Our Management Team

Please feel free to contact one of our management team members to learn more about New York Life.

Mike Wong CLU, ChFC, MBA  Senior Partner

Mike spent 20 years working at Aerojet after he received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from University of California. He was responsible for directing and managing many defense and aerospace programs. He left aerospace industry to pursue a career that could provide him with a better job stability and unlimited earning potential at a same time without interruptions in career transition. After several months of search, Mike found the New York Life Insurance Company. 

In December 1996, Mike signed a contract with New York Life as an agent in the Roseville General Office. During his first year, he achieved two President Councils and Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) production levels. He was named the New Agent Associate of the year. He also won both the Pacific Zone Eagle Awards on Life and Annuity sales. Shortly, after one year as agent, Mike was promoted to Sales Manager. He led his team to win many Zone Awards. In 1999, Mike’s unit production was the highest in the Pacific Zone. He has effectively developed many MDRT producing agents
 
As a Senior Partner, Mike continues to excel in New York Life. In his spare time Mike likes to read and relaxes to a cruise. Mike serves as a head deacon in his church.
 
Mike is married to Janice for over 30 years and they have two sons, Jordan and Clement.
Email: mkwong@ft.newyorklife.com
(916) 774-6286

 Bob Palmer, CLTC  Partner

Bob received his Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Sacramento in 1982. Upon graduation Bob went straight into a leadership roll as a General Sales Manager with a Fortune 100 Company. After several years Bob decided that a change was needed. He took an offer and exercised his entrepreneurial drive to become a licensed Insurance and Financial professional in 1987. As it turned out, it was the right decision. Not only was Bob a success in his new profession, he went on to qualify five consecutive years in a row for the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table. He also achieved the highest of honors with his company as an upper council producing agent six consecutive years.  In 1993 Bob became the Regional Operations Manager where he was responsible for all agency operations in three western states.  In 1997, Bob saw an opportunity and eagerly accepted a position as a Partner with New York Life.  Bob’s roll in the agency expanded in 2002 when he was given additional responsibility of expanding the Santa Rosa Sales Office’s operation into the three major counties in the North Bay Area.  Bob has established himself a student of leadership and a strong advocate for personal growth and development.  Bob is a lifetime member of the Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies as well as an active member in his community.
 
Today Bob resides in Sonoma County, California with Kathy his wife of 20 Years and his two children, Camryn and Ciara.

Email: brpalmer@ft.newyorklife.com
(707) 569-7101

Daryl Seaton  Partner

Born in the Bay Area, Daryl has lived in California his entire life, graduating from Whittier College in Southern California with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration.  He has held several leadership positions throughout his career, beginning with his first position at one of the nations leading banking institutions.  Later he was recruited by his alma mater as a Director of Business Development and finally led a local non-profit in procurement of funds and construction of a new multi-million dollar facility before joining New York Life in 2000.  As an Agent for New York Life and Registered Representative for NYLIFE Securities, LLC he quickly moved to become a Financial Advisor offering investment advisory services through the Eagle Strategies, LLC,a Registered Investment Advisor.  Spending four and a half years building a professional practice, Daryl devoted himself to providing the best products, services and advice to help individuals plan for their retirement.  During that time he was a leader in the Northern California firm, qualifying for Presidents Council and the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table several times.
 
In 2005 Daryl was promoted as Partner in the Northern California G.O., a top ten office in New York Life.  As a Partner he is a two-time winner of the “Gathering of Eagles” and last year enjoyed a ranking in the Top 50 out of more than 300 Partners in the Company.  His main passion is coaching, developing, and challenging individuals such that their dreams become a reality.
 
Daryl, his wife Tammy and their son Jake reside in Granite Bay, Ca.  When he is relaxing you will most likely find him enjoying one of the many facets of the wine industry.  From just relaxing in the Napa Valley or the Sierra Foothills wine country to working with some friends at their winery or just enjoying a nice bottle from his cellar.
 
Email: dtseaton@ft.newyorklife.com
(916) 774-6244
 

Dan Conway  Partner

Dan attained his Bachelor of Science, Business Administration degree, with emphasis in Finance, from St. Louis University in 1986. Satisfying his need for speed and altitude, he subsequently obtained his commission in the United States Air Force, and became a Senior Pilot and Instructor Aircraft Commander, flying C-5 Galaxy, C-21 Learjet and KC-10 Extender aircraft. During his stint as a headquarters staff officer, Dan completed his Masters of Arts in Leadership Management from Webster University. Having held numerous other staff positions to round out his career, Dan retired from the Air Force, searching for a creative sales career opportunity.
 
Dan found his career opportunity with New York Life, joining in 2001 as an agent and registered representative for NYLIFE securities. For the next 5 years, he developed markets in the military, small business owner, and state employee arenas, building sales and financial processes, while teaming with other agents. Throughout these years, his achievements included memberships in the elite Million Dollar Round Table, Executive and Presidents Council qualifications, and Centurion and Annuity Champion awards. In 2006, Dan began his quest for partnership with New York Life, and was promoted to Partner in June, 2007.
 
Dan resides with his lovely bride Claudia in Rocklin.  Together they enjoy exploring the finer parts of Northern California, to include wine country, the Sierras and Lake Tahoe. They also visit other hot spots such as San Francisco, Monterey and numerous ski resorts.  Dan’s daughter Miranda is actively working and attaining her bachelor’s degree at UC San Diego, and his son Dylan plays drums in several bands and is also starting his college career.

