MEET OUR TEAM

EXECUTIVE PARTNER

Alan began his career in financial services in New York City as a technology sales executive providing enterprise technology solutions to firms such as Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan Chase, American Express, and Prudential, among others.

In 2011, Alan decided to transition to a Financial Advisor role at Prudential Financial to follow his passion for helping people make important financial decisions they cannot afford to get wrong. During Alan's successful years at Prudential as an Advisor, Financial Planner, and Manager of Financial Services, he achieved a host of awards. They included, multiple years as a President's Conference Qualifier, Million Dollar Round Table* (MDRT) Qualifier, Annuities Masters Council, and Life Concierge Achiever.

As an Executive Partner now at New York Life's N.J. G.O., Alan has been recognized with multiple awards during his tenure at New York Life including View From The Top in 2017, Leading Partner Top 50 in 2018, and Zone Awards of Excellence in both 2017 and 2018. Alan's overall objective is the continued dedication to hiring and developing capable men and women from all backgrounds who can provide effective and innovative solutions for the problems people and businesses face. His experience includes recruiting within the financial services industry with the focus on attracting, hiring, and retaining outstanding individuals with strong business acumen and superlative organizational, analytical, and strategic problem solving skills.

Executive Partner

Erik began his career with New York Life in July of 2018.  Prior to his career at New York Life, Erik was a proud business Owner as well as spending over a decade in the Non for Profit sector as a Recruiting Director for the S.I.E.D.C as well as the Director of Job Development for United Activities. As an active member of the Staten Island Community, Erik also served on the Board Of Directors for the Atlas Foundation, headed by the great Teddy Atlas!

Since Joining New York Life on 2018, Erik was a first year Executive Council Agent, with a direct path into Management under the NYL Fast Track to Management program in 2020. Over the next 4 years, Erik became a Leading Partner, finishing #10 in the Country in 2023 that led to being recognized as the  Partner of the Year in the NJGO. In September of 2024, Erik was promoted to Senior Partner, formally viewed as the hardest promotion within the organization.

Currently, Erik has one of the largest management teams in the General Office, promoting 6 of his agents into Management, including 5 Partners and 1 Development Manager. Erik is actively in the process of becoming an Executive Partner with NYL, potentially making company history with a double promotion in the same year!

The most prized possession of all according to Erik is spending time with his family, his Wife Lauren, and 3 Sons, Erik, Nicky, and Sonny boy!

SENIOR PARTNER

Hernando began his career with New York Life in July of 2013. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Kean University he began his professional career as a Corporate Accountant.

After 3 years of working as an accountant, Hernando decided to make a career change and use his financial skills to help service clients as a Financial Service Professional with New York Life.

Hernando quickly developed a passion for life insurance, and it reflected in his work. In his first year as an agent, he qualified for New York Life's Executive Council Membership with over 70 lives protected. Hernando's early success continued into his second year. Hernando qualified for his second consecutive Executive Council as a Life All-Star Award Winner as well as a New York Life Premier Centurion for writing over 100 life insurance policies in one year.

Based off his sales achievements, Hernando was promoted and given the opportunity to join The New Jersey General Office's Management team.

As a Senior Partner, Hernando is now focused on contributing to the overall growth of New Jersey General office by bringing in new agents and offering them the same life changing opportunity he was once offered by his mentor and Senior Partner, Thevan Theivakumar.

SENIOR PARTNER

James received his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Adelphi University. He retired as a Detective Investigator from the New York City Police Department with a concentration in Financial Crimes.

James joined New York Life in 2019; achieving Executive Council in 2020 and 2021. He obtained his Series 7 / 66 licenses and worked as a Financial Advisor with NYLIFE Securities and Eagle Strategies. Based on his achievements, he was asked to join the New Jersey General's Office Management Team in 2022.

James was a National Top 50 Partner in 2023 and was promoted to Senior Partner in 2024. James has a passion for developing entrepreneurial individuals into successful Agents, Advisors and Partners. James lives in Monmouth County, NJ, with his wife Elizabeth and their two son's, James and Antonio. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and traveling.

SENIOR PARTNER

As Senior Partner, Matt is responsible for recruiting, training, coaching and agent productivity in the tri-state area. He is committed to building a team of diverse professionals and providing them with continuous and current training opportunities and resources that help them build their business and maximize opportunities.

