Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Capital Region of Albany office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
Alex Tronco
CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®, CASL®
Managing Partner
Alex was born in Sicily in 1974 and came to the United States when he was 8 years old. He attended Colonie High School and then Siena College, where he graduated in 1997 with a degree in Business Administration, with a specialty in Marketing. Alex began his business as a Financial Representative after graduation....
Alex was born in Sicily in 1974 and came to the United States when he was 8 years old. He attended Colonie High School and then Siena College, where he graduated in 1997 with a degree in Business Administration, with a specialty in Marketing. Alex began his business as a Financial Representative after graduation. He has met rigorous professional standards and achieved the highest designations in our industry, including CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® and CASL®. In 2009 Alex was selected as one of the company's youngest Managing Partners, where he continues to demonstrate a capacity for inspiring and enabling his staff and expert team of financial representatives towards success. His office has been named in the top 6 for Financial Planning and Wealth Management Firms in the Capital Region, as well as the number one Internship Program in the Capital Region by the Albany Business Review.
Tom came to Northwestern Mutual with over 17 years of management experience in the automotive industry. In his dual role at Northwestern Mutual as both a District Director, as well as a Financial Advisor, he is able to combine his love of being a leader and working with a team, with his passion for inspiring financial...
Tom came to Northwestern Mutual with over 17 years of management experience in the automotive industry. In his dual role at Northwestern Mutual as both a District Director, as well as a Financial Advisor, he is able to combine his love of being a leader and working with a team, with his passion for inspiring financial security through his work with his clients. He has been recognized and awarded within the company for the success of his financial planning practice, as well as outside the company as a qualifier for the Million Dollar Round table in 2013 - a global, independent association for the world's leading life insurance and financial services professionals. As a Troy native and resident, Tom takes great pride in supporting the monumental health care changes in Rensselaer County, and is a member of the consolidated Northeast Health & Seton Health Foundation Board.
Ema Buco
MBA, M.A.
Chief Strategy Officer
Ema Buco, MBA, MA joins Northwestern Mutual – Capital Region as Chief Strategy Officer, overseeing the highest level of financial representative recruiting, onboarding, and development processes. As a key member of the leadership team, her collaboration will help ensure that processes, standards, and systems...
Ema Buco, MBA, MA joins Northwestern Mutual – Capital Region as Chief Strategy Officer, overseeing the highest level of financial representative recruiting, onboarding, and development processes. As a key member of the leadership team, her collaboration will help ensure that processes, standards, and systems are capable of supporting the growth of the corporate vision. Ema is a triple alumna of the University at Albany, most recently with the successful completion of the Executive MBA program.
Sandy Harding
Chief Financial Officer
Sandy began working at Northwestern Mutual in 2009 as a part-time bookkeeper and her role quickly evolved, ultimately being named Chief Operating Officer as well as Chief Financial Officer in 2017. Sandy oversees the planning department, financial function, and human resource needs for the general agency and the...
Sandy began working at Northwestern Mutual in 2009 as a part-time bookkeeper and her role quickly evolved, ultimately being named Chief Operating Officer as well as Chief Financial Officer in 2017. Sandy oversees the planning department, financial function, and human resource needs for the general agency and the district offices. Sandy earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Albany, majoring in Psychology, and began her career in the banking industry. She later pursued her MBA in accounting at Union College in anticipation of a new career path. Sandy is involved with Hannah's Hope foundation and supports fundraising efforts of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. She also has a passion for animals. Sandy and her husband have four rescue dogs.
Brian Topping
Chief Operating Officer
Brian oversees the network operations to achieve the highest levels of productivity and profitability. Brian joined Northwestern Mutual in 2007 with the Investment Operations department. Brian is Series 6, 7, 63, 65, 9, and 10 registered and also holds his CLU from The American College. Brian lives in Niskayuna,...
Brian oversees the network operations to achieve the highest levels of productivity and profitability. Brian joined Northwestern Mutual in 2007 with the Investment Operations department. Brian is Series 6, 7, 63, 65, 9, and 10 registered and also holds his CLU from The American College. Brian lives in Niskayuna, NY with his wife Jennifer and their two daughters.
