Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Portland office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
Cory Mahaffey
Managing Partner
Cory launched his career as an intern in 1996 with Northwestern Mutual after receiving his under graduate degree as well as his MBA from Brigham Young University. He rose swiftly into the Top 10 as an intern and moved on to the role of full-time Financial Representative in 1997. While building his practice Cory...
Cory launched his career as an intern in 1996 with Northwestern Mutual after receiving his under graduate degree as well as his MBA from Brigham Young University. He rose swiftly into the Top 10 as an intern and moved on to the role of full-time Financial Representative in 1997. While building his practice Cory also continued his role as a strong recruiter for the intern program. He amassed back to back national championship internship teams in 2000 and 2001. He has never looked back. Cory became a Managing Director (MD) in 2003 earning the most prestigious NM award as an MD, the Achievement Award. When not working, Cory enjoys spending time with his wife Heidi and their three children. Cory also enjoys golf, martial arts and coaching.
Matt, like Cory began his career with Northwestern Mutual as an intern in 2004. Today he serves as Managing Director of the agencies South-Central Hub. Matt graduated from Willamette University where he received his undergraduate degree as well as his MBA. Matt was named Managing Director in 2019. Matt's mission;...
Matt, like Cory began his career with Northwestern Mutual as an intern in 2004. Today he serves as Managing Director of the agencies South-Central Hub. Matt graduated from Willamette University where he received his undergraduate degree as well as his MBA. Matt was named Managing Director in 2019. Matt's mission; "deliver the roadmap, allowing business owners to live their dreams." Matt is passionate in his beliefs that Northwestern Mutual will always do the best by the client. Away from work, Matt loves spending time with his family, fishing and playing golf.
Brian Emmett
Director of Supervision
Brian was drawn to Northwestern Mutual in 2010 while attending a career fair in college. Today, Brian serves as Director of Supervision and Operations, working with our advisors and representatives to create financial security within our community and doing it the right way. Brian believes that Northwestern Mutual...
Brian was drawn to Northwestern Mutual in 2010 while attending a career fair in college. Today, Brian serves as Director of Supervision and Operations, working with our advisors and representatives to create financial security within our community and doing it the right way. Brian believes that Northwestern Mutual is a company that is focused on quality products and doing things the right way. Brian enjoys spending time on the Oregon coast with his wife and four boys as well as surfing and skiing.
Barbara Lyon
Human Resources Manager
Barb joined Northwestern Mutual in 2018 with an extensive background in Human Resources. Barb has been tasked with finding the right people to join our organization and promoting the ultimate culture. Barb believes in Northwestern Mutual and everything it stands for. "The continued stories I hear from our advisors...
Barb joined Northwestern Mutual in 2018 with an extensive background in Human Resources. Barb has been tasked with finding the right people to join our organization and promoting the ultimate culture. Barb believes in Northwestern Mutual and everything it stands for. "The continued stories I hear from our advisors and the difference we can make in the lives of the families we serve in our community only confirms my beliefs that this is a special place." During her time away from work, Barb enjoys spending time with her family, hiking the outdoors and playing games.
