Luca Partners Team
"Beginning the moment I was introduced to Whit and his talented team over 10 years ago, they have always centered the paramount interest of my family’s well-being and goals into every interaction. I trust 100% of our family’s assets into their care with full confidence there is an entire team committed to our mutual success!"
- Nelson Powell, Client, Commercial Banker
The testimonials presented may not be representative of the experience of all clients and are not a guarantee of future performance or success.
After years of collaboration and informal working relationships, Jimbo, Whit & Charles merged their three respective teams to form Luca Partners. With over 150 years of combined financial services and investment experience, Luca was formed to help fulfill the mission of bringing order to the chaos that surrounds a family’s financial planning. By merging practices, Luca Partners has been able to create an enduring firm that is driven by integrity, dedication, and excellence, to provide comprehensive, strategic, and inter-generational planning to families and businesses.
Jimbo Huckabee CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina of Chapel Hill
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Life/Health/Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
- FINRA Series 6, 7, 9, 10, 63
Professional Background
Jimbo Huckabee has been challenging clients to plan for financial security since starting his career with Northwestern Mutual in 1995, shortly after graduating from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School. He has established himself as a leader by cultivating relationships based upon integrity, knowledge and commitment within his firm and industry. Jimbo has also served as the Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual's Chapel Hill-Durham Office since 2002.
Throughout his Northwestern Mutual career, Jimbo has qualified for numerous company and industry awards and has also received The Triangle Business Journal's “40 Under 40” award for his achievements with Northwestern Mutual and in the community.
About Me
Jimbo is a lifelong resident of Durham where he lives with his wife Emmy, their daughter Boyce, and sons Quin and Sam. In addition to spending time with his family, he enjoys playing golf, snow skiing, and cheering on the Tar Heels.
If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be?
Jack Nicklaus, the retired professional golfer. His ability to win was remarkable and his mental game was always on point. He could block out the noise and successfully execute whenever he needed to. Since his retirement, he has remained relevant to the game, by designing golf courses all over the world and I admire the success he’s had in creating a life and career after playing professional golf.
If you could only eat one food item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Italian food
Whit Newton CFP®
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Management and Society from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
- Life/Health/Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
- FINRA Series 6, 7, 63
Professional Background
William "Whit" Newton started his financial planning career in 2009. He primarily focuses on retirement planning, investment strategy, insurance and business planning opportunities with a strong concentration in finance, real estate, medical and business markets. Whit’s passion is taking the pieces of family’s financial picture and creating order, efficiency and helping them feel better about their plan by having clarity.
About Me
Whit is a native of Eastern North Carolina, born and raised in Clinton. Whit and his wife, Sarah, a Manager and Healthcare Industry Consultant at SAS, met through best friends while on a trip to the Iron Bowl. The two were married in 2013 in Birmingham, Alabama, where Sarah grew up. They currently reside in Raleigh with their children, Henry, George and Emma(twins), and their Goldendoodle, Barclay.
In a free moment(which is rare in this stage of life), you're likely to find Whit exercising or on the golf course. He enjoys traveling and a good glass of wine.
If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be?
Rip Wheeler from Yellowstone
Who/what inspires you?
My special needs son Henry. He has the best smile on Earth.
Charles D. Irvin CFP®, RICP®, ChFC®, CLU®, WMCP®
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Finance Concentration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
- Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
- Life/Health/Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses/li>
- FINRA Series 6, 7, 63
Professional Background
Charles joined Northwestern Mutual and began his practice in 2009. He has been focused on building a wealth management team committed to comprehensive planning and client relationships. Charles has been a leader both locally and nationally and travelled across the country speaking on topics of leadership, comprehensive planning, and building a team. Charles’s desire for clients is for them to have confidence in their financial plan such that they feel empowered to enjoy what they spend!
About Me
Charles is married to Lisa, and they have 3 children, David, Abigail, & Bennett. From attending sporting events, hiking, camping, and hunting, they love spending time together outdoors as a family. Charles and Lisa are passionately involved in their community. Together they serve on the Board of Young Life and are active members at their church and in their children’s school.
