Our Team

Matt Yeiter is NorthWest Financial’s President and a Financial Planner. In his role as President, he oversees the management of the firm and leads a team of service-oriented, knowledgeable, and professional colleagues. As a Financial Planner he works with clients to develop a financial plan that meets their goals. This planning includes investment advice, retirement planning, insurance analysis, education funding, charitable giving strategies, and estate planning considerations. He also engages in tax planning and tax preparation. Matt particularly enjoys analyzing the effects of a tax situation on a client’s financial plan and crafting unique solutions.

Matt is a member of NorthWest Financial’s Investment Committee, which meets monthly to research, review, and discuss investment strategies. While at NorthWest Financial, Matt worked to develop a “NextGen” program, which is aimed at helping the children of clients make sound financial decisions that will enable them to achieve their goals. Prior to joining NorthWest Financial in 2011, he graduated from Cedarville University with a B.A. in Finance and Marketing. Matt takes a keen interest in golfing, hiking, and most outdoor activities. He and his wife, Marisa, attend College Park Church with their children.

Aaron Pettersen is NorthWest Financial’s Chief Investment Officer. In this role he spearheads the investment strategy for the firm’s clients by researching investments, conducting trades, and developing portfolio recommendations. He is the Chairman of NorthWest Financial’s Investment Committee, which meets monthly to research, review, and discuss investment strategies. Aaron particularly enjoys data analysis and investigating information with an open mind as he seeks a solution.

Prior to joining NorthWest Financial in 1998, Aaron graduated from Cedarville University with a B.A. in Finance and Accounting. While working at the firm, he became a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) in 2003. This master’s-level program involves a quantitative and analytical course of study in an investment-related body of knowledge. Aaron likes to run, play basketball, and spend time with his family. He, his wife Jennifer, and their children attend Cornerstone Bible Church.

Rachel Leman is a Financial Planner with NorthWest Financial. In this role, she works with clients to develop a financial plan that meets their goals. This planning includes investment advice, retirement planning, insurance analysis, education funding, charitable giving strategies, and estate planning considerations. She also engages in tax planning and tax preparation. Rachel especially enjoys using a variety of data and collaborating to develop a plan that addresses a client’s situation.

Rachel attends NorthWest Financial’s Investment Committee meetings. Prior to joining NorthWest Financial in 2017, she earned a B.S. in Accounting from Olivet Nazarene University. Rachel enjoys reading, running races, and working toward her goal of visiting all U.S. National Park sites. She and her husband, David, attend Cornerstone Bible Church.

Molly O’Shea is a Financial Planner Assistant with NorthWest Financial. In this role, she works with clients to develop a financial plan that meets their goals. This planning includes investment advice, retirement planning, insurance analysis, education funding, charitable giving strategies, and estate planning considerations. She also participates in tax planning and preparation. Molly enjoys seeing the whole planning picture come together for the client.

Prior to joining NorthWest Financial in 2021, Molly worked in sales for a local custom sports apparel company. She graduated from Illinois State University with a B.A. in Sociology. She enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with friends and family and serving in the Children’s Ministry at her church. Molly attends Pennington Park Church.

Holly Wharton is a Financial Planner Assistant with NorthWest Financial. In this role, she assists with planning, administrative tasks and tax preparation. Planning includes investment advice, retirement planning, insurance analysis, education funding, charitable giving strategies, estate planning considerations and tax planning. She also handles client communications and paperwork. Holly enjoys being able to come alongside clients and help them achieve their financial goals.

Holly originally joined NorthWest Financial in 2007 but took a seven-year hiatus to be home with her young children. She is excited to be back and a part of the team. Prior to joining the firm, Holly graduated from Cedarville University with a B.A. in Finance and Management. She loves spending time with her family and enjoys camping and biking. Holly, her husband Edgar, and their three children attend Cornerstone Bible Church.