MEET OUR TEAM

EXECUTIVE PARTNER

Alan began his career in financial services in New York City as a technology sales executive providing enterprise technology solutions to firms such as Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan Chase, American Express, and Prudential, among others.

In 2011, Alan decided to transition to a Financial Advisor role at Prudential Financial to follow his passion for helping people make important financial decisions they cannot afford to get wrong. During Alan's successful years at Prudential as an Advisor, Financial Planner, and Manager of Financial Services, he achieved a host of awards. They included, multiple years as a President's Conference Qualifier, Million Dollar Round Table* (MDRT) Qualifier, Annuities Masters Council, and Life Concierge Achiever.

As an Executive Partner now at New York Life's N.J. G.O., Alan has been recognized with multiple awards during his tenure at New York Life including View From The Top in 2017, Leading Partner Top 50 in 2018, and Zone Awards of Excellence in both 2017 and 2018. Alan's overall objective is the continued dedication to hiring and developing capable men and women from all backgrounds who can provide effective and innovative solutions for the problems people and businesses face. His experience includes recruiting within the financial services industry with the focus on attracting, hiring, and retaining outstanding individuals with strong business acumen and superlative organizational, analytical, and strategic problem solving skills.

SENIOR PARTNER

Usha started her career as an attorney and later worked in the Banking & Finance Industry in the Middle-East and North America. She comes with extensive experience working in a multi cultural environment combined with global exposure.

In 2002, she joined New York Life, New Jersey General Office. During her first five years as a Financial Services Professional*, Usha was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table* in 2005 and an Executive Council Qualifier from 2003-2007. In 2008, she was asked to join senior management as the Sr. Agency Standards Consultant for the New Jersey General Office. In 2014, she was promoted as a Partner. She qualified for the Gathering of Eagles in 2014 for outstanding performance. Continuing her rapid success, Usha was promoted to Senior Partner in 2016.

She holds a Masters of Law degree from Benjamin Cardozo Law School, Yeshiva University, NY. Usha is a member of the American Bar Association[ABA] and South-Asian Bar Association[SABA]. She is also the Co-Trustee and Founder of Gift a Future International Inc., NJ that helps provide education to underprivileged children across the world. Usha is currently the President of New Jersey Tamil Sangam, a non-profit organization.

Usha resides in Middlesex county with her loving family. *NYLIFE Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, A Licensed Insurance Agency & New York Life Company.

PARTNER

Hernando began his career with New York Life in July of 2013. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Kean University he began his professional career as a Corporate Accountant.

After 3 years of working as an accountant, Hernando decided to make a career change and use his financial skills to help service clients as a Financial Service Professional with New York Life.

Hernando quickly developed a passion for life insurance and it reflected in his work. In his first year as an agent, he qualified for New York Life's Executive Council Membership with over 70 lives protected. Hernando's early success continued into his second year. Hernando qualified for his second consecutive Executive Council as a Life All-Star Award Winner as well as a New York Life Premier Centurion for writing over 100 life insurance policies in one year.

Based off his sales achievements, Hernando was promoted and given the opportunity to join The New Jersey General Office's Management team.

As a Partner, Hernando is now focused on contributing to the overall growth of New Jersey General office by bringing in new agents and offering them the same life changing opportunity he was once offered by his mentor and Senior Partner, Thevan Theivakumar.

PARTNER

As Partner, Matt is responsible for recruiting, training, coaching and agent productivity in the tri-state area. He is committed to building a team of diverse professionals and providing them with continuous and current training opportunities and resources that help them build their business and maximize opportunities.

Matt has ten years of industry experience, most recently joining New York Life from MassMutual. Before earning a leadership role, as an Agent, he qualified for President’s Council in 2012 and was a two-time qualifier of the Million Dollar Round Table (2012 and 2013): The Million Dollar Roundtable (MDRT), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals, is recognized globally as the standard of excellence for life insurance sales performance in the insurance and financial services industry. Matt is a graduate of the College of Staten Island where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Finance.

