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.

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

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

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

Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Sherry enjoyed a successful career in technology sales leadership and coaching. She created her ‘second act’ to share her financial expertise and to define, for her, what a satisfying non-retirement can be. Her own experience with marriage, divorce, re-partnering, and care of aging parents greatly informs her work.

Combining career, business, and financial coaching, Sherry provides her clients with a highly collaborative strategy to achieve their unique goals. Sherry is an alumnus of the University of Rochester (B.A) and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (M.S.). She is a founder and former Chair of the Women’s Business Council of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Professional Development Committee of the University of Rochester Women’s Initiative, member of the 100 Women Who Care Alliance of Northeastern New York, and board member emeritus of Wellspring, ending relationship violence in our community. In addition, Sherry is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Eastern New York.

Contact Sherry for:

• Financial Planning Needs
• Women’s Planning
• Retirement Income and Distribution Planning
• Referrals

Personal

Sherry Finkel Murphy currently resides in Saratoga Springs with her husband, Col. (ret) Fred Elbert, P.E., an engineering project management business owner; and a revolving guest wing of kids, grandkids, and one very large chocolate lab. While Fred is off hunting waterfowl, Sherry can be found making a variety of soups, enjoying the Adirondack community, and snatching kettlebells. Sherry is also an avid reader in her spare time. Here are some books that she recommends.

Books:

• "Human Kind" by Brad Aronson
• "Failing Forward" by John Maxwell
• "It’s Only Too Late If You Don’t Start Now" by Barbara Sher

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

Julia has specialized in wealth management, employee benefit and retirement planning with business owners since she originally joined Northwestern Mutual in 1980. She left for twelve years, got an MBA, then raised funds for two charitable organizations, leading the endowment departments. Julia helps families, including the next generation, create and implement their vision for their charitable legacies.

Contact Julia for:

• Financial Planning Needs
• Charitable Planning
• Qualified Plan Design
• Referrals

Personal

Julia and her husband, Mark, split time living in Saratoga Springs and Schroon Lake, NY, having recently relocated from the Washington DC area where they lived for decades. They enjoy their iconic lake front Victorian home, the companionship of their rescue dogs, and her brother’s restaurant, Trail Break, in Schroon, where she is the primary baker. Julia serves on the Board of the 116-year-old Seagle Festival in Schroon Lake and is an avid Torah reader, Zoom maven, and fundraiser for their synagogue, Agudas Achim of Alexandria, VA. She volunteers for Saratoga’s Dance Flurry and enjoys Irish Set Dancing. An advanced scuba diver, Julia has traveled the world exploring life in the ocean and learning about cultures beyond the States. Their daughter, Naomi, and her husband, Hareesh, live and work in Philadelphia with their own rescue dog, Blueberry.

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 Investment Licenses.

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

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

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

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 registration.

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

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

Sarah graduated from Hudson Valley Community College with an Associate Degree in Administrative Information Management and Technology. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual in 2020, Sarah worked for many years in the financial services industry and later as sales support for a large-scale food distributor. She holds her Life, Accident and Health Insurance license for the State of New York.

Contact Sarah for:

• Scheduling and confirming appointments
• Client information and general inquiries

Personal

Sarah grew up in Clifton Park, NY and currently resides in Burnt Hills with her boyfriend Will and their one year old daughter, Zoey. Sarah loves to bake and has even made wedding cakes, along with many birthday cakes, for friends and family. She enjoys being with her family and spending time outdoors.

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.

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

Brian graduated from University of Albany, State University of New York with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology in 2017. After three years in both individual and business banking, Brian joined The Atrium Financial Group in 2021 as the operations assistant.

Personal

Brian grew up in Latham, NY where he still resides. In his free time, he enjoys tennis, hiking, paddle boarding and spending time with friends and family.