Management Team

Courtney Semplice Headshot Jan 2024

Courtney Kramer

Managing Partner


ckramer03@newyorklife.com

Biography

Courtney joined New York Life in December of 2013 as an Agent in the Pittsburgh-Johnstown General Office. She spent 5 years in Pittsburgh rising in the the ranks from Agent to Partner to Senior Partner, while helping the GO grow to a Tier 1 status. In 2018, she accepted her first role as a Managing Partner in the Northeastern PA General Office working with a great group of Agents and staff. Courtney’s next big opportunity came in 2021 when she accepted the opportunity to join the South-Central Zone as a Corporate Vice President in Atlanta. While in the Zone, Courtney’s focus was on Partner development and retention.  Alongside her peers, Courtney worked diligently to help improve Partner productivity, Securities licensing, and Agent onboarding.

Headshot of Allen Williams

Allen Williams

Senior Partner

(314) 567-9080
ajwilliams02@newyorklife.com

Biography

Allen was born and raised in the St. Louis area where graduated from CBC high school and then obtained his bachelor's and master’s degrees from Webster University. In 2003, Allen joined the St. Louis County Police Department and served as a member of the Tactical Operations Unit as well as a detective in the Bureau of Drug Enforcement. Before leaving law enforcement, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assigned to the North County Precinct.

In 2013 Allen began a career in Financial Services wanting to help protect the financial future of his fellow police officers and their families. Allen’s dedication to serve the community resulted in him becoming the 2015 Life Case Rate leader out of the entire St. Louis General Office. In 2016 Allen was promoted to Partner of the firm.  In 2022, Allen was promoted to Senior Partner. 

Headshot of Craig Poe

Craig Poe

Partner

(314) 567-9080
cwpoe@newyorklife.com

Biography

Craig graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2011. Shortly after he began his professional career with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts where he spent 9 years totaling his time in the hospitality industry at 14 years.

Craig joined New York Life in 2020 as a Financial Services Professional. He arrived with a passion for helping those in the service industry find financial independence. Craig was able to grow his business to qualify for President’s Council* within the first 10 months with the company which resulted in his promotion to the management team in the fall of 2021. He was promted to the Partner position in early 2022.

Outside of work Craig spends his time with his wife, Marie, and their daughter who was born in February of 2021. The family enjoys traveling, playing golf, attending a Cardinals game, and just being outside. When not spending time with his family, Craig has a passion for classic cars, specifically his 1970 Chevelle muscle car.

Headshot of Michael P. Brutton

Michael P. Brutton, CLU, LUTCF

Senior Development Manager

(314) 567-9080
mpbrutton@newyorklife.com

Biography

Mike started his New York Life career in April 2002 as an agent in the Saint Louis General Office.  Between 2002 and 2007, Mike achieved council* 4 times and was an MDRT member in 2006^.  In September of 2007, Mike accepted the position of Development Manager in the Saint Louis G.O.  Mike is a sought after resource and speaker, and considers it his job to help those around him grow in all areas of life.

In his free time, Mike enjoys sharing his life with his wife Amy, and their 3 children.  The kids keep Mike and Amy busy running from event to event, but they always enjoy spending time together as a family.  

Headshot of Charles Bright

Charles Bright, LUTCF

Director of Agency Standards

(314) 567-9080
ccbright@newyorklife.com

Biography

Charlie Bright came to New York Life as an agent in 2008.  In 3 years, he achieved multiple honors including New Associate of the Year and one of the company's top honors of President's Council*, quickly ascending to the top 10% of the agents in the United States.  In 2012, Charlie was promoted to the role of Partner in the St. Louis office, and became a Top 50 Partner in the country.  In 2019, he became the Director of Agency Standards for the Saint Louis office, and has been awarded with the Operational Excellence Award multiple times for his commitment to Agency Standards..

Charlie credits his success to the team at New York Life and the incredible support of his family.  He attended the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he worked in the Math and English departments and worked as a professor.  He holds two degrees, carries FINRA SIE and Series 7, 24, 66, 63, 51, and 6 licenses, as well as having the LUTCF designation from the American College.

Outside the office, Charlie has a lifelong passion for travel and theatre.