About us
Consortiumis 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.
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.
Ruth Bush
Director of Benefits and Managing Director
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.
Semmes Hughs
Associate General Agent
John Jabbia, LUTCF
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 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.
Allen Churchill, CLTC
Associate Managing Director
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
Jay Mitchell, CFP, CLU, CHFC
Managing Director
Reed Sigler
Wealth Management
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.
Harrison Wenzel
Financial Associate/Benefits Representative
Shawnghtoi Lahpai
Business Development Advisor
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
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
Shelby Ferguson
Business Development Representative
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!!
June Schram
Broker
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.
Caitlyn Christy
Director of Business Development
I would be delighted to sit down with you to explore more ways for securing YOU, a brighter financial future!
Michael B. Christy
CEO
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.
800 North Causway Blvd. Ste. 2b Mandeville, La 70448