Associates

Our financial representatives are the face of our organization. They not only represent the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, but they also represent the best interests of their clients. We are proud of their accomplishments, share in their enthusiasm and drive, and help motivate them to achieve the highest level of excellence.

Christopher Joseph Bonitatibus

Financial Representative

Ross Cardinell

Financial Representative

 Ross is originally from the Capital District and attended Siena College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing Management. Ross is active in youth soccer programs as an Assistant coach for the Under 10 Alleycats team. Ross enjoys soccer, traveling and spending time on Lake George.

Michael DiCesare

Financial Representative

Scott M Garbien, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®

Field Director

Originally from Southern Connecticut, Scott moved to the Albany area in 1997 and joined Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in 2001. He attended Central Connecticut State University and graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, with a concentration in finance.

Scott is active in field management, and mentoring new representatives. Scott is also the network office’s Disability Income Specialist. He is a member of The Society of Financial Services Professionals and the Capital District chapter of NAIFA. Scott lives in Latham, New York, with his wife Christine, stepson Steven, and dog Maco. He enjoys softball, playing cards, and reading in his spare time.

Eric Hungershafer

Field Director

Eric is originally from the Capital District. He joined the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in 2005. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing Management and is a member of Capital District NAIFA. He is also a volunteer with the Junior Achievement Program at Siena College. In his spare time Eric enjoys playing lacrosse, traveling and football. Eric currently resides in Albany.

Ryan M Hungershafer

Recruiting Field Director

Ryan is originally from the Capital District and joined the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in 2001. Ryan is a Siena College class of 2002 graduate and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. He is a member of the Capital District NAIFA and a qualifying member of the Million Dollar round table. He is involved in the local junior achievement and enjoys golf, softball and football. Ryan resides in Niskayuna with his wife Marisa.

Richard W Kelton, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®, AEP

Financial Advisor

Richard Kelton was born and raised in Northern NJ. He went to college at Pace University in Westchester, NY, where he obtained a degree in accounting information systems. He worked for Arthur Andersen & Co. in NYC for two years before relocating to the Capital District in 1987. Richard started working with Bill Newman, his former Financial Representative, in January of 1994. He currently works with Financial Representatives Ken Bulko, Chris Nuss and Scott Garbien as well. Richard is married to Lori and has two children, Ryan and Sean. He enjoys football, boating, snowmobiling and water skiing.

James J Kenney

Financial Advisor

Peter A Mortka, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®

Financial Advisor

Peter Mortka is a vital part of the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network- Albany. His contributions over the past 19 years have helped the office to grow exponentially both in production and the number of financial representatives. He is an invaluable mentor to our newer financial representatives. Peter is a member of the Million Dollar Round Table (1998-2003, 2005-2008). He has also earned the National Quality Award (1992, 1994-2008), the National Sales Achievement Award (1996 - 2001) and was a Northwestern Mutual Forum Member in 2003-2004. Peter currently resides in Clifton Park, New York, with his wife, Denise, and four children: Caitlyn, Brandon, Ryan and Jensen. He is a member of St. Edward´s Parish and is active in the Troy Albany Youth Hockey Association and is a member of the Board of Associates Trustees at Siena College.

Christopher Nuss, MBA, CLU®

Financial Advisor

Christopher's areas of expertise include employee and executive benefits, life and disability income insurance, estate analysis, retirement solutions, personal needs analysis and investments. In 1989, Chris's career began with GE Corporate Benefits, serving as an advocate to help others in the areas of insurance, retirement plans and other employee benefits. His role included pension and 401(k), health and accident insurance, resolution of benefit appeals, employee seminars, and development of plan policy. In 2000 he joined The Ayco Company, LLP as a Senior Financial Planner providing high net worth individuals and their families assistance in the areas of tax & estate planning, risk management and investments. In July 2002, he joined the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.

Matthew Panneton

Financial Representative

Matt grew up in Niskayuna, NY and graduated from Niskayuna High School in 2004. He then attended Villanova University where he spent 4 years playing Division I lacrosse for the Villanova Men’s Lacrosse team. He spent his senior season in 2008 as Captain and was awarded the team’s Jim Jones Award. He graduated with a Major in Communications. In his free time, Matt enjoys playing lacrosse, golfing competitively in the Albany area, and coaching lacrosse for the Niskayuna youth and high school programs. Matt currently resides in Niskayuna, NY.

Daniel Reisner

College Unit Director

Originally from the Capital District, Dan joined Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in 2006. He is a Siena College graduate and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing Management. He is a member of the Capital District NAIFA and also works as a College Unit Director at the Albany office where he helps students get the full experience at one of the top ten internships in the country. In his free time Dan enjoys playing golf, softball, working out, and spending time with his family. Dan currently resides in Albany.

Philip Millard Underwood, MBA

Financial Advisor

Phil Underwood comes from a unique background. He grew up on a small horse farm in Massachusetts on a one-mile dirt road. He studied Mechanical Engineering and worked as a Process Engineer to maximize performance, develop new business and improve systems for his employer. After 5 years of working in the industry while pursuing an M.B.A., Phil didn’t connect his career to his long-term goals for his family and himself. Phil wanted a career that would be meaningful, where he could meet great people and make a difference in their lives on daily basis—something that he would be excited about every day and would still be passionate about many years later. After completing his M.B.A., a friend introduced Phil to Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, and he has been with the Albany office ever since.