He helps people learn more about how a career as a New York Life agent can provide the rewards and opportunities of self-employment -- flexibility, having a positive impact on people’s lives. As an agent, you have all the advantages of being in business for yourself, but you’re not alone.

SENIOR PARTNER

Matt joined the New Jersey General Office as a Partner in the Jersey Shore office in 2016.

PARTNER

After starting his career with MetLife as a top 100 ranked MDRT* agent, John entered management and soon became a top 50 ranked Manager--building one of MetLife's premier agencies and qualifying for The Regional Sales Office of the Year 3 years in a row and ultimately Zone Office Of the Year. He then went on to hold other roles of increasing responsibility including: Director of Marketing, Agency Vice President of National Management Training, Vice President and National Recruiting Officer for the company and ultimately, the Vice President of Operations for MetLife's MidEastern Zone. Following his 23 years wih MetLife, John went on to become the Senior Vice President of Allianz Life of New York. His most recent role prior to joining New York Life was Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Baltimore Life Insurance Companies.

PARTNER

After graduating with Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science from University of Colorado, Boulder, Todd launched his career working as an environmental consultant in the petroleum industry before switching careers after a major life event. Todd then pursued a career in the marketing industry concentrating on list brokerage and eventually started his own consulting group.

After meeting his wife, he decided to use his sales and marketing talent to pursue his passion in the financial services industry, beginning his career with New York Life in 2013. In his first year he achieved Executive Council recognition from New York Life. In his second full year, Todd exceeded to higher levels, achieving President’s Council recognition with New York Life and becoming a qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table*. Based upon his sales achievements, Todd was asked to join the New Jersey General Office management team as an Partner in September of 2015.

Todd currently resides Manalapan, NJ with his wife and children.

PARTNER

Scott joined New York Life in 2014 as a Financial Services Professional. He had a natural calling for the profession and qualified for Executive Council Membership in 2015, 2016, and 2017. He was also a Life All Star Winner the last two years. After four years with the company he was promoted and asked to join the New Jersey General's Office Management Team. Scott has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He has ten years of financial services experience and loves making an impact by helping people achieve peace of mind because they're more financially secure.

As a partner, Scott is looking for motivated and passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the lives' of others. His goal is to develop a strong team of high-quality financial professionals who want to grow in a fortune 100 company.

Scott currently resides in West Orange, NJ with his wife and daughter.

PARTNER

Bill joined New York Life in 1997, with no previous industry experience. As a new agent, Bill was an office leader in Life Insurance and Annuities sales. Bill was also elected to serve on the Agent’s Advisory Council (AAC) in 2009. As a member of The Nautilus Group®**, Bill was able to work with high net worth individuals and business owners in the areas of succession and Estate Planning. Bill is also a Life Member of the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table known as MDRT*.

As a Partner now at New York Life' N.J. G.O., Bill's overall objective is the continued dedication to hiring and developing capable men and women from all backgrounds who can provide effective and innovative solutions for the problems people and businesses face. His experience includes recruiting within the financial services industry with the focus on attracting, hiring, and retaining outstanding individuals with strong business acumen and superlative organizational, analytical, and strategic problem-solving skills.

Bill and his wife Ellen live in Freehold, NJ with their children, Leyla and Adam.

**The Nautilus Group® is an exclusive membership based resource group for agents who must meet certain eligibility requirements. Nautilus Members work with affluent, high net worth and business owner clients.

PARTNER

When Youjun began his career with New York Life in August of 2014, his English was not good, and heknew few friends inthis new country. A few people I only knew in his church in 2014. In his first year, heearned Executive Council 2014. In his second year 2015, he earned MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table).Over the following years, Youjun qualified for Executive Council many times (2015–2018). He the firstChinese partner in the New Jersey General Office in the past 20 years. He has helped a lot of Chinesefamilies under the New York Life brand.With a passion to offer a meaningful career and to grow the Chinese market in NY/NJ metro area,Youjun changed his career path to management in 2018 after being an agent for over 5 plus years.Youjun’s overall objective is to look for entrepreneurial minded individuals who are interested in acareer in the financial services industry.Youjun resides in Livingston, NJ with his wife, Hanna and 2 sons, Jonah and Joshua.

