Northwestern Mutual’s Williamsburg branch is pleased to announce the promotion of Jeff Hammer to managing director.
The appointment, which was effective Jan. 1, is part of a slew of new hires and promotions at the branch, which is seeking to add eight new representatives over the next 12 months – in addition to 20 representatives and associates already in the Williamsburg/Newport News market.
Hammer earned both his undergraduate degree and a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Richmond.
Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual in 2011 he had a background in mergers and acquisitions and led organizations at the Defense Logistics Agency and Capital One. He also holds investment, annuities, life, disability income and long-term care insurance licenses in multiple states.
In addition to his passion for financial planning, Hammer has a record of community involvement that includes founding Domestic Abuse Victims Advocate (DAVA) and Domestic Abuse- Healing Abuse Victims End the Nightmare (DA-HAVEN), two organizations that promote legislative awareness for protection of abuse victims. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the NacMed Foundation and is a board member of the Charlottesville Planned Giving Council.
In his new role, Hammer will oversee Northwestern Mutual’s comprehensive planning services to help clients in the area create and maintain financial security.
“Too many people are stuck in a gap between what the financial industry provides and what people really need,” Hammer said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to close the gap for families in the Williamsburg/Newport News region, by helping them to create distinctive and comprehensive financial plans that focus on ‘return on Life’ instead of just return on investment.”
Hammer also said he particularly excited to take the helm at a time when Northwestern Mutual is experiencing a “tremendous growth opportunity in the area.”
He identified the growing community of business people and retirees, both groups that are often in need of financial planning services, as well as the stable population of military families and people drawn to the region because of its universities as the reason this branch is being targeted for growth and expansion.
“Overall I’m just very excited, as [this job] is a fantastic opportunity,” Hammer said. “Hands-down and from top to bottom the people I get to work with are an absolute group of all-stars.”