Dream Vacation Location?
Outdoors with my kids. This would be at the lake, on a ski trip, or camping. We love being outdoors together.
If you could only eat one food item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Anything from a smoker. I am secretly obsessed with smoking meats.
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Professional Background
Ainslee joined Northwestern Mutual in August 2023 as an intern in the Durham office. After graduation in December of 2023, she was welcomed by Luca Partners to join the Financial Planning team full time. Ainslee thrives in an environment that is ever evolving and enjoys the intricacies of Financial Planning.
About Me
Ainslee grew up in Lexington, NC with her family and was excited for the opportunity to move to Chapel Hill for college. In her spare time, she enjoys watching all UNC sports with her friends and family including her dog, Vegas. On the weekends, you will find Ainslee playing a round of golf and enjoying a gin and tonic along the way.
Do you have a hidden/secret talent?
My hidden talent is my expertise at Ping Pong and solving a Rubix Cube…but not at the same time!
Dream vacation location?
I would love to vacation on any south pacific island
- Life and Health Insurance License
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Finance Concentration from NC State University
Professional Background
Hailey graduated from NC State in May of 2022 and started at Luca Partners in October of 2022.
About Me
Hailey is from Lake Norman, NC and moved to Raleigh to attend NC State. She enjoys staying active, cooking and traveling with her friends and family when she is not in the office. She attends Vintage Church in Downtown Raleigh.
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Trust & Wealth Management from Campbell University
- Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
- Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA)
Professional Background
Frank started his career in private wealth management in 2016 and joined Luca Partners in 2024. During his time in the industry, Frank has worked as a trust advisor guiding clients through complex trust matters and as a financial planner working with high-net-worth individuals and families. Frank’s primary emphasis is on holistic financial planning for clients and their families.
About Me
When he is not in the office, you can find Frank spending time outdoors with his golden retriever, Ellie. Frank enjoys outdoor activities such as surfing, fishing, and hunting.
If you could only eat one food item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Mexican food
Dream vacation location?
Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
- Bachelor’s in Business Administration from St. Edward’s University
Professional Background
Fidelity: Financial Associate – Defined Contribution
Credit Suisse: Trade Management Analyst – Derivatives
Ali joined Luca Partners in September 2022 as a Financial Planning Assistant. Ali began her career at Fidelity Investments where she serviced clients on the Disney team helping them understand their retirement accounts and other employee benefits. Prior to joining Luca, she worked in derivative trade management at Credit Suisse which gained her valuable insight into the world of options trading. After her experience on both sides of the financial spectrum, she has found her stride in financial planning. In her role now, she focuses on creating financial plans for our clients to empower them to spend their lives living.
About Me
When she’s not in the office, you can find Ali enjoying time with her partner, Hannah, and their dog, Jo. Together, they enjoy taking on various projects around the house and trying out new restaurants around Durham. In addition to spending time with family, she enjoys lawn care, a nice glass of Pinot Noir and Texas Football. Hook Em!
William N. Jova II
Director of Investment Management and Private Wealth Advisor
- Bachelor of Science in Economics from East Carolina University
- Life/Disability/Long-Term Care Insurance licenses
- FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, 65, 66
Professional Background
William "Bill" N. Jova, II began his career in financial services in 1997 as a college intern for Northwestern Mutual and following graduation, Bill joined First Union National Bank as a Financial Specialist. At First Union, he gained valuable experience in banking, brokerage, and lending.
Having realized that Northwestern Mutual was where he would best be able to help clients achieve financial security, Bill returned to Northwestern Mutual as a Financial Representative in July of 2002. Bill went on to hold the position of Investment Specialist and now holds the position of Director of Investment Management. In his role, Bill focuses on the investment aspect of the financial planning process.
About Me
Bill and his wife Jessica live with their horses and Weimaraner named Parker (named after Parker’s BBQ in Wilson, NC) on their horse farm outside of Hillsborough. When not in the office, Bill enjoys working on the farm and spending time with family and friends.
