Management Team
Abdel Boussayoud
Senior Partner
Abdel Boussayoud became an agent with New York Life in September 1999, after working overseas in different human resources and financial management positions for 10 years. During his career as a New York Life Agent Abdel qualified for President Council and New Agent of the Year (2001), Executive Council* (2000,2002,2003), and Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Member (2001,2002,2003). Among other awards Abdel obtained were Centurion (every year), Annuity Champion (2001,2002,2003),and Life Foundation Award (2000). Abdel became a management associate in April 2003 and was later promoted to Partner in April 2004, where he achieved Top 50 Partner Level (2006, 2007). In March 2008, Abdel was promoted to Senior Partner.
Awards noted are for New York Life sales production achievement
*Council is an annual company recognition program based on agent production levels from July 1st to June 30th.
Neilton G. Moreira
Senior Partner
Neilton joined New York Life in 1999. During his career as an agent, he qualified four times as an Executive Council* member as well as a member of the Million Dollar Round Table. Among other awards, Neilton was the recipient of the Career Life Producer award in 2000, the Centurion award in 2001, and the prestigious industry award, the National Quality award, from NAIFA in 2003. Neilton became a Management Associate in October 2002 and was then promoted to Partner in September 2003 and then Senior Partner in September 2008.
The Million Dollar Round Table(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.
The Career Life Producer and Centurion awards noted are for New York Life sales production achievement
*Council is an annual company recognition program based on agent production levels from July 1st to June 30th.
Zahra Metghalchi
Senior Partner
Zahra grew up in Paris, France, and moved to New York as a young adult. She started her career with New York Life in 2003 while raising three young children in New York City. As a single mother, she was looking for a career that would afford her the flexibility, the benefits, and the unlimited income potential that she believed she needed in order to provide her family with the education, the security and the lifestyle she had envisioned for her loved one. New York Life gave her the opportunity to fulfill those needs and beyond. Her hard work and ability to build relationships resulted in a thriving career as a financial advisor. Fourteen years later, now with all her “children” grown up, she joined the management team at the rapidly expanding Manhattan office. Shortly after she was promoted to Senior partner in 2020. Zahra's goal is to offer the same opportunity that she has enjoyed at New York Life to others.
Awards noted are for New York Life sales production achievement
George Ewusie
Senior Partner
George started his career with New York Life in 2015 on a Professional Alliance contract and then changed to the TAS contract that same year. He qualified for Executive Council* for two consecutive years paving the way for his transition to Partner role in 2018. As an agent he received many awards such as Life Paid Case Leader of the month, Rookie Agent FYC Leader of the month, Life All-Star award, Centurion Council Agent, just to mention a few. In his role as a partner George was recognized with many prestigious company awards including the Rookie Partner of the year 2018, New Partner of the year 2020, Recruiting Legend 2020, Leading Partner award in both 2020 and 2021 and View from the Top Partner award for 2018 and 2020. In September 2022, acknowledging his contributions and leadership, George was promoted to Senior Partner.
Before his impactful career journey at New York life, George had over a decade worth of experience in accounting and finance, working with reputable companies like Merrill Lynch, State Street Corp and AQR Capital Hedge Fund. He holds a CPA license and a Master of Science in Finance degree. At NYL, George’s focus has always been on fostering growth and ensuring a positive influence on the community. On a personal note, he cherishes time with his wife, Georgina and their two children.
Awards noted are for New York Life sales production achievement
*Council is an annual company recognition program based on agent production levels from July 1st to June 30th.
Jahayra Munoz
Senior Partner
Jahayra joined the New York Life team in 2009, after a past career working in luxury car sales. Within her first year she became a council member and repeated that accomplishment in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
In 2013 Jahayra was promoted into management as a Marketing and Recruiting Manager in the Latino market, where she was able to bring talented individuals into the career and help them market themselves in the Latino community. In 2014 she became the top Latino Market Manager. In a little over 2 years she was promoted to Partner, where she built and developed a team of financial professionals and was ranked top 50 Partner in 2020 and 2021 .She is now a Senior Partner in the Manhattan General Office and is continually building and developing her team as well as helping the office achieve growth within the organization.
