Axiom Wealth Management Honored For Third Consecutive Time on Forbes’ 2026 Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams List

Firm also recognized on a local Best of the Best list, coincides with two key leadership appointments that will support long-term client service

For the third consecutive year, Axiom Wealth Management, a private client group of Northwestern Mutual, has been recognized on Forbes’ prestigious 2026 Top Wealth Management Teams Best-in-State list in Tennessee. In an environment defined by market uncertainty and rising client complexity, Forbes recognizes firms like Axiom that emphasize disciplined, diversified strategies to manage risk, generate income and support long‑term wealth goals.

Axiom has also been recognized on Cityview Magazine’s Best of the Best 2025 list for financial planning. These accolades reflect the team’s commitment to serving clients across eastern Tennessee and beyond and come at a time of impressive growth and expansion for the firm.

“These recognitions are a testament to the trust our clients – and the greater Knoxville community – place in our team, as well as our shared commitment to thoughtful, long-term financial planning,” said Jim LaPinska, CEO, partner and private wealth advisor at Axiom Wealth Management. “That’s why we continue to invest in talent that will help us deliver on these promises.”

To support its growing client base and elevate the firm’s service model, Axiom Wealth Management has brought on Steve Campbell as director of business development and promoted Kerma Headrick to director of operations.

“Investing in leaders like Campbell and Headrick ensuring we can continue bringing an exceptional client experience while strengthening the foundation of our firm for years to come,” continued LaPinska.

The Forbes’ Best-in-State list, developed in partnership with SHOOK Research, evaluates wealth management teams using a rigorous methodology, including quantitative metrics such as total revenue, team size and assets under management, as well as qualitative factors like in-person interviews, service models and advisor expertise. Cityview Magazine’s Best of the Best is an annual, reader-voted program that highlights Knoxville’s top businesses, restaurants and professionals across a range of categories.

As director of business development, Campbell will lead client experience initiatives, marketing strategy and new business opportunities while supporting Axiom’s partners in deepening relationships with existing clients. He brings 15 years of industry experience, including roles as an advisor at Morgan Stanley and as senior marketing director and senior vice president of client experience at a fee-only RIA.

“Axiom has built an impressive reputation for disciplined planning and genuine client care,” said Campbell. “I look forward to advancing our business development efforts in a way that elevates our service model and strengthens multi-generational partnerships.”  

As director of operations, Headrick will oversee back-office operations, client service processes and overall team efficiency to enhance support for Axiom’s partners and advisors. She brings more than 11 years of experience helping clients navigate retirement planning, Medicare, Social Security and broader financial wellness. Headrick joined Axiom in 2021 and has most recently served clients as an associate wealth management advisor.

“Supporting our advisors and ensuring clients receive a seamless, thoughtful experience is at the heart of what we do,” said Headrick. “I’m proud to step into this role and help strengthen the operational foundation that allows our team to serve with excellence.” 

Beyond serving clients, Axiom Wealth Management remains deeply committed to giving back to the communities where they live and work, proudly supporting numerous nonprofit organizations throughout the region, including, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Young Leaders Society, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and both United Way of Greater Knoxville and United Way of Blount County.

Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams (January 2026), based upon data as of 3/31/2025. Research & ranking provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Northwestern Mutual and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating lists, but do pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success.

CityView’s Best of the Best is determined by reader votes. Participants do not pay to be considered but may pay fees to promote the award. Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future success.

About Northwestern Mutual 

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what’s most important. With nearly $700 billion of total assets¹ being managed across the company’s institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $38 billion in revenues, and $2.4 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 109 on the 2025 FORTUNE 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the “World’s Most Admired” life insurance companies in 2026.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with “Advisor” in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services. 

¹ Includes investments and separate account assets of Northwestern Mutual as well as retail investment client assets held or managed by Northwestern Mutual.