Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the King of Prussia office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
Stephen Guinan
CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®, CASL®
Managing Partner
Steve Guinan became managing partner of the Northwestern Mutual – Eastern Pennsylvania in April, 2008. The firm has offices in King of Prussia, Lancaster, Scranton / Wilkes-Barre, Lehigh Valley, Harrisburg and West Chester. At the time of his transition to managing partner, his investment practice was ranked...
Steve Guinan became managing partner of the Northwestern Mutual – Eastern Pennsylvania in April, 2008. The firm has offices in King of Prussia, Lancaster, Scranton / Wilkes-Barre, Lehigh Valley, Harrisburg and West Chester. At the time of his transition to managing partner, his investment practice was ranked in the "top 100" nationwide in the Northwestern Mutual system. Steve earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Ithaca College in New York and holds the professional designations of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®), Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL®) and Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®). Steve and his wife, Lisa, have two sons and live in Paoli, PA. Steve spends much of his free time enjoying Philadelphia sports, fly fishing, reading and spending time with family.
Brad Nelson, CFP®, has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2017. Brad and his team of three specialize in working with executives and business owners. Our office is located in beautiful Central Pennsylvania at 100 Sterling Parkway, Suite 103, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Andy specializes in insurance and investment services for his clients and his clientele encompasses medical professionals, business owners, and professional executives. Andy is married to Kim and they have two daughters, Isla and Elyse. When not in the office, you can find Andy Fly-fishing, playing over 30 soccer,...
Andy specializes in insurance and investment services for his clients and his clientele encompasses medical professionals, business owners, and professional executives. Andy is married to Kim and they have two daughters, Isla and Elyse. When not in the office, you can find Andy Fly-fishing, playing over 30 soccer, golfing, and spending time with his family.
In all situations I will make recommendations that I would do for myself and my family, if faced with a similar situation. By matching your needs with innovative solutions utilizing world-class insurance services and internationally recognized investment products, I will do my best to help you protect and provide...
In all situations I will make recommendations that I would do for myself and my family, if faced with a similar situation. By matching your needs with innovative solutions utilizing world-class insurance services and internationally recognized investment products, I will do my best to help you protect and provide for those people you care about most.
Derek joined Northwestern Mutual in 2010 and works with individuals, families and businesses. He assists his clients by providing a comprehensive plan and solutions that are tailored to their unique needs and situations in life. Derek specializes in developing risk management and wealth accumulation strategies...
Derek joined Northwestern Mutual in 2010 and works with individuals, families and businesses. He assists his clients by providing a comprehensive plan and solutions that are tailored to their unique needs and situations in life. Derek specializes in developing risk management and wealth accumulation strategies that are designed to achieve periodic goals that are most important to them.
Kristi Acree joined Northwestern Mutual in 2021, focusing on attracting and developing new advisors in the Philadelphia area. In 2002, she joined Mutual of Omaha where she was the 1st woman in two decades appointed Managing Director. Her career was focused on attracting and mentoring advisors, including diverse...
Kristi Acree joined Northwestern Mutual in 2021, focusing on attracting and developing new advisors in the Philadelphia area. In 2002, she joined Mutual of Omaha where she was the 1st woman in two decades appointed Managing Director. Her career was focused on attracting and mentoring advisors, including diverse talent to better serve and reflect our community. Kristi is a graduate of Bloomsburg University with a degree in Business Management. She holds her Series 6, 63, 24, 65 and her L&H license. She earned the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF®) and Chartered Leadership Fellow (CLF®) designations. Kristi gives her time freely, advocating for the profession, coaching, and mentoring financial advisors. A board member of FINSECA and NAIFA, Kristi has been featured in training videos for GAMA International and The American College, has written for both GAMA and FINSECA magazines and is a key contributor to FINSECA’s Women’s Impact Program.
Trish Boyd
CLF®
Chief Operations Officer
Trish Boyd is our Chief Operations Officer who serves on the Executive Leadership team and works with our support teams to help them reach their full potential while enriching lives, impacting communities and building legacies. Trish believes that finding true pleasure in what you do creates a dedication to your...
Trish Boyd is our Chief Operations Officer who serves on the Executive Leadership team and works with our support teams to help them reach their full potential while enriching lives, impacting communities and building legacies. Trish believes that finding true pleasure in what you do creates a dedication to your craft that shines through in all you do. Trish has worked with our team since 2008 and has earned our Brian H. Early Leadership Award for exceptional leadership as well as our Childhood Cancer Champion Award for her work on behalf of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Trish holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Drexel University, the Chartered Leadership Fellow designation from The American College and is a Certified Trainer.
Joshua Brueck
CFP®, ChFC®
Chief Growth Officer
As the Chief Growth Officer, Josh is responsible for running our Planning Department, while also assisting advisors with plan analysis, plan construction and portfolio management. He is also a member of the Executive Leadership Team. He began his career with Northwestern Mutual in 2007. Josh graduated from the...
As the Chief Growth Officer, Josh is responsible for running our Planning Department, while also assisting advisors with plan analysis, plan construction and portfolio management. He is also a member of the Executive Leadership Team. He began his career with Northwestern Mutual in 2007. Josh graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance in 2009. From there, he has taken on multiple roles during his career, including Associate Wealth Management Advisor, Director of Centralized Financial Security and Director of Network Office of Supervision. Josh earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional certification and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designations. He also holds his Series 7, 66, 9 &10 registrations. Josh resides in Philadelphia with his girlfriend and enjoys running, spending time with family and friends, Philadelphia sports, and his chocolate lab.
