ABOUT US
Meet the Daybright team.
We believe that great leadership comes from experience, passion and mission, together with a genuine commitment to our people. Our team comprises successful industry veterans and bright, innovative thinkers, with everyone bringing their unique talents to the table.
Megan Schneider
Chief Executive Officer
Megan is the CEO of Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners. She joined the company as Chief Operating Officer in 2019, became President in April 2021, and was named CEO in January 2023. She has led key initiatives like acquisition integration, benefits platform launch, call center modernization, and client services expansion.
Before Daybright, Megan was the North American Business Operations Leader at Willis Towers Watson, overseeing the operations of the $360M revenue business. She held various leadership roles there, including Executive Vice President and Operations Director. Megan started her career as a Senior Consultant and associate at Towers Perrin.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and information systems from Fairfield University and an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business. Megan has received numerous awards, including the Helen M. Garvin Enterprising Achiever Award.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2019
Patrick Simonds
Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer
Pat is Chief Revenue Officer and Executive Vice President of Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners. He leads and oversees all Business Segments, Sales, Marketing, and Distribution while supporting the execution of Daybright’s M&A strategy.
Before Daybright, Pat was a Managing Director at Aon in New York, focusing on growth strategies in Commercial Insurance, Wealth, and Employee Benefits. He also worked with Private Equity funds on risk transfer strategies. Patrick started his career at Aon’s National Property Practice, later becoming the Property Practice Leader in San Francisco.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University and an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2022
Matthew G. Riordan
Senior Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer
Matt is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners.
Matt has a rich background in finance and investment management. From 2006 to 2007, he was Vice President and Controller at Smith Management LLC, overseeing assets over $800 million. Before that, he served as Senior Vice President and CFO at CitiStreet Associates, leading a 50-person finance team and preparing the company for its sale to MetLife.
From 1997 to 2004, Matt was Vice President and Controller in the Retirement Group at Merrill Lynch, where he improved financial reporting processes. He also worked at Morgan Stanley as a client coverage officer and started his career as a staff accountant at Price Waterhouse.
Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from St. Bonaventure University and earned his CPA in 1993.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2008
Kevin S. Dunn
Senior Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer
Kevin is the Chief Information Security Officer at Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, and previously also held the role of Chief Information Officer. Kevin oversees the security needs of the organization, including leading all efforts around cyber security, privacy, disaster recovery, enterprise risk management, and more. He is a seasoned technology strategist with over 20 years of experience in infrastructure, e-commerce, mobile applications, and payments.
Before Daybright, Kevin ran his own practice, helping clients innovate through technology. He also served as Vice President of Infrastructure and Operations at First Command Financial Services and CIO at EdExpress Texas, where he developed a patented loyalty program. Earlier, Kevin was a Technology Strategist at Whittman Hart, advising on network design and e-commerce. He started his career at the Superconducting Super Collider project.
Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Abilene Christian University.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2014
Scott Witter
Chief Information Officer
Scott is the Chief Information Officer at Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, where he drives technology platform development and client-focused solutions. He is a seasoned leader with over 25 years in the retirement services industry, known for enhancing user experiences through technology.
Before USRBP, Scott was the Senior Vice President and Head of Transformation at Corebridge Financial, leading projects to elevate client experiences. He also served as CIO at AIG, contributing to their technology strategy and cybersecurity efforts. His career includes roles at NEOS LLC, Mass Mutual, and The Hartford.
Scott has served industry groups like the SPARK Data Security Oversight Board and the FS-ISAC Retirement Industry Council. He holds a bachelor’s degree in information systems from Rochester Institute of Technology.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2024
Michael S. Kryza, CFA
Chief Corporate Development
Officer
Mike is the Chief Corporate Development Officer at Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, leading M&A strategy and building partnerships with retirement and employee benefit companies.
Before Daybright, Mike was Head of Corporate Development at Guardian Life, completing over 15 M&A transactions worth more than $8 billion and managing a venture portfolio of 25+ companies. He also served as Executive Vice President at Crump Group, shaping corporate strategy and leading acquisitions.
Mike is a Chartered Financial Analyst with a bachelor’s degree and MBA from Northwestern University. He has also held leadership roles in financial technology and other financial services companies.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2024
Courtney E. Munoz
Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
Courtney is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, previously joining the company as Western Divisional Senior Vice President. She focuses on sales enablement and executing key business initiatives.
