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Who We Are

Richard Contreras
Richard Contreras began his career in the financial services industry with Northern Life starting in 1984.  Working primarily in the marketing of life insurance and annuity products, Richard held a variety of positions with increasing responsibility.  In 1997, Richard was named Vice President, Marketing for all of Northern Life, and was responsible for the development of one of the most successful agent recruiting campaigns in the TSA industry.

In early 2000, Richard was named Vice President, Sales of Northern Life and successfully grew sales and distribution as well as being a key member of the integration team that successfully integrated Northern Life into the ING group of companies.

In July of 2002, Richard co-founded Independent Partners Group, LLC, which is now one of the leading annuity marketing organizations focused on the distribution of fixed annuities in the 403(b) market.

Jerome Mills
Jerry Mills began his financial services career with Western Life in 1978, providing advanced marketing support for the sale of life insurance products.  In 1985, Jerry joined Northern Life as Director of Advanced Marketing.  Over the years, Jerry held a variety of positions, including responsibility for the development of Northern Life's first variable annuity.  In 1997, Jerry was named Vice President, ReliaStar Annuity Sales and was responsible for launching an annuity brokerage sales unit at Northern Life.

In early 2000, Jerry was named Executive Vice President, Northern Life and became a key member of the integration team that successfully transitioned Northern Life into the ING family of companies.

In July of 2002, Jerry co-founded Independent Partners Group, LLC, which is now one of the leading annuity marketing organizations focused on the distribution of fixed annuities in the 403(b) market.

Colleen Gallagher
Colleen began her career in the financial services industry in 1993 with Washington Federal Savings Bank, where she served as Operations Supervisor for the Lynnwood, WA, branch. She joined Northern Life Insurance Company's variable annuity department in 1995, where she gained extensive experience licensing and appointing agents, answering technical questions, and dealing with compensation problems. From Northern Life she moved to ReliaStar Annuity Sales where she distinguished herself as one of the division's top Marketing Coordinators.