Kevin came to Northwestern Mutual in 2012. He has a Bachelor's of Science from Mercy College. He holds a dual role as both a Financial Advisor and Growth and Development Director(GDD) at Northwestern Mutual. Growth and Development Directors(GDDs) are responsible for marketing and building units in network offices...
Kevin came to Northwestern Mutual in 2012. He has a Bachelor's of Science from Mercy College. He holds a dual role as both a Financial Advisor and Growth and Development Director(GDD) at Northwestern Mutual. Growth and Development Directors(GDDs) are responsible for marketing and building units in network offices – a critical aspect of future growth at Northwestern Mutual. While developing personal leadership skills, GDDs attract, develop, and help financial representatives and financial representative interns off to a fast career start. Kevin leads a team of 5 full time representatives, and 8-10 interns from the local colleges and universities. Kevin and his wife have been together since 2009. They are set to have their first child in June of this year. They are active in the community with the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and CrossFit.
TJ is a Financial Advisor and College Unit Director at Northwestern Mutual. He has worked in financial services industry in various Investment Banking and Capital Markets roles since his graduation from Brown University in 2012. He returned to the Capital Region and Northwestern Mutual in 2017, where he was a...
TJ is a Financial Advisor and College Unit Director at Northwestern Mutual. He has worked in financial services industry in various Investment Banking and Capital Markets roles since his graduation from Brown University in 2012. He returned to the Capital Region and Northwestern Mutual in 2017, where he was a previous college intern. He is now running a planning-focused practice and helping his clients with all aspects of their financial lives. Previously, TJ was an accomplished athlete. He was a two sport Division 1 athlete and captain at Brown, competing in soccer and wrestling. After graduation, he attended Indiana University, as a MBA candidate at the Kelley School of Business. In his final season as a competitive athlete, TJ won Division 1 National Championship in Soccer. Athletics continue to play an integral role in his life, coaching in both soccer and wrestling. He is passionate about helping families plan for the costs of college.
Nick has been with Northwestern Mutual for three years and is passionate about helping clients reach their goals. He also serves as a College Unit Director, helping college interns build their brand and become full time financial representatives. Nick is passionate about the Upstate NY area. He was born and raised...
Nick has been with Northwestern Mutual for three years and is passionate about helping clients reach their goals. He also serves as a College Unit Director, helping college interns build their brand and become full time financial representatives. Nick is passionate about the Upstate NY area. He was born and raised in Amsterdam and attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges. While there, he played football and Majored in Political Science and Minored in Law and Society. Nick loves to travel, attend sporting events, and stay updated on politics. He also supports Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House.
Ryan began his career with Northwestern Mutual in 2016, as he completed his junior year of college at UAlbany. He participated in the company's internship program, and upon graduation, he started his full-time career as a financial representative, and continues his education of financial planning through the American...
Ryan began his career with Northwestern Mutual in 2016, as he completed his junior year of college at UAlbany. He participated in the company's internship program, and upon graduation, he started his full-time career as a financial representative, and continues his education of financial planning through the American College. He now is a mentor to current interns, while also helping his clients make beneficial decisions that will allow them to experience the financial future that they desire.
Will is a lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley, striving to support his community and the lives of those who contribute to the great place he calls home. As a Financial Advisor, Will works with his clients to develop a personal financial plan, no matter what their goals are; developing relationships based on...
Will is a lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley, striving to support his community and the lives of those who contribute to the great place he calls home. As a Financial Advisor, Will works with his clients to develop a personal financial plan, no matter what their goals are; developing relationships based on the trust and integrity.
Christopher serves as a College Unit Director and as a Financial Advisor in the Northwestern Mutual office in Albany. He began his career as an intern, and was attracted to the firm due to the great Northwestern Mutual experience his family has enjoyed with their advisor of over 40 years. He grew up in the Capital...
Christopher serves as a College Unit Director and as a Financial Advisor in the Northwestern Mutual office in Albany. He began his career as an intern, and was attracted to the firm due to the great Northwestern Mutual experience his family has enjoyed with their advisor of over 40 years. He grew up in the Capital Region and graduated high school from Christian Brothers Academy in Albany. He went on to attend Florida State University where he graduated with a double major in Risk Management and Professional Sales. Christopher loves sports and you can find him on the golf course or on the bowling lanes quite often. Christopher enjoys educating individuals and families on what is possible with their financial planning. He loves the role of College Unit Director as well because of the opportunities that are presented to help develop interns into career advisors at Northwestern Mutual.