Matt has ten years of industry experience, most recently joining New York Life from MassMutual. Before earning a leadership role, as an Agent, he qualified for President’s Council in 2012 and was a two-time qualifier of the Million Dollar Round Table (2012 and 2013): The Million Dollar Roundtable (MDRT), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals, is recognized globally as the standard of excellence for life insurance sales performance in the insurance and financial services industry. Matt is a graduate of the College of Staten Island where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Finance.

He helps people learn more about how a career as a New York Life Agent can provide the rewards and opportunities of self-employment -- flexibility, having a positive impact on people’s lives. As an agent, you have all the advantages of being in business for yourself, but you’re not alone.

SENIOR PARTNER

Bill joined New York Life in 1997, with no previous industry experience. As a new agent, Bill was an office leader in Life Insurance and Annuities sales. Bill was also elected to serve on the Agent’s Advisory Council (AAC) in 2009. As a member of The Nautilus Group®**, Bill was able to work with high-net-worth individuals and business owners in the areas of succession and Estate Planning. Bill is also a Life Member of the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table known as MDRT*.

As a Senior Partner now at New York Life NJGO, Bill's overall objective is the continued dedication to hiring and developing capable men and women from all backgrounds who can provide effective and innovative solutions for the problems people and businesses face. His experience includes recruiting within the financial services industry with the focus on attracting, hiring, and retaining outstanding individuals with strong business acumen and superlative organizational, analytical, and strategic problem-solving skills.

Bill and his wife Ellen live in Freehold, NJ with their children, Leyla and Adam.

**The Nautilus Group® is an exclusive membership-based resource group for agents who must meet certain eligibility requirements. Nautilus Members work with affluent, high net worth and business owner clients.

SENIOR PARTNER

Matt joined the New Jersey General Office as a Partner in the Jersey Shore office in 2016.

SENIOR PARTNER

Brian Segel is a seasoned financial professional who has had an illustrious career in the financial services industry for 40 years. Brian has held many industry leadership roles over his career including Managing Director, Regional Vice President and Chief Performance Officer and his current role is Senior Partner in the New York Life New Jersey General Office.

In his role as Senior Partner, Brian is focused on growing the firm’s New Jersey/NY Metro footprint through recruitment and development of financial professionals, those both experienced and inexperienced in the field.

Brian is the past recipient of numerous honors and awards including Partner Career Commitment Awards for exemplary performance in recruiting and agent productivity during his tenure at New York Life. In 2017, he was recognized by New York Life as the #1 Partner in the Northeast and the #2 Partner in the United States. Additionally, as a Binghamton University alum, Brian was awarded The Binghamton University Medal of Distinguished Service for his commitment to the community.

Brian currently resides in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey with his wife, Jamie and youngest daughter Jordyn. He also has three grown children, Alexandra, Kimberly and Ryan and is now a doting grandfather of two grandsons, Liam (Alexandra) and Harry (Kimberly).

In his free time Brian, (no longer a baseball, softball and basketball coach) enjoys golf, softball, tennis, pickleball when he can and spending time with his family.

PARTNER

Since joining New York Life in 2012, after with decades of experience in the financial services industry, John has qualified for the Leading Partner of the Year Award for years 2014, 2015 & 2016. In 2014 he also earned his Chartered Leadership Fellow designation from the American College. John also qualified for New York Life’s Northeastern Zone’s Co-Partner of the Year 2020 as well as New York Life’s Northeastern Zone’s Top Total Commissions Partner in 2020.

PARTNER

Asare Agyemang is a Partner at New York Life Insurance Company N.J. G.O. He holds a degree in Accounting and has over a decade of experience in the financial services sector. Prior to working with New York Life, Asare was a senior fund accountant and managed several multi-million funds.

Asare is dedicated to helping agents educate families on strategies to protect and create wealth. His purpose is to positively impact the financial future of his community by raising financial literacy and giving people the tools, resources, and support they need to achieve their dreams.

Asare is committed to financial and professional independence at every level. He has dedicated his career to bridging the inequality gap by hiring, mentoring, and training professionals in minority communities, especially the African Diaspora. Asare is a proud dad and husband. He is also an enthusiastic fan of tennis and soccer.

PARTNER

Caitlin Barham is a Partner at New York Life and was recognized as a Top 50 Partner company-wide in 2023. A Rutgers graduate and former Division I and semi-pro soccer player, she began her career in 2017 and quickly advanced to the management team. She earned Executive Council honors in both 2018 and 2019 and was awarded New York Life’s Life All-Star and Annuity Elite status in 2019. Caitlin was promoted to Partner in 2020 and continues her passion for coaching now by recruiting and developing new advisors. Caitlin lives in Wall Township with her husband, Bobby, and their two sons, Bennett and Cooper. In her free time, she enjoys running, competing in triathlons, and spending time with her family.

