Chris Rich, CLU®, ChFC®, CLF®, FSCP®
Associate Managing Partner
Chris brings more than 25 years of financial services and leadership experience, including over 17 years with New York Life. Before taking over as the Associate Managing Partner here in the Memphis General Office, he most recently served as Corporate Vice President and Executive Director of Development, leading training and development efforts for a leadership team supporting 19 Partners, Senior Partners and nearly 250 financial professionals in the Orlando General Office. Since joining New York Life as an agent in Charleston, South Carolina in 2009, Chris has held numerous leadership positions focused on agent development, leadership growth, and organizational success.
Before joining New York Life, Chris spent more than nine years with Wells Fargo Financial, including leadership roles managing a successful branch operation and later serving as a District Sales Manager with responsibility across Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Chris and his wife, Shireem, have been married for 28 years and are the proud parents of two children, Carson (25) and Sydney (22). Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, outdoor activities including camping, hunting & fishing, competitive sports/games and movie nights.
Steve Droke, CLU®, FSCP®
Development Manager
Steve Droke began his career with New York Life as an agent in 2009, so he knows firsthand what it’s like to build a business from the ground up—the opportunities, the challenges, and the difference the right training and support can make.
In 2014, Steve was promoted to Development Manager of the Memphis General Office. Since then, much of his career has focused on something he truly enjoys: helping agents grow. Whether it’s developing skills, building confidence, or helping someone see potential in themselves, Steve enjoys watching people grow both professionally and personally.
Steve believes that development never really stops. During his time as Development Manager, he continued his own professional growth, earning the Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) and Financial Services Certified Professional® (FSCP®) designations.
As he transitions into the Partner role, Steve looks forward to building his own team of financial professionals. His goal is to find talented people, help them build a strong foundation, and coach and develop them into confident, successful advisors. For Steve, one of the most rewarding parts of the business is seeing someone realize their potential and build a career they can be proud of.
Outside of the office, family is at the center of Steve’s life. He and his wife, Mary, have been married for 39 years and have two daughters, Maddie and Sophie. Maddie is married and recently welcomed Steve and Mary’s first grandchild, Brashier Briscoe, while Sophie is in her final year of graduate school at Ole Miss.
Steve enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time outdoors, and being with his family- including Skeeter, the family’s nine-year-old black Lab, who makes sure she gets her share of the attention.
John J. Abbott
Service Leader
John Abbott serves as the Onsite Service Leader for the Gulf Coast and Memphis General Offices. He began his New York Life career in October 2014 in Ohio at the Cleveland Service Center, and has since held roles in the Northern Ohio, Mobile, and Nashville General Offices prior to his current role.
In addition to his responsibilities, John has contributed to New York Life initiatives on a national level with leadership teams focused on Attending Physician Statement (APS) ordering, online and digital tools, and training related to the Digital Service and AppCentral. His involvement in these initiatives allows him to contribute his experience and perspective beyond the local offices in the South Central Zone while continuing to support agents and staff throughout the Region.
John and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 23 years and have two daughters. Autumn is a Pharmacy student at the University of Georgia, and Gwendolyn attends Mississippi State University. The Abbott family is proud to call the Gulf Coast home and enjoy everything that comes with beach living and being part of the local community.
Outside of work, John enjoys spending time and traveling with family and friends, especially when a round of golf is involved. A proud Cleveland and Ohio State sports fan, he is always happy when his travels, golf, and favorite teams happen to come together.