Ariel Rodriguez Mercado was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He attended Rutgers University in 1995 as a Division 1 student-athlete. He then returned to Puerto Rico to pursue his professional volleyball career. He would go on to play for Puerto Rico’s national team and internationally as a foreign player in Europe and South America. He was also inducted into the Puerto Rico Volleyball Hall of Fame in April 2024. After retiring from his professional volleyball career of sixteen years, he and his family moved to Maryland in 2010, where he began his career in Financial Services. After 3 years as an advisor, Ariel joined New York Life in 2013 as a Senior Market Manager and later became Partner and Senior Partner with the firm. He quickly established himself as a strong leader in the community with a unique ability to recognize and build a successful team of advisors. Ariel’s hard work, determination, high ethical standards, and genuine concern for all he works with and meets are just a few reasons for his success.  Ariel is currently a Managing Director and Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual and is building a strong team of entrepreneurial individuals who are successfully growing their business in the financial services industry. He also runs a successful financial advising practice, helping individuals and business owners plan for their financial future.

Ariel and his wife, Anissa, have three daughters and currently live in Frederick, MD.

The Ausherman Family Foundation is excited to have Ariel on the board!