Our Team
The Atrium Financial Group is composed of giving individuals committed to lifelong learning, who are role models at home, at work, and in their communities.
We work with coachable clients who share our values. Our Team specializes in creating financial freedom through multi-generational estate planning and income distribution strategies.
Our comprehensive, tax-efficient approach to finance integrates traditional financial planning with cutting edge behavioral finance.
The Atrium Financial Group is also proud to offer financial planning by and for women. Our practice includes two women who have earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional designation, something that sets us apart.
Our interdependence allows us to remain committed to our clients, families, and community, giving us an unparalleled work life balance.
Michael P Mennella CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CLTC®
Partner and Wealth Management Advisor
Professional
Michael was born and raised on Long Island. He attended Stony Brook University and graduated in the year 2000 with a double major in Business Management and Economics. Immediately after graduation, Michael began his career with Northwestern Mutual as a full time financial representative. He was deeply attracted to the attributes the career would offer; helping others, flexible work hours, and unlimited income potential.
Since that time Michael has not looked back. He currently holds his Series 7, 66, 63, 6, 26, and his certifications and designations include CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ PROFESSIONAL (CFP®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®). He is passionate about financial planning, and enjoys partnering with clients to assist them in pursuing their financial goals. He is a Qualifying Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, and takes great pride in the accomplishments he has achieved over the years. From a leadership perspective, Michael mentors newer advisors with a focus on skill building, financial planning techniques, and goal setting.
Contact Michael for:
- Financial Planning Needs
- Plan Updates
- Updating Financial Goals
- Referrals
Personal
While Michael’s commitment to his clients and the firm is significant, his family is at the core of every endeavor. Michael lives in Rockville Centre with his wife Brianda, son Matteo, and daughter Serafina. Michael and Brianda love to entertain friends and family at their home, and host a huge holiday party each December. When Michael is not in the office, you can find him at the beach with the family, and every year they spend a few weeks at their “happy place” down south in Isle of Palms, SC. He loves making memories with the family, and is actively involved with several charitable organizations.
William J. Newman CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CASL®, RICP®
Founder and Private Wealth Advisor
Professional
Bill joined Northwestern Mutual in 1982 after graduating from the State University of New York at Albany with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. In 1996, Bill opened the Albany District Agency for Northwestern Mutual; successfully serving as Managing Director and growing the agency for over a decade. With over 38 years of experience, in his current capacity as Founder and Private Wealth Advisor of the Atrium Financial Group, Bill is committed to building enduring relationships that inspire financial security for his clients, team and community.
Bill’s certifications include CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ PROFESSIONAL (CFP®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Certified Advisor of Senior Living (CASL®) and Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®).
He was named to the Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisers three years running (2018-2020).
Personal
Bill resides in Rexford, NY with his wife, Linda, and their two dogs, Holly and Henry. They are very active in their daughters' lives. Since becoming grandparents in March 2019, they never miss a moment spending time with their granddaughter, Charlie, every chance they get.
Bill and Linda spend their time going to craft fairs when the weather is good, and the movies when the weather is gloomy. They enjoy entertaining friends and family in their home where the BBQ is always smoking, and the drinks are always cold.
Bill and Linda have decided that the cold winters are no longer for them, and often spend January to March in Celebration, Florida. There, they enjoy the company of many family members, fellow Northwestern Mutual friends, and clients.
It is a priority for Bill and Linda to be involved in their community, and they do so by volunteering through numerous Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation efforts and having endowed scholarships through the State University of New York at Albany and Siena College. Bill is also a member of the Board of Directors at The University At Albany Foundation and serves as an Alumni mentor. Through his relationship with the University, Bill secured a new space for the Girls Inc. of the Capital Region's Eureka! Program. Bill is also an avid reader in his spare time. Here are some books that he recommends.
Bill’s Book List:
- “Train Your Brain For Success” by Roger Seip
- “The Presidents Club” by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy
- “The Boys In The Boat” by Daniel James Brown
- “The Dream Manager” by Matthew Kelly
Jeremiah J Mackey CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CASL®, AEP®
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
Professional
Jay is a graduate of Plattsburgh State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Business. He has been in the industry since 1997. He joined Northwestern Mutual in 2002 after working as an independent financial planner for five years. In Jay's current capacity, he works with clients to help build enduring relationships that inspire financial security. Jay has obtained his CLU®, ChFC®, AEP®, and CASL® designations and his CFP® certification, as well as his FINRA Series 7, 6, 63, and 66 investment licenses.
