About us

Ruth Bush serves as the Director of Benefits and Managing Director at The Consortium, combining her vast experience in employee benefits and financial services with a deep passion for helping others. Having been a key leader at The 320 Firm, Ruth played a pivotal role in delivering comprehensive solutions to clients, and her partnership with The Consortium has expanded the firm’s capabilities in offering exceptional insurance and financial planning services.

Ruth is driven not only by her expertise but by a strong commitment to helping underprivileged individuals. Her passion for ministry and community outreach further fuels her mission to empower people, both in business and in life. She actively integrates her professional skills with her heart for service, helping clients achieve financial security and fostering a culture of care within the organization.

As a Managing Director, Ruth oversees the growth and development of advisors across The Consortium, ensuring that they carry forward the values of integrity, service, and excellence. Her leadership continues to elevate the firm, making it a trusted name in financial services.

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 and small business market. I have earned many various sales awards in my career 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 my family to the Baton Rouge area, where we continue to live today. 

In 1998, I was offered a position with Hibernia National Bank Private Client Group, where I earned the title of Vice- President and became a member of the coveted CEO CIRCLE.  Change happens and in 2006, Hibernia Bank was sold and renamed Capital One Bank.  During that transition, I was offered and accepted  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  cases 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. 

I originally met Michael Christy in 2008 and had enjoyed working together on several management level projects. My experience with recruiting and developing independent agents prompted my joining Mike at The Consortium in 2018. Together we began building the Agency focusing first on experienced professionals in Insurance, Investment Management, and Legal.  The Consortium, LLC footprint quickly grew to multiple states with seasoned professionals across a broad spectrum of specialties.  We continue to expand seeking the best and brightest in our profession.

I bring 40 years of experience as a business owner, Insurance professional working with individuals, families, businesses, estates and Trusts, as well as protecting and growing retirement savings, wealth creation, preservation and transfer.  

My wife Mari and I have two adult children, two grandchildren, and one dog, Libby. We enjoy doing things together; traveling, fishing, golfing, cooking outdoors with family, friends, and of course, grandchildren.

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.

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.

Hey y’all! I am Shelby Ferguson, born and raised here in central Louisiana. I have been serving as an advisor and facilitator of financial and protection products for more than a decade. Over the years, I have helped my members protect their assets and their loved ones, all while giving them the peace of mind that only comes from securing one’s future. I also work with many benefit and assistance programs for our aged 65+ and disabled community members. My current primary focus is helping businesses to grow and thrive. I am here to help with recruiting, training, employee benefits, and so much more!!

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.

I would be delighted to sit down with you to explore more ways for securing YOU, a brighter financial future!

Born and raised in Lancaster, Ohio, I began my journey in a small town, driven by a desire to understand the world around me. I attended Ohio University, double majoring in History and Political Science, pre-law. But fate had other plans, and my path led me into the world of finance, starting as a banker. It was there that I discovered my true passion for empowering individuals through financial stability.

I launched my career with a major Financial Services firm in Upper Arlington Ohio, where I rose quickly, becoming a leader’s level producer and hitting MDRT level production for seven consecutive years. Helping hundreds of folks achieve financial wellness. This achievement opened doors to new opportunities, and I was soon offered the role of General Agent for the Ameritas Life Insurance Company in New Orleans, Louisiana. Also beginning Consortium Private Wealth which is a Registered Investment advisory firm based here in Louisiana. The Consortium since 2018 has now expanded to several other states around the country.

In 2018, with a vision to revolutionize the financial services industry, I founded The Consortium, where I’ve had the privilege of building and leading a team of over 50 highly successful advisors, operating across 10 states. My goal is to make The Consortium a household name and establish it as a premier leader in financial services, Wealth management and Insurance. Thus setting a new standard for excellence in the industry. We are hoping to become a destination for new advisors to learn the business and build a career for a lifetime.

Beyond business, I believe in paying it forward and supporting the community that has supported me. I dedicate my time to various charitable organizations throughout New Orleans and currently sit on the board of the Northshore Performing Arts Center.

When I’m not focused on business or philanthropy, you can find me on the golf course—my other passion. After attempting a professional career post-college, I continue to embrace the game for the values it teaches: honor, pride, and honesty. These principles guide both my personal and professional life, ensuring that I lead with integrity every step of the way. I am also a proud father of two daughters Catherine and Caitlyn, who are starting to blaze their way in the world and build a life of excellence. I am currently a proud member of Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans, and a long time member of the Anglican Communion. I currently reside in Mandeville Louisiana, among the beautiful parks and bayous of southern Louisiana. I am proud to be a Buckeye but I am now a great lover of the south.