Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Northern Ohio office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
John Ertz
Managing Partner
John Ertz is the Managing Partner of the Northwestern Mutual Cleveland office and has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. John is responsible for the growth, building of distribution, and supervision of all associates in the region as well as the network office’s sales and service...
John Ertz is the Managing Partner of the Northwestern Mutual Cleveland office and has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. John is responsible for the growth, building of distribution, and supervision of all associates in the region as well as the network office’s sales and service operations. He oversees a team of more than 350 financial professionals who have won numerous awards during his tenure and been recognized as being among the Top 20 performing teams in the country for the firm. John embraces the opportunity to make a lasting impact on people’s lives and is deeply committed to collaborating with his group of Financial Advisors to elevate their career in an Advisor- and client-centric culture. John received a BA degree in Personnel Administration and Management from the University of Kansas. He holds the designation of Chartered Life Underwriter® and has earned his Life & Health and Series 6, 7, 8, 63 and 66 securities licenses.
Brian Boucher Is a Wealth Management Advisor & District Director at Northwestern Mutual, heading its downtown Cleveland office. Brian focuses on customizing comprehensive and easy-to-understand financial planning, wealth management, executive benefits, and tax avoidance strategies. He has nearly two decades of...
Brian Boucher Is a Wealth Management Advisor & District Director at Northwestern Mutual, heading its downtown Cleveland office. Brian focuses on customizing comprehensive and easy-to-understand financial planning, wealth management, executive benefits, and tax avoidance strategies. He has nearly two decades of experience helping individuals and companies customize financial strategies and implementation plans that connect vision to long-term value. He leads high-performance teams that serve diverse industries and clients—from family-owned and medium-to-large businesses, Fortune 100 brands, and non-profits, to executives, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and retirees. His personal mission: to positively impact people by helping them achieve their financial vision and avoid financial regret. Brian holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and is a subject matter expert in wealth management strategy, executive benefits, succession planning and retirement strategy.
Brian Aikens has more than a decade of experience in the financial services industry and is the Managing Director of the Northwestern Mutual-Akron Agency. As the Managing Director, Brian works to positively impact the lives of clients, associates, and our community both now and into the next generation. He coaches...
Brian Aikens has more than a decade of experience in the financial services industry and is the Managing Director of the Northwestern Mutual-Akron Agency. As the Managing Director, Brian works to positively impact the lives of clients, associates, and our community both now and into the next generation. He coaches and trains financial advisors on building a successful business across the state and country. Brian leads by example in his personal planning business, Aikens Financial. Aikens Financial is recognized as one of the fastest-growing investment businesses in Northeast Ohio affiliated with Northwestern Mutual. Brian and his team’s mission is to motivate and awaken leaders to enrich their legacy and live in the moment. Brian believes in continuing education to keep his professional edge. He holds CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®) and Certified Long-Term Care (CLTC) certifications and has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from Ohio University.
Spencer Hershey has over a decade of experience in the financial services industry and serves as a Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual’s Canton office. As a Managing Director, Spencer’s mission is to positively impact everyone he comes across. He helps both his advisors and clients build lifetime plans...
Spencer Hershey has over a decade of experience in the financial services industry and serves as a Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual’s Canton office. As a Managing Director, Spencer’s mission is to positively impact everyone he comes across. He helps both his advisors and clients build lifetime plans for growth, impact, and financial security. While managing the district office, Spencer is committed to supporting the firm’s financial advisors and staff to achieve their personal visions for each of their amazing futures. He plays an integral role in his Network Office's Leadership Development Program. Spencer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree Summa Cum Laude in Accounting & Business Management from Walsh University.
Brian Kurtz has more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry and is a Managing Director with Northwestern Mutual. Brian’s mission is to develop enduring relationships with clients by providing expert guidance for a lifetime of financial security. He works with clients to identify their...
Brian Kurtz has more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry and is a Managing Director with Northwestern Mutual. Brian’s mission is to develop enduring relationships with clients by providing expert guidance for a lifetime of financial security. He works with clients to identify their definitions of financial security and then focuses on solutions that can help make those financial goals a reality. Brian helps find the right solutions for personal, family or business needs. Brian holds CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®) and Certified Long-Term Care (CLTC) certifications and earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance, with a minor in Law, from Miami University.
Brad Patterson has more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry and is a Managing Director who works to make an impact in his community and inspire others to achieve their financial goals. Brad leads a group of advisers throughout the northwestern Ohio area, who understand the value of helping...
Brad Patterson has more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry and is a Managing Director who works to make an impact in his community and inspire others to achieve their financial goals. Brad leads a group of advisers throughout the northwestern Ohio area, who understand the value of helping others achieve financial security. His team helps clients create a vision for the future, and educates, motivates, and challenges them to take action that is focused on achieving their goals and dreams. Brad holds a Certified Long-Term Care (CLTC) certification and earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Toledo.
Jen Lann
Chief Operations Officer
Jennifer Lann is the Chief Operations Officer of the Northern Ohio office and has more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry. In her role as COO, Jenn oversees the network operations to achieve the highest levels of productivity and profitability. As part of the Northern Ohio Office...
Jennifer Lann is the Chief Operations Officer of the Northern Ohio office and has more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry. In her role as COO, Jenn oversees the network operations to achieve the highest levels of productivity and profitability. As part of the Northern Ohio Office Leadership Team, she anticipates the needs of the office, strategically plans for its development, recommends necessary changes, and takes independent action within areas of authority. Jenn earned a Chartered Leadership Fellow® (CLF®) designation holds a Series 7, 9, 10 and 66 securities licenses. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus in Psychology from The Ohio State University.
Nathaniel Evans
Chief Financial Officer
Nate Evans is the Chief Financial Officer of the Northern Ohio office and has more than 17 years of experience in the financial service industry. Nate manages the offices financial operations including: general accounting, cost accounting, finance, forecasting, strategic planning, transaction analysis and negotiations,...
Nate Evans is the Chief Financial Officer of the Northern Ohio office and has more than 17 years of experience in the financial service industry. Nate manages the offices financial operations including: general accounting, cost accounting, finance, forecasting, strategic planning, transaction analysis and negotiations, human resources and general administration, information technology, cash flow management and financing structure. He also oversees preparation and approval of all financial reports, including all financial statements. Nate earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University.