KNOXVILLE - Building on a steady trajectory of growth and working to further elevate their service model, Axiom Wealth Management has promoted partner Chris Cates,  CFA® to partner and chief investment officer – recognizing his exceptional service and leadership – and hired industry veteran Sara Hendrix, CFP® as a private wealth advisor.

Chris Cates		Sara Hendrix

These shifts to the team mark a key milestone in Axiom’s broader growth strategy—enhancing advisory capacity and aligning the firm’s capabilities with the evolving and increasingly complex needs of its clients. By bringing in seasoned talent like Hendrix and promoting standout leadership at the firm, Axiom continues to invest in sophisticated planning, elevated client experiences and longterm relationship growth.

In his position, Cates, a Chartered Financial Analyst®, will serve as the strategic leader of Axiom’s investment philosophy, portfolio design and research capabilities and in her new role, Hendrix will assist Axiom’s clients with financial planning, investment guidance and tax and estate strategies, as well as implementing risk management tools.

“It’s an honor to take on the role of chief investment officer at Axiom. I’m excited to continue advancing our investment philosophy and platform in a way that reflects our commitment to excellence, servant leadership and meaningful client impact,” said Cates.

A Tennessee native, Cates has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2012, joined Axiom in 2020, and became a partner at Axiom in 2023. He broad professional experience and extensive knowledge of all aspects of investment business processing to the firm.

“Joining Axiom Wealth Management allows me to do what I love most, which is building deep relationships and guiding clients through life’s most important financial decisions. I’m honored to be part of a team that prioritizes care, expertise and longterm partnership,” said Hendrix.

As an Illinois native, Hendrix, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, has worked in the financial industry for 12 years. Before joining Axiom, her previous roles include serving as a financial consultant at Fidelity, associate advisor at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors and director of investor relations at Beach Point Capital Management.

Both Hendrix and Cates bring deep industry knowledge, a client-first mindset, and a proven track record to the Axiom team, further strengthening the firm’s commitment to delivering thoughtful, personalized wealth management solutions.

To view detailed disclosures regarding individual representatives, view their information at axiom.nm.com.

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.