Meet Our Professionals

Financial Services Professional

Kaelyn is a native to Arkansas. She grew up in the small north-central Arkansas town of Flippin. After high school, she attended the University of Central Arkansas and focused her studies on Business Management. After spending 10+ years in healthcare, specifically home health and hospice care, Kaelyn started her financial practice with New York Life. Although a new chapter has turned, Kaelyn is no stranger to the New York Life family. Her husband Chris has been a part of New York Life since early 2015 and they will be serving their clients alongside each other.

Kaelyn has a passion to help families and individuals plan for retirement, create solutions for long term care needs, disability planning, and create legacies for their families. Maintaining ongoing relationships with her clients, being aware as their needs change, and bringing integrity into every encounter are her primary objectives. Every client’s needs are unique so it’s important to understand their goals and priorities to align proper strategies to what matters most to them.

Kaelyn and her husband Chris currently reside in Conway with their two rescue dogs, their son Brooks, and another son on the way. The Armistead family loves hiking and traveling. They keep their passports ready for use any time.

Financial Advisor

Born in Little Rock, raised in rural New Jersey then returned to Arkansas by 10th grade. Wendy learned very early how to adapt to many cultures and varying attitudes toward life.

After 1 year at UALR, the desire to care for others ruled her thoughts and drove her toward Emergency Medicine. While attending UAMS to become a Paramedic, Wendy started working with her mother, Sharon Welch-Blair, as an assistant to her New York Life insurance practice and joined Sharon on the adventure of opening Arkansas’ first 4 Diamond Bed & Breakfast: The Empress of Little Rock. For 6 years Wendy worked part-time or volunteered in EMS and managed her Mom’s businesses all the while raising two children, Jackie and Zack.

In April 2002, Wendy followed her mother’s footsteps into the most admired financial services company in the world. Wendy and Sharon became the first female 2nd generation in New York Life history. Wendy won “Rookie of the Year” award in 2002 and was fortunate enough to share the stage with her Mom who won “Agent of the Year”. Wendy went on to become an Annuity Champion, Executive Council and MDRT Member.

In 2005, Wendy experienced hardship through a divorce, which created a world of change. Changing direction she started helping people/businesses by recruiting and placing finance processionals in some of the largest businesses in Oklahoma.

It was a long, winding road through business development, management and leadership that brought her back to New York Life. Wendy served as a two term President and Regional Director of the Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance, served as a director for Oklahoma City Human Resource Society, and was named “2016 Optimist of the Year” by the Downtown Oklahoma City Optimist Club.

Wendy considers herself a “Small Business Specialist” with knowledge and formal experience in Construction, Real Estate, Logistics, Hospitality, Financial Services, Human Resources, Benefits, Marketing and Medical. With such a wide variety of knowledge she is very versatile in helping clients of all backgrounds.

Wendy has a strong desire to help people, a natural leader whose optimistic approach to teamwork has made her successful in business and sports. Wendy’s hobbies include tennis, real estate and now golf. She spent 4 years captaining the USTA 3.5 18+ Women’s Team for Memorial Park in Colorado Springs. Her team was successfully undefeated and named the Southern Colorado Champions in 2019 and 2020. On the real estate note Wendy has owned and flipped over 14 properties in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Colorado.

Her primary goal now, is to continue her Mother’s legacy by being an architect of well designed, custom-tailored strategies for each of her clients.

Financial Services Professional

Holly joined New York Life in 2016 after working in the medical field as a radiologic technologist for several years. A native Arkansan, Holly is from the grand prairie area of the state where agriculture is the way of life. Her family has been involved in farming for over 40 years. She specializes in working with farmers and their families to insure their legacy continues to the next generations.

Since 2018, Holly has shared an office with her mentor, Keith Konecny, in Stuttgart. Keith has been an agent with New York Life for over 30 years has earned several awards and has been recognized for many accolades during his tenure.

Holly is committed to providing individuals, families and businesses with life insurance and financial products that meet their unique needs. She understands that achieving your goals means having a clear plan for your financial future. She will assist you in creating steps to ensure that when life throws you a curve ball, you will feel confident and prepared to take on the challenge.

In her spare time Holly enjoys reading, spending time with her children, and attending her son’s and nephews ball games.

Agent

Meet Alex, a devoted Christian, husband, father and New York Life agent based in Northwest Arkansas. With a passion for serving others and a heart for his faith, Alex’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Prior to his career in the financial industry, he proudly served his country as an Army Paratrooper with the 82^nd Airborne Division, where he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Afghanistan, in which he displayed courage and dedication in defending his nation's values.