Jahayra is married to her husband, Aron, and they have two children, Nicholas and Mariana.
Awards noted are for New York Life sales production achievement
Avis Jones-Devonish
Partner
After 20 years of experience in the banking industry, Avis joined New York Life in 2015. Avis has achieved 3 Premier Executive Councils*. She has received numerous awards including Career Life Success Award, Producer Award, Life Achiever Award and Life Foundation Award. Her passion for community development and giving back has led her to various leadership roles to uplift and create positive change in her community. Avis enjoys working with New York Life and her successes, she takes pride in developing, coaching, and motivating her own team. Avis lives in Brooklyn with her husband Wayne and is the proud mother of 2.
Awards noted are for New York Life sales production achievement
*Council is an annual company recognition program based on agent production levels from July 1st to June 30th.
Conroy Simpson
Partner
Conroy started his career with New York Life in October 2015 as a Financial Service Professional.
During his tenure, he qualified for the Life Success Award in 2015, the Career Life Producer Award in 2015, the Life Foundation Award in 2015, the Career Life Achiever Award in 2016, and the Life Foundation Award in 2016.
Conroy was the Life Paid Case Leader in December 2015 and in April 2017. He was also the FYC leader in February and May of 2017, the All-Star in 2017, and the Life Eagle Award recipient in 2017. Conroy qualified for the Premier Executive Council* for two consecutive years in 2016 and 2017 and was also Premier Centurion in 2016 and 2017.
He was promoted to an Associate Partner's position in April 2018, where he spent 6 months, dedicating his time building a team comprised of financial service professionals who are willing to make a difference in their community by helping others make educated decisions in achieving their financial goals.
In October 2018, Conroy was promoted to a Partner's position. He continued dedicating his time towards building and promoting individuals who have an entrepreneurial ethos, and who are looking to build a financial practice for themselves, but not by themselves.
Awards noted are for New York Life sales production achievement
*Council is an annual company recognition program based on agent production levels from July 1st to June 30th.
Davinder Kaur
Partner
Davinder Kaur joined New York Life in 2015. She qualified two times for the Executive Council*. She achieved the Career Life Success Award, Career Life Producer Award, Career Life Achiever Award, and Rookie Agent of the year 2015 Award in the first year of her career. Also achieved Life Star Award and Premium Centurion Award in her second year. In less than 2 years with the company, already qualified to transition into management as an Associate Partner. She is originally from India and has a background in Medical Assistant. She is very passionate about her career with New York Life.
Awards noted are for New York Life sales production achievement
*Council is an annual company recognition program based on agent production levels from July 1st to June 30th.
Edmir Dymleku
Partner
Edmir began his career with New York Life as an agent in the Manhattan General Office in 2019, as a fast track candidate to management. He has over 10 years of managerial experience in the Insurance Industry overseas. During his first year he captured Career Life Success Award, Career Life Producer Award and Executive Council*. Edmir met all company requirements and was promoted to Associate Partner in October 2020.He holds an MBA and speaks several languages. Edmir is married and father of two daughters.
Awards noted are for New York Life sales production achievement
*Council is an annual company recognition program based on agent production levels from July 1st to June 30th.
Mary Ann Rivera
Partner
Mary Ann Rivera is a Partner with New Life Manhattan General Office. She joined New York Life in Feb 2018 and was promoted as Associate Partner in August 2020 and later promoted to Partner in March 2021. She had 22 years of solid experience in Financial Services with Multinational conglomerates in the Philippines before migrating to the United States in 2017. She started her career in sales in pharmaceutical as medical representative and later promoted as District Manager for Bristol Myers Squibb Philippines. She transitioned to financial services in 2001 as Sales Manager for New York Life International Philippines and later became Managing Partner for the Southern Philippines General Office. She moved to the banking industry and worked for Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corp (HSBC) as worksite solutions head. After 3 years she joined AXA as Corporate Solutions Manager and later decided to join Philam Life, a subsidiary of AIA Hongkong as Unit Manager for their Agency distribution channel. MaryAnn is living in Bergenfield, New Jersey with husband Jeremy who works as Nursing Administrator in United Hebrew Geriatric Center and son Jesse who also joined the firm in January 2020 and is currently one of New York Life Manhattan’s Executive Council* agent. Their hobbies include playing golf and hiking.
