Our Team

As a young college graduate, John Sterner yearned for more than just a job. He wanted to start a business that would make a real difference in the lives of others. Because of its long-standing strength, reputation, and core values, John decided that Northwestern Mutual was the right company to partner with as he launched his career.

Since 2001, John has built a solid wealth management practice founded on superior expertise, genuine client relationships, and exceptional service. John and his team of professionals specialize in helping medical professionals and business owners achieve their individual goals and reach financial independence through comprehensive financial planning. John has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional since 2005 and seeks to continually stay informed in this ever-changing industry.

John and his wife, Liz, have a young daughter named Anna and love spending time out on Watts Bar Lake with friends and family. He firmly believes in the importance of giving back to his community and has served for many years on the board of directors and finance committee for the Northside Neighborhood House.

Jonathan Bussey has been advising clients with Northwestern Mutual since 2013 and joined The Sterner Financial Group in 2019. His role with our team has added valuable experience and expertise to the overall planning process for our clients.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Southern Adventist University and holds his Series 6, 63, and 7. He and his wife, Kristi, have two daughters, Georgia and Charlie. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys golf and fly fishing.

Len Martini joined The Sterner Financial Group in May 2015 as an investment specialist, with 11 years of prior experience in the financial services industry. He researches, designs, and implements investment strategies, manages portfolios, and partners with John to enhance the comprehensive financial planning process for our clients.

Len graduated from the University of West Florida, with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration-Finance. He has earned the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) designation and holds his Series 7 and 63 registrations. Len loves spending time with his wife, Danielle, and their three children, Madeline, Abigail, & Benjamin.

An essential team member since April 2011, Amy Shuff manages John's calendar, assists clients with paperwork, and is happy to answer questions or provide information about insurance policies and accounts.

Amy graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, earned an MBA from Bryan College in 2009, and now holds her Series 6, 63, and 7 registrations. Amy enjoys being active outdoors with her dog, Stella, and loves being involved in community events.

Anna Lloyd joined The Sterner Financial Group in May 2017, but has been with Northwestern Mutual in various roles since 2013. She specializes in investment analysis, research, and preparing comprehensive planning proposals. Anna provides excellent support for all investment related questions and service needs.

Anna earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Finance from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2014, and currently holds her Series 6, 63, & 7 designations. As a proud Chattanooga native and GPS alumnae, Anna enjoys spending time in the great outdoors with her husband, John Michael, and their daughter, Mary Scott.

We welcomed Stephen Sutherland to our team in 2019. He plays a vital role in assisting our clients with opening accounts, processing investment transactions, and personalized planning analysis.

Stephen currently holds his Series 63, and 7. He played collegiate soccer at Covenant College while earning his B.A. in Economics. He continues to enjoy playing team sports whenever possible and is actively involved at Grace Community Trenton.

Since the beginning of John's career, his mother, Martha Sterner, has played an integral role in his business through her encouragement, advice, and support. After working for many years as a surgical practice manager, Martha officially joined the team in 2013.

Martha guides clients through the insurance underwriting process and is eager to meet their service needs.

After earning a B.A. in Communication Studies from Bryan College, Beth Palmer joined John’s team in August 2007. She has served in many different roles but currently focuses on marketing, enhancing the client experience, and office administration. Working part-time allows her to care for her four young children, Lily, Luke, Ella, & Ivey.

Beth holds her Series 6 and 63 registrations. She and her husband Rob are actively involved at Calvary Chapel Chattanooga and love exploring the fun outdoor activities this city offers.