Before Daybright, Courtney held leadership roles at Ameriprise Financial and MassMutual Financial Group. At MassMutual, she quickly rose to Regional Vice President, managing 12 agencies and 400 advisors. She led a $25M business transformation project, implementing new technology and training for over 9,000 advisors. Courtney started as a financial advisor, consulting on retirement planning and investments. She is a Certified Financial Planner and holds FINRA Series 7 and 24 licenses.
Courtney earned her bachelor’s degree in industrial economics from Union College and an MBA from the University of Connecticut.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2018
Jacques S. Pierre
Senior Vice President & General Counsel
Jacques is General Counsel at Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, advising on acquisitions, contracts, employment issues, and other legal matters.
Jacques has a diverse background, having served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in New Jersey, focusing on white-collar and public corruption crimes. He also worked at Lowenstein Sandler LLP in business litigation and employment law and clerked for the Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Before his legal career, Jacques directed two educational nonprofits and taught high school history. He continues to support education by serving on the boards of the TEAK Fellowship and MESA Charter High School.
Jacques holds a bachelor’s degree in American studies and African American Studies from Wesleyan University and a Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law – Newark. He is admitted to practice in New Jersey and New York.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2020
Patrick Hale, JD, MBA
Head of Private Sector Retirement
Patrick is the Head of Private Sector Retirement Solutions at Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners. He joined The Retirement Plan Company (TRPC) in 2001, managing client services, and was promoted to President and CEO of TRPC in 2017. TRPC joined Daybright Financial in 2016.
With over 20 years of experience in the retirement plan industry, Patrick has held leadership roles at various third-party administration and investment advisory firms. He is licensed to practice law in Arkansas and holds the Qualified Plan Administrator (QPA) designation from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA).
Patrick earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Ouachita Baptist University and went on to receive both an MBA and a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2016
Brad Hope
Head of Public Sector Retirement
Brad is the Head of Public Sector Retirement Solutions at Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners. Previously, he was the President of TSA Consulting Group, Inc. (TSACG), which joined Daybright in 2020.
Brad graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in economics. He has extensive experience in the retirement plan industry, having worked with both boutique firms and a national provider, focusing on record-keeping, administration, compliance, and education for public and private sector employers.
In 2016, Brad joined TSACG as Executive Vice-President and Chief Revenue Officer, becoming President in 2019. He led the growth of TSACG’s core services and the implementation of innovative enrollment and record-keeping platforms.
Brad holds PPC (Professional Plan Consultant) and AIF (Accredited Investment Fiduciary) designations from FI 360. He is also a member of the Strategic Partners Council for the American Retirement Association and National Tax Deferred Savings Association.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2020
Mitch I. Barnett
Head of Individual Financial Solutions
Mitch is the Head of Individual Financial Solutions at Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners.
Before starting his private practice in 2004, Mitch was Vice President of Sales at Four Seasons Securities, where he managed marketing and distribution. He also served as Divisional Vice President of Sales for Northern Life, overseeing advisors and client assets across 15 states. He played a key role in launching the first 403(b) fixed indexed annuity for Life Insurance Company of the Southwest and consulted for American Fidelity on 403(b) and annuity programs.
He holds bachelor’s degrees in finance and economics from the University of Maryland and has over 30 years of experience in the 403(b) industry.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2008
Bob Hartnett
Head of Benefits
Bob is and the Head of Benefits at Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, previously joining the company as Vice President of National Sales. He leads national business development and works closely with Partner Firms to drive sales growth.
Bob has extensive experience in healthcare, stop loss, core/ancillary benefits, and worksite benefits. He previously led a national healthcare navigation sales team at Consumer Medical and spent nearly 19 years at Voya Financial in various sales leadership roles. He also has consulting experience with Mercer and Willis Towers Watson.
Bob holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA from the University of Connecticut.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2023
Jim Famularo
Head of Shared Services
Jim is the Head of Shared Services at Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, previously joining the company as Integration Project Manager. He brings over 30 years of experience in leading retirement service organizations.
Before Daybright, Jim was Vice President of Customer Service and Operations at CUNA Mutual Group, where he integrated multiple organizations, migrated over 8,000 employers to a new platform, and reduced operating expenses by 40%. He also had a 25-year career at Copeland Companies, CitiStreet, and ING, including a role as CFO of CitiStreet Equities.
