About Us
Our Team
Each of us are committed to providing exceptional service. If you need to schedule an appointment, request service, or have a question about a policy or account, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Derek DeSanto was born and raised in Pittston, PA. He obtained his Bachelors in Business Management from Penn State University in 2008. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Derek held a management role with a retail company. Since joining Northwestern Mutual, Derek has held numerous leadership roles before being appointed Managing Director of the Scranton-Wilkes Barre office in December of 2019.
Derek has been married to Christa since 2019 and have two sons, CJ and Bryant and yellow Labrador, Duke. They both enjoy spending time with their families, traveling, and supporting the local community. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys watching the Chicago Bears, LA Lakers, NY Yankees and all Penn State athletics.
Anthony Paul Grillini
Partner and Financial Advisor
Originally from Wilkes-Barre, PA, Anthony attended Binghamton University in New York where he met his wife, Meg. Knowing that he wanted to coach people, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the School of Management with a concentration in Leadership and Consulting.
During his four years at Binghamton University, Anthony played Division I baseball where he held a career 13-1 record and 3.31 ERA. The team, with Anthony as pitcher, were two-time conference champs and made it to regionals to compete. He started playing baseball at the age of four and knew he wanted to make it into a career up until it wasn’t an option anymore. After getting injured during his sophomore year of college, he began to consider other options. Realizing his mathematical talent and coaching passion, both in the field and in person, he pursued business and finance.
When he isn’t working, Anthony can be found doing a range of activities including skiing, hiking, visiting wineries and hanging out with friends. He enjoys traveling and visiting new places. An annual family tradition with his wife is to go up to the Finger Lakes, where they got married. He has also been abroad to places like Iceland, Tahiti and Sweden. He likes to stay active and breakaway from his daily life while taking in the different things the world has to offer.
Chris is an Associate Financial Advisor. He is a 2017 graduate of Wilkes University, where he was valedictorian of the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance with a concentration in financial derivatives and economics. Chris was also the recipient of the Ted Engle Award for Excellence in Finance, and the 2022 Commitment to Excellence award for Northwestern Mutual Eastern PA. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Amanda, and son Benen. Chris is also a member of the Hazleton Area Lions Club.
How can Chris help you?
- Collaborates with Derek to develop personal planning analysis
- Helps with insurance service issues
- Answers questions regarding billing accounts, underwriting, and policy delivery
- Submits & manages applications during the underwriting process.
- Helps coordinate the scheduling of client medical exams
- Helps facilitate investment operations
- Works with Derek to prepare investment and retirement solutions
Nathan is a graduate of Penn State University where he majored in Financial Services and Accounting. With licenses in Life, Accident, Health, and Long-Term Care insurance, Nate is committed to delivering top-notch insurance solutions to our clients. He currently resides in Clarks Summit and is an avid traveler outside of the office. Nate takes charge of the insurance side of our services, ensuring our clients receive comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. With his expertise and dedication, Nate is your trusted partner for all insurance needs.
Steve Blumenthal is the Director of Marketing. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual in the marketing capacity, Steve held positions with Northwestern Mutual in Talent Acquisition joining the firm in 2011 and obtaining Recruiter of the Year for the Eastern Region in 2016. Throughout his career he has honed relationship management skills to build and retain the trust and loyalty of key players and clients. Steve is also a former public school educator and head collegiate coach for over a decade before transitioning into the private sector.
Steve earned his Bachelor of Arts from West Chester University, his Masters of Education at Immaculata University, is a graduate of the American College and has obtained a Chartered Leadership Fellow (CLF®) designation.
Steve oversees marketing efforts such as:
- Brand Stewardship
- Digital Outreach
- Client Insights
- Public Relations
- Social Media Management
- Event Management
- Community Relations
Allie joined Northwestern Mutual in July 2021 as a Marketing Coordinator, based out of the Guinan Network Office in King Of Prussia, PA. She is a graduate of Temple University, where she earned her BA in December 2020. Allie’s main focus is to coordinate marketing campaigns, enhance and maintain digital media presence, craft a variety of graphics as well as develop and implement individualized brand strategies for advisors. Allie resides in Philadelphia. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time outdoors, thrifting, going to farmers' markets and cooking.
Courtney joined Northwestern Mutual in June 2022 as a Marketing Coordinator, based out of the Guinan Network Office in King Of Prussia, PA. She is a graduate of Villanova University, where she earned her BA in December 2021. Courtney's main focus is to coordinate marketing events, enhance and maintain data hygiene, handle promotional items, and develop and implement individualized brand strategies for advisors. Courtney resides in Philadelphia. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her friends, cooking, traveling and yoga.