Management Team

Managing Partner

Brett Muniz is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience building and developing high-performing sales teams, including more than two decades in the insurance and financial services industry. He holds his FINRA Series 6, 63, 7 and 24 licenses and serves as the Registered Principal.

Brett began his career with New York Life in 2010 as an agent in the Myrtle Beach office. His leadership and results quickly led to his promotion to Partner in 2011, and later to Managing Partner in 2019. Today, he leads a team of more than 80 agents and advisors, driving growth across the Greater South Carolina market, including Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Columbia, and surrounding areas.

Known for his strong emotional intelligence and people-first leadership style, Brett is deeply committed to developing others and fostering a culture of success. His impact is reflected in the achievements of the individuals and teams he has mentored and developed. He currently leads a robust leadership team that includes two Partners, four Associate Partners, a Director of Development, and a Service Leader.

Outside of work, Brett enjoys playing guitar and spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter and their three dogs. He and Heather, reside in Charleston, South Carolina, and frequently spend time at their second home in Myrtle Beach.

Partner (Myrtle Beach)

As a Partner at New York Life, Pat Piscitelli is passionate about developing financial professionals and helping clients create meaningful, lasting legacies. He combines a strong respect for proven principles with a forward-thinking mindset, guiding individuals, families, and business owners toward long-term financial confidence.

Before beginning his career in financial services, Pat served as a firefighter for the City of Myrtle Beach. That experience shaped his resilience, sharpened his discipline, and reinforced a deep commitment to serving others—qualities that remain central to his leadership today. Originally from New Jersey, Pat brings a straightforward, hard-working approach, balanced by a genuine dedication to the people he supports.

A former college soccer player, Pat carries a competitive drive and team-first mentality into his work. He values preparation, strategy, and accountability—whether he’s coaching an advisor or collaborating with clients. Outside of the office, you’ll often find him on the golf course, where patience and precision mirror the same thoughtful approach he brings to financial planning.

Pat is known for his authentic leadership style, strong results, and ability to make complex financial topics clear and approachable. He believes meaningful success is built on trust, teamwork, and conversations that leave people feeling informed, confident, and supported.

Partner (Charleston)

James “Jimmie” Shaw is a Partner at New York Life in South Carolina, where he combines extensive industry experience with a passion for mentorship and client service. As a licensed representative, mentor, and trainer, Jimmie is dedicated to guiding both clients and fellow agents toward financial success and security.

Over the past decade, Jimmie has been recognized for his commitment and excellence with numerous accolades, including:

• Executive Council Agent (2x) – Awarded for outstanding performance and client service

• New Agent of the Year – Recognizing exceptional achievement early in his career

• New Agent Case Rate Leader – Demonstrating consistent success and impact

Jimmie’s journey into the financial sector was inspired by seeing firsthand how proper financial planning can positively transform lives. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance, earned while competing as a four-year member of a Division II collegiate baseball team—an experience that instilled in him the values of perseverance, discipline, and teamwork that continue to guide his professional career.

Beyond the office, Jimmie treasures time with his growing family. He and his wife, Julia, are the proud parents of Perry, Paxton, Palmer and Piper. Whether it’s folding laundry, chasing little ones around the backyard or beach, or enjoying watching any level of football—from CYO to the NFL—Jimmie embraces life with the same energy and positivity he brings to his work.

Service Leader

Daniel Bolden serves as the Servicing Leader for the Greater South Carolina General Office of New York Life, where he is known for his relationship-driven leadership style, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to creating meaningful service experiences. With a strong foundation in office administration and team development, Daniel focuses on building efficient processes, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring agents and partners feel fully supported in delivering exceptional client outcomes.

Daniel brings a thoughtful, people-first approach to leadership. He believes great service is built on consistency, clear communication, and genuine connection. Whether he’s guiding his team through process improvements, coaching for growth, or streamlining operations, his goal is always the same: create seamless experiences that allow agents to focus on what matters most—serving clients.

A lifelong learner and naturally curious thinker, Daniel is an avid reader and dedicated movie enthusiast who appreciates powerful storytelling and meaningful dialogue. Those interests influence his leadership style, helping him connect ideas, anticipate challenges, and see the bigger picture.

Outside the office, Daniel is a proud uncle to 13 nieces and nephews—a role he considers one of his greatest joys. Family is central to his life, and that sense of loyalty and support carries into his work. He also shares his home with his beloved 19-year-old dog, a testament to his steady, loyal nature and appreciation for the simple moments that matter most.

Daniel combines professionalism with authenticity, creating an environment where excellence, growth, and genuine connections thrive.

Director of Development

Rachel Lynn Waddell serves as Director of Development for the Greater South Carolina General Office of New York Life, where she leads with experience, energy, and a deep commitment to helping agents build meaningful, successful careers. With a strong background in agency development, training, and leadership, Rachel is known for turning potential into performance and goals into results.

Her career includes serving as an Executive Council Agent in the Roanoke General Office and as Development Manager in the Buffalo General Office. She also made history as the first Agency Manager and Principal of the Charleston office for Western & Southern Life Insurance. Across each role, Rachel has built a reputation for developing talent and strengthening teams.

Rachel’s expertise spans group training, large-scale event planning, management development, and one-on-one coaching. She works closely with agents to sharpen their skills, adopt new tools, and confidently prepare for licensing exams. Her thoughtful, practical coaching style helps individuals break through barriers and move forward with clarity and confidence.

She holds three distinguished designations from The American College of Financial Services: Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Chartered Leadership Fellow (CLF®), and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®). She is also affiliated with Eagle Strategies as an Investment Adviser Representative (IAR).

Before entering financial services, Rachel spent five years teaching Music History and Flute at Hillsdale College. She earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Flute from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, a Master of Music in Music History from the Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University, and a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from James Madison University.

Rachel lives in Charleston with her husband, Scott. Together they raised three children and have long supported music and marching band programs in their community. She continues to perform with the Charleston Wind Symphony twice a year, reflecting her lifelong dedication to discipline, creativity, and continuous growth.

Associate Partner (Charleston)

Associate Partner (Myrtle Beach)

Associate Partner (Myrtle Beach/Wilmington)

Associate Partner (Charleston)