Nashville, TN Financial Advisor Office

Nashville

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Charles Pruett

Managing Partner

Chuck Pruett serves a dual role as managing partner of Northwestern Mutual in Middle and East Tennessee, based in Nashville, and chief distribution advisor of Northwestern Mutual, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A 32-year veteran of Northwestern Mutual, Pruett joined the company in 1992 as a financial representative. In 1995, he became managing director of the new Murfreesboro district office and developed it into one of the most successful districts in the country. Now in his 22nd year as managing partner, Pruett has grown the Nashville-based organization into one of the largest in the Northwestern Mutual system nationwide. His organization is consistently top-ranked in the company for growth, productivity, and the number of financial planners with CFP designations. It is also one of Nashville's largest private companies and financial planning firms.

David Knox

CFP®, CLU®, RICP®

Wealth Management Advisor

A twenty-seven-year veteran of Northwestern Mutual, Knox began his career in 1993 as a Top Ten College Agent through NM’s Internship Program and joined the Nashville office as a financial advisor in 1994. He experienced a fast start in his career, achieving the elite Pacesetter First 40 recognition. In 2002, Knox was appointed Managing Director of the Pruett Financial Group Network Office in Nashville, and in 2007 he also assumed the role of Chief Development Officer. Since January of 2020, he now serves as the Associate Managing Partner of the organization. In his role, David is responsible for the new representative and veteran productivity and sales results. He continues to help the entire organization by supporting the Managing Directors, Growth and Development Directors, and leadership team.

David Smallwood

District Director

David Smallwood is a Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual. David works closely with individuals, families and small business owners to help them identify, executive and achieve their personal and financial goals.

Robin Bennett

EMBA

Chief Financial Officer

Robin Bennett's education and professional experience showcase her dedication to establishing a solid foundation in finance. Starting with an accounting degree from the University of Kentucky, she gained a comprehensive understanding of financial principles, practices, and methodologies. Continuing her education at the Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management, Robin pursued an Executive Master's degree in business. This advanced degree provided her with valuable insights into various aspects of business, including finance, strategy, leadership, and management. 2012 Robin joined the Pruett Financial Group as an executive team leader. Her Chief Financial Officer position has impacted the office by expanding budget and analytical capabilities, streamlining processes, and making her a principal member of the firm. She leads by providing value through her ability to evaluate business strategies and performance through financial analysis and accounting support.

Katie Seaton

Chief Development Officer

Katie Seaton has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2009, driven by a deep passion for developing talent and strategic leadership. Her commitment to excellence has led her to have a bifurcated role, effectively co-managing the Nashville District, where she is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the district's recruitment and development efforts. Additionally, she serves as the Network Office Chief Development Officer, working closely with the Managing Partner to drive results in the horizontal growth of the firm. Collaborating closely with the Executive Leadership team, Katie ensures that the network’s development and talent selection processes run smoothly and achieve strategic goals. Katie demonstrates strong cultural awareness of the surrounding community and expertly identifies strategic growth opportunities within it. She has a nuanced understanding of how to adapt her approach to accommodate and respect diverse cultures and perspectives.

Willa Manchester

RICP®

Chief Operations Officer

Willa Manchester's association with Northwestern Mutual began in 2006, but her connection to the firm dates back to 1988 when she first became a client. Her experience with Northwestern Mutual includes a variety of roles from Associate Financial Representative, Technology Coach, and Director of Operations. Willa’s current role is the Chief Integration Officer of Operations and Technology, and she has held this position on the Pruett Financial Group Executive Leadership team since 2015. Her responsibilities involve ensuring the successful execution of various initiatives, leading operations, managing technology systems, and overseeing the team responsible for client relations. Willa has a solid educational foundation, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Lipscomb University, which is in Nashville, TN. She furthered her education at Vanderbilt University, where she obtained a master’s in education.

Ashley Williams

Chief Supervision Officer

Ashley Williams has always had a passion for finance. Ashley started her career in the banking industry. Soon after, she was introduced to the field of financial planning and began working as a registered sales associate. This transition allowed her to apply her banking knowledge and skills to the realm of financial planning, enabling her to provide valuable assistance and guidance to clients in managing their finances and making investment decisions. Ashley joined Northwestern Mutual – Nashville in 2011. As the Chief Compliance Officer, Ashley oversees all compliance-related matters within the organization. This role is crucial in ensuring the company adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies to maintain ethical and legal standards. Her expertise and leadership in compliance contribute to the organization's success and help foster a culture of integrity and compliance. Her additional education includes Series 7, 63, 65, and 9 & 10.

Alan Brown

J.D., CLU®, RICP®

Chief Growth Officer

Alan Brown has extensive experience in the financial services industry spanning over 27 years. Alan joined Northwestern Mutual in 2013 when he joined the firm as the Chief Supervision Officer. Throughout his career, he has held dual roles and gained expertise in various areas, including supervisory and compliance roles, sales, development, and recruiting leadership. Alan is well-versed in his regulatory knowledge, managing risk, and ensuring the overall compliance of financial operations. In 2016, Alan expanded his responsibilities by taking on the additional role of Chief Growth Officer (CGO). His scope of work, includes consulting services to career advisors, assisting them with enhancing their business growth and optimizing their operations. By 2022, Alan had transitioned fully into the role of Chief Growth Officer, focusing on driving overall growth and strategic initiatives within Northwestern Mutual.

Seth Rollins

CLF®

Director of Training

Seth Rollins, originally from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, graduated from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in 2013. During his time at MTSU, Seth actively participated in the Tennessee Business Education Association (TBEA) and held the student board member representative position in 2012. In 2015, Seth made a career transition from the field of education and returned to Northwestern Mutual. At Pruett Financial Group, he specialized in technology coaching, leveraging his knowledge and skills to assist others in utilizing technology effectively. With his dedication to continued education, Seth completed the Personal Planning Software support school, equipping him with the necessary proficiency to support and guide others using the proprietary software. In 2020, Seth’s role evolved into the Director of Training, where he collaborates with team members, financial representatives, financial advisors, associate financial reps, and ensembles.

April Wallace

Director of Client Relations

April started out as the receptionist in January 2013. Her passion for servicing clients quickly led her to transition to the Client Relations Department, first as Coordinator, then becoming Director in 2015. Her time and energy is spent helping the CRC team be the bridge between the original promise made by NM and ensuring the promise is kept. She is a member of the CRC Field Advisory Board working closely with the home office, has been an integral part of many pilot programs, initiated a GAP lead sharing program for young reps, and a member of the Women’s Field Advisory Board. While increasing the production of the department is noteworthy, April and her team are most proud of the thousands of clients they personally service each year. April grew up near the space center in central Florida, loves the beach, vintage items and is a huge Titans fan. She has three children and one granddaughter.

Didi Kovacs

MBA

Director of Marketing

As the Director of Network Engagement at Northwestern Mutual—Nashville, Didi plays a pivotal role in expanding the company's network and enhancing its marketing efforts and exposure. 12 years of experience in leadership positions at Northwestern Mutual have given her the opportunity to understand the intricacies of the financial services industry, and has developed a firm grasp of the business. Didi holds an MBA in Business Administration and a BA in Visual Communications and is licensed to sell insurance and securities in CA and TN.

Northwestern Mutual