Get to know our leadership team

Leadership at the La Crosse office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.

Photo of Managing Director Shane Stuhr

Shane Stuhr

CFP®, CLU®

Managing Director

Shane leads the Northwestern Mutual of Shane Stuhr leads the Northwestern Mutual of La Crosse office as our Managing Director. With a passion for growth and development, Shane is committed to shaping our office into the finest financial planning firm in the Coulee Region. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, he also heads a Wealth Management team of six, dedicated to providing holistic retirement and preretirement financial planning. Shane's visionary leadership and unwavering dedication make him a pivotal force in both the strategic direction of our office and the comprehensive financial well-being of our clients.
Photo of Director of Development Haylee Pagenkopf

Haylee Pagenkopf

CLF®

Director of Development

Haylee Pagenkopf plays an integral role as our Development Officer. She leads the onboarding, facilitation, and training of new financial representatives and financial representative assistants. As our dedicated coach and mentor, Haylee ensures that every new Northwestern Mutual team member receives the comprehensive guidance and support they need to succeed. Her dedication to fostering growth and passion for developing talent make her an invaluable asset to our organization. Haylee's strategic leadership and compassionate mentoring create a nurturing environment where new representatives are empowered to thrive and excel in their careers.
Photo of College Unit Director Brody Gatz

Brody Gatz

College Unit Director

Brody Gatz, Financial Advisor and College Unit Director, plays a crucial role in shaping the future leaders of our industry. Brody is dedicated to providing coaching, training, and learning opportunities to our interns, ensuring they receive comprehensive support and guidance throughout their development while leading by example with a successful practice of his own. Brody's journey with our organization began in 2020 as an intern, where his hard work, dedication, and belief in the program propelled him to his current leadership role. His firsthand experience as an intern gives him a unique perspective of the challenges and opportunities that come with the internship program. Brody is committed to fostering an environment where all interns are encouraged and equipped to grow in their careers. His leadership style is defined by his dedication to excellence, his ability to inspire, and his unwavering commitment to the professional development of every intern under his guidance.
Photo of Director of Internship Development Chloe McGrath

Chloe McGrath

Director of Internship Development

Chloe McGrath is the Director of Internship Development at Northwestern Mutual, a role she has adeptly held since November 2022. In this capacity, Chloe is instrumental in professionally developing students through the company's highly regarded internship program. Her commitment to excellence and passion for nurturing talent have significantly contributed to the growth and success of countless budding professionals. With an outgoing personality and a genuine love for people, Chloe excels in connecting with interns and guiding them through their early career journeys. Her dedication ensures that every student in the program receives the best possible foundation for their professional development. At Northwestern Mutual, Chloe's vibrant energy and strategic vision continue to drive the internship program to new heights, fostering a unique environment where future industry leaders can thrive.
Photo of Director of Planning Services Daniel Taylor

Daniel Taylor

AWMA®

Director of Planning Services

Daniel Taylor is the visionary Director of Financial Planning Services, renowned for his exceptional leadership and innovative approach within Northwestern Mutual. Beginning his journey with the company as an intern, Dan's remarkable dedication and unparalleled commitment led him to spearhead and develop an internal Financial Planning Services team from the ground up. Beyond his personal achievements, Dan is deeply invested in the growth and development of his team. He is actively involved in expanding and training additional members, thereby enabling our office to provide a superior client experience. Dan's unwavering dedication to his team and his commitment to continuous improvement ensure that our financial planning services team remain at the forefront of the industry, making a lasting impact on both clients and colleagues alike.
Photo of Sales Execution Team Leader Lindsay Stuhr

Lindsay Stuhr

Sales Execution Team Leader

Lindsay Stuhr serves as the Director of New Business Services, playing a crucial role in supporting advisors and interns within their first five years at Northwestern Mutual. Lindsay is dedicated to creating streamlined processes that enhance backend operations, ensuring our team of advisors is both efficient and effective. Her efforts enable advisors to maximize their time and focus on serving clients exceptionally well. Lindsay’s commitment to operational excellence and her strategic approach significantly contribute to the success and growth of our team, fostering an environment where advisors can thrive and deliver outstanding client service.
Photo of Director of Selection Natalie Sims

Natalie Sims

Director of Selection

Natalie Sims joined our team as the Director of Selection in December 2024, bringing with her 2.5 years of extensive recruiting experience. Natalie is responsible for identifying and selecting candidates who align with our company culture and have the potential to excel as Financial Advisors. She is outgoing and passionate about helping people find their next career opportunity, making a significant difference in their personal lives and in our organization. Natalie's dedication to matching the right talent with the right roles ensures that we continue to build a strong and cohesive team, driving success and growth for everyone involved.
Photo of Financial Advisor Michael Norum

Michael Norum

CFP®, MBA

Financial Advisor

Michael Norum is a dedicated Financial Advisor who partners with Brody Gatz to run our internship program as a Co-College Unit Director. Starting his journey as an intern, Michael has built a successful career here at Northwestern Mutual. He firmly believes that his role as a financial advisor is to be an educator first and foremost. Michael is committed to helping clients navigate through the different areas of planning and create personalized financial plans tailored to their unique needs. His passion for education and mentorship not only benefits his clients but also inspires the next generation of financial professionals.
Photo of Financial Advisor Hilary Hoff

Hilary Hoff

CFP®

Financial Advisor

Hilary Hoff is a dedicated Financial Advisor who understands that financial planning means something unique to everyone. She is committed to working with clients to build strategic plans for the future, complementing the work they’ve already done to achieve their goals. Hilary specializes in helping young professionals and young families by creating holistic and comprehensive financial plans, providing a clear vision for their future. Passionate about mentorship, she loves helping grow new advisors, inspired by the guidance and support she received from her own mentors. Hilary’s personalized approach and dedication to fostering growth make her an invaluable asset to both her clients and colleagues.
Photo of Workflow Manager Whitney Smith

Whitney Smith

Workflow Manager

Whitney Smith has been an integral part of our team since 2016, serving as the Director of Business Operations and working directly with Shane Stuhr, CFP®, CLU®. She is an essential asset to our leadership, playing a critical role in ensuring that all tasks and projects are completed in a timely fashion. Whitney’s dedication to excellence and her meticulous attention to detail help drive the success of our initiatives and support Shane in achieving our organizational goals. Her proactive and efficient approach makes her a valuable member of our team, contributing significantly to our ongoing achievements.

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