Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Princeton office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
John Ruhl
CLTC®
Managing Partner
John was drawn to Northwestern Mutual because he saw the company has held strong to its values for over 160 years, and he wanted to be associated with an organization that delivers comprehensive financial planning. He enjoys being at the center of his client's financial lives and takes initiative to do what is...
John was drawn to Northwestern Mutual because he saw the company has held strong to its values for over 160 years, and he wanted to be associated with an organization that delivers comprehensive financial planning. He enjoys being at the center of his client's financial lives and takes initiative to do what is best for his clients. John is currently the Managing Partner for the Princeton Network Office. As Managing Partner, he is responsible for leading and supporting our team of advisors, representatives, specialists, and staff to deliver financial security throughout our communities. What John enjoys most about Northwestern Mutual is an inclusive culture with a collaborative environment that allows members to strive to be the best that they can be at their crafts. John likes to work hard and play hard. When John is not working diligently to support the Princeton Network Office team you can find him enjoying a nice round of golf, or hiking.
Courtney Strizki
Director of Operations
Courtney joined Northwestern Mutual in 2013. She started as a Campus Recruiter and grew her career on the internship side until 2017. She took her passion for working with a team and transitioned it to her role as Director of Operations. As Director of Operations, Courtney assists Managing Partner, John Ruhl,...
Courtney joined Northwestern Mutual in 2013. She started as a Campus Recruiter and grew her career on the internship side until 2017. She took her passion for working with a team and transitioned it to her role as Director of Operations. As Director of Operations, Courtney assists Managing Partner, John Ruhl, in the daily operations, staffing, and strategic planning for the organization. Courtney graduated from The College of New Jersey in May 2013 with a degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and a minor in Fine Arts. She lives in Hunterdon County and enjoys staying active through hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her dogs, family and friends.
Kristin Helm
Chief Supervision Officer
Kristin started her career with Northwestern Mutual as a Financial Representative in 2005. After about 18 months she transitioned to become a member of the Network Office Staff as the Director of Development. She is currently in her 15th year with Northwestern Mutual and is the Director of Supervision. She enjoys...
Kristin started her career with Northwestern Mutual as a Financial Representative in 2005. After about 18 months she transitioned to become a member of the Network Office Staff as the Director of Development. She is currently in her 15th year with Northwestern Mutual and is the Director of Supervision. She enjoys the comradery, how our team has shared goals, and how everyone’s role contributes towards achieving them. Most of all, she enjoys the people. “There is a great sense of family, support, and togetherness in our office. It truly is a great place to work.” Kristin grew up in Manasquan, NJ and met her husband when they were in a rock cover band together. She is a big fan of Star Wars, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and being on the right side of history. In her private time, she loves working in her garden, cooking, baking, saving lost dogs, and reading books.
John Kozakis had a 17-year career running financial services organizations and wanted to have more impact by doing financial planning with the best company in the industry. After extensive research he realized that Northwestern Mutual was (and is) that company. This is John’s 17th year as a Wealth Management...
John Kozakis had a 17-year career running financial services organizations and wanted to have more impact by doing financial planning with the best company in the industry. After extensive research he realized that Northwestern Mutual was (and is) that company. This is John’s 17th year as a Wealth Management Advisor, and he is currently the Managing Director of the District Office in Clinton, NJ. He loves working with an organization that is truly committed to doing the best thing for every client. When John is not helping to make the world a more financially secure place, he loves spending time with his family at their Log Cabin, and has a passion for playing guitar, and beekeeping.
Northwestern Mutual and the inspiring people of the organization convinced Rick he was entering a life-long company when he joined as a college intern in March of 1984. It wasn’t long before he fell in love with the business and became a full-time representative in August of 1984 following graduation from Monmouth...
Northwestern Mutual and the inspiring people of the organization convinced Rick he was entering a life-long company when he joined as a college intern in March of 1984. It wasn’t long before he fell in love with the business and became a full-time representative in August of 1984 following graduation from Monmouth University. Rick now reflects on his 35-year career, 27 years of which he has held the role of Managing Director for the Wall Township District Office. Rick enjoys building an organization within the Network Office. He enjoys seeing people become successful and flourish in their lives after a lot of hard work starting their businesses. When Rick isn’t working hard as a Managing Director he plays competitive softball and enjoys boating and water activities with friends and family.
Mark comes from a family of Northwestern Mutual and initially joined as an intern. Having success, and a passion for the business he started his full-time career with Northwestern Mutual in July of 2007. He is currently the Managing Director of the District Office in Red Bank, NJ in addition to being a Financial...
Mark comes from a family of Northwestern Mutual and initially joined as an intern. Having success, and a passion for the business he started his full-time career with Northwestern Mutual in July of 2007. He is currently the Managing Director of the District Office in Red Bank, NJ in addition to being a Financial Advisor. Mark enjoys the approach to financial planning, and the relationships built between clients, advisors, team members, and all those affiliated with Northwestern Mutual.
