From connecting families with housing and food resources to providing valuable mentorship opportunities to local youth, Northwestern Mutual financial advisors are leading impactful change in their communities across the country. Through its Foundation, the company is recognizing these efforts through its 2019 Community Service Awards program by awarding nearly $300,000 in grants to nonprofits nationwide.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Community Service Awards program. Since the program’s inception, the Foundation has donated nearly $6 million to nonprofits on behalf of program winners. This program highlights the exemplary volunteer service of 16 company volunteers who have demonstrated their work with local organizations.
Twelve of the company’s financial advisors have been recognized with a $15,000 grant to benefit a community nonprofit to which he or she has dedicated time and support. Two of this year’s winners will receive an additional $5,000 for volunteering with an organization involved in the fight against childhood cancer, the national philanthropic focus area of the Foundation. An additional winner from each of the four regions has been distinguished as Most Exceptional, and received $25,000 for their organization.
“Every year I’m amazed by the commitment our advisors have for nonprofit support in their communities,” said Eric Christophersen, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “Giving back is such an integral piece of our company culture, and our Community Service Award winners truly embody this through the meaningful work they’re accomplishing.”
The 2019 winners were announced at the company’s regional meetings earlier this year, with grants presented to nonprofits at local events throughout the country.
2019 Northwestern Mutual Community Service Award Winners
| Most Exceptional Winners ($25,000 grant) | ||
| Name | Organization | Office Location |
| Steven Braun, CLU® | Cures Within Reach | Chicago, IL |
| Mike Campbell, MSFS | Blue Angels Foundation | Atlanta, GA |
| Sherry Finkel Murphy, CFP®, RICP® | Wellspring (DVRC of Saratoga County) | Albany, NY |
| Alex Rosenblatt, CLTC® | San Francisco General Hospital Foundation | San Francisco, CA |
| Outstanding Winners ($15,000 grant) | ||
| Name | Organization | Office Location |
| Ralph Barringer, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CASL® | Heuser Hearing and Language Academy | Louisville, KY |
| Garin Demirjian, CLTC® | LA Family Housing Corporation | Los Angeles, CA |
| Cullen Douglass, CFP® | Family and Children’s Services | Nashville, TN |
| Dunn Perrault & Associates | Atlas Preparatory School and Early Connections Learning Centers | Colorado Springs, CO |
| Nate Fikse, CLU®, CLF®, ChFC® | UCLA Health Operation Mend | Newport Beach, CA |
| Meagan Isselhard, CFP® | Christian Activity Center | Fairview Heights, IL |
| Michael Matone, CLU®, ChFC® | Butler Hospital | East Greenwich, RI |
| Hank Meyers | Holocaust Museum & Center for Tolerance and Education | Park Ridge, NJ |
| Peter Mortka, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® | Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region | Albany, NY |
| Mark Rizzo, CLU®, ChFC®, ChSNC®, AEP®, CASL® | Family Service Association of Greater Elgin Area | Schaumburg, IL |
| Kyle Smith, CFP®, CLU®, RICP® | Chicago Community ToolBank | Skokie, IL |
| Joshua Waite, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CAP® | Dax Foundation | Peoria, IL |