Contact Jay for:
- Financial Planning Needs
- Plan Updates
- Updating Financial Goals
- Referrals
Personal
Jay resides in Ballston Lake, NY with his wife Jesica and three children, Estella, Maxwell, and Elaine, and their dog Rocky. He enjoys spending time with his family, frequently traveling to Walt Disney World, and manicuring his lawn. He also spends a lot of his free time watching his kids play soccer around the Capital Region.
Jay is an avid volunteer in his community, participating in many local causes. He serves on the board of the Rotary Club of Glenville, NY Foundation, and serves as the Treasurer of the Fifty FC Soccer club.
Professional
Liz graduated from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY with a Bachelor's of Science in Finance and Economics and a minor in Psychology. She is currently completing her Master of Business Administration at the University at Albany. Liz started with Northwestern Mutual through the internship program and officially joined The Atrium Financial Group 10 years ago. She holds her CFP® professional certification, FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 investment licenses, as well as her Life, Accident, and Health insurance license for the state of New York.
Contact Liz for:
- Questions About The Atrium Financial Group Processes or Team
- Inquiries Regarding Your Insurance Contracts or Investment Accounts
- Trade or Asset Movement Requests
- Personal Planning Analysis Updates
- Financial Planning Needs
- Referrals
- Investment Research, Selection, and Allocation
- Scheduling and Confirming Appointments
- Client Information, General Inquires, and Technology
- Questions Regarding Online Access and Account Aggregation
Personal
Liz grew up in Clifton Park, NY and after spending time in Poughkeepsie, NY and Colorado Springs, CO, she returned home to begin her career. Family is her number one priority and she enjoys spending time with them and her friends whenever she can. She also enjoys cooking and baking, reading, traveling, and baseball.
Professional
Shannon graduated from Binghamton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Actuarial Science. Shannon started with Northwestern Mutual in October of 2016 and holds her Life, Accident, and Health insurance license for the state of New York as well as her FINRA Series 7 & 63 registrations.
Contact Shannon for:
- Questions revolving around your Personal Planning Analysis
- Plan Updates
- Referrals
- Scheduling and confirming appointments
- Client information and general inquiries
Personal
Shannon grew up in Oswego, NY. She moved to the Albany area in 2014 with her daughter, Nora. Shannon joined Northwestern Mutual in 2016. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising, and being outdoors.
Professional
Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Kyle held positions as both a recruiter and financial representative with a large financial services provider. In his current capacity, Kyle works with individuals and businesses to help them clarify and realize their short, medium, and long-term financial planning goals and objectives. Kyle has obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional certification and holds his FINRA Series 7 & 66 investment licenses. In addition, Kyle holds the Life, Accident & Health insurance license in the State of New York.
Contact Kyle for:
- Questions involving your Personal Planning Analysis
- Social Security Planning
- Financial Planning Needs
- Plan Updates
- Updating Financial Goals
- Referrals
Personal
Born and raised in the Capital Region, Kyle is a graduate of Shaker High School and The State University of New York. Kyle is an avid martial artist and currently holds Black Belts in two separate martial arts disciplines. In addition to his time in the gym, Kyle recently started competing in ultra-distance endurance and obstacle course competitions. Kyle resides in Loudonville, NY with his wife, Katie, their daughters, Carly and Cameron and their energetic boxer, Tank.
Professional
Greg is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, and a lifelong resident of Scotia, NY. Greg brings 25 years of community banking experience to The Atrium Financial Group team, having served most recently as Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer. Greg has earned his FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations, and he also holds a Life, Accident & Health insurance license from the State of NY. He looks forward to bringing the strength and depth of The Atrium Financial Group team to bear in assisting his clients to live life by design, not by default.
Contact Greg for:
- Financial Planning Needs
- Plan Updates
- Updating Financial Goals
- Referrals
Personal
Greg lives in Scotia, NY with his wonderful wife Janine, their five sons, Justin, Shane, Nathan, Logan and Griffin, their two cats, Primrose and Sahara, and Rocket the standard poodle. Greg loves spending time with family and playing all manner of games with his sons. He is an avid outdoorsman, with a special passion for archery. Greg is a believer in community involvement and is a 2015 graduate of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Saratoga program. Greg’s charity of choice is the Center for Disability Services, which he has assisted with fundraising for the Afficionado Experience event for many years.