PARTNER

Erik began his career with New York Life in March of 2019. After 3 years in the automotive industry, he decided that he wanted to follow his passion for helping people to New York Life where he found immediate success.

While struggling through a changing environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic Erik was able to qualify for New York Life’s Executive Council Membership in 2020 with over 50 lives protected. This success continued into his second year. Erik was able to qualify for his second consecutive Executive Council in 2021 while helping his clients secure their finances through life insurance, long-term care planning, and retirement planning.

As a result of his early success and achievements Erik was promoted and given the opportunity to join the New Jersey General Office’s Management Team.

As a Partner Erik is focused on making an impact on the lives of the advisors on his team as well as offering the same opportunity to those in his community that he was offered to him by his Mentor Erik Anderson.

PARTNER

Thomas graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in May of 2017. After a career in real estate, came to New York Life in June of 2023 and never looked back. He began his career in the Fast Track to Management program and after a successful first year, was promoted to Associate Partner in May of 2024. Later that year, upon graduating from the Associate Partner program, was promoted to Partner.

Throughout his time at New York Life, Thomas has obtained his Series 6, 7, and 63 licenses.

Thomas has a passion for developing entrepreneurial individuals into successful Agents and Advisors. Thomas lives in Monmouth County, NJ, with his wife Julianne, their daughter Elaina, and their dog Ramsey. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and exercising.

PARTNER

Kris Kopsaftis is a Financial Professional and Partner at New York Life, dedicated to helping families and businesses achieve financial security. A lifelong resident of the Jersey Shore, Kris is an active member of local surfing and environmental organizations and takes pride in giving back to his community. As a proud father of three, he understands the importance of building lasting financial legacies and is passionate about helping others do the same.

PARTNER

Scott joined New York Life in 2014 as a Financial Services Professional. He had a natural calling for the profession and qualified for Executive Council Membership in 2015, 2016, and 2017. He was also a Life All Star Winner the last two years. After four years with the company he was promoted and asked to join the New Jersey General's Office Management Team. Scott has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He has ten years of financial services experience and loves making an impact by helping people achieve peace of mind because they're more financially secure.

As a partner, Scott is looking for motivated and passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of others. His goal is to develop a strong team of high-quality financial professionals who want to grow in a fortune 100 company.

Scott currently resides in West Orange, NJ with his wife and daughters.

PARTNER

Todd joined New York Life in 2013 as an agent. In his first year, he earned Executive Council recognition and became a Registered Representative with NYLIFE Securities. By his second year, Todd significantly expanded his business, achieving President’s Council recognition and qualifying for the Million Dollar Round Table*. Due to his success in growing a financial services practice, Todd was invited to join the management team at the New Jersey General Office, where he became a Partner in 2016.

ASSOCIATE PARTNER

In the financial services industry over 20 years.  Backed by a Fortune 100 company as Associate Partner I specialize in hiring , training and developing advisors that will make an impact on the financial goals of their clients.

PARTNER

Nilesh Sanghavi (Neil) joined New York Life in 2019 as a Financial Advisor. In his first full year, he earned Executive Council honors and became a qualifying member of the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). His success led to a promotion to Associate Partner in February 2021.

With over 25 years of management experience, Neil previously founded and led several successful businesses. He is passionate about creating an environment where individuals can achieve personal growth, maintain high ethical standards, and reach their career aspirations. Neil is committed to empowering Advisors by providing personalized coaching, opening doors to new opportunities, and helping them unlock their full potential.

Neil lives in Monroe, NJ with his wife, Chetna.

PARTNER

Mark Telymonde started his career in financial services as a stockbroker before starting his own trading and consulting firm, Bulls and Bears Trading Company.  He graduated with High Honors in Economics from Rutgers University and then went on to receive his MBA from Purdue University.  He then transitioned to corporate finance where he held several executive level positions both domestically and as an expatriate in Singapore, Australia, Korea and Brazil.  After working for companies such as Air Products and Chemicals, Armstrong World Industries and the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC), Mark decided to return to his roots in financial services and helping individuals and companies with their financial needs.  In March 2020 Mark joined NY Life as an Agent where he achieved Executive Council in his first three months and then President’s Council in his first full year.  He has made MDRT both years as well.  In Feb 2022 Mark joined the NY Life management team and was promoted to Associate Partner.

