
Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Richmond office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.

John Van Der Hyde
Managing Partner
John F. Van Der Hyde began his career with Northwestern Mutual (NM) soon after graduating from the College of William and Mary with a B.A. in Biology. In 1988 he began his career in Leadership as a mentor and trainer. John also served as a Field Director since 1994. In 1996 and 1997, was awarded the honor of...
John F. Van Der Hyde began his career with Northwestern Mutual (NM) soon after graduating from the College of William and Mary with a B.A. in Biology. In 1988 he began his career in Leadership as a mentor and trainer. John also served as a Field Director since 1994. In 1996 and 1997, was awarded the honor of being the #2 Field Director in the Eastern Region. Throughout his NM career, John has earned many awards including MDRT since 1989, Court of the Table in 1995, 1996, and 1999, and Top 50 in Premium in the East in 1995, 1996, and 1997. He was also the 1996 recipient of the Virginia Groups most prestigious award, the Howard D. Goldman Award. In 1998, John was appointed the 6th Managing Partner of the Virginia Agency. John participated in NM’s first Emerging Leaders Program, Leadership Development Program, and Newly Appointed MP Program. His career production exceeds $100,000,000. John and his wife Sarah live in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia with their 3 boys Douglas, Parker, and Jack.


Stephanie Hicks
Chief Financial Officer
Stephanie joined Northwestern Mutual in September of 2006 as Director of Finance. She grew up in the Richmond area and lives in Midlothian with her two sons, Dylan and Jason. Stephanie earned an undergraduate degree in Accounting Information Systems from James Madison University and a MBA from Virginia Commonwealth...
Stephanie joined Northwestern Mutual in September of 2006 as Director of Finance. She grew up in the Richmond area and lives in Midlothian with her two sons, Dylan and Jason. Stephanie earned an undergraduate degree in Accounting Information Systems from James Madison University and a MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University. In addition, she is a CPA. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, sports, and spending time with family and friends.

DeShawn Chapman is a District Director and Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual in Richmond, Virginia. DeShawn enjoys helping his clients address topics ranging from asset protection, wealth accumulation, and wealth preservation and distribution. DeShawn is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University,...
DeShawn Chapman is a District Director and Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual in Richmond, Virginia. DeShawn enjoys helping his clients address topics ranging from asset protection, wealth accumulation, and wealth preservation and distribution. DeShawn is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, where he received BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering.

Marlene Negrin
Executive Assistant
John Emison
Director of Training and Development
Molly Schutrumpf
Director of Operations
Sheryl Myers
Sales Execution Team Leader
Sheryl began her career with Northwestern Mutual in 2016. She grew up in Maryland and lives in the Richmond area with her fiance, and has 5 grown children. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, visiting wineries, and spending time with family.

Jamal Thomas
Director of Supervision

TJ Byrd
Associate Director of Supervision
Tracey Hunnicutt
Director of Finance

Shirley Watkins
Director of Client Relations

Ouida Laumer
Training Manager