Jim has managed every function in the retirement services industry, overseeing clients with over $5 billion in assets and handling large-scale integrations and migrations. He holds a degree in accounting from Middlesex College and Rutgers University and has completed six-sigma black belt certification and FINRA Financial Operations Principal designation.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2022
Beth Zeitler
Vice President, Human Resources
Beth is the National Vice President of Human Resources at Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, previously joining the company as Director of Human Resources.
Beth develops and executes HR strategies, focusing on talent management, change management, performance, compensation, compliance, diversity, and acquisition integration.
She has held leadership roles at Reciprocal Management Corporation, CURE Auto Insurance, NJ PURE Medical Malpractice Insurance, and iXP Corporation. Beth is known for translating business vision into HR initiatives that boost performance and employee engagement.
Beth holds a bachelor’s degree from Temple University and is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Predictive Index Practitioner, and Compensation Analyst.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2020
Grace Markert
Vice President, Client Success
Grace is the Vice President of Client Success, Benefits at Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners. She focuses on enhancing Partner Firm operations, process development, account team growth, client delivery, and platform utilization.
Before Daybright, Grace was part of the North American Business Operations team at Willis Towers Watson (WTW), leading initiatives for over 900 colleagues. She worked on talent development, performance management, client delivery, and internal communications. Earlier, she was a benefits consultant for mid-market clients, specializing in employee benefits strategy and data analysis.
Grace started her career in the competitive WTW Risk Management Analyst program, gaining experience in finance, marketing, account management, and operations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in risk management & insurance from Temple University, with a focus on employee benefits.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2021
Mark O’Donoghue
Vice President, Marketing
Mark is the Vice President of Marketing at Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners. He develops and executes marketing strategies to drive the company’s growth, overseeing all marketing functions and corporate communications.
With extensive experience in global marketing and corporate communications, Mark has held positions in Europe and the U.S. Before Daybright, he was the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Public Partnerships, LLC, and Director of Global Marketing at Jabil Corporation. He also spent 17 years at Avery Dennison Corporation, in various marketing and communications roles.
Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the UK’s University of Humberside (now Lincoln) and an MBA from Webster University in the Netherlands.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2022
Partner Firm Leadership
Our partner firm leaders are expert managers and strategic thinkers. Their smart insights and friendly support position our benefits consultants and advisors to be trusted and valuable resources to clients across the country.
Retirement
Public Sector Solutions
Brad Hope
Head of Public Sector Retirement
BENCOR/MidAmerica
OMNI&TSACG Compliance Services
Brad is the Managing Partner of OMNI&TSACG Compliance Services and the Head of Public Sector Retirement Solutions at Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners. Previously, he was the President of TSA Consulting Group, Inc. (TSACG), which joined Daybright in 2020.
Brad graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in economics. He has extensive experience in the retirement plan industry, having worked with both boutique firms and a national provider, focusing on recordkeeping, administration, compliance, and education for public and private sector employers.
In 2016, Brad joined TSACG as Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, becoming President in 2019. He led the growth of TSACG’s core services and the implementation of innovative enrollment and record-keeping platforms.
Brad holds PPC (Professional Plan Consultant) and AIF (Accredited Investment Fiduciary) designations from FI 360.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2020
Private Sector Solutions
Patrick Hale, JD, MBA
Head of Private Sector Retirement
The Retirement Plan Company
Ingham Retirement Group
Patrick Hale is the Managing Partner of The Retirement Plan Company and the Head of Private Sector Retirement Solutions at Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners. He joined The Retirement Plan Company (TRPC) in 2001, managing client services, and was promoted to President and CEO of TRPC in 2017. TRPC joined Daybright Financial in 2016.
With over 20 years of experience in the retirement plan industry, Patrick has held leadership roles at various third-party administration and investment advisory firms. He is licensed to practice law in Arkansas and holds the Qualified Plan Administrator (QPA) designation from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA).
Patrick earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Ouachita Baptist University and went on to receive both an MBA and a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2016
Robert C. Wisner
Managing Partner
The Paragon Alliance Group, LLC
Rob is the President and Managing Partner of Paragon Alliance Group, LLC, which joined Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, in 2023. He founded The Paragon Alliance Group in 2000 and has been leading the company ever since, focusing on business development, marketing, plan design, and consulting.