PARTNER

Asare Agyemang is a Partner at New York Life Insurance Company N.J. G.O. He holds a degree in Accounting and has over a decade of experience in the financial services sector. Prior to working with New York Life, Asare was a senior fund accountant and managed several multi-million funds.

Asare is dedicated to helping agents educate families on strategies to protect and create wealth. His purpose is to positively impact the financial future of his community by raising financial literacy and giving people the tools, resources, and support they need to achieve their dreams.

Asare is committed to financial and professional independence at every level. He has dedicated his career to bridging the inequality gap by hiring, mentoring, and training professionals in minority communities, especially the African Diaspora. Asare is a proud dad and husband. He is also an enthusiastic fan of tennis and soccer.

PARTNER

Bio Coming Soon.

PARTNER

Robert Covello joined the New Jersey GO after a long and prosperous career as the Managing Sales Director for Securian Financial Services, and previously, MetLife Solutions Group and MassMutual Tri State. Robert was responsible for recruiting, training and developing new advisors at his firm.

Robert’s 25 plus years of financial services experience allowed him to develop extensive skills in understanding complex business requirements, determining appropriate options, and efficiently implementing solutions using all available resources. He understands the importance of analyzing all areas of concern and having clear and comprehensive implementation options. Robert has won multiple awards including Multiple Leaders Conferences as a representative & GAMA International Management Award in 2015 with MetLife. He consistently strives to improve himself which is why he also received an award for Managing Sales Director of the Year in 2014 and 2015 with MetLife.

Robert Covello has earned his FINRA Series 7, 66 & 24 registrations and holds his Life, Accident & Health, Property & Casualty Licenses.

Robert has lived in the Indian Lake section of Denville, New Jersey since 1997 with his wife Karen and their four children Ben, Hunter, Josh and Chelsea. Robert has been on the Board of Trustees of ILCC since 2009 and is currently the President.

PARTNER

Caitlin began her career with New York Life in September of 2017 after graduating from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management.

In her first nine months, Caitlin achieved Executive Council 2018 and again in 2019. She also earned New York Life's Life All-Star Award in 2019, and 2019 Annuity Elite Status.

Based off her sales achievements, Caitlin was promoted to the New Jersey General Office’s management team. Just as her mentor and now Managing Partner of the South Jersey office, Michael Frake, gave her this life changing opportunity, she will pursue her passion in the financial industry by empowering others.

Caitlin resides in Wall township with her husband and coaches soccer for two travel teams in Red Bank and Tinton Falls.

PARTNER

Maria began her career in financial services on Wall Street in 1997 prior to completing her undergraduate studies at St. John’s University, Tobin School of Business. She quickly rose up through the ranks from trading support to Trader in the complex arena of Securities Lending at Commerzbank LLC. Ultimately rising to the position of Senior Vice President, Equity Finance, Maria flourished in the world of proprietary short coverage and matched book trading. During that time, Maria traveled the globe collaborating with sales teams to refine trading agreements and relationships. In early 2013, Maria decided to take some time off to focus on raising her two “little angels” Stella and Luca.

In late 2016, Maria decided to join the New York Life, New Jersey General Office with the vision of building on her market knowledge but this time with emphasis on helping individuals and businesses with important financial choices they cannot afford to get wrong. Maria has flourished with her intense desire to do well by doing good within her community in Westfield, New Jersey. She achieved multiple achievement that include qualifying for Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)* along with New York Life's Executive Council in 2018 culminating with the often-sought-after Chairman’s Council status in 2019. Recently promoted to management, Maria is well positioned to continue with a spirit of excellence toward her soon to be Senior Partner goals.

