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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
The decisions that have the most important impact on our futures are the hardest decisions to make. I help my clients make beneficial decisions that allow them to experience the financial future that they desire for themselves and their families. Through creation of customized financial game plans, I help my clients...
The decisions that have the most important impact on our futures are the hardest decisions to make. I help my clients make beneficial decisions that allow them to experience the financial future that they desire for themselves and their families. Through creation of customized financial game plans, I help my clients manage their wealth, mitigate potential risks, and keep tax efficiency in mind.
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 College Unit Director (CUD), allowing him to coach, mentor and inspire college interns...
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 College Unit Director (CUD), 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 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.
Joe is a Financial Advisor and College Unit Director at Northwestern Mutual. He has worked in financial services industry since graduating Hartwick College with a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science and Economics. He is currently attending the College of Saint Rose to complete his Master’s in Business....
Joe is a Financial Advisor and College Unit Director at Northwestern Mutual. He has worked in financial services industry since graduating Hartwick College with a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science and Economics. He is currently attending the College of Saint Rose to complete his Master’s in Business. He strives to gain as much industry knowledge to be able to best serve his clients. At Hartwick, Joe continued his athletics playing football. Since graduating, athletics continue to play an integral role in his life, competing in muy thai and jujitsu while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He is passionate about helping families and individuals strive to achieve the most out of life and accomplish their goals.
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.
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
Chief Recruitment Officer
Forming relationships between universities & Northwestern Mutual to recruit the best-fit students for our College Financial Representative Program.
Amanda Grugan
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
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.