Our Team
Joe has been with New York Life since 2007. For the past twelve years, he has served as the Director of Recruiting and Operations, overseeing all aspects of recruiting, onboarding, and day-to-day operations.
In his first five years, Joe worked in the service department, collaborating closely with agents on applications and underwriting procedures. Since 2013, he has worked directly with Managing Partner Matt Brightman to build a diverse team of like-minded professionals.
Joe lives in Shrewsbury, MA, with his wife Jen and their daughters, Mackenzie and Aubrey and expecting their third child. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching his daughters’ soccer teams, fishing, staying active, spending time with family, and working on home improvement projects.
Born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, I’ve always valued strong community roots and meaningful relationships. After earning my degree in Finance & Real Estate from Florida State University in 2007, I moved to the Boston area—a place I've proudly called home ever since.
I began my career in the financial services industry in 2008 and joined New York Life in 2010 as a Financial professional. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to help individuals and families navigate their financial goals with confidence and clarity. In 2019, I took on the role of Partner, where I continue to mentor and support financial professionals in building impactful careers of their own.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, hitting the golf course, and cheering on anything Florida State or Boston sports. Whether it’s strategizing for the future or celebrating a big win, I bring the same passion and dedication to everything I do. She was recognized as one of the Top 50 Partners for two consecutive years and was named the 2018 Northeast Zone New Partner of the Year. In 2019, she was promoted to Senior Partner. In 2022, she completed the RICP® designation to strengthen her knowledge in retirement planning.
Maria holds a B.A. in Marketing and Advertising and an MBA. Fluent in Portuguese and engaged in the Latino Market, she is dedicated to mentoring and supporting financial professionals across her team.
She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, Ricardo, and their daughter, Olivia. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, being involved in her church, and traveling.
Richard Santos is a seasoned financial professional and Partner at New York Life Insurance Company, bringing over 12 years of experience to his clients and team. Based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Richard is dedicated to helping individuals build secure financial futures while mentoring the next generation of advisors through New York Life’s career development program.
He began his career in 2012 as a Financial Services Professional, where he developed deep expertise in insurance solutions and wealth strategies. His consistent performance earned him promotions to Associate Partner and then to Partner in 2020. In his current role, Richard focuses on guiding driven individuals—especially within the Latino community—toward successful, independent careers in financial services.
Richard holds the FSCP® (Financial Services Certified Professional) designation and studied at North Shore Community College. As a native Portuguese speaker, he connects authentically with diverse clients, offering tailored support to families from a range of cultural backgrounds. His bilingual ability and commitment to service make him a trusted advisor in the growing Latino market.
Outside of his professional life, Richard is a devoted family man, religious leader, and avid traveler. He enjoys exploring new places and building meaningful relationships, both in his personal and professional life. His work is guided by faith, integrity, and a passion for empowering others.