Richard Youmans
Director of New Financial Representative Development
Rich joined Northwestern Mutual in 2010 and has worked with new financial representatives to develop their budding businesses through encouragement and accountability. He is a father of 3 boys and longtime resident of Saratoga. He is actively involved with the mission of Living Waters of the World, which delivers...
Rich joined Northwestern Mutual in 2010 and has worked with new financial representatives to develop their budding businesses through encouragement and accountability. He is a father of 3 boys and longtime resident of Saratoga. He is actively involved with the mission of Living Waters of the World, which delivers water filtration systems to impoverished communities in need of clean water. Rich is also an avid Ultra-distance runner and has covered distances up to 100 miles.
Molly Leclair
Director of Campus Recruitment
Forming relationships between universities & Northwestern Mutual to recruit the best-fit students for our College Financial Representative Program.
Maria D'Amelia
Chief Marketing Officer
Maria is responsible for providing strategic marketing direction to the Tronco Network office and individual Financial Advisors. She manages firm-wide marketing initiatives, delivers marketing education and training, and coordinates sponsorships and events with local organizations. Maria brings nearly 20 years...
Maria is responsible for providing strategic marketing direction to the Tronco Network office and individual Financial Advisors. She manages firm-wide marketing initiatives, delivers marketing education and training, and coordinates sponsorships and events with local organizations. Maria brings nearly 20 years of experience in public relations and broadcast media. She lives in Colonie with her husband Dan and two children.
I aim to be a partner in helping you achieve your financial goals. My areas of expertise include tax-efficient wealth accumulation, risk management planning, and retirement income planning.
A Michigan native raised by business owners, Allison says she was destined for the business world. She joined Northwestern Mutual in 2013, while also attending UAlbany to earn her master's degree. Allison has developed a relationship-driven approach to help her clients and specializes in working with forward thinking...
A Michigan native raised by business owners, Allison says she was destined for the business world. She joined Northwestern Mutual in 2013, while also attending UAlbany to earn her master's degree. Allison has developed a relationship-driven approach to help her clients and specializes in working with forward thinking individuals and families on achieving their short, mid and long-term goals.
Ryan Hungershafer serves as Managing Director of the Northwestern Mutual Albany District Office and is in his fifteenth year as a Wealth Management Advisor. His career began in Northwestern Mutual’s internship program in 2002. Ryan has met rigorous professional standards and achieved some of the highest designations...
Ryan Hungershafer serves as Managing Director of the Northwestern Mutual Albany District Office and is in his fifteenth year as a Wealth Management Advisor. His career began in Northwestern Mutual’s internship program in 2002. Ryan has met rigorous professional standards and achieved some of the highest designations and certifications in the industry including, CFP® CLU®, ChFC® and AEP® and FINRA Series 7, 6, 63, 66 and 26 Licenses. He’s recognized as one of Northwestern Mutual’s Top National Financial Advisors. Ryan is a seven-time Forum qualifier as well as Four-Star Pathfinder in the 2017-2018 Awards Year. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Siena College, and is still an active alumnus and donor. Ryan serves on the Board of Directors of the New York Chapter of Folds of Honor and he and his family are actively involved with the Albany Medical Center Foundation.
Bill joined Northwestern Mutual in 1982 after graduation from the University at Albany with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. In 1996, Bill opened the Albany District Agency for Northwestern Mutual; successfully serving as Managing Director and growing the agency for over a decade. In his current capacity...
Bill joined Northwestern Mutual in 1982 after graduation from the University at Albany with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. In 1996, Bill opened the Albany District Agency for Northwestern Mutual; successfully serving as Managing Director and growing the agency for over a decade. In his current capacity as Wealth Management Advisor, Bill is committed to building enduring relationships that inspire financial security for his clients, team, and community. In additional to running his successful personal practice, Bill serves as the Growth and Development Director for the Albany office and leads the successful development of the team by focusing on the recruitment, coaching and retention of new financial representatives within the company. Always furthering his education, Bill has earned his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Certified Advisor of Senior Living (CASL®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) and Chief Financial Consultant (CFC®) designations.