Justin Bortner joined the firm in 2018 and brings with him experience from both the insurance and public accounting industries. He earned an undergraduate and MBA degree at Indiana University Fort Wayne and holds the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. While working in the Wealth Planning industry, Justin earned the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) designation from the American College of Financial Services.

Justin’s primary responsibilities include providing leadership and oversight of day-to-day operations for both the Investment and Financial Planning business units. Additionally, Justin maintains a working knowledge of tax law developments and all of Northwestern Mutuals’ investment strategies to provide case consultation and education the help strengthen the Financial Representatives’ integrated planning practice.

Justin is based out of our Fort Wayne location.

Devon started with Northwestern Mutual in 2006 and joined this firm in 2015 as an Associate Financial Representative. Devon now serves clients as a Client Service Manager for Jonathan Lehman and Mark Boyd. He is licensed in Life, Health, and Long-Term Care insurance and is securities licensed with Series 6 and 63.

How can Devon help you?

• As a client relationship manager for Jonathan Lehman and Mark Boyd
• Assist with new and existing investment account inquiries and service
• Coordinate all insurance requests and policy changes

Devon is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

Steve joined the firm in 2022 and brings with him over 30 years of experience in Human Resources & Business Operations. Steve now serves clients as a Client Service Manager for Rob Hayworth. He has a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

How can Steve help you?

• As a client relationship manager for Rob Hayworth
• Assist with new and existing account inquiries and service
• Coordinate all insurance requests and policy changes

Steve is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

Pam joined Northwestern Mutual in 1984 and has been with this firm since 2000. Her primary focus is to ensure that the policy-owners’ requests and questions are handled in a timely and efficient manner. Pam is licensed in Life, Health and Long-Term Care insurance and is securities licensed with Series 6 and 63. 
How can Pam help you?

• Answer any questions regarding the insurance application and underwriting process
• Schedule medical exams
• Process insurance service requests and policy changes
• Answer insurance billing questions

Pam is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

Zach graduated Bethel University with a B.A. in Economics / Finance and a B.A. in Business Management in December of 2023. He joined the Northwestern Mutual Team full-time after two internships in both financial planning and client services. He is licensed in Life and Health Insurance.

How can Zach help you?

• Client relationship manager for Tony Moore
• Assist with new and existing account inquiries and service
• Coordinate all insurance requests and policy changes

Zach is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

Valerie has been in the financial services industry since 2014. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She is licensed in Life and Health and is securities licensed with Series 66, SEI and Series 7.

How can Valerie help you?

• Valerie specializes in implementing insurance solutions for businesses
• Valerie oversees the investment due diligence process for qualified plan clients
• Valerie is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

Kurt joined the firm in 2024 after earning a Bachelor of Science in General Studies from Indiana University Fort Wayne. 

How can Kurt help you?

• Customize a financial plan according to your needs and goals
• Answer any questions regarding your financial plan
• Modify your plan due to life events and explain what effect these events had on your plan
• Kurt is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

Allison started with Northwestern Mutual in 2002 and joined this firm in 2007 as a Director of Client Service. Allison now serves clients as a Client Relationship Manager for Randy Lehman. She is licensed in Life, Health, and Long-Term Care and is securities licensed with Series 6 and 63.

How can Allison help you?

• Assist in the implementation of your financial plan
• Assist with new and existing investment account inquiries and service
• Meet to review and update your accounts and financial plan
• Assist in the process of claims
• Assist in facilitating distribution strategies in retirement

Allison is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

Luke joined the firm in 2023 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Business from Grace College and an MBA degree from Cedarville University.

How can Luke help you?

• Customize a financial plan according to your needs and goals
• Answer any questions regarding your financial plan
• Modify your plan due to life events and explain what effect these events had on your plan

Luke is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

Matt joined the firm in 2018 and has 18 years of experience in financial services operations at Everence Financial. He holds the Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist® designation issued by the College for Financial Planning (CRPS®).

Matt is based out of our Fort Wayne location.

Carrie joined the firm in 2013. In her role as Director of Client Services, she schedules client meetings, phone calls, dictates workflow to team members following client meetings, preps files and reports, and manages marketing materials. She is licensed in Life and Health insurance.

How can Carrie help you?

• Direct you to the correct contact for service questions
• Schedule client appointments
• Assist with client insurance service requests
• Manage client data for insurance applications
• Update your personal information for your client file

Carrie is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

Work and Education

Kent joined the firm in 2011. He is a 1980 graduate of Huntington College where he played baseball and basketball and earned a degree in Business Administration and Accounting. Kent has over forty years of experience in operations and financial management. Prior to joining Summit Financial Group, Kent owned his own business for eight years and worked for a family business for twenty-three years, serving as President the last seven. His experience in operations management covers both the consumer durable and consumer service industries.

Personal

Kent has been an active community volunteer, supporting many local and national nonprofit organizations. He was involved with the Southwest Allen County school system in Fort Wayne, Indiana, for over 20 years. During this time Kent served as the Homestead High School Athletic Booster Club President and Fundraising Coordinator, helping to raise three million dollars for their athletic department. He was a Board Director of the Allen County SPCA for over eight years, serving as Board Chair for four years. Kent and his wife, Melanie, are residents of Carmel, Indiana. They have five children, two grandchildren, and two dogs. Kent and Melanie are active members of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.

Kent is based out of our Fort Wayne location.

Dawn joined Northwestern Mutual’s Summit Financial Group in 2024, though she has worked in the insurance industry since 2000. She has significant experience in Property & Casual insurance and has held several positions in this field, including customer service, agency support, and underwriting assistant. Dawn earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan. Her primary focus is to ensure that the policy-owners’ requests and questions are handled in a timely and efficient manner. Dawn is licensed in Life, Accident and Health insurance.

How can Dawn help you?

• Answer any questions regarding the insurance application and underwriting process
• Schedule medical exams
• Process insurance service requests and policy changes
• Answer insurance billing questions

Dawn is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

Evan joined the firm and Northwestern Mutual in 2017 as an Associate Financial Representative. He has several years of experience in customer service and building client relationships.

How can Evan help you?

• Assist the onboarding of new clients as he helps set up Brokerage, Advisory, or Trust & Private Client Services investment accounts
• Helps to process account transfers, IRA rollovers and mutual fund trades
• Perform operational duties in establishing new Investment Accounts
• Assist in the preparation of Advisory Account Investment Proposals and help support compliance requirements

Evan is based out of our Fort Wayne location.