About us
Consortium
is an association of two or more individuals, companies, or organizations with the objective of participating in a common activity or pulling their resources for achieving a common goal. kən-ˈsȯr-sh(ē-)əm , -ˈsȯr-tē-əm
The Consortium
brings experienced specialist as a team to answer challenges that you may face.
OUR HISTORY
Our story begins in the warmth of a family kitchen, in the lush bayou of Mandeville, Louisiana.
This is where current CEO GA Michael Christy and co-founder CFO Tiffany Christy formed the inceptive notion of providing quality financial planning for all communities, regardless of status and background. This is what would set the Consortium apart from average firms.
The word consortium means multiple businesses or companies, coming together for the same common goal. As a non proprietary company, we are able to put our clients needs above product, and tailor a strategy to assist them in reaching their goals.
The founders of the consortium have been in the business for 20 years. During this time they have worked for multiple companies which lead them to obtain all different aspects of the financial industry, both good and bad. From this journey, they were able to implement a better way to assist the challenges clientele face way beyond retirement leading into a reassuring future.
Consortium staff
Our Team Of Professionals
The Consortium is a multi-faceted firm with agents, and advisors all over the U.S. Just as our name implies, we work with experts in every area that influence your personal wealth and/or business growth. These experts specialize in benefits, insurance, business/estate evaluation and investments. We also have access finest lawyers, CFP, estate, and business planning attorneys in the country. We value ourselves on being a fiduciary for our client. Instead of just selling products, we consult with our clients for their needs and budget to make sure we implement the best solution, putting our clients in a better position.
Semmes Hughs
Associate General Agent
I continue to build strong business and personal relationships by helping clients reach their financial goals. I do this while also educating and providing insurance-based solutions for retirement and protecting their loved ones. I’ve been active in the life insurance and financial services industry since 1983. I Earned my CLU degree in 2002. My areas of expertise include risk management strategies, life insurance, disability income, long term care, annuities, and employee benefits. I am a Past Qualifying Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, past President of the Society of Financial Service Professionals and an active member of National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers. I’ve had both a retail as well as a wholesale practice, where I’ve been effective helping other colleagues with their business as it pertains to risk management planning in estate, business, and retirement planning. I was born in Jackson, MS but grew up in New Orleans. I graduated from Jesuit High School and Tulane University. I have lived in Madisonville since 2001 and have a long history of being involved in several community service, civic and social organizations with a purpose of helping those in need. I’m married to my wonderful wife, Julie, better known as “The Queen”, and my children are Elizabeth Hughs Bouanchaud (Stephen) with their daughter Lucy (YES, I’m a grandfather, Woohoo!) , Tommy, and Catherine.
John Jabbia
Associate General Agent
I am originally from Natchitoches, La., and began my insurance career in 1988 as a Multi-Line insurance agent with the Louisiana Farm Bureau serving the family market. I have earned various sales awards including Rookie of the Year, Agent of the Year, the National Sales Achievement Award, and Million Dollar Round Table multiple times. In 1996 I accepted a position with a company in South Louisiana, and moved his family to the Baton Rouge area, where he continues to live today. In 1998, I was offered a position with Hibernia Bank Private Client Group, where I earned the title of Vice- President and became a member of the coveted CEO CIRCLE. In 2006, I was offered the position of Statewide Brokerage Director at the Louisiana Agency of MassMutual where I began recruiting and supporting independent agents with sales ideas, case design, presentation and closing business with high end independent producers.In between my two stints at MassMutual Louisiana, I was Regional Vice President for Ohio National in Louisiana and Southern Arkansas. My experience with recruiting and developing independent agents is what prompted my joining The Consortium in 2018, where I am now Associate General Agent. My wife Mari and I have two adult children, two grandchildren, and one dog, Libby. My hobbies include traveling, fishing, golfing, cooking outdoors and enjoying family, friends, and of course, grandchildren.
Allen Churchill, CLTC
Associate Managing Director
A graduate of the George Washington University Allen worked in public affairs with highlights including stints at the National Republican
Congressional committee, Hill and Knowlton, and training Ukranian and Moldavian democracy activists. In 2006, he joined A. G. Edwards in Mandeville, LA. This was the first of several firms that he worked with in the post 2008 crash environment going through five mergers. This experience as well as going through the oil crash in the 1980”s gave him an acute sense of booms and busts that occur in markets. During this time, he developed a passion for long term care planning due to chronic illness in his family. In 2020, he was recruited by Semmes Hughs, a colleague from previous firms and Mike Christy to join The Consortium. In 2022, he was promoted to managing director and broadened his practice to include protecting clients from additional retirement risks
including market crashes, longevity, chronic illness, inflation and growth issues. This broadened focus includes attention to issues faced by small business owners including buy-sell agreements, business succession planning, retirement plans, deferred compensation, and employee benefits. Mr. Churchill employs a team approach bringing in subject specific experts as required. He is happily married to his wife, Kelli, a Mandeville area mental health therapist, and is active in his church.
