![Father son playing on a trampoline](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/sites/images/hero/father-playing-with-child-outside.jpg?width=1500)
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.
![Alessandro Tronco - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/20311933/c0b3b2d5-6764-4bae-7df7-6fd533fc86bf.jpg)
Alessandro 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 CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, 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.
![Thomas Farnan - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/45597505/5b314076-7844-45fe-758f-539060e6b49c.jpg)
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.
![Sandy Harding - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/41192318/d8a590a0-329a-414a-4eea-0b496b2254aa.jpg)
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 - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/36432094/e312c6c5-da4f-444d-5ea8-5887dbf8761b.jpg)
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.
![Connor Ferris - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/86641457/166561ee-3819-42d6-8c60-7757b3501266.jpg)
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.
![Nick Liverio - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/87697730/5a0ff6f6-4641-452e-68d2-ce435c07d279.jpg)
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.
![William Brammer - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/87701757/717e4a4a-5fab-4dd0-4a98-b37db893cb4e.jpg)
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.
![Steven Hunt - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/50179694/c5ee757e-c62d-4d2c-78e6-a100be4df118.jpg)
I’m a Troy, NY native who specializes in working with local business owners, medical professionals, and families to achieve financial security through comprehensive planning and long-term relationships.
![Christopher Radliff - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/87715374/da40f05e-bd70-443a-54db-f726440216eb.jpg)
Christopher serves as a Growth and Development 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...
Christopher serves as a Growth and Development 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.
![Hayden Bell - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/87760095/4d7065b1-175e-4143-7c59-d99620a1313d.jpg)
“I will positively impact the lives of every client and potential client that comes into my life, creating a resounding echo in the lives of their families, through building generational Financial Security.” Our firm works specifically with Cintas Partners, Fortune 500 Executives, and Small Business Own...
“I will positively impact the lives of every client and potential client that comes into my life, creating a resounding echo in the lives of their families, through building generational Financial Security.” Our firm works specifically with Cintas Partners, Fortune 500 Executives, and Small Business Owners. https://www04.timetrade.com:443/app/nwmf/workflows/NWMUTUAL-RLPA/schedule?resourceId=2l0u
![Ryan Farnan - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/87745165/5dd081cd-f54e-44d4-6291-180bcf19af8b.jpg)
Ryan is a career changer who came to Northwestern Mutual in 2019, after three years of management experience in the automotive industry. While helping his clients create their amazing future, Ryan also serves in leadership as a Growth and Development Director (GDD), allowing him to coach, mentor and inspire college...
Ryan is a career changer who came to Northwestern Mutual in 2019, after three years of management experience in the automotive industry. While helping his clients create their amazing future, Ryan also serves in leadership as a Growth and Development Director (GDD), allowing him to coach, mentor and inspire college interns as they pursue their career. Ryan is a graduate of Plattsburgh State University where he played four years of hockey. He and his wife currently reside in Brunswick, NY with their daughter Nellie and dog Hank. They enjoy spending time with family and staying active on the ice rink and golf course. Ryan also supports Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and Make-A- Wish Northeast New York.
![Charles Mott - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/87751652/8388132b-7400-4a5b-5f20-ad431fcbdce4.jpg)
Charles joined the Northwestern Mutual team in 2020 after spending the first portion of his career as a CPA. Charles lives with his wife Alex in Latham, NY. He serves both as a Financial Advisor and College Unit Director in the Capital Region office. As a financial advisor, his mission is to change the lives...
Charles joined the Northwestern Mutual team in 2020 after spending the first portion of his career as a CPA. Charles lives with his wife Alex in Latham, NY. He serves both as a Financial Advisor and College Unit Director in the Capital Region office. As a financial advisor, his mission is to change the lives of others by having an impact in their financial journeys. That impact includes making sure individuals aren’t taking any steps backwards and always sprinting to their personal and professional goals.
![Phillip Li - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/87765554/d94efdb8-a677-4193-6ff7-1c4d10963912.jpg)
I was raised by immigrant parents, who came to America to support a family and find career opportunity. Throughout my childhood they taught me the value of hard work. I was able to see the time and energy my father poured into his career. I learned from them that effort is something to be admired and is a value...
I was raised by immigrant parents, who came to America to support a family and find career opportunity. Throughout my childhood they taught me the value of hard work. I was able to see the time and energy my father poured into his career. I learned from them that effort is something to be admired and is a value to live by. This drives me to bring value to my clients every single day.
![Andrew Pedone - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/87782283/3c4e298d-9dce-4fb8-6f47-ab2536158dc6.jpg)
I am a WMC Financial Advisor that helps clients achieve their financial goals. My mission is to provide comprehensive and personalized financial planning to families and professionals in various fields. I hold multiple certifications, which enable me to offer a variety of solutions and products. I believe that...
I am a WMC Financial Advisor that helps clients achieve their financial goals. My mission is to provide comprehensive and personalized financial planning to families and professionals in various fields. I hold multiple certifications, which enable me to offer a variety of solutions and products. I believe that by sharing my knowledge, experience, and values, I can make a positive impact on others.
![Josh Chandler - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/87765947/d94bdab2-f72c-4ed7-6935-de048d916213.jpg)
I specialize in providing comprehensive financial planning services to individuals and businesses alike. My approach to financial planning is rooted in a deep understanding of each client's unique needs and aspirations. By taking the time to listen to their concerns and goals, I am able to develop tailored financial...
I specialize in providing comprehensive financial planning services to individuals and businesses alike. My approach to financial planning is rooted in a deep understanding of each client's unique needs and aspirations. By taking the time to listen to their concerns and goals, I am able to develop tailored financial plans that align with their objectives.
![Richard Youmans - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/42720970/74752ec9-9de5-48cf-6c9f-ff9edf1a5357.jpg)
Richard Youmans
Director of New Financial Representative Development
Rich joined Northwestern Mutual in 2010 and supports the leadership team in their efforts to help new financial representatives develop their budding businesses through mindset and accountability. Rich lives in Ballston Spa, NY with his wife, Rebecca, and their three boys.
![Molly Leclair - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/87722506/6811dc81-f51e-409a-5186-0b30a30e8ae4.jpg)
Molly Leclair
Chief Recruitment Officer
Forming relationships between universities & Northwestern Mutual to recruit the best-fit students for our College Financial Representative Program.
![Amanda James - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/42959815/21b37af9-ecdb-41ed-56f3-453b2a7f5796.jpg)
Amanda James
Executive Assistant
Amanda began her career with Northwestern Mutual over a decade ago. Her role is centralized around administrative support for Managing Partner Alex Tronco as well as the front line of communication within the Network Office and handles various planning needs. Amanda is a graduate of the University at Albany.
Amanda began her career with Northwestern Mutual over a decade ago. Her role is centralized around administrative support for Managing Partner Alex Tronco as well as the front line of communication within the Network Office and handles various planning needs. Amanda is a graduate of the University at Albany.
![Maria D'Amelia - Northwestern Mutual headshot](https://media.northwesternmutual.com/images/field/person/87723248/7a006eae-fc57-4ecc-5b11-3386e19d5109.jpg)
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.