Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Baton Rouge office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
As Managing Director for the Greater Baton Rouge area, Ben has proven success in leading advisors through strategic planning, relationship management, and problem-solving. There are few careers where you can leverage your skills and talents to bring substantial joy, confidence, and peace of mind to your clients...
As Managing Director for the Greater Baton Rouge area, Ben has proven success in leading advisors through strategic planning, relationship management, and problem-solving. There are few careers where you can leverage your skills and talents to bring substantial joy, confidence, and peace of mind to your clients while creating significant freedom and opportunity for your family and your team. Ben is not only blessed to be in that career himself but also has the unique opportunity to invite others to do the same.
In addition to being an advisor, Gustavo is responsible for growing a team of like-minded individuals to be successful Financial Representatives for our firm. He works diligently to mentor new representatives as they build their businesses. Balancing both of his roles he has been given a fantastic opportunity...
In addition to being an advisor, Gustavo is responsible for growing a team of like-minded individuals to be successful Financial Representatives for our firm. He works diligently to mentor new representatives as they build their businesses. Balancing both of his roles he has been given a fantastic opportunity to help more people than he ever imagined.
Taylor works to mentor new representatives as they build their businesses. In addition to being an advisor, he is responsible for growing a team of like-minded individuals to be successful Financial Representatives for our firm.
Kiley Huggins
Director of New Financial Advisor Support
Kiley Huggins is a dynamic professional specializing in New Representative Business and Development. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from LSU in 2020, transitioning from her hometown of Monroe, LA to make Baton Rouge her permanent home. Joining NM as an intern in 2020, Kiley's multifaceted...
Kiley Huggins is a dynamic professional specializing in New Representative Business and Development. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from LSU in 2020, transitioning from her hometown of Monroe, LA to make Baton Rouge her permanent home. Joining NM as an intern in 2020, Kiley's multifaceted role involves contributing to business and development efforts for new advisors in the Baton Rouge office. Her dedication and comprehensive skill set make her an invaluable asset to the team.
Bret Pinson
Strategic Recruiting Specialist
Bret Pinson is our Strategic Recruiting Specialist who brings a wealth of expertise to our team. With a dedicated focus on recruiting exceptional individuals from our community, Bret plays a pivotal role in identifying those who are eager to make a positive difference in people's lives. Bret is dedicated to building...
Bret Pinson is our Strategic Recruiting Specialist who brings a wealth of expertise to our team. With a dedicated focus on recruiting exceptional individuals from our community, Bret plays a pivotal role in identifying those who are eager to make a positive difference in people's lives. Bret is dedicated to building strong and lasting relationships, and forging meaningful connections beyond recruitment. With his dedication and passion, Bret contributes significantly to our collective success.
Madison Welch
Internship Coordinator
Madison Welch, a dedicated professional with teaching and talent development expertise, holds a bachelor's degree from LSU (2019) and a master's in the Art of Teaching (2020) with certifications in Reading and English as a Second Language. After three and a half years in elementary education, she transitioned...
Madison Welch, a dedicated professional with teaching and talent development expertise, holds a bachelor's degree from LSU (2019) and a master's in the Art of Teaching (2020) with certifications in Reading and English as a Second Language. After three and a half years in elementary education, she transitioned to the role of Campus Recruiter in January 2023. In this dual role, she leads campus recruitment and coordinates the internship program alongside her husband, Grant, who serves as the Internship Director. Madison also manages intern on-boarding, focusing on preparing students for professional success and post-college life. Her year-long efforts have revitalized the internship program, shaping students into responsible professionals.
Tara Kojis
Director of Client Experience
Grant Welch
College Operations Associate
Katy Simpson
Chief Marketing Officer
Katy has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2015 and is the Chief Marketing Officer for Louisiana and Mississippi. She has always had a passion for enhancing the client experience and for developing tools that demonstrate the value a firm brings. In her role with our firm, Katy handles all of our digital marketing,...
Katy has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2015 and is the Chief Marketing Officer for Louisiana and Mississippi. She has always had a passion for enhancing the client experience and for developing tools that demonstrate the value a firm brings. In her role with our firm, Katy handles all of our digital marketing, social media, client materials and ensures our firm's brand is in alignment with our mission, values, and vision.
Fant Ball
CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Bill is a native of New Iberia, LA and graduated from University of Louisiana - Lafayette with a major in Accounting. He joined Northwestern Mutual in November 2015. Prior to joining the company, he worked closely with privately held companies and individuals in his role in the tax department at a regional CPA...
Bill is a native of New Iberia, LA and graduated from University of Louisiana - Lafayette with a major in Accounting. He joined Northwestern Mutual in November 2015. Prior to joining the company, he worked closely with privately held companies and individuals in his role in the tax department at a regional CPA firm. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Society of Louisiana CPAs. As the CFO, Bill works closely with the Managing Partner and Managing Directors to develop and execute strategic plans, identify growth opportunities, and optimize financial outcomes. He provides leadership to the finance team, ensuring a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and accountability. Additionally, he works with financial representatives to understand the many components of compensation and assists them on evaluating profitability within their practices.
Kristinia Dupuy
Chief Supervision Officer
Kristinia Dupuy has worked for Northwestern Mutual Louisiana/Mississippi for 17 years and holds the Chief Supervision Officer position for the firm. She is originally from the upstate New York but after graduating with a BA in Management from the University of New Orleans in 2006 she set up roots in Metairie,...
Kristinia Dupuy has worked for Northwestern Mutual Louisiana/Mississippi for 17 years and holds the Chief Supervision Officer position for the firm. She is originally from the upstate New York but after graduating with a BA in Management from the University of New Orleans in 2006 she set up roots in Metairie, Louisiana. In her role as CSO she works closely with financial advisors & staff to ensure the best interest of our clients are put first along with the implementation, training, and oversight of policies & procedures of our company and regulatory entities.