Leroy Simpson, Psy.D
Chief Engagement Officer
Throughout my career both as an industrial organizational psychologist in consulting, an (small business & “side hustle”) investor and currently as a professor of psychology in teaching, I had the privilege of working with organizations to design and implement initiatives that champion a positive stakeholder experience. Building a strong company culture where advisors as clients can thrive is a cornerstone of my approach. I believe that the Consortium’s core values, mission, and vision should be more than just words on a poster and the way we work should reflect who we are. I’m beyond excited to collaborate with all of you to ensure these values are woven into the fabric of our daily interactions and decision-making.
Joe Keating
My name is Joseph L. Keating, born on August 9, 1945, in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. When I was just two years old, my family relocated to Thibodaux, Louisiana, where I spent my formative years. For the past 48 years, I’ve called Schriever, Louisiana, my home. I’ve been fortunate to share my life with my wonderful wife, Cora Lee Guidry Keating, for 56 years. Together, we’ve raised five incredible children: Shane, Niccole, Jonas, Toby, and Sara. My professional journey began in the amusement business, where I served as a service technician and later as an office manager, overseeing a team of 40 dedicated individuals at Delta Music for 13 years. In October 1979, I embarked on a new chapter when I was recruited by Equitable Life Assurance Society of New York, one of the largest life insurance companies in the nation. During my tenure of 18.5 years, I earned several esteemed awards, including Life Member of the Hall of Fame, the Excalibur Award, and membership in the Million Dollar Round Table. I took pride in consistently ranking among the top 10 elite of both the New Orleans and Baton Rouge agencies, and I maintained the highest persistency for life insurance policies. After my time with Equitable, I transitioned into an independent agent role, representing over 50 life and annuity companies. In 1988, I obtained my Series 6 license, expanding my services to include variable annuities, variable life, mutual funds, and 401k plans. Now, I’ve shifted my focus to estate planning and specialize in marketing fixed indexed annuities, with a keen emphasis on wealth preservation. My journey has been marked by dedication, excellence, and a commitment to serving my clients’ financial needs.
Jay Mitchell, CFP, CLU, CHFC
Managing Director
Jay Mitchell has forged a dynamic and diverse career path, blending military service, academic achievements, and extensive experience in the financial services industry. In 1990, Jay embarked on a significant chapter of his life, dedicating five years to the United States Marines. Serving as an Airframes Mechanic with VMAQ-2 and VMAQ-3, he played a crucial role during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, showcasing his commitment to duty and service. While balancing his military service, Jay pursued higher education and earned a BBA in Economics from Loyola University-New Orleans in 1999. Transitioning to the financial sector in 2005, Jay commenced his career as a Financial Advisor at Ameriprise Financial, later contributing his expertise to the Trading Desk at CapitalOne Financial Advisors in 2008-2009. His managerial acumen came to the forefront during his role as the Agency Supervisory Officer for Fleur de Lis Financial (MassMutual Financial Group/MML Investors) from 2010-2011. For over a decade, Jay held various managerial positions in Compliance at Prudential Advisors, earning him 14 years of management experience in the Financial Services Industry. Presently, Jay serves as the Managing Director for The Consortium in Mandeville, LA. In this role, he is assembling a team of Financial Advisors characterized by a passion for learning about the Financial Services Industry, combined with a strong work ethic and a spirit of entrepreneurship and independence. With an impressive array of qualifications, including FINRA Series 7, 24, 53, 66, L/H/A Insurance License, P&C Insurance License, and professional designations like CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, Jay Mitchell brings a wealth of expertise to his current role. Beyond his professional pursuits, he finds joy in live music, fine dining, and entertaining friends and family.
Mike Summerford
Managing Director
Michael Sumerford,
born in central Louisiana, educated and degreed in Finance at LSU. Michael attended LSU on a Track & Field scholarship. He is a very proud father with two sons and two stepdaughters. Some accolades for Michael are : All American in Track & Field, man of the year for Susan G. Komen, Leadership Development Award , first year with Colonial Life. Michael is skilled in solving customer issues and in taking a project from concept to reality. When not helping clients, Michael enjoys golfing and fishing .
