Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Grand Rapids office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
Brian Dierks
CLU®, CLTC®
Managing Partner
Joe Dierks is Managing Partner of the Network Office in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Northwestern Mutual of West Michigan currently has 57 advisors and representatives with district offices Portage, Grand Haven, and Traverse City. Joe attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and joined Northwestern Mutual in January...
Joe Dierks is Managing Partner of the Network Office in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Northwestern Mutual of West Michigan currently has 57 advisors and representatives with district offices Portage, Grand Haven, and Traverse City. Joe attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and joined Northwestern Mutual in January 2001 as a college intern. After graduating with a degree in Business Administration, Joe became a full-time Financial Representative in June 2001. In October 2002, Joe took his first leadership contract as a College Unit Director. In April of 2004, Joe moved to Omaha with his new managing partner (Mike Tews) to start a college program from scratch in the network office. At the network office, Joe built a team of interns then moved to a Field Director contract in January 2007, an RFD in 2008, and a DD in 2009. In October of 2010, Joe moved back to Lincoln to become the Managing Director of the Lincoln office.
Ryan is a Financial Advisor, and the Managing Director at Northwestern Mutual in Grand Haven, Michigan. He is an alumnus of Western Michigan University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sales & Business Marketing (B.B.A.). Ryan began his career with Northwestern Mutual in 2008 and earned his Certified...
Ryan is a Financial Advisor, and the Managing Director at Northwestern Mutual in Grand Haven, Michigan. He is an alumnus of Western Michigan University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sales & Business Marketing (B.B.A.). Ryan began his career with Northwestern Mutual in 2008 and earned his Certified in Long Term Care (CLTC) professional designation in 2015.
Sharon is a Financial Advisor, and the Managing Director at Northwestern Mutual in Portage, Michigan. Sharon attended Western Michigan University. Sharon began her career with Northwestern Mutual in 2006. She has earned Pacesetter 1st 40, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum honors with the company. Sharon is married...
Sharon is a Financial Advisor, and the Managing Director at Northwestern Mutual in Portage, Michigan. Sharon attended Western Michigan University. Sharon began her career with Northwestern Mutual in 2006. She has earned Pacesetter 1st 40, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum honors with the company. Sharon is married to Mike and they live in Portage with their four wonderful children.
After 20 years in the golf and development business in Northern Michigan, Mike decided to utilize his Business Finance education from Michigan State University and became a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual in 2005. Mike has been a client of Northwestern Mutual for many years, and as a Financial Advisor...
After 20 years in the golf and development business in Northern Michigan, Mike decided to utilize his Business Finance education from Michigan State University and became a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual in 2005. Mike has been a client of Northwestern Mutual for many years, and as a Financial Advisor himself, he is striving to deliver the same client satisfaction that he has experienced.
Holland, MI native and Michigan State Alumni traveling across the state to service clients! Contact me, I'd love to meet and help you in any way possible!
My mission is to empower and energize my clients to achieve financial security by building lasting relationships built on high Christian values, integrity and holistic planning. This begins with a comprehensive discovery process, followed by personalized recommendation using both insurance and investment products,...
My mission is to empower and energize my clients to achieve financial security by building lasting relationships built on high Christian values, integrity and holistic planning. This begins with a comprehensive discovery process, followed by personalized recommendation using both insurance and investment products, all of which is updated annually with each client and backed by Northwestern Mutual.
My mission is to build a financial planning practice based on TRUST and RELIABILITY. I provide comprehensive financial planning for the energetic people who see the importance of moving forward with their dreams. My team and I work to build a plan that suites every need for the client, from protecting their loved...
My mission is to build a financial planning practice based on TRUST and RELIABILITY. I provide comprehensive financial planning for the energetic people who see the importance of moving forward with their dreams. My team and I work to build a plan that suites every need for the client, from protecting their loved ones to accumulating wealth.
Christina Lawrence
Director of Internship Development
Melissa Naber
Director of Operations
Lynn Clay
Director of Supervision
Killeen Dillon
Centralized Financial Security Director
Julie Cooper
Director of Client Relations
Brian Howard
Associate Director of Supervision
Abigail Spica
Director of Recruitment and Selection
Leanne McWain
Director of Campus Selection
Kasey Durham
Welcome Director