PARTNER

Richard began his career in the Banking/Financial Industry over 25 years ago in New York City. Richard worked his way from a Financial Services Representative to a Business Specialist and Private Banker. His career spans with industries such as Citibank, J.P.Morgan Chase and PNC’s Private Client Group in New Jersey.

At the end of 2018 he met with Senior Partner Alan Babbitt and received an opportunity to be part of a fast track to management program, Richard decided to make a career change and use his financial skills to join the New York Life family. In his first year as an agent, he qualified for New York Life’s Executive Council. From there he was promoted to Partner in early 2020 year.

As a Partner now at New York Life's New Jersey General Office, Richard's overall objective, is looking for motivated and passionate individuals who are looking to make an impact in their own lives and in their communities. His continued dedication is to hire and develop capable men and women from all backgrounds.

PARTNER

Matt joined New York Life in 2018 after 8 years with Northwestern Mutual and one year at MassMutual. Previous to that, he had been a stock trader for 10 years. He currently lives in Verona with his wife and 2 girls. He enjoys watching any and all sports, playing golf, and spending time with his family.

PARTNER

Nilesh Sanghavi joined New York Life in 2019 as an advisor and in his first full year of 2020 he achieved New York life Executive Council and became qualifying member of Million Dollar Round Table MDRT. He was promoted as Associate Partner in February 2021.

Nilesh (Neil) brings in 25 years of management experience. Prior to join New York Life he founded and managed several successful businesses. His goal is to create and maintain an environment that promotes self-development and high ethical standards which result in the fulfillment of each individual’s career goals and objectives. Neil helps his Advisors build their practices by creating opportunities, providing coaching, and aligning them with experiences to develop their skills and abilities.

Neil resides in Scotch Plains NJ with his wife Chetna.

PARTNER

Jaesung began his career with New York Life in August of 2005. In his first year, Jaesung was named as a “Rookie of the Year” in 2005 and “New Agent of the Year” 2007. Over the next 15 years, Jaesung qualified for Executive Council every single year from 2006 to 2020 and was a member of Million Dollar Round Table every year since 2016.

With a passion to offer a meaningful career and to grow Korean market in NY/NJ metro, Jaesung changed his career path to management in 2021 after being an agent for over 15 plus years. Jaesung’s overall objective is to look for entrepreneurial minded individuals who are interested in a career in financial services industry.

Jaesung resides in Oradell, NJ with his wife, Rosa and 3 children, Ethan, Kaylee & Abigail.

PARTNER

Chris is no stranger to New Jersey. He was born and raised in the Garden State and graduated from Monmouth University. Chris owes his success to the charisma and time he takes to listen the needs of clients and his agents. He lives with his husband and four dachshunds in Central Jersey. Prior to New York Life, Chris worked in retail management and in higher education. Chris took a leap of faith, with no experience, and became a top producer.

He made Executive Council in 2020 and 2021. He is involved in numerous networking groups, and LGBT affiliations. In his spare time, Chris enjoys working out, trips to Disney and spending time with his husband and fur babies.

PARTNER

Benjamin Snyder is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and New England School of Law. He worked in the automotive industry for 19 years before joining New York Life as an Agent and Registered Representative. He was promoted to Associate Partner in 2021 then Partner in 2022. He resides in Cherry Hill, New Jersey with his wife Iris and two children, Noah and Ellie.

PARTNER

Erik began his career with New York Life in March of 2019. After 3 years in the automotive industry, he decided that he wanted to follow his passion for helping people to New York Life where he found immediate success.

While struggling through a changing environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic Erik was able to qualify for New York Life’s Executive Council Membership in 2020 with over 50 lives protected. This success continued into his second year. Erik was able to qualify for his second consecutive Executive Council in 2021 while helping his clients secure their finances through life insurance, long-term care planning, and retirement planning.