Reed Sigler
Wealth Management
I am a Licensed Life and Health Agent who has been practicing in the insurance industry since 2007. With over a decade of experience, I am well versed in the field of voluntary benefits, group life, group health insurance, dental, vision, and retirement income planning.
My focus on voluntary benefits allows me to provide customized solutions for clients
who want to offer additional benefits to help protect their employee’s income and
assets. I understand the importance of providing comprehensive benefits that help
employees feel valued and supported in the workplace. I also work closely with
employers to design benefit plans that meet their needs and budget. In addition to voluntary benefits, I am skilled in group life and health insurance, providing businesses with affordable and comprehensive coverage options for their employees. I specializes in dental and vision insurance, recognizing the importance of oral and eye health for overall wellness.
My specialties also lie in Retirement Income planning, helping individuals and families navigate the complex world of retirement planning. I truly understands that everyone’s retirement goals are unique and works with clients to create personalized plans that ensure they can retire comfortably.
Mary Mitten
Director of Business Development
My name is Mary Mitten, I am a native to Louisiana. I have been in strong sales for over 20 years. I love it…..just comes natural. I have my life and health license and soon to have P & C as well I am a mother of three with a beautiful grandson. I enjoy cooking and traveling with my family.
Harrison Wenzel
Financial Associate/Benefits Representative
Shawnghtoi Lahpai
Business Development Advisor
Born in one of the villages of the North Kachin State, JingRang Hkang, Putao of Northern Burma, I grew up in a pastoral family, taking up assigned mission tasks over the years. Under my mother’s custodianship, I could establish my foundational education and further pursue it in a heavenly atmosphere, free from the oppression of The Military Regime. Eventually, such passion for educational understanding and dynamics allowed me to majorize in religious studies, business leadership, etc. In my several academic masters and starting from the University of Mandalay, and Southern Methodist University, SMU of Dallas, Texas. Educational trajectories would be vital to unlocking the world communities, including Burma, into one safer and cooperating enterprise. Working for American Life Insurance and Financial companies for
three years, I professionalized myself as a Retirement Financial planner both in Life & annuity, driven to create the need of Burmese-Asian-American communities. Admittedly, it is my honor, trust, and confidence to work with the Consortium and Michael Christy, the Founder, and CEO, who is also my GA upline in my Ameritas financial service for extending generous advice, services, and leadership possible in time of my need. Usually, I work from my home office:14306 Rosharon, Texas, 77583.
My wife and I have three children in our 22 years of marriage. Simon Zau is in a university preparing for his teaching carrier and professional in physics. Of course, Ing Lahpai, aka Tasia, is our daughter who plays violin in the church where I administer the pastoral ministry. She is also a proud agent because of her progression to the insurance financial system and her college. Our youngest, Gibson, is in primary school, and he loves playing games and Monopoly, yet he is friendly and thoughtful. I love reading and writing an academic one, which I still do.
Ruth Ferry Ragusa
Benefit Specialist
Ruth Ferry Ragusa entered the financial services industry in 2009 and has been a licensed life and health insurance agent since 2011. Ruth founded FleurINS, an independent insurance agency, in April 2018. Ruth provides business owners and individuals insurance-based solutions to protect their assets, guarantee their income continuation and maintain their health.
FleurINS proudly represents carriers such as Ameritas, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, Humana, and United Health Care. Ruth gives back to the insurance industry serving as an active member of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU), currently serves as President of the New Orleans Association of Health Underwriters (NOAHU) and Board Member of the Louisiana Association of Health Underwriters (LAHU). Ruth is a proud supporter for The Henry Aucoin Foundation, Angel’s Place and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Corey A. Masten
Business Development Representative
I’m originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan. I fell in love with Louisiana and I’m proud to call it home. I enjoy building relationships and have a knack for understanding people. I have many years of experience as a client consultant. I obtained my B.A. from Tulane University. I love indulging in Louisiana’s fine food, festivals, and football. I am married with two girls, and we love to travel. I look forward to building a relationship with you.
June Schram
Broker
My name is June, I am a native to Arizona and I have an extensive background in sales organizations as a certified cooperate trainer and sales manager. I am a licensed insurance broker, including life, health, commercial and residential P&C, and Medicare. I have been a successful real estate agent since 2014. Prior to that, I managed sales teams for Google, FedEx, CenturyLink, AT&T, and other top Fortune 500 companies.