Email: djconway@ft.newyorklife.com
(916) 774-6202  

Mike Clark, MBA  Partner 

Mike spent six years as a police officer after receiving his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Sacramento State University.  Mike started his law enforcement career with the Concord Police Department where he spent most of his time in the Patrol Division and one year with the Special Enforcement Team. In 2003, Mike moved to Granite Bay with his wife Michelle and worked with the Rocklin Police Department as a Field Training Officer and Impact Weapons and Defensive Tactics Instructor.  In December 2005, Mike completed his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix at which time he began pursuing a career in the financial services industry.
 
Mike left law enforcement to pursue a career with New York Life that could provide him unlimited professional development and growth with the potential to earn an unlimited income.  After six months of research, Mike signed a New York Life contract in July of 2006.  Within his first two years, Mike achieved Executive Council level twice, while being recognized for the Life Success and Life Career Producer awards.
 
As a Partner, Mike continues to strive for excellence with New York Life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys spending time with his family as well as playing golf, softball and likes to fish and hunt.
 
Mike is married to his wife Michelle for over 7 years and they have twin girls, Reese and Rylee
 
Email: rmclark@ft.newyorklife.com
(916) 781-7406   

 

Rick Skinner, CLU  AVP Administration

Rick began his career as a New York Life agent in the Portland General Office after graduating from Portland State University in 1992 with a BA degree in Finance. In 1993, he accepted a position as an Administrative Manager Trainee and moved to the Seattle General Office. Rick earned his CLU designation in 1994 while progressing through the AMT Program. Rick returned to the Portland General Office in 1995 as the Office Manager. He quickly learned the ropes as a new Administrative Manager and in two years was promoted in 1997 to the Central California (Fresno) GO as Director of Operations. In April 2006, Rick was promoted to the Northern California (Sacramento/Roseville) GO as Assistant Vice President – GO Administration.

Rick was born in Southern California but grew up in Alaska in a small town called Soldotna on the Kenai Peninsula. He’s married to his wife of 15 years, Kelly and has two sons and one daughter, Riley, Rogan, and Kaitlin. Rick and his family reside in the Roseville, CA, close to more than a dozen extended family members in four generations. Rick enjoys Quad riding and camping in the mountains with close friends and family. Rick’s responsibilities include supervision of 12 employees and working directly with the Leadership Team and Agents.

Email: rskinner1@ft.newyorklife.com
(916) 774-6284

Laird Smith, CLU, ChFC, MSFS, LUTCF, CLF  Senior Director of Development

Laird joined New York Life in 1988 as an agent.  In 1993, Laird became a Training Supervisor, in 2000 an Associate Sales Development Manager and 2004 a Sales Development Manager.  He earned his Chartered Life Underwriter designation in 1999, his Chartered Financial Consultant designation in 2000, his Masters in Financial Services in 2004 and his Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow designation in 2007 from The American College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
 
Laird is an important part in training and development of a new agent to New York Life assisting agents with the NYLIC University curriculum and technical training. A native of Portland, Oregon, Laird obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Oregon State University.  Prior to New York Life, he worked as a Business Analyst and Training Manager in Portland, Oregon and Sacramento, California.  In his spare time, he enjoys the outdoors, does extensive community service and is a Board Member of the Sacramento Financial Service Professionals. Laird lives in Auburn, California with his wife Shari.
 

Email: lairdjsmith@ft.newyorklife.com
(916) 774-6252

Alan Knoblock CLU, ChFC, LUTCF  Senior Development Manager

Alan was a career recruiter with the U.S. Army before joining New York Life in the fall of 2002. With thirteen years of experience recruiting qualified men and women for service to their country, Alan found the life insurance and financial services industry very similar in many ways. “First of all you have a great brand name with New York Life. It’s all about relationships with people. People understand integrity and trust. They want to work with someone that can be counted on”.

In his first two years as an agent with New York Life Alan was a council qualifier both years, and earned the prestigious national recognition as a qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round table. In 2005 Alan transitioned into his current role as a Development Manager for the Northern California General Office. Hoping to share his experiences and contribute to one of the top sales offices in the country, Alan states there is no greater fulfillment than mentoring a new agent to learn and grow. As they develop and begin to take ownership of their business, a personal transformation takes place. When this happens the best in a person really comes out.

Alan considers it an honor to be a member of the Northern California Leadership Team. Being surrounded by consummate professionals, and working in a General Office with vision, clarity, and ‘Character’ is a pleasure. Marc Ham is building an operation here that you can be proud of. He cares deeply about everyone.

Email: ajknoblock@ft.newyorklife.com
(916) 781-7465

Marlene Carruthers, CPA  Senior Agency Standards Consultant

As a native Californian, Marlene has resided the last twenty-five years in the Sacramento area.  She graduated from California State University, Sacramento in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an accounting specialization.  After graduation she was employed by a CPA firm where she obtained a CPA license in 1984.  Her public accounting experience includes a variety of industries, such as retail, wholesale, medical and non-profit.  She has also worked in private industry as a Controller and Financial Analyst in the construction and real estate development industry.  Marlene joined the New York Life in 2002 as an Agency Standards Consultant.  In her spare time she enjoys the outdoors, and is an avid golfer.

Email: mcarruthers@ft.newyorklife.com
(916) 781-7466