Lee Fortenberry, CFP, MSFS

Lee Fortenberry brings over 30 years of experience in the financial services field to the OPEN MINDS team. He currently serves as a Senior Associate and subject matter expert with OPEN MINDS consulting practice where he provides leadership development and coaching, financial analysis and model development, and financial management support to clients.

Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Fortenberry had spent 28 years with Northwestern Mutual, where he began as a Financial Representative. He then began a new district network office where he was awarded the Growth Award in his first year as a Managing Director.

Following success at the district level, Mr. Fortenberry was asked to take on the role of Managing Partner for the Central Pennsylvania Group in Harrisburg, PA and later Managing Partner in Jackson, MS. During his tenure, the Central Pennsylvania Group has achieved its highest standing in Northwestern Mutual during the Network Office’s 110 year history. While becoming the only Network Office in recorded history to achieve four consecutive “Triple Doubles”, the Central Pennsylvania Group has also achieved the National Management Award every year since 2001, won the NAIFA Manager’s Membership Award eight times, and has won the Northwestern Mutual Growth Award five times.

Mr. Fortenberry ended his tenure with Northwestern Mutual as the Chief Training & Development Officer at the prestigious Worrell Network Office in Charlotte, NC.

Prior to his career with Northwestern Mutual, Mr. Fortenberry served in the US Army and Army National Guard, attaining the rank of Captain.

In addition, Mr. Fortenberry has served as an active member of numerous professional membership organizations including serving as the past President and past Board Member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and a member of the Advanced Association of Life Underwriters, Financial Planning Association (FPA), General Agents Management Association (GAMA), and Beta Gamma Sigma.

Mr. Fortenberry is a graduate of Erskine College in Due West, S.C., where he received a B.S. degree in Chemistry. He also holds a Master of Science in Financial Services degree (MSFS) from the American College of Financial Services. His studies contribute to his work as an adjunct professor for Shippensburg University in the CFP approved Personal Finance Program.