Dream vacation location?
Cattle drive in Wyoming
If you could only eat one food item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sweet potatoes
- Life and Health Insurance License
Professional Background
Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual and Luca Partners Triin was an office manager and dental assistant for oral surgery offices in the triangle.
About Me
Triin was born and raised in Kilingi-Nomme, Estonia, moved to North Carolina in 2009. When she is not in the office, she loves spending time with her family. Her husband Brennon, kids Taavo and Eleliis as well as, her dogs Scottie and Rosie. Together they enjoy hiking, traveling, and trying new restaurants.
- Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
- Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®)
- Life/Health Insurance Licenses
- FINRA Series 7 and 63
Professional Background
Lindsey started at Northwestern Mutual in 2010. During her time, she has had several roles within the company, which suits well her current role of Director of Operations for Luca Partners. Lindsey’s primary emphasis is on helping manage operations team-wide and keeping everything running as smoothly as possible. She strives for everyone on the team be their best and feel proud of their accomplishments, individually and as a team.
About Me
When she’s not in the office, you can find Lindsey enjoying time with her family – husband Jared, daughter Bonnie, and their dogs Hattie and Thea. They enjoy going on trips to the beach and the mountains, with Charlottesville, VA, being a much loved and often visited destination. Lindsey also likes reading on the back porch, exercising (#PelotonMoms), and sipping a good glass of red wine. In recent years she has started to develop an interest in mini-homesteading and tends a large garden and 5 chickens!
Who/what inspires you?
People who are selfless! We can all learn from them!
If you could only eat one food item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza – there are a ton of different styles and toppings, you really could go a long time before you had to repeat a type!
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Economics from Hampden-Sydney College
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
- Life/Health Licenses
- FINRA Series 7 and 66
Professional Background
Mike began his career in financial services in May of 2011 as an associate in the Investment Planning Dept in the Richmond, VA network office of Northwestern Mutual. In June of 2015, Mike joined the Durham office as an Associate Wealth Management Advisor. Mike's role consists of working throughout the financial planning process, specializing in investment analysis, and portfolio construction.
About Me
Mike and his wife Holly have one son, Hayes, and a Cavalier King Charles, Sully. In his downtime, Mike enjoys offshore fishing and spending time with his family.
Do you have a hidden/secret talent?
I know sign language
If you could only eat one food item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tacos
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Colorado State University
- Life/Health/Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
Professional Background
Eric has been with Northwestern Mutual since July 2019 and joined Luca Partners in November 2020 as an Associate Financial Representative. In his role, he focuses mainly on new insurance business and client meeting preparation. Prior to working at Northwestern Mutual, Eric spent 9 years in the hotel industry where he worked in and managed Front Office Operations.
About Me
Eric moved to North Carolina from New Jersey in 2015. He has traveled to over 30 countries, most of them done during a 5-month trip prior to moving to NC. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, fishing, golfing, and traveling.
If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be?
Marco Pierre White. He’s the youngest chef to ever win 3 Michelin stars. The food and the stories would be amazing.
I've always wanted to learn how to...
Play the guitar
• Bachelor of Arts in Business—Global Politics from W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, Leaders Academy
• Life/Health Insurance Licenses
• FINRA Series 6, 7 and 66
Professional Background
In 2018, she began her career in finance just two short days after graduating from ASU. She has largely worked in the independent space both in operations and planning. Jordan excels in complex processing and follow through.
About Me
Presently she spends her free time in the outdoors partaking in adventure sports. If she isn’t under the stars, she’s watching movies with her two Siamese cats, Luna and Artemis, or chasing her nephew, Weber.
If you could only eat one food item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would eat bagels, no questions asked. Coming from AZ, I’m excited to be on the East Coast and miles closer to the bagels in New York. (If you didn’t already know, they’re the best.)
I’ve always wanted to learn how to…
I would love to learn how to speak another language. I know enough Spanish to get by, but wish I stuck with it. Never too late!
- Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing and human resources management from Grand Valley State University
- Life/Health Insurance Licenses
- FINRA Series 7 and 63
Professional Background
Hanna began her career at Northwestern Mutual as a Campus Recruiter in 2016 and transitioned to an Associate Financial Representative in 2018. She spent a brief period with another firm before rejoining Luca Partners in 2023 as their Investment Operations Coordinator.
About Me
Hanna enjoys spending time with her husband Jake, their son and their aussiedoodle, Lucia. They enjoy camping, going to the beach and being outside in general. Hanna also enjoys crafting, specifically crocheting.
If you could only eat one food item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza.
I’ve always wanted to learn how to…
Play an instrument (piano or guitar)
- Bachelor of Science in Family Consumer Science from Meredith College
- Life/Health Insurance Licenses
Professional Background
Lauren has worked with Northwestern Mutual since 2014. Her primary focus is on insurance operations. She serves our clients through processing new insurance business and preparing insurance illustration proposals.
About Me
Away from the office, Lauren enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband Grant, their twin boys, and their golden retriever. She appreciates the beauty of the NC coast after growing up in Eastern North Carolina and loves visiting as often as possible.
Do you have a hidden/secret talent?
Designing and crafting floral arrangements.
If you could only eat one food item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chips & Salsa
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington
- Life/Disability/Long Term Care Insurance Licenses
Professional Background
Emily started at Northwestern Mutual in 2001. During her time, she has had several roles within the company, but has found her true calling in the insurance services area with Luca Partners. Emily’s primary emphasis is understanding the client need and providing excellent service.
About Me
When she’s not in the office, you can find Emily enjoying time with her husband, Matt, and two daughters. Together, they enjoy spending time at the beach and taking trips. Emily and Matt attend Christ Community in Wilmington and serve on several committees. Emily also enjoys reading, being outdoors and family time.
I've always wanted to learn how to...
Play the piano.
If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be?
My family
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a Minor in Spanish from Purdue University
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
- Life/Health Insurance Licenses
- FINRA Series 7 and 63
Professional Background
Amalea joined Luca Partners in 2023 as a Private Wealth Advisor. Prior to joining Luca Partners, Amalea built her own book of business for the last decade where she advised clients on investment management and financial planning. What ultimately led her to finance after college was her time in nonprofits where she was dedicated to community outreach and leading their finance departments. Amalea’s goal has always been to help clients feel empowered with their finances.
About Me
When Amalea is not with clients, she is enjoying time with her family – husband Tyler, son Weber, and their dogs Luna and Mookie. They enjoy traveling both nationally and internationally but by far Greece has been their favorite location to visit. One of their favorite past times is listening to music and cooking together on the weekends!
I’ve always wanted to learn how to…
Drag race cars, I am someone who has a need for speed!
Dream vacation location?
Bali is a dream location of mine and one that is on the bucket list!
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of North Carolina
- Wilmington
- FINRA Series 7 and 63
Professional Background
Kevin joined Luca Partners in June 2021 as an Investment Associate. In his role, he focuses mainly on trading, portfolio analysis, and investment research. Prior to coming to Northwestern Mutual, Kevin spent two years working at Baystate Financial in Boston, Massachusetts where he provided investment product support. He graduated with a degree in Finance from UNC Wilmington in 2018, where he was a member of the Cameron Executive Network and led the Seahawk Investment Management, LLC for a semester.
About Me
Kevin grew up in the North Shore region of Massachusetts. After graduating high school, he moved to North Carolina to attend UNC Wilmington. He enjoys outdoor activities such as skiing, surfing, biking, hiking and more. He and his girlfriend Jenna have two dogs, Duncan and Bowie, who they spend most of their free time with outdoors. They also enjoy growing their own vegetables and cooking, especially grilling and smoking meat.
Dream vacation location?
The Canadian Rockies in the summer for hiking/camping or in the winter for skiing
If you could only eat one food item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Bacon