After his time in the military, Alex transitioned seamlessly into the business world, accumulating almost a decade of valuable management experience. He honed his leadership skills, fostering a strong sense of teamwork and guiding his colleagues towards success.

Embodying the principles of faith, compassion, and integrity, Alex discovered his true calling working with New York Life. Armed with a deep understanding of the value of life and a genuine desire to help others protect their loved ones' futures, he approaches his role with sincerity and empathy. Alex’s clients trust him not only for his expertise but also for his unwavering commitment to providing them with the best possible solutions.

Alex stands out for his warm demeanor and genuine care for every individual he meets. Whether it's families seeking financial security or entrepreneurs safeguarding their business ventures, he tailors his services to each client's unique needs, ensuring they receive the personalized attention they deserve.

In his spare time, Alex spends time with his wife and four kids and actively participates in his local community, where he finds strength and inspiration to keep serving others with love and kindness. His dedication to his faith and his profession has earned him the admiration and respect of colleagues and clients alike.

With an impressive background in both military service and management, coupled with a strong commitment to his Christian values, Alex continues to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him, ensuring that they are well-prepared for whatever the future may hold.

Wealth Advisor

Career and Community Involvement

• Member Agent of the Nautilus Group*, Dallas, TX (a service of New York Life Insurance Company)

• Investment Adviser Representative, Eagle Strategies LLC, A Registered Investment Adviser

• National Association of Estate Planners and Councils,

• Board Member of Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame

• Past Board Member and Member, Central Arkansas Estate Planning Council

• Member American Institute of Philanthropy

• Member, Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation Professional Advisory Committee

• Past Board Member, Arkansas Baptist Foundation

Professional Designations

• Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC^®), American College, Bryn Mawr, PA

• Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU^®), American College, Bryn Mawr, PA

• Accredited Estate Planner (AEP^®), National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (a person who has earned a graduate level specialization in estate planning designation, in addition, to already recognized professional credentials within the various disciplines of estate planning

• Chartered Advisor of Philanthropy (CAP^®) Knowledge that will help clients articulate and advance their highest aspirations for self, family and society

Formal Higher Education

• BA, Psychology, Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas

• MA, Rehabilitation Counseling, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas

Personal

• Married to Lynne. Three children and 7 grandchildren

• Members of Immanuel Baptist Church, Little Rock

Financial Services Professional

Belva joined New York Life in November 1995 and started a career in the financial services industry. Belva graduated from University of Central AR with a double major in Business and Health Education and worked as Assistant Engineer for Southwestern Bell before deciding to stay home with my three children, Olivia, Vodi and Austin. Since joining New York Life in 1995, I am currently working on my 27th year with New York Life. I am a Qualifying Member of MDRT as well as a Lifetime member.

My passion is to help my clients with their financial needs, life insurance and investments to grow to provide a plan for their retirement. I love working with clients on their various needs and I’m there should a death happen to walk their loved ones through the process.

I am very involved with my church, Master Gardener Project at Park Hill Water Works for 15 years, and donate to various organizations including Multiple Sclerosis Society, and etc. I enjoy gardening, yoga and cyclying with my bike friends in my spare time.

Financial Services Professional, Registered Representative

Gina joined New York Life in 2004 after selling her Computer Aided Design Firm, catering to Architects and Engineers for 23 years. Her 23 years catering to professionals Segway smoothly into her financial practice focusing on working with individuals that carry a professional license, own closely held corporations or may be highly compensated individuals. Gina’s practice does not strictly end with those types of individuals as she feels if there is a need Gina will help. In fact, her tagline reads “Always Willing to Serve Others”. A few examples are young professionals, newly wedded couples, and new parents are a large portion of her practice.

Gina’s expertise focuses on Retirement Planning, Business and Estate Succession, Wealth Accumulation and Protection.

Having a Work/Personal Life balance Gina strives for as she enjoys many hobbies such as acquiring Short Term rental properties and decorating them herself. She enjoys deep sea fishing with her son Taylor and daughter-in-law Jordan in Orange Beach Alabama. She enjoys resale shopping for just the right piece to add to her collection. She is often found in her garage/workshop repurposing her finds. Gina enjoys planting a flower garden and uses it as her Happy Place to unwind. She spends time with her closest friends cooking new dishes and trying new wines out on the back patio. Not only will you find Gina spending time with her friends you won't have to look very far to find her rescue dogs T.J., Mya, and Missy following right behind her everywhere she goes.

