, as well as Series 6,63, 65, 7 and 24 Securities registrations. Duane is driven by his passion to be a builder of men and women who will become the next generation of leaders when he steps away from the working world. He is a Certified Enneagram and Life Coach leading others to greater levels of self-awareness, emotional intelligence and confidence. Duane attended the University of Missouri - Columbia and holds a degree in Economics. Duane and his wife Christina live in Leawood, KS. They have six children and six grandchildren. Duane and Christina are very involved in their community, serving several organizations. Duane has received multiple industry awards in his career, but what he is most excited about is what he will do next.
Kim Schumacher
Director of New Financial Representative Development
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
Director of Operations
Brooke Rosel began her career with Northwestern Mutual RPS Financial Group in 2008. She has held a variety of roles within the Network Office during her tenure which include New Business Processor, Director of New Business and Contract, License and Registrations Manager. She also worked closely with the Leadership...
Brooke Rosel began her career with Northwestern Mutual RPS Financial Group in 2008. She has held a variety of roles within the Network Office during her tenure which include New Business Processor, Director of New Business and Contract, License and Registrations Manager. She also worked closely with the Leadership Team and College Financial Representative program. In 2015, Brooke accepted the Director of Operations role for the Kansas City District Network Office, where she was a member of the leadership team, working closely with the Managing Director, Aaron Tanner, College Unit Directors and the Director of Campus Recruiting. The Tanner District Network Office Intern Unit ranked #1 out of all Network District Office's in the company her first full year with the office.