Felix was driven to Northwestern Mutual because of the warm family-like culture. He describes Northwestern Mutual as "a business with a family feel." Felix started his career with Northwestern Mutual on April 2nd, 2009. He wears multiple hats with Northwestern Mutual. He is currently a Wealth Management Advisor,...
Felix was driven to Northwestern Mutual because of the warm family-like culture. He describes Northwestern Mutual as "a business with a family feel." Felix started his career with Northwestern Mutual on April 2nd, 2009. He wears multiple hats with Northwestern Mutual. He is currently a Wealth Management Advisor, Field Director, and the Disability Specialist. As a Field Director he mentors a unit of four new representatives on how to be successful. His responsibility as the Disability Specialist is to be a liaison between advisors and the Home Office for complex underwriting, or to be of any other assistance. Felix likes that "Northwestern Mutual has been doing it right for 162 years." He loves having the autonomy of picking and choosing investments and having access to premiere insurance products with Northwestern Mutual. Felix has earned his 1st degree black belt in Taekwondo, enjoys international travel, and is an avid New York Yankees fan.
Jay came to Northwestern Mutual as a career-changer. He taught High School and College English for ten years and was completing a Doctoral program at the time he decided to make the change. Jay researched the top 3 companies at the time, and Northwestern Mutual "was the best, and it still is. Hands down, no competition."...
Jay came to Northwestern Mutual as a career-changer. He taught High School and College English for ten years and was completing a Doctoral program at the time he decided to make the change. Jay researched the top 3 companies at the time, and Northwestern Mutual "was the best, and it still is. Hands down, no competition." He has been with Northwestern Mutual for a total of 26 years, and he is currently the Long-Term Care Specialist located at the Jamison, PA District Office. Jay's philosophy about the business is “If you came here because you are on a mission to help people make wise financial security decisions through comprehensive planning, and have a great business, and great rewards, then you came for the right reason!”
As Jason learned more about the companies within the Financial Planning industry it became clear that Northwestern Mutual was the type of company he could stay with for his entire career. Jason joined Northwestern Mutual because it provided him the opportunity to create a successful career with complete flexibility,...
As Jason learned more about the companies within the Financial Planning industry it became clear that Northwestern Mutual was the type of company he could stay with for his entire career. Jason joined Northwestern Mutual because it provided him the opportunity to create a successful career with complete flexibility, and control of his daily routine. Jason’s current role at Northwestern Mutual is Wealth Management Advisor, as well as Life Insurance Specialist for the Ruhl Network Office. He loves the camaraderie and relationships at Northwestern Mutual. Many of his closest friends are part of Northwestern Mutual. He enjoys being around a group of people who are like-minded, motivated and driven to perform daily. He also enjoys the Northwestern Mutual traditions of Regional Meeting and Annual Meeting.
While pursuing a finance degree at Rider University, Tom was introduced to the Northwestern Mutual Internship Program by his marketing professor. After getting to know the people and the culture of Northwestern Mutual, he knew that he found his home. Tom joined Northwestern Mutual full-time in 1991. Early in his...
While pursuing a finance degree at Rider University, Tom was introduced to the Northwestern Mutual Internship Program by his marketing professor. After getting to know the people and the culture of Northwestern Mutual, he knew that he found his home. Tom joined Northwestern Mutual full-time in 1991. Early in his career he spent several years in management, responsible for training and developing new representatives. What Tom enjoys about Northwestern Mutual are his relationships that he has developed with his colleagues and clients. It’s Tom’s true passion to help his clients achieve financial security and make smart decisions about their money. Tom’s hard work and dedication to his clients and practice has earned him a recognition as Financial Times “Top 400 Financial Advisors” for 2019. Tom has a love for animals, and currently owns 3 horses, 2 miniature donkeys, and 3 dogs. He enjoys spending time with his family, time at the beach, boating and travel.
Mikayla Rafferty
Recruiter
Mikayla is the full time recruiter for Northwestern Mutual’s Princeton Network Office since December 2019. Mikayla found Northwestern Mutual provides a career with a positive impact which is the ultimate reason she decided to take on the recruiting role. She loves that she can provide a career opportunity to...
Mikayla is the full time recruiter for Northwestern Mutual’s Princeton Network Office since December 2019. Mikayla found Northwestern Mutual provides a career with a positive impact which is the ultimate reason she decided to take on the recruiting role. She loves that she can provide a career opportunity to others with a company where the overall goal is to help others. Outside of her professional life, Mikayla enjoys the outdoors and staying active. She plays in a women’s indoor soccer league, hits the driving range with her parents and frequents the beach as much as possible. Mikayla has a passion for travel, exploring new countries and learning about the local culture. Contact Information: E-mail: Mikayla.Rafferty@nm.com