Rob began his career in employee retirement plan administration in 1982, working as a corporate plan administrator for one of the first 401(k) plans in the country. He later managed custom plan recordkeeping for a company that became one of the largest third-party recordkeepers in the nation.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in administration/accounting from Bloomsburg University and continues to enhance his credentials with ongoing professional education. Rob is also a member of the Advisory Committee for the Retirement Plan Division of two major international financial institutions.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2023
Ron Fishman, QKA
Managing Partner
PASI, LLC
Ron is a Principal and Managing Partner of PASI, LLC (Pension Administrative Services, Inc.), which became part of Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, in September 2023.
With over 30 years of experience in retirement plan design, administration, and implementation, Ron has a deep understanding of ERISA and DOL regulations. Before joining PASI, LLC, he was a principal at another regional pension consulting firm. He has supported thousands of firms with plan compliance, administration, audits, and employee investment education. Ron also offers Fiduciary Consulting Services, conducts plan diagnostics, and manages provider and platform evaluations.
Ron graduated from Boston University (BU) with a Bachelor of Arts in economics and completed the Executive Program in Finance at BU’s School of Management. He also holds the Qualified 401(k) Administrator designation from ASPPA.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2023
David J. Wetsman, J.D.
Managing Partner
PASI, LLC
David is a Principal and Managing Partner of PASI, LLC, (Pension Administrative Services, Inc.), which joined Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, in September 2023.
With 25 years of experience in retirement plan design, administration, and implementation, David has a strong legal background in IRS and DOL regulations. He specializes in Fiduciary Consulting Services and manages provider and platform relationships.
Before joining PASI, LLC, David worked as a real estate and venture capital investment consultant. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor. from the George Washington University National Law Center.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2023
David C. Vaccaro
Managing Partner
Long Island Employee Benefits Group
David is the Managing Partner of Long Island Employee Benefits Group (LIEBG), which joined Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, in August 2023.
David oversees all firm operations and manages the day-to-day activities of the benefits business. He specializes in designing, administering, and ensuring compliance for creative and cost-effective benefit plan solutions. He also handles all carrier and platform relationships.
Before joining LIEBG, David worked as an attorney at O’Melveny and Myers in New York City and Faegre Drinker in Philadelphia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Gettysburg College and a Juris Doctor from Villanova University School of Law.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2023
James A. Hallinan, Jr., CPC, CFP®
Managing Partner
Jim Hallinan Pension Consulting
Jim is the Managing Partner of JHPC (Jim Hallinan Pension Consulting, LLC), which joined Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, in December 2023.
With nearly 40 years of experience in the retirement plan industry, Jim began his career at CIGNA after graduating from the University of Connecticut. He worked for several small retirement firms before founding JHPC in 2004, focusing on designing and administering qualified retirement plans for small businesses.
Jim is a Certified Pension Consultant with the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2023
Tim Haist
Managing Partner
Pension Planning Consultants, Inc
Tim is the Managing Partner of Pension Planning Consultants, Inc. (PPC), which joined Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, in October 2024.
Tim graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Arts in business administration, focusing on actuarial science. He spent 13 years at Milliman and Robertson in Seattle, honing his skills as a consulting actuary. In 1992, he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and acquired PPC, a small third-party administration and actuarial consulting firm, growing it into a regional leader in retirement plan administration and consulting.
Tim is an Associate of the Society of Actuaries, a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries, a Fellow of the Conference of Consulting Actuaries, and an Enrolled Actuary under ERISA.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2024
Individual Financial Solutions
Patrick J. Bello
Managing Partner
Kades-Margolis Corporation
Pat is the Managing Partner and President of Kades-Margolis Corp. (KMC), a Daybright Financial firm, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners. He joined KMC in November 2022 as Executive Vice President and was promoted in November 2023. Pat leads the sales organization, strategy development, execution, and financial performance management. KMC joined Daybright Financial in 2014.
With over 30 years of experience in the retirement industry, including 23 years in leadership roles, Pat has worked across corporate, healthcare, government, and education markets. He previously held leadership positions at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Mutual of Omaha Retirement Services, Voya Retirement Services, and Towers Perrin.