As a result of his early success and achievements Erik was promoted and given the opportunity to join the New Jersey General Office’s Management Team.

As a Partner Erik is focused on making an impact on the lives of the advisors on his team as well as offering the same opportunity to those in his community that he was offered to him by his Mentor Erik Anderson.

PARTNER

James received his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Adelphi University. He retired as a Detective Investigator from the New York City Police Department with a concentration in Financial Crimes.

James joined New York Life in 2019; achieving Executive Council in 2020 and 2021. He obtained his Series 7 / 66 licenses and worked as a Financial Advisor with NYLIFE Securities and Eagle Strategies. Based on his achievements, he was asked to join the New Jersey General's Office Management Team.

James has a passion for developing entrepreneurial individuals into successful Agents and Advisors. James lives in Monmouth County, NJ, with his wife Elizabeth and their two son's James and Antonio. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

PARTNER

Mark Telymonde started his career in financial services as a stockbroker before starting his own trading and consulting firm, Bulls and Bears Trading Company.  He graduated with High Honors in Economics from Rutgers University and then went on to receive his MBA from Purdue University.  He then transitioned to corporate finance where he held several executive level positions both domestically and as an expatriate in Singapore, Australia, Korea and Brazil.  After working for companies such as Air Products and Chemicals, Armstrong World Industries and the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC), Mark decided to return to his roots in financial services and helping individuals and companies with their financial needs.  In March 2020 Mark joined NY Life as an Agent where he achieved Executive Council in his first three months and then President’s Council in his first full year.  He has made MDRT both years as well.  In Feb 2022 Mark joined the NY Life management team and was promoted to Associate Partner.

PARTNER

Stacy Hoffman has been a Financial Services Professional for well over 30 years. She began working in banking while attending Hunter College in 1984. In 1990, she transitioned over from Banker to Financial Consultant, and has never looked back. Throughout her career, she has received multiple awards and accolades from various industry sources.

Stacy joined New York Life in 2019 as an experienced Financial Professional. In her first year here, she qualified for Executive Council (2020) and in her second, she qualified for President’s Council (2021). She is also a member of the exclusive Million Dollar Roundtable (MDRT). The Million Dollar Roundtable (MDRT), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals, is recognized globally as the standard of excellence for life insurance sales performance in the insurance and financial services industry.

One of the things she has always loved about her career is the ability to help positively impact her client’s lives. By moving into a partner role, her focus has shifted a bit – she now wants to build a team of passionate and motivated individuals who want to positively impact others’ lives.

Stacy lives in Staten Island, NY and has recently become engaged to her High School boyfriend after being apart for over 35 years. She enjoys spending time with her family and loves cooking and baking, as well as reading novels and watching movies.

PARTNER

Keri Washington-Bah began her career with New York Life, as an Agent, in May 2018. Keri is a two-time Executive Council Agent as well as a Centurion(2018 and 2019). She won the Life and Career Producer Awards in 2018 following a fast start in writing 18 cases in her first three months and 40 in her first six. Prior to joining New York Life, Keri spent six years in the athletics industry as the Assistant Athletics Director at Notre Dame High School while concurrently coaching girls basketball and soccer. She continued her journey to American University where she was the Assistant Director of Athletics Development at the Washington D.C. University. It was shortly thereafter that she decided to embark on a career change and join New York Life.

Keri received her Master's in Business Administration in Athletic Administration and additionally she has a bachelor's in health and exercise science and a minor in management.

Keri and her husband Mohamed Bah reside in Columbus, NJ, with their son, Denzel.

CORPORATE VICE PRESIDENT

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Tom graduated from Montclair State University with a dual concentration in Finance and Real Estate. After graduating he began his career with New York Life in 2015 as an agent.