Professional
Christine received her undergraduate degree from St. John Fisher College in Business and graduate degree from the Simon School of Business in Finance. For the last decade, Christine and her husband, Jeff, have enjoyed entrepreneurial endeavors together in the hospitality and fitness industries. Christine joined Northwestern Mutual in 2022 and is committed to fostering relationships that help others empower themselves to achieve their personal, professional, and financial goals and objectives.
Christine was named into the Marquis Who’s Who in 2021 for her accomplishments as an entrepreneur, and Breadth Fellow and Outstanding Adult Student Award winner at the University of Rochester, Simon School of Business.
Personal
Christine lives in Rochester, NY with her husband and four children. She enjoys spending her time at the baseball, softball, and soccer fields, and Dojang with her kids, running outdoors, and taking on adventures as a family. She is an advocate for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), mental health, and giving back to her local community.
Professional
Peter graduated from Le Moyne College with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Analytics in 2019. After two years of working in the financial analysis field, Peter started with The Atrium Financial Group in 2021. He holds his Life, Accident and Health insurance license for the State of New York as well as his FINRA SIE exam.
Contact Peter for:
- Questions revolving around your Personal Planning Analysis
- Plan Updates
- Referrals
- Scheduling and confirming appointments
- Client information and general inquiries
Personal
Peter Grew up in Ballston Spa, NY, were he still resides. Peter is very active in his community as a coach for the Ballston Spa Lacrosse Club. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, golf and spending time with friends and family.
Professional
Becka graduated from the Albany Academy for Girls, where she had gone to school since the age of four. After she attended Johns Hopkins University for two years, Rebecka went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Marist College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Psychology. Before joining Northwestern Mutual in August of 2019, she worked in the financial services industry for five years in both retail and business banking. Rebecka holds her Life, Accident, and Health Insurance License for the State of New York.
Contact Rebecka for:
- Client information and general inquiries
- Setting up automatic distributions to or from your account
- To request monthly performance reports
- Updating personal information, including bank account information and beneficiaries
- Questions regarding account paperwork or account statements
Personal
Becka grew up near Albany in Feura Bush, NY and currently resides in Mechanicville, NY, with her daughter, Teagan. She and her daughter love animals and enjoy spending time with their two dogs, Sneakers and Mulligan, and two cats Chloe and Morty. In her free time, she likes to read, travel, and volunteer in the community.
Professional
Mandi graduated summa cum laude from FIT with a Bachelor's in Marketing and a minor in Economics. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual in the summer of 2016, she worked as a successful Sales and Marketing Manager in the luxury consumer products industry. After several years living and working in New York City, Mandi decided it was time for a change of pace and scenery and moved back home to the Capital Region. Mandi holds her Life, Accident and Health insurance license for the State of New York.
Contact Mandi for:
- Questions revolving around your insurance policies or annuity contracts
- Questions regarding insurance paperwork or medical exams
- Servicing needs on your existing insurance policies or annuity contracts, including updating bank accounts and beneficiaries
- Referrals
- Scheduling and confirming appointments
- Client information and general inquires
- Marketing, Sponsorships and Community Involvement
Personal
Mandi currently resides in Malta, NY with her husband, Jared, their son, Lucas and their Rhodesian Ridgeback, Piper. Their family is growing and they’re expecting their first daughter in July of 2021. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors and entertaining.
Professional
Sasha graduated from Bethlehem Central High School and attended the University of Vermont. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Sasha had grown up working in the restaurant industry. Using his management and communication skills, in addition to his desire to learn and help people in a deeper, more meaningful way, The Atrium Financial Group was the perfect fit. Sasha holds the Life, Accident & Health insurance license in the State of New York.
In his current capacity, Sasha works with individuals to help with their financial planning needs. Sasha holds the FINRA SIE registration.