Financial Advisor

Kristin started in the financial industry in 2010 with the goal of helping individuals and families become more financially secure. Her desire to help others began from being raised in a small Arkansas town by a blue-collar family that instilled values of honesty and hard work to help shape the person she has become.

Over the years, Kristin’s goal has grown into a passion for working with individuals, business owners, and entrepreneurs to plan, collaborate, and scale their dreams in life as they build their empire and legacy.

In addition to working hands on with the firm’s clients, Kristin is involved in several nonprofit

organizations. She volunteers at the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Rogers, she sits on the

Executive Committee for the Justin Moore and St Jude’s annual golf tournament, she volunteers her time for the Sunshine School Annual Art Gala and is involved with the PTO for her oldest daughter’s school. She also co-founded PowHer Players LLC in 2017 with a mission to help create a space for women to come together and be their authentic selves. Kristin and her husband Rob live in Bentonville with their two girls, Bryce and Charlotte, and two schnauzers, Dolce’ and Oscar.

Financial Services Professional

Allen earned his bachelor's degree in financial wealth management from Arkansas State University in 2019 and began working in the banking industry immediately after as a loan officer. He connected with New York Life in the Summer of 2020 and began his practice later that year in Jonesboro, AR. Having both of his parents being teachers, Allen felt drawn toward education and coaching. This is reflected in his planning process, as he enjoys not only establishing financial plans for clients but also making sure they truly understand the decisions they are making and the value that it brings. Allen feels that building true relationships upon hard work, transparency and trust is key to his practice.

During his time thus far with New York Life, Allen has earned many awards and accolades. This includes national awards, council honors, and multiple registrations. He plans to build upon this success so he may continue to learn and grow in his career.

Allen is married to his lovely wife, Grace, who is an OR Nurse at NEA Hospital. Outside of work they spend the majority of their time chasing their dog, Maverick. Their faith and family are what matters to them most and is also what Allen attributes his success to.

Agent

I help families achieve their goals by creating a plan using an integrated process to make sure there’s no gaps in their financial future. Using tax shelters and asset protection to secure what matters most to them.

I’ve proudly been with New York Life for over 12 years establishing my practice. Prior to that, I was a martial arts instructor for 15 years. I’ve been in front of people teaching, coaching, and leading since I was 14. Those attributes help create the agent I am today.

In my free time, family has been my first priority. Spending time with my daughter and wife is the most enjoyable part. We love to travel, sit on a patio at our local spots, and enjoy a great atmosphere amongst friends.

Licensed Agent, Financial Services Professional

Both personally and professionally, my desire is to help people. I graduated Ouachita Baptist with my bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. Shortly thereafter, I began my career at New York Life and I'm forever grateful for the opportunity. I was introduced to New York Life by Beth Perry, an agent of 40 years, who brought me into the business and mentored me. I count it a privilege to work alongside her for many years now. In addition to insurance licenses and certifications, I’m a Registered Representative with NYLIFE Securities which has given me more tools to assist clients within the planning process.

My mission is to help my clients achieve their personal and financial goals and to be respected as a professional who brings the best-tailored solutions to each person. My first priority is providing income protection for families and their loved ones. Then we move to accumulation strategies, planning for retirement, saving for large purchases, and funding education for children or grandchildren. Finally, I help those that are entering retirement to have peace of mind as they change from accumulation of assets to the distribution of those.

My family and I live in Russellville. I'm married to my wonderful husband Ryan, he works as a Park Ranger. We have three beautiful daughters and spend most of our time playing with the girls! Something we all enjoy doing is riding the Suzuki in the wildlife management area behind our house as well as traveling and experiencing new things. God has blessed my family and I so very much!

Financial Services Professional

I am absolutely dedicated to my clients’ well-being and take special care in listening and analyzing their situations to provide the best solutions possible. I work hard to keep abreast of all changes in laws and regulations to make sure my clients can make the most out of their money. I am a member of the Executive Council, achieved by only the top agents of New York Life.

I attended college at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where I was inducted in the National Alumni Association Hall of Fame in the Business category. My degree is in Business Economics. I am very active in the local alumni chapter where I have served as campaign manager for the homecoming queen and played a significant role in the 2016 National Alumni Summer Conference held in Little Rock, Arkansas.

I was born and raised in De Witt, Arkansas. I am a graduate of De Witt High School where I was a good student and a 3-year All-State varsity athlete in basketball. I’ve been married to my wife Pamela for 30 years and we have 5 grown children. I am a man of faith and am thankful for a loving God to guide my choices and decisions.