After almost four years as an Agent and achieving two New York Life Executive Councils in 2018 and 2019, Tom was given the opportunity to become a Partner in May 2019. He was able to align both his passion for helping others as well as coaching and developing other agents. During his nearly 3 years as a Partner Tom continued to develop and gain a better understanding of the overall functions of the office. In March 2022 Tom was again promoted to CVP- Chief Operating Officer of the New Jersey General Offices. Tom helps and assist in the day to day functions of the office, as well as continues to use his passion for growth and helping to scale the business.

Tom currently lives in Oakland, New Jersey with his wife Nicole and 2 daughters Audrianna and Angelina.

SR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Shawn began his career with New York Life in November of 1988 at the age of 22 in the Constitution General Office.

During his time as an Agent and Development Manager, Shawn has been recognized for numerous and varied personal, office, zone, and national awards in overall production, case rate & retention. Shawn remains active in NAIFA and chairs his peer M1 Northeastern Zone study group.

Shawn is married to his wife Tina, has a daughter Casey 18, and son Chris 15.

In his spare time, Shawn enjoys time with family activities, sports, and boating in his hometown of Narragansett, Rhode Island.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Youwha has a Bachelors Degree in Education and minor in psychology. She began her career with New York Life in NJ GO in 2002 as an Agent. She has made Executive Council every year, Centurion in 2004 and was a qualifying member of MDRT* in 2005. She was promoted to a partner in 2007 and has 2 years experience as a Partner in the company. In November of 2012 she was asked to become a development manager. She enjoys her role being a development manager to help agents achieving their goals. Her role includes teaching and educating new agents on skills, products, and strategies to help build a successful business. Youwha is a current member of the professional organizations NAIFA. Youwha is also a Certified practitioner of the Macro Asset Prospective planning process.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Dolly was with New York Life for more than 7 years as an Agent and Financial Services Professional*. These 7 years include Qualifying as a member of Million Dollar Round Table* in 2016 and qualifying for 6 consecutive New York Life Executive Councils since 2010. Additionally, she has 5 years experience of working as Human Resources and Training & Development Manager in Industries like Finance, Luxury Boutique Hotels, Immigration Services and Information Technology.

Dolly received Masters degree in Business Administration from India, specializing in Human Resources and Industrial Relations. Additionally, she has Bachelors Degree in Science.

Dolly was born in India and currently lives in Woodbridge Township with her husband Ashwini Colvin and two young children, Aarsheya and Aayan.

*NYLIFE Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a Licensed Insurance Agency and New York Life Company.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Lonnie Greenberg began his career with New York Life as an agent in 2016. In that time, he has achieved Career Summit in his first year and he followed that with two consecutive Executive Councils. Lonnie has also earned achievement in his New Org Class by being a Top FYC leader and being well ranked in New York Life's Strive for Excellence program.

Before coming to New York Life he had achieved a Master’s Degree in Media Studies, several successful years in the restaurant industry, and an ambitious attempt at entrepreneurship. Lonnie is a passionate fan of music and is a consummate enthusiast in collecting vinyl records as his personal hobby. Spreading cheer, staying positive, and remaining focused on helping others are what gives Lonnie his greatest happiness in life.

DIRECTOR OF AGENCY STANDARDS

Julie is currently serving as the Agency Standards Manager for the New Jersey GO and is charged with supervision of the field sales force. Julie has 25 years experience with New York Life. Throughout the years, Julie has served as Corporate Vice President in the Northeast Zone, Compliance Examiner in the Corporate Compliance Department and Compliance and Legal liaison at New York Life Investments.

Julie prides herself in assisting agents to develop best practice ideas in the sales process as well as navigating through the regulatory landscape. Julie conducts ongoing training for agents and managers on all compliance related matters, delivers Firm Element training and provides education related to FINRA and state rules as well as Company policies and procedures. In 2016, Julie received the Mentor of the Year Award for the Northeastern Zone for mentoring and developing other Agency Standards Managers. Julie is an advocate for the American Diabetes Association and is a long time resident of Bergen County.