Contact Sasha for:
- Questions revolving around your Personal Planning Analysis
- Plan Updates
- Referrals
- Scheduling and confirming appointments
- Client information and general inquiries
Personal
Sasha grew up in the Capital District and currently resides in Troy, NY. He enjoys cooking, spending time with friends and family, rooting for New York sports teams, and traveling every chance he gets. He recently got engaged to his fiancé Andrea and they are looking forward to planning a wedding in the fall of 2022. Twice a year, he and his dad create a special menu and work in conjunction with the restaurant Yanni’s Too in Ravena and put on an all-day affair where the proceeds of the day go to benefit Sjogren’s Disease.
Mary B Hall
Investment and Planning Associate
Professional
Mary Beth graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in Leadership. Prior to graduating, Mary Beth originally joined the Northwestern Mutual family as a college financial representative. Continuing to serve clients for two years in the financial advisor role, Mary Beth then joined The Atrium Financial Group in 2022. Mary Beth currently holds her FINRA Series 7 & 63 investment licenses, as well as her Life, Accident, and Health insurance license for the State of New York.
Personal
Mary Beth grew up in Knoxville, TN where she still resides. In her free time, Mary Beth enjoys hiking with her blue heeler Trooper, volunteering with the Tennessee 4-H organization, or cheering on the Vols at UT football games.
Professional
Jennifer attended Queensborough College, where she studied Computer Science. She has extensive experience as an executive administrator in several industries such as transportation, hospitality, legal, and finance. Jennifer joined the Team in 2015 and her role has evolved to the Director of New Business.
Contact Jennifer for:
- Questions revolving around your insurance or annuity contracts
- Questions regarding insurance paperwork or medical exams
- Servicing needs on your existing insurance policies or annuity contracts, including updating bank accounts and beneficiaries
- Client information and general inquires
- Scheduling and confirming appointments
Personal
Jennifer grew up in Queens, NY, and now resides on Long Island with her daughter Julia. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as going to the beach, rollerblading, and traveling.
Professional
Sara graduated from Le Moyne College with a dual bachelor’s degree in Finance and Business Analytics. Before joining The Atrium Financial Group, Sara worked as a Branch Manager in retail banking. She holds her Life, Accident and Health insurance license for the State of New York.
Contact Sara for:
- Questions revolving around your insurance or annuity contracts
- Questions regarding insurance paperwork or medical exams
- Servicing needs on your existing insurance policies or annuity contracts, including updating bank accounts and beneficiaries
- Client information and general inquires
Personal
Sara grew up in Clifton Park, NY where she now resides with her husband, Alex, and their dog, Millie. She spends her free time helping her husband operate his mowing & plowing business, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.
Professional
Stephen graduated from Siena College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Psychology. He attained his Master of Arts in Economics from University at Albany. Before joining Northwestern Mutual in 2022, he spent 11 years working in the financial services industry. Stephen also holds his FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations.
Personal
Stephen grew up and currently resides in East Greenbush, NY. He loves spending time with family, friends, and his dogs Bailey and Floki. In his free time, he enjoys live music, sports, reading, and working out.
Professional
Jared graduated Siena College in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Financial Planning with a Minor in Entrepreneurship. After college, Jared began his career at a large financial planning company. He worked with clients to help provide holistic financial planning. Jared joined The Atrium Financial Group in 2023 as an Investment Operations Associate.
Personal
Jared grew up in Glenmont NY. Jared now lives in center square in Albany NY. He has an interest in Action Figures and Legos.
Professional
Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Aubrey spent 7 years in various management roles within the retail network of the Banking industry. She brings broad financial knowledge and prides herself in fostering meaningful client experiences. Aubrey is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Southern New Hampshire University and expects to graduate in 2024.
Personal
Aubrey grew up splitting her time between Averill Park, NY and her family camp in the Adirondacks. She currently resides in Troy, NY with her husband and their dog and two cats. Aubrey loves to hike and is currently completing a challenge to climb the 46 highest peaks in New York. She enjoys traveling, skiing, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Aubrey is passionate about being involved in the community both around her and abroad. She currently serves as a Senior Board member for the Associate Board of the American Cancer Society, is a disaster response Greyshirt volunteer with Team Rubicon, and a Recruitment Committee Member with Humanity and Hope United based in Honduras.
Affiliate Advisors
Through Northwestern Mutual, The Atrium Financial Group has access to a network of specialists locally and across the country. We help each other, share ideas and common values, and leverage each other's talents to help you achieve your personal dream of financial security.