Awards noted are for New York Life sales production achievement
*Council is an annual company recognition program based on agent production levels from July 1st to June 30th.
Stephanie Moreira Jacobowitz
Partner
Stephanie graduated with a degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University in 2014. As a second generation New York Life financial service professional, Stephanie has received multiple awards including Agent of Month and Life Allstar. Stephanie has also qualified for Executive and Quality Council yearly since beginning her practice in December 2014. In 2020, Stephanie was promoted to Associate Partner and is concentrating on management. In August 2020, Stephanie was promoted to Partner. Her focus is to build and establish a successful team who share similar goals - to better the lives of others while creating financial independence for themselves. Stephanie takes pride in committing to coach, train, develop and motivate individuals to become their best personal and professional self. Stephanie currently resides in New York City with her husband David and daughter Ava. She is fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, spending time with her family and friends, and giving back to the community through various organizations.
Awards noted are for New York Life sales production achievement
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Luca Pautasso
Partner
Luca joined New York Life with the Manhattan General Office in 2021 as a financial professional through the Accelerated Path to Management program, and achieved Executive Council* in his first year. He was promoted to Associate Partner in 2022, and in 2023 he became a Partner, closing his Associate training experience as first of his class, and winning the AP Leaderboard Challenge.
Before joining New York Life, Luca matured an extensive background in communication: he was a journalist for 15 years, working as embedded reporter in Lebanon, Kosovo and Uganda, then press officer for the Italian government and social media manager for several companies. He then started a successful career in luxury sales after moving to the US from Italy in 2015. He completed his studies in Finance, Economics and Management between 2020 and 2021 with Harvard Business School Online, while he was serving with the National Guard in the COVID-19 mission.
An Army Veteran and US Armed Forces Service Medal recipient, Luca served six years in the New York Army National Guard from 2015 to 2021. He is married to Silvia, an experienced Digital Project Manager: they met in Italy back in 2011, when they were both working in the newsroom of a national newspaper.
He speaks Italian, Spanish and French.
Awards noted are for New York Life sales production achievement
*Council is an annual company recognition program based on agent production levels from July 1st to June 30th.
Stephen Lee
Partner
Stephen joined New York Life with over 25 years of wealth management experience in private banking and asset management as an agent in January 2021, became a financial advisor with Eagle Strategies in June 2021, and was promoted to associate partner in August 2022, and partner in April 2023.
Stephen started his career in financial services at Swiss Bank Corporation as a private banker. Subsequently, he worked in marketing and product development at Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan, before working for two years at a hedge fund. In 2002 he joined Citigroup Alternative Investments as the global product specialist for the funds of hedge funds group, then developed the marketing platform as a consultant for ING’s fund of hedge funds. In 2006 he joined Columbia Threadneedle Investments as a regional investment consultant in private banking, covering eight states and the District of Columbia, before returning to alternative investments, working with institutional clients from 2017 to 2020.
Stephen began his career as an academic historian, receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stony Brook University, and a PhD in modern European history from Columbia University. He has taught at Lafayette College and City College, CUNY. He lives on Long Island with his wife, Nora, and his two sons, George and Alexander.
Keith Zuckerberg
Partner
Keith Zuckerberg is a Partner with New York Life in the Manhattan GO. and a Licensed Financial Advisor for over 30 years. During that time Keith has helped thousands of clients reach their goals with a focus on Education and Financial Planning. Keith Zuckerberg has spent over 15 years Managing and Leading Advisors in the New York and New Jersey markets. Keith prides himself as a top recruiter, trainer, and developer of Advisors to have lifelong careers.
When he is not at work Keith Zuckerberg spends his free time with family. Keith is happily married with 3 great kids. He volunteers in his community and loves to help coach his kid’s sports teams.