Pat holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a concentration in Finance from Bethany College in West Virginia. He is a FINRA Registered Principal and has completed various FINRA and American Retirement Association courses and examinations.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2022
William L. Devine
Managing Partner
Mutual Inc.
Bill is the Managing Partner of Mutual, Inc., which he founded in 1989 after working as an accountant and financial advisor since 1985. He grew Mutual into a leading provider of retirement savings plans for school districts, police organizations, and municipalities, managing over $1 billion in assets for more than 10,000 clients. Bill has been active in school superintendent organizations and served on the Suffolk BOCES district consolidation Board.
After selling Mutual in 2000, Bill repurchased the firm with a former partner in 2005. Through partnerships with PlanMember Securities and Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, he leads the premier K-12 financial services organization on Long Island. Mutual, Inc. joined Daybright Financial in 2012.
Bill holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Accounting from Hofstra University and has Life and Health insurance licenses, as well as FINRA Series 7, 63, and 24 registrations.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2012
Joseph Avallone
Managing Partner
Retirement Planning Associates, Inc.
Joe is a Managing Partner of Retirement Planning Associates, Inc. (RPA), which he founded in 1990 with just four advisors in Orlando, FL. Today, RPA has grown to over 100 advisors across Florida, becoming a leader in retirement planning for the education community. RPA joined Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, in 2009.
Joe works closely with Florida county school boards to educate employees on confident retirement planning. His firm sponsors and speaks at numerous school board retirement meetings and orientation events for new educators. Partnering with industry leaders like BENCOR and Daybright Financial, Joe has enhanced RPA’s ability to provide personalized service, a cornerstone of their reputation.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and has Series 6, 63, and 65 FINRA registrations, along with life, health, long-term care, and variable annuity licenses. Joseph is also a Registered Representative of PlanMember Securities.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2009
Michael Borgailo
Managing Partner
Retirement Planning Associates, Inc.
Michael is a Managing Partner at Retirement Planning Associates, Inc. (RPA) in Orlando, FL, which he co-founded in 1990. With a focus on the 403(b) market for public school employees and their families, his expertise has helped RPA become a leader in retirement planning for Florida educators. In 2009, RPA joined Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners.
Michael stays informed on key retirement issues for educators, including DROP, FRS, 403(b) regulations, and Special Pay (401(a)) Plans. He holds Series 6, 63, and 65 FINRA registrations and is a Registered Representative with PlanMember Securities. He studied business at Seminole State College.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2009
David Payne
Managing Partner
Retirement Planning Associates, Inc.
David is a Managing Partner at Retirement Planning Associates, Inc. (RPA). He began his financial services career in 1978 and shifted his focus to the 403(b) market in 1982, working with educators in central Florida. For over 20 years, he built a successful practice, serving more than 1,000 clients. RPA joined Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, in 2009.
In 2004, David joined Joe Avallone and Michael Borgailo at Retirement Planning Associates, which along with their advisors, have become top providers of investment and retirement planning services for school district employees across Florida.
David graduated from the University of Central Florida and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 FINRA registrations, as well as Florida insurance licenses.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2009
Kevin P. Semisch, CRFA
Managing Partner
Benefits Retirement Group
Kevin is the Managing Partner of Benefits Retirement Group, which joined Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, in 2010. He began his career in the retirement services industry in 1991 as an Account Executive with The Copeland Companies. In 1995, he joined Kades-Margolis Corp. as a Regional Sales Manager, working with financial advisors for the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA). By 2000, Kevin was a Regional Sales Director at Life Insurance Company of the Southwest (LSW), focusing on recruiting and training independent financial advisors to boost sales.
In 2006, Kevin co-founded All-Star Financial & Retirement Services, LLC (AFRS), representing BENCOR to South Florida K-12 and higher education employees. AFRS became BENCOR Retirement Group, LLC (BRG) in 2008. In 2009, BRG joined Daybright Financial and was renamed Benefits Retirement Group in 2012.
Kevin graduated from Kutztown University.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2009
Rocky Rocamora
Managing Partner
Employee Benefits Services Group
Rocky is the Managing Partner of Employee Benefits Services Group (EBSG), a Silicon Valley-based firm serving K-12 public schools, local governments, non-profits, and small businesses.