PARTNER

Matt joined New York Life in 2018 after 8 years with Northwestern Mutual and one year at MassMutual. Previous to that, he had been a stock trader for 10 years. He currently lives in Verona with his wife and 2 girls. He enjoys watching any and all sports, playing golf, and spending time with his family.

PARTNER

Keri Washington-Bah began her career with New York Life, as an Agent, in May 2018. Prior to a career with New York Life, Keri spent 10 years in high school and collegiate athletics. She received her Master’s in Business Administration in 2015 and additionally holds a Bachelor’s in Health and Exercise science and a minor in Management.

Keri is a two-time Executive Council Agent as well as a Centurion. She won the Life and Career Producer Awards in 2018 following a fast start in protecting over 100 lives. She then spent two years as a Development Manager before being promoted to Partner. Keri has a passion for impacting the lives of others and helping them to make important financial decisions for their families.

Keri and her husband Mohamed reside in Columbus, NJ, with their son Denzel and daughter Karis.

PARTNER

Chris is no stranger to New Jersey. He was born and raised in the Garden State and graduated from Monmouth University. Chris owes his success to the charisma and time he takes to listen the needs of clients and his agents. He lives with his husband and four dachshunds in Central Jersey. Prior to New York Life, Chris worked in retail management and in higher education. Chris took a leap of faith, with no experience, and became a top producer.

He made Executive Council in 2020 and 2021. He is involved in numerous networking groups, and LGBT affiliations. In his spare time, Chris enjoys working out, trips to Disney and spending time with his husband and fur babies.

CORPORATE VICE PRESIDENT, FIELD SERVICE

CORPORATE VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Tom graduated from Montclair State University with a dual concentration in Finance and Real Estate. After graduating he began his career with New York Life in 2015 as an agent.

After almost four years as an Agent and achieving two New York Life Executive Councils in 2018 and 2019, Tom was given the opportunity to become a Partner in May 2019. He was able to align both his passion for helping others as well as coaching and developing other agents. During his nearly 3 years as a Partner Tom continued to develop and gain a better understanding of the overall functions of the office. In March 2022 Tom was again promoted to CVP- Chief Operating Officer of the New Jersey General Offices. Tom helps and assist in the day to day functions of the office, as well as continues to use his passion for growth and helping to scale the business.

Tom currently lives in Oakland, New Jersey with his wife Nicole and 2 daughters Audrianna and Angelina.

SR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Shawn began his career with New York Life in November of 1988 at the age of 22 in the Constitution General Office.

During his time as an Agent and Development Manager, Shawn has been recognized for numerous and varied personal, office, zone, and national awards in overall production, case rate & retention. Shawn remains active in NAIFA and chairs his peer M1 Northeastern Zone study group.

Shawn is married to his wife Tina, has a daughter Casey 18, and son Chris 15.

In his spare time, Shawn enjoys time with family activities, sports, and boating in his hometown of Narragansett, Rhode Island.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Youwha has a Bachelors Degree in Education and minor in psychology. She began her career with New York Life in NJ GO in 2002 as an Agent. She has made Executive Council every year, Centurion in 2004 and was a qualifying member of MDRT* in 2005. She was promoted to a partner in 2007 and has 2 years experience as a Partner in the company. In November of 2012 she was asked to become a development manager. She enjoys her role being a development manager to help agents achieving their goals. Her role includes teaching and educating new agents on skills, products, and strategies to help build a successful business. Youwha is a current member of the professional organizations NAIFA. Youwha is also a Certified practitioner of the Macro Asset Prospective planning process.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Dolly was with New York Life for more than 7 years as an Agent and Financial Services Professional*. These 7 years include Qualifying as a member of Million Dollar Round Table* in 2016 and qualifying for 6 consecutive New York Life Executive Councils since 2010. Additionally, she has 5 years experience of working as Human Resources and Training & Development Manager in Industries like Finance, Luxury Boutique Hotels, Immigration Services and Information Technology.

Dolly received Masters degree in Business Administration from India, specializing in Human Resources and Industrial Relations. Additionally, she has Bachelors Degree in Science.

Dolly was born in India and currently lives in Woodbridge Township with her husband Ashwini Colvin and two young children, Aarsheya and Aayan.