Evans Amoako
Partner
Evans Amoako began his career in the financial services industry as an Agent with New York Life Manhattan General Office in 2017. He earned top production status for Rookie Agent of the Year 2018, New Org Agent of the Years 2019 and New Org Case Rate Leader 2019. He qualified for Executive Council* Premier Centurion three consecutive times (2018, 2019, 2020), and MDRT in 2021 year as an Agent.
Evans accepted to join the National Life Sales Desk in January 2021 as Senior Associate, Internal Life Product Consultant. At the desk, he actively engaged and build relationship with New York Life Agents, provided insight, product knowledge and information, offered sales support, and identified new sales opportunities via sales Desk Channels.
In August 2023, Evans assumed the esteemed position of an Associate Partner at the Manhattan General Office, where he is diligently cultivating and leading a team of skilled Financial Professionals, thereby contributing to the expansion and development of the office.
Evans likes playing table tennis, soccer and enjoying quality time with his family.
Education
•Associate’s Degree in Education, University of Cape Coast.
•Bachelor of Science BS, Mathematics. Montclair State University.
•ChFC, American College of Financial Services.
New York Life Insurance Company/NYLIFE Distributors LLC
•Associate Partner, Manhattan GO (Current).
•Senior Associate, Internal Life Product Consultant, 2021-2023.
Agent, 2017-2020
Awards noted are for New York Life sales production achievement
*Council is an annual company recognition program based on agent production levels from July 1st to June 30th.
Gilbert Agyemang-Badu
Partner
Gilbert Agyemang-Badu is a tenacious, thoughtful, and dependable leader who has built a successful practice in the insurance and financial service industry.
He is currently an Associate Partner in the Manhattan General Office of New York Life, where he oversees the recruiting, development, and production of new financial professionals in his unit.
Gilbert says, “If you are passionate about changing lives and want to impact others by guiding them to make sound financial decisions, I can help you build an incredible career in the insurance and financial industry where you can enjoy the career's purpose, autonomy, and income.”
Throughout his seven year career with New York Life, Gilbert has qualified for Executive Council1 seven times. Council is an annual program that recognizes the top 19 percent of New York Life's elite field force of more than 12,000 licensed agents in sales achievement.
Single-handily, Gilbert served about 1,000 clients and is a member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)2.
As a believer in continued education and advancement, Gilbert has attained the Chartered Financial Consultant Designation (ChFC®) from the American College and is a graduate of the University of Ghana, Legon.
Gilbert and his wife of 10 years are rooted in family values. They are blessed with a son, Ezra, who is one year old.
Gilbert is also passionate about impacting others in his free time. He sits on the board and volunteers for African Compassionate network, a non-profit organization supporting underprivileged kids in Ghana.
1 Council is a tiered, annual company-wide recognition program, based agent production from July 1 - June 30. Council qualification is the culmination of a successful year and provides the opportunity to attend one of the most professionally rewarding and personally satisfying events, a Council Meeting.
2 MDRT is an international, independent association of the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals. MDRT membership is recognized internationally as the standard of sales excellence in the life insurance and financial services businesses.
Grace Matos
Partner
After working as a schoolteacher for 8 years, Grace decided to utilize her educational experience and intertwine it into educating adults on what they need to do financially. Excelling in her role as a Financial Professional for over one year, capturing most of the company’s awards, Grace was offered the opportunity to lead the Latino Market at the New York Life Manhattan office. Her role is to expand the Latino Market in local communities across the five boroughs and seek talented individuals and offer the right person the opportunity to join our firm. Grace is married to her husband, Abel, and has two children, Aiden and Jarred.
Mohannad Mekawy
Partner
Mohannad Mekawy joined the New York Life Manhattan General Office in October 2019 as a Registered Representative holding a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and 13 years of experience in insurance, banking and wealth management.
In December 2019 Mekawy received the career success award before he achieved Executive Council* in June 2020, and in December 2020 he achieved the Million Dollar Round Table Court Of the Table award. The year 2021 was one of the most important years in Mekawy’s career with New York life as he achieved Chairman’s Council in June 2021 then in December 2021 he received the life all star award, annuity Elite award, investment annuity top producer, Million Dollar Round Table Court Of the Table award, and finally New Org. agent of the year. In June 2022 Mekawy achieved President’s Council.