My husband Aaron and I have five wonderful children. My family inspires me to go out and be the best person I can be every day. In my free time I like to hike, travel, and volunteer with many local charities.
Noah Halladay Brown
Business Development Representative
With a few years and counting of undivided dedication to the sector of financial protection, my mission is anchored in the conviction that the highest good of any service is produced when needs are met with thorough consideration and empathy.
In my current role with The Consortium LLC, I aim to raise the bar of what it means serve. My chief focus is to foster the growth of local businesses, entrepreneurs, employees, and contractors in both residential and commercial sectors, as such entities are inseparable from the vitality and prosperity of a community. In the office, my approach to team-building applies critical thinking to holistic set of core values. To me, a true agent is a relentless professional with the innate ability to apply their skills in the utmost capacity of truth, passion, and fiduciary stature. Beyond my professional endeavors, I am committed to a life of learning, creative expression, and virtue. After graduating from Canal Winchester High School in 2020, my attendance in both Ohio University and the University of New Orleans imparted the trait to always seek an opportunity to absorb knowledge, and empower others. Compelled by my core beliefs in integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, I devoutly advocate for the universal wellbeing and success of others.
Let’s connect to explore how we can drive positive change and create a lasting impact.
Caitlyn Christy
Director of Business Development
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, I followed my heart to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, lured by the enchanting blend of music and community. Intrigued by the ever-evolving world of finance, I embrace its infinite depths, driven by the desire to empower my peers as they navigate life’s financial landscapes. Currently on the path to mastering the Series 65, my aim is to guide others towards financial security, nurturing their legacies with unwavering commitment and knowledge. I aspire to be a lifelong mentor, a guardian of their financial dreams, and a beacon of support through every chapter of their lives.
I would be delighted to sit down with you to explore more ways for securing YOU, a brighter financial future!
Tiffany Christy
CFO
I have been an entrepreneur since I was young and have owned several businesses. I started in the financial services industry in 2004, with New England Securities. Having been a single working mother while also going to school, I developed a deep understanding for how hard it is to raise a family. I have been in the business for 17 years with a couple temporary hiatuses raising my daughters. I developed the idea of The Consortium to allow money to work for people, and to protect them from life’s uncertainties. My mission is to become the top firm in the region, by surrounding The Consortium with leading professionals in every area of needed expertise. I am also currently attending The University of New Orleans, majoring in Film and minor in music. From an early age I had an interest in the arts and have been performing since middle school. In 2018 I was invited to join the prestigious William Esper Studio school in New York. My goal is to start a non-profit therapy driven performing arts Center. My role with the Consortium is focused on growth, efficiency and making sure we deliver to our advisors what they need so they can deliver to you what you need. I oversaw the corporate messaging and created the slogan “Diverse planning for diverse people” This is what we hold dear here at the Consortium as one of our guiding principles. I am also a supporter of The Roots of Music, a local nonprofit helping children in the city, and has made The Consortium one of the benefactors helping to support a fantastic organization. My goal is to continue helping the community, to inspire them with the art of positivity through helping others.
Michael B. Christy
CEO
I was born and raised in a small town called Lancaster, Ohio. From there I went on to attend Ohio University, majoring in History and Political Science. I thought I would go into law school but instead worked as a banker which led to my passion for finance. I started work at a major Insurance Company, where I became a leader’s level producer, and hit MDRT level production for 7 years in a row. Eventually I was offered to become the General Agent for the Ameritas Life Insurance Company in New Orleans, Louisiana. My wife Tiffany and I created The Consortium in 2018 and began hiring successful advisors. Our firm has grown to over 50 advisors in 10 different states. I want to make the Consortium a household name and make it a leader in the financial services industry. I am a strong believer in paying it forward. My wife and I donate our time to great organizations in and around New Orleans. I currently sit on the board of the Northshore Performing Arts Center. I have been married for over 20 years and have two daughters.The oldest Catherine, has a passion for working with children with disabilities and has dedicated their life to this cause. My youngest daughter Caitlyn is a musical genius and is currently studying and working her way into becoming the next generation of the Consortium. Golf is my other passion. After trying to play professionally after college I still enjoy the game and play as often as I can. I believe it is the greatest game ever played and is a sign of the lives we live. It instills things like honor, pride, and honesty, those are the tenets of the game I live by.
Get In Touch
800 North Causway Blvd. Ste. 2b Mandeville, La 70448
1(800) 980-5601