Financial Services Professional

Jerrod Lynn grew up on a family row crop farm in Southeast Missouri. The values and principles that he learned on that farm about finances, ethics, and hard work are reflected every day in his practice. Needless to say, he learned the value of money early on in his life. Shortly after graduating with his B.S. in Agricultural Economics, he began his career at New York Life. Jerrod's main goal was simple, "help other people." He has thoroughly enjoyed working with young families, business owners, farmers, medical professionals, and steel-mill workers - assisting them with preparing for their financial futures. What sets him apart from others, is the amount of transparency he has with his clients.

Financial Services Professional

I started my career with New York Life in 1998 because I love helping families with their financial needs.

My office is on Main Street in Russellville, AR, where I grew up and then went on to raise my two children, Nathan and Haley and one grandchild Emerson. During that time, I was president of the tennis association and also president of the soccer association and helped develop a much-needed soccer complex for the 1000+ young soccer players in the area. With a young family of my own, I was passionate about helping other families personally and professionally.

I currently live in Little Rock and commute weekly to my Russellville office. Now that my children are grown, I enjoy playing pickleball and serving as a USA Pickleball Ambassador to help new players learn the sport. I also enjoy playing golf and volunteer with the PGA.

My wife Dani and I have enjoyed traveling to London, Germany, Australia, and Shanghai. But our favorite place is the beach.

Over the years I’ve been privileged to be a part of my clients lives. It’s an honor to help a young family set their financial goals and then help them achieve those goals.

I was rookie of the year my 1st year and the recipient of the Life Foundation award.

Financial Services Professional

Welcome! I'm a passionate financial professional committed to protecting what matters most to you and your business. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals and businesses, I specialize in crafting tailored solutions that safeguard your dreams and ambitions.

My journey in the financial services industry is fueled by a genuine desire to make a positive impact in people’s lives. I believe in building strong, personal relationships with each client, ensuring that I fully understand your specific needs and concerns. Whether you're an individual seeking protection for your family or a business owner looking to secure your enterprise, I'm here to guide you every step of the way.

In this ever-changing world, I stay abreast of the latest trends and developments in the industry to offer you the most appropriate guidance and product solutions. My approach is simple yet effective: listen, understand, and then deliver. I'm not just your agent; I'm your supporter, and your partner in navigating the complex world of insurance.

Let me help you find peace of mind with solutions that can best meet your needs. Reach out today, and let's start building a safer, more secure future together.

Financial Advisor

Lesley is committed to helping people achieve financial peace of mind through custom tailored strategies that build and protect wealth. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and an MBA in Human Resource Management.

Lesley serves on the boards of Downtown Little Rock Partnership and Little Italy Arkansas Heritage Society & Museum. She is a graduate of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Arkansas Class XIV and a member of SoMa Business & Merchants. She enjoys giving back to the community through various organizations, including Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas and Ronald McDonald House.

Lesley and her husband, Scott, have two children and two grandchildren. They live in Little Italy, a township near Pinnacle Mountain that was founded in 1915 by five Italian immigrant families, including Lesley’s great grandparents. Faith, integrity, living life to the fullest, and planning for the next generation’s well-being are cornerstones of this history-rich community - principles weaved throughout each client solution.

Financial Advisor

For more than 50 years, Dick has been helping his clients in financial, business, and estate planning. He has been affiliated with New York Life for over 50 years. He is a member agent of The Nautilus Group, an exclusive, advanced planning team for estate conservation and business continuation strategies. The Nautilus Group, a service of New York Life Insurance Company, is only open to approximately 220 of the company's more than 10,000 agents.

Dick currently holds a FINRA Series 6, 63 and 7. He is an Investment Adviser Representative with Eagle Strategies LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser and a Registered Representative with NYLIFE Securities LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC), a licensed insurance agency.

Dick is a member of the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting (AALU). The mission for AALU is to promote, preserve and protect advanced life insurance planning for the benefit of its members, their clients, the industry and the general public. He is also a member of the Central Arkansas Estate Council, a group dedicated to ongoing education involving trust, estate, and investment issues.

Dick has earned numerous industry and company achievements, including Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table. He has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arkansas Chapter of the Society for Financial Service Professionals. He has also served as President for the Arkansas Chapter of National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) of the State of Arkansas. He was also President of the Central Arkansas Chapter of the American Society of Chartered Life Underwriters^®. He was recognized as a New York Life Arkansas Associate of the Year and also was Agent of the Year.

Dick has been involved in many civic activities, including the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army and State Chairman for the March of Dimes. He has also served as President for organizations including RSVP, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Central Arkansas and the High Noon Toastmasters Club. He has earned the designation of Distinguished Toastmaster and Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also an ordained Deacon in the Catholic Church.