Mohannad was Promoted to an Associate Partner role in August 2022 to use his expertise and knowledge to build, train and develop a team of financial professionals attracting visionaries with an entrepreneurial mindset and in March 2023 he was promoted again to a Partner role.
*Council is an annual company recognition program based on agent production levels from July 1st to June 30th.
Thomas Portway
Associate Partner
After graduating with a master’s degree in business administration from Quinnipiac University, Thomas was offered a position as a Financial Professional in the Fast Track to Management program in 2023. During his first year, he earned the Rookie of the Month title twice and qualified for the Executive Council. He built strong relationships with his clients by creating tailored solutions to help them achieve their financial goals. Thomas has since transitioned to the role of Associate Partner, where he is excited to lead a team of exceptional individuals. In his free time, Thomas enjoys country concerts, playing volleyball, and spending time with his family.
Michael Dwyer
Sales Development Manager
Michael first walked through the doors of New York Life in November 2008 as an agent and registered representative. As a New York Life agent, Michael lived by the mantra of "2 appointments a day...everyday, for some time in the future". He qualified for 5 consecutive Executive Councils.1 In 2012, Michael affiliated with Eagle Strategies as an Investment Adviser Representative. He is also a member of NAIFA.
In September of 2014, Michael's success and hard work earned him a promotion to Sales Development Manager of the Long Island General Office. Michael is recognized as an expert in the office. He utilizes his rich experience and comprehensive expertise to impact and influence the success of the Long Island General Office and its agents. Michael holds the Series 7, 24, 63 and 66 licenses. In addition, Michael has earned his CLU, ChFC, CLF and RICP from the American College.
Michael is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Economics, a Master of Science Degree in Management, and a Master's Degree in Economics. Michael puts great emphasis on education and professional development. Michael lives in Massapequa, New York with his wife Julie, daughter Cameron, and son James. Michael enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, going to the beach, cooking, gardening, and crushing karaoke.
1 Council is a tiered, annual company-wide recognition program, based agent production from July 1 - June 30. Council qualification is the culmination of a successful year and provides the opportunity to attend one of the most professionally rewarding and personally satisfying events, a Council Meeting.
Rachel Shalek
Sales Development Manager
Rachel Shalek began her career with New York Life after taking part in the company's College Internship Program between her junior and senior year of college. She started her full-time role in the Home Office within Agency Standards and worked there for about 5 years. In March of 2022, she transitioned over to the Agent role in the Manhattan General Office. Rachel earned Executive Council status in the 2022-2023 council run.
Prior to joining New York Life, Rachel spent 4 years in Tuscaloosa, Alabama at the University of Alabama earning her bachelor's degree in business management alongside a minor is Mandarin Chinese. She grew up in Dallas, Texas and currently resides in New York City. Rachel enjoys running, Broadway shows and Alabama football! Roll Tide!
1 Council is a tiered, annual company-wide recognition program, based agent production from July 1 - June 30. Council qualification is the culmination of a successful year and provides the opportunity to attend one of the most professionally rewarding and personally satisfying events, a Council Meeting.
Rocio Mendez CLU®, ChFC®, CASL®, CLF®
Director of Development
Rocio joined New York Life as an agent in 2007 after eight years of experience as a Store Manager for two major Department Stores. During her career as a New York Life agent she achieved Executive Council* and later was promoted to Associate Development Manager. Rocio graduated Cum Laude from Baruch College with a BBA in Marketing. Rocio earned the CLU®, ChFC® and CASL®, CLF® designations from the American College and is now a Director of Development. Rocio is the proud mother of Christian and Nathalie.
*Council is an annual company recognition program based on agent production levels from July 1st to June 30th.
Jemal Carter, ChFC®, CLU®
Director of Development NYC Region
Jemal S. Carter grew up in Harlem, New York City and is the oldest of six children. He started his first business, with the help of Children's Aid Society at the age of 13. Jemal has held management positions at some of the nation's top companies over a twenty-year span.
