Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Lake Elmo office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
Sarah Walter began her career with Northwestern Mutual as a post grad in 2003 as a Financial Representative in Edina, MN. Sarah initially joined the Minneapolis Network office and Mark Heurung’s team in 2007 as the Director of Training and found her true passion in leadership, coaching, and development in this...
Sarah Walter began her career with Northwestern Mutual as a post grad in 2003 as a Financial Representative in Edina, MN. Sarah initially joined the Minneapolis Network office and Mark Heurung’s team in 2007 as the Director of Training and found her true passion in leadership, coaching, and development in this role. In the years that followed, Sarah became the Director of New Financial Representative Development and then the Development Officer. A trailblazer by nature, Sarah grew to become the Minneapolis Agency’s first ever Chief Growth Officer, supporting the work and needs of career advisors and their teams. In 2020, Sarah took another leap, she helps the leadership team drive results in recruiting, internship, advisor productivity, and leadership development. Sarah is excited and energized about her latest appointment as the Managing Director of the Lake Elmo district.
Debbie Blattner
Director of Operations
Debbie Blattner joined the Woodbury office of Northwestern Mutual in April 2004. As Director of Operations her primary focus is to oversee the office so that it is running smoothly and efficiently. Debbie is licensed in life, accident and health insurance. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Debbie worked for...
Debbie Blattner joined the Woodbury office of Northwestern Mutual in April 2004. As Director of Operations her primary focus is to oversee the office so that it is running smoothly and efficiently. Debbie is licensed in life, accident and health insurance. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Debbie worked for Cargill for 10 years. Debbie lives in Hastings with her husband Justin and their two children, Whitney and Luke. She enjoys being active outdoors and reading.
Prior to starting her career as a financial advisor, Baylee graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Environmental Education and Communication. She pursued a few career opportunities in the environmental science field in the years following...
Prior to starting her career as a financial advisor, Baylee graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Environmental Education and Communication. She pursued a few career opportunities in the environmental science field in the years following graduation, but decided that it wasn’t quite the right fit. She ultimately decided that she desired to build a business and began as a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual in March of 2020. If she is not spending time with her clients, she is helping to oversee the development of our college intern program. Outside of work, you can catch Baylee at her family’s lake house in Antigo, Wisconsin, taking a ride on the jetski with her niece. Otherwise, you can find her at any local country concert, singing her lungs out or helping mentor local high school and middle school youth in Stillwater area.
Julie Whittaker
Sales Execution Team Associate
Julie came to Northwestern Mutual from the real estate industry in 2022. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls in 2020 with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Outdoor Adventure Education, she spent some time working in title insurance before joining the Lake Elmo District...
Julie came to Northwestern Mutual from the real estate industry in 2022. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls in 2020 with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Outdoor Adventure Education, she spent some time working in title insurance before joining the Lake Elmo District Office as the SET Associate. When she’s not at work, Julie likes to spend her time outside hiking with her dog Rae, snowboarding, climbing, and camping, at her lake cabin in Alexandria, MN doing some fishing, or curled up with a good book.