*NYLIFE Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a Licensed Insurance Agency and New York Life Company.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Lonnie Greenberg began his career with New York Life as an agent in 2016. In that time, he has achieved Career Summit in his first year and he followed that with two consecutive Executive Councils. Lonnie has also earned achievement in his New Org Class by being a Top FYC leader and being well ranked in New York Life's Strive for Excellence program.

Before coming to New York Life he had achieved a Master’s Degree in Media Studies, several successful years in the restaurant industry, and an ambitious attempt at entrepreneurship. Lonnie is a passionate fan of music and is a consummate enthusiast in collecting vinyl records as his personal hobby. Spreading cheer, staying positive, and remaining focused on helping others are what gives Lonnie his greatest happiness in life.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Nick Martello began his career at New York Life in 2021. He came to New York Life at the age of 22 and proved that age is just a number. Early on in his New York Life career he was an agent and succeeded in reaching his goals, becoming a 2x Executive Council Qualifier and Registered Representative. He found passion in educating young individuals early on in their lives about financial planning and provided guidance where it was needed. Helping his clients make smart financial decisions. Now Nick is a Development Manager and is passing down his knowledge to new and experienced agents. His greatest joy comes from seeing his agents succeed. He has always cheered for the underdog and is a firm believer that hard work can overcome any disadvantage.

DIRECTOR OF AGENCY STANDARDS

Julie is currently serving as the Agency Standards Manager for the New Jersey GO and is charged with supervision of the field sales force. Julie has 25 years experience with New York Life. Throughout the years, Julie has served as Corporate Vice President in the Northeast Zone, Compliance Examiner in the Corporate Compliance Department and Compliance and Legal liaison at New York Life Investments.

Julie prides herself in assisting agents to develop best practice ideas in the sales process as well as navigating through the regulatory landscape. Julie conducts ongoing training for agents and managers on all compliance related matters, delivers Firm Element training and provides education related to FINRA and state rules as well as Company policies and procedures. In 2016, Julie received the Mentor of the Year Award for the Northeastern Zone for mentoring and developing other Agency Standards Managers. Julie is an advocate for the American Diabetes Association and is a long time resident of Bergen County.

DIRECTOR OF AGENCY STANDARDS

Joe started his NYL career in 2013 as a reviewer in the Sales Material Review Unit (SMRU), where he was responsible for reviewing all advertising & marketing materials. Over the next nine years, Joe built strong, trusted relationships with field agents, managers, & home office personnel. In SMRU, he managed the advertising & marketing materials for two of NYL's largest general offices, Boston & New Jersey. Joe was also entrusted with overseeing & reviewing all marketing materials for Group Benefit Solutions (GBS).

In 2023, Joe transitioned to the NJGO as Director of Agency Standards, bringing his expertise closer to home in New Jersey. Joe understands that relationships are at the heart of the financial services industry & has continued to nurture strong connections with agents, sales teams, training professionals, & cross-functional NYL teams. These relationships, which were established during his time in SMRU, have remained a cornerstone of his work.

Outside of his professional life, Joe is a proud father to three adult daughters (ages 20, 21, & 35) & two grandsons, who keep him busy in his spare time. When he's not with family, Joe volunteers at his church, organizing events & fundraising for his community. He finds fulfillment in helping others & watching them grow & thrive.

SENIOR PARTNER

Usha started her career as an attorney and later worked in the Banking & Finance Industry in the Middle-East and North America. She comes with extensive experience working in a multi cultural environment combined with global exposure.

In 2002, she joined New York Life, New Jersey General Office. During her first five years as a Financial Services Professional*, Usha was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table* in 2005 and an Executive Council Qualifier from 2003-2007. In 2008, she was asked to join senior management as the Sr. Agency Standards Consultant for the New Jersey General Office. In 2014, she was promoted as a Partner. She qualified for the Gathering of Eagles in 2014 for outstanding performance. Continuing her rapid success, Usha was promoted to Senior Partner in 2016.

She holds a Masters of Law degree from Benjamin Cardozo Law School, Yeshiva University, NY. Usha is a member of the American Bar Association[ABA] and South-Asian Bar Association[SABA]. She is also the Co-Trustee and Founder of Gift a Future International Inc., NJ that helps provide education to underprivileged children across the world. Usha is currently the President of New Jersey Tamil Sangam, a non-profit organization.

Usha resides in Middlesex county with her loving family. *NYLIFE Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, A Licensed Insurance Agency & New York Life Company.