Jemal joined New York Life in 2012 as an agent. Seeing the opportunity to educate and give back to his community, Jemal became one of the top performing agents in the office. He has won various awards including the Career Life Producer Award, Career Life Success Award, Strive for Excellence, Guaranteed Lifetime Annuity Leader, and countless others. In 2015, after reaching the Executive Council* level in his first three years and building a client base of over three hundred, Jemal decided it was time to return to management. In management Jemal would help cultivate successful financial professionals, that would continue to educate and serve the communities they live in. As a development manager in the Nassau General, Jemal continued striving and creating a culture of winning. Winning the New Org Case Rate, New Org Retention, Life Star Award, Life Paid Case, Agent Growth, Life Sales Awards in consecutive years as an office. As well as the Agency Builder Award for referring others to the career. In 2018, Jemal joined the Manhattan General Office where he continued to promote new and creative ways to enhance the agent experience. In 2019, the Manhattan General Office won the Chairman’s Trophy, Life Sales Award, amongst others. In 2022, Jemal became the Director of Development NYC Region, which focuses on facilitating agent beliefs in marketing and prospecting, creating activity and strategies for advisor marketing and community events, deepening community relationships creating sustainable activity for the advisor’s practice. Jemal holds the ChFC and CLU designations, the FINRA Series 6, 63, 26, and 7 licenses.
Jemal lives with his wife and has two beautiful daughters. Jemal prefers to be addressed as Mel, his childhood nickname.
Awards noted are for New York Life sales production achievement.
*Council is an annual company recognition program based on agent production levels from July 1st to June 30th.
Michael Florio Jr., MBA
Manager - Field Service
Michael Florio Jr started his career with New York Life 19 years ago in the Constitution General Office as an Office Manager Trainee. Since that time, Michael supervised the service staff in the Hudson Valley, Westchester and most recently Brooklyn locations. Throughout his tenure he has developed staff members in a way that allows them to provide a high level of service for New York Life agents and the management team.
Michael attended Bloomsburg University earning his degree in Business Management, completed his MBA at Walden University in 2012 and continues to look for ways to expand his knowledge in the field of business management. He was born and raised at the New Jersey Shore, where he currently resides with his wife Dana and their 2 children, Billie Rose, and Michael III. Michael and his family enjoy spending their summers at the shore and winters skiing in Vermont. Being an avid sports fan, supporting his children participate in various sports tournaments throughout the year on a local and national level is one of his most pride filled moments. His local professional sports teams are the Mets, Jets, and Devils, which have been letting him down for many years.
Dake Hubbard
Corporate Vice President - Field Service
Dake Hubbard began his New York Life career in August of 2002 as an Office Assistant in the Colorado General Office. He was promoted to Agency Assistant one year later. In the fall of 2006, he was accepted into the Associate Administrative Manager program. In August of 2007, he was transferred to the Illinois General Office to continue his AAM training. His first assignment as Administrative Manager came in March of 2008 in the Cedar Rapids General office. One year later, Dake was appointed to the newly created Western Illinois General Office. Dake accepted the Corporate Vice President position in the Manhattan General Office in the fall of 2014.
Over his tenure with New York Life, Dake has won the Educational Excellence Award, the Best in Class Award, the Life Case Rate Partnership Award, the Recruiting Partnership Award, the Operations Management Excellence Award and the Administrative Manager of the Year Award.
Dake attended the University of Colorado. He resides in New York City.
Lisa Smoltino
Director of Agency Standards
After graduating from Hunter College with a BA in Psychology, Lisa started her career in Financial Services working in the Compliance Department at a NYC Broker Dealer. From there, she became an Operations Manager at MetLife. Lisa joined New York Life in 2008 as an Agency Standards Consultant at the Brooklyn General Office. In 2018 she joined the Management team at the Manhattan General office as the Director of Agency Standards. Lisa holds the Series 7, 24, 63 & 66 licenses. Lisa lives with her husband Will and two daughters Amaya and Charli in Brooklyn, NY.