Northwestern Mutual - Chicago Appoints First African-American Growth and Development Director

Northwestern Mutual - Chicago announced the appointment of its first African-American Growth and Development Director, Allan K. Bell, CLU®. Bell, a Financial Advisor in the Rosemont District Office, will be tasked with attracting, selecting, developing and retaining a team of diverse financial professionals.

"The demand for financial security has never been greater, and the Chicago office's growth is providing us with opportunities to develop the next generation of financial representatives and leaders," said Corey D. McQuade, managing partner, Northwestern Mutual -- Chicago. "Our goal is to provide advisors like Allan with various development opportunities to grow personally and professionally."

Bell has been associated with Northwestern Mutual since 2006. As the first step in a development track, Bell was appointed field director where he developed a team of competent financial representatives. He also founded and leads the firm's multicultural mentoring resource group. Through coaching and mentoring, Bell will work with his team members to define a career path best for them.

Bell received a BAS in Electronics Engineering Technology from the ITT Technical Insitute and a BAS in Business and Organizational Management from National Lewis University. He also earned a Masters Certificate in Project Management from George Washington University.

Outside of the office, he volunteers with The National Association for Down Syndrome and the ARC of IL. Residents of the western suburbs, Allan, and his wife are also members of the West Suburban Support Group and the UPS for DOWNS parent support groups.