Dick is a graduate of Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, with a BS in Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing. He has also completed the extensive studies necessary to earn the Chartered Life Underwriter's (CLU^®), the Chartered Financial Consultant's (ChFC^®) and the Accredited Retirement Plan Consultant's (ARPC) designations.

Dick has been married to Suzanne for 55 years. They have three children, Christopher, Jonathan, and Bethany ...and 5 grandchildren.

Financial Services Professional

After spending 20+ years in law enforcement, Gary started with New York Life. He got off to a great start early in his career, passing multiple certifications and becoming a Registered Representative during his onboarding period.

Gary has achieved multiple national as well as industry awards. In Gary’s first six months, he qualified as a Summit agent. In his second year, he qualified for Executive Council and expects to be a perennial Council agent going forward. Gary also qualified for Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) in 2021. This prestigious honor is for the top 3% of advisers across the country. Additionally, Gary has earned numerous awards within the Arkansas General Office.

Gary earned his Financial Services Certified Professional designation in 2022 and currently is working on his next designation. He is committed to continued education to stay on top of the game in all facets of his business.

Gary works mostly with young families, small business owners, law enforcement families and pre-retirees. As part of his retirement planning process, he has become an expert on long term care planning, using long term care insurance and other solutions to help clients prepare for this retirement risk.

Gary is licensed in multiple states and was doing virtual appointments pre-pandemic so where clients are located has never been an issue for him.

Gary prides himself on excellent customer service and cherishes his clients. He has become close friends with a lot of them which he describes an awesome benefit of being a trusted advisor. He loves the social aspects of his career and enjoys checking in on clients periodically just to see how their lives are going. Gary works tirelessly for his clients which leads him to getting more referrals. His career success is proof of that.

Gary makes Bentonville his home and loves to spend time with his family - wife Stephanie, daughters Madison and Morgan (13 & 8) and their two dogs Boone and Oakley. They share a love of the outdoors, sports, and fitness. Gary is an avid outdoorsman. He also volunteers a great deal of his time in the community, serving as Parent Teacher Organization Officer and coaching youth basketball.

Agent

Welcome! I'm a passionate financial professional committed to protecting what matters most to you and your business. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals and businesses, I specialize in crafting tailored solutions that safeguard your dreams and ambitions.

My journey in the financial services industry is fueled by a genuine desire to make a positive impact in people’s lives. I believe in building strong, personal relationships with each client, ensuring that I fully understand your specific needs and concerns. Whether you're an individual seeking protection for your family or a business owner looking to secure your enterprise, I'm here to guide you every step of the way.

In this ever-changing world, I stay abreast of the latest trends and developments in the industry to offer you the most up-to-date advice and products. My approach is simple yet effective: listen, understand, and then deliver. I'm not just your agent; I'm your advisor, your supporter, and your partner in navigating the complex world of insurance.

Let me help you find peace of mind with solutions that are as unique as you are. Reach out today, and let's start building a safer, more secure future together.

Financial Services Professional

I am a Conway native and graduate of Conway High School.  I earned a degree in Business Management from the Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.  I am a third generation New York Life Financial Services Professional with 16 years of service.  My family has represented New York Life in Conway, AR since 1949.

My primary focus is working with individuals, families, and business owners in the areas of asset protection, asset accumulation, and asset distribution.  We focus on building a solid financial foundation accompanied by asset growth and accumulation during every stage of life.  My New York Life detached branch office is located in downtown Conway, AR.

My wife Elizabeth and I have been married for 13 years.  During my free time, I enjoy hunting, fishing, sunny days on Greers Ferry Lake, and Arkansas Razorback Sports.  I am a member of the First United Methodist Church of Conway, Conway Kiwanis Club, NAIFA-Arkansas,  Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Conway Downtown Partnership.

Financial Advisor

• Agent and Registered Representative New York Life Insurance Company and NYLIFE Securities

• 31 years in practice

• Managing Member - TSG Financial LLC

• Agent Member of The Nautilus Group

• Registered Investment Advisor - Eagle Strategies

• President - Fulmer Shumard Inc.

• Life & Qualifying Member of MDRT

• Lifetime Council Member - New York Life Insurance Company

• Past President NAIFA - Western Arkansas, 1998 - 1990, 2008 2009

• NALU Rookie of the Year 1991

• New York Life Rookie of the Year 1991

• New York Life Agent of the Year 2010

• Married to Karen Shumard - 42 years

• Two children Natalie and Brandon

• Three grandchildren