Joanna Hales
CLF®
Chief Recruitment Officer
Joanna is the Chief Recruitment Officer who works directly with our Campus Recruiters, Team Captains, College Unit Directors, Growth and Development Directors and the rest of our leadership team to maintain a sustainable talent acquisition and retention program. Joanna believes that instilling strong work habits,...
Joanna is the Chief Recruitment Officer who works directly with our Campus Recruiters, Team Captains, College Unit Directors, Growth and Development Directors and the rest of our leadership team to maintain a sustainable talent acquisition and retention program. Joanna believes that instilling strong work habits, gaining business etiquette knowledge and crafting interns “why” as a young professional will position our current college students with the confidence for success no matter their future path. Joanna has been awarded our agencies Brian H. Early Leadership Award and recognized as the Recruiter of the Year at our Annual Meeting. With her continued desire to grow and develop she has earned her Chartered Leadership Fellow, CLF. Joanna holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Shippensburg University where she was a member of the Women's NCAA Division II Lacrosse Team.
Erika Jacobi is the Chief Development Officer and part of the executive leadership team who equips leaders, financial advisors and staff to reach their maximum potential. Erika knows that her impact goes beyond the individual she is coaching and is indirectly impacting the lives of families in the community. Erika...
Erika Jacobi is the Chief Development Officer and part of the executive leadership team who equips leaders, financial advisors and staff to reach their maximum potential. Erika knows that her impact goes beyond the individual she is coaching and is indirectly impacting the lives of families in the community. Erika has been with Northwestern Mutual for 18 years and in several professional roles gaining experience within many aspects of the business. Erika recognized by Northwestern Mutual as a Certified Master Coach. She holds a Master's in Business Administration and a Bachelor's in International Business with Milwaukee's Alverno College.
Christopher Tharp
Chief Financial Officer
Christopher Tharp is a Chief Financial Officer who works with the Managing Partner and the Executive Leadership Team to achieve the highest levels of productivity and profitability for the organization. As part of the Network Office management team, Chris anticipates the needs of the office, plans for its development,...
Christopher Tharp is a Chief Financial Officer who works with the Managing Partner and the Executive Leadership Team to achieve the highest levels of productivity and profitability for the organization. As part of the Network Office management team, Chris anticipates the needs of the office, plans for its development, recommends necessary changes, and takes independent action within areas of authority. Chris focuses on strategic impact, maximizing talent, understanding and anticipating future opportunities and challenges, and develops a strategy to redirect, refine and execute on priorities. Chris is a Certified Trainer and has held many roles within the organization including Director of Network Office Supervision and Chief Development Officer. In 2009, Chris was the inaugural recipient awarded the Brian H. Early leadership award. Chris holds a bachelor degree in Chemistry from Hope College.
Stephen Blumenthal
CLF®, M.Ed.
Director of Marketing
Stephen Blumenthal is the Director of Marketing who works with Northwestern Mutual Financial Representatives to drive financial advisors’ productivity, revenue and market presence. Steve also provides strategic marketing direction for the local Northwestern Mutual offices and to select Financial Advisors. Steve...
Stephen Blumenthal is the Director of Marketing who works with Northwestern Mutual Financial Representatives to drive financial advisors’ productivity, revenue and market presence. Steve also provides strategic marketing direction for the local Northwestern Mutual offices and to select Financial Advisors. Steve was previously the Director of Recruitment and Selection for 4 1/2 years before making the transition to his new role. Steve was instrumental in the transformation of talent acquisition and onboarding processes to increase and support advisor success and retention. In 2016 Steve was recognized as Recruiter of the Year for the Northeast Region at Northwestern Mutual. Steve is a Chartered Leadership Fellow of the American College, a Certified Trainer at Northwestern Mutual, holds a Masters in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University and a Bachelors from West Chester University.
Justin Deni
MBA
Director of Supervision
Justin Deni is a Director of Network Office Supervision who works with our financial advisors and representatives to drive efforts to meet and exceed Northwestern Mutual and industry rules and regulations. Justin's compliance philosophy is to ensure that the firm's values are consistently delivered to our clients...
Justin Deni is a Director of Network Office Supervision who works with our financial advisors and representatives to drive efforts to meet and exceed Northwestern Mutual and industry rules and regulations. Justin's compliance philosophy is to ensure that the firm's values are consistently delivered to our clients by maintaining a system of supervision that educates financial advisors to understand the goals and objectives of each client through information gathering. Justin recently received his MBA at Drexel University in 2017. Justin has been in the financial service industry for over ten-years. Justin was with Janney Montgomery Scott as a compliance & risk analyst prior to joining Northwestern Mutual.
Elizabeth Rubush
Director of Client Relations
Elizabeth Rubush is the Director of Client Relations who works with existing clients to help them understand their existing contracts, make necessary changes, and create an opportunity for them to discuss new financial security needs. Liz believes in our promise of exemplary service to policyowners and is dedicated...
Elizabeth Rubush is the Director of Client Relations who works with existing clients to help them understand their existing contracts, make necessary changes, and create an opportunity for them to discuss new financial security needs. Liz believes in our promise of exemplary service to policyowners and is dedicated to connecting clients with a financial advisor who can help them live life differently. Liz has over 15 years in Client Service and Investment Management experience. She previously worked at Morgan Stanley prior to joining Northwestern Mutual. Liz holds a BA in Political Science from Dickinson College.