Rocky joined EBSG in 2002 as Chief Financial Officer and Technology Officer. Later, as President and CEO, he led the company’s growth, making EBSG Northern California’s top financial and retirement planning firm for the education sector. In 2008, he founded Employee Benefits Services & Advisors, Inc. (EBSA), a 403(b)/457(b) Third Party Administrator for school districts and non-profits. Both EBSG and EBSA joined Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, in September 2010.
Rocky earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of San Carlos, Philippines. He worked for Coopers & Lybrand in London, The Hunger Project and The National Club in Toronto, and in Silicon Valley’s semiconductor industry.
He holds professional licenses in insurance, taxes, and FINRA Series 6, 7, and 63 registrations.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2010
Frank Owen
Managing Partner
F.R. Owen & Associates
Frank is the President and Managing Partner of F.R. Owen & Associates, a retirement planning firm specializing in educators in the Charlotte, NC area. The firm joined Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, in 2008.
Frank’s retirement planning career began in the U.S. Air Force, where he specialized in military pay and counseled retiring personnel on their financial and benefits options. After his Air Force service, Frank entered the financial services industry in 1978. In 1980, he joined his late father to focus on the educator marketplace, expanding their products and services. In 1989, Frank incorporated the practice as F.R. Owen & Associates.
Frank holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Georgia College and the CLU and ChFC designations.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2008
Benefits
Employer Solutions
Eric Gilbert
Managing Partner
U.S. Employee Benefits Services Group
New York and Ohio Practice Leader
Eric is the Managing Partner of the Rochester, NY, U.S. Employee Benefits Services Group (USEBSG) office, overseeing the entire New York State market since August 2022. He brings extensive experience in employee benefits, medical insurance, and employee engagement to his leadership role.
Previously, Eric served as Managing Director, and provided strategic direction in client consulting, account growth, service integration, and new business development. Over ten years, he was responsible for market growth, integration with other Partner firms, and building a top-notch team to service complex clients.
Before joining USEBSG-NY, Eric was the Director of Sales & Retention at Excellus BCBS and also managed Special National Accounts.
Eric graduated from St. John Fisher College with a Bachelor of Science in Business, concentrating in Finance, and holds a New York State Life, Accident, and Health insurance license.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2012.
Darin Reeser
Managing Partner, Texas Practice Leader
U.S. Employee Benefits Services Group
Darin is Texas Practice Leader and Managing Partner of the Irving, TX, branch of U.S. Employee Benefits Service Group (USEBSG), a division of Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners. He oversees new business development and operations for benefits brokerage firms across Texas.
Before this role, Darin helped build a supplemental health sales team at Securian Financial, boosting market share and customer experience in the Western U.S. He also served as Vice President of National Accounts at Allstate Benefits, driving sales operations in the South-Central region and contributing to the division’s growth.
Darin has experience as a benefits broker and medical sales rep. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Communication from Eastern Illinois University.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2024
J. Brad Hoard
Managing Partner
U.S. Employee Benefits Services Group
Brad is the Managing Partner and President of Employee Benefits Consultants, Inc. (EBCI), dba U.S. Employee Benefits Services Group in Tallahassee, FL. He began his insurance career in 1994 as a life, health, and disability producer. By 1996, he shifted his focus to the group insurance market.
Brad works directly with cities, counties, state agencies, private businesses, and national associations, with a primary focus on the K-12 market in the areas of health insurance consulting, administration and enrollments, and core and voluntary employee benefits. He is known in north Florida for going above and beyond to provide the best employee benefits packages and exceptional customer service.
Brad graduated from Florida State University.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2013
Dal Watson
Managing Partner
Don Crawford & Associates
Dal is the Managing Partner of Don Crawford & Associates. Dal, having worked alongside Mr. Crawford for over 20 years in various roles, acquired the agency when founder Don Crawford retired in 2019. The agency joined Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, in 2021
With over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, Dal collaborates with employers across West Texas to enhance their employee benefit programs, ensuring they attract and retain top talent. From 1995 to 2005, he served as a Regional Sales Executive for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas/HMO Blue, gaining extensive experience with school districts, counties, cities, and corporate employers, including major and national accounts.
Dal holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University. He earned his Managed HealthCare Professional (MHP) designation from the Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA) in 1998.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2021
Zachary A. Harris
Managing Partner
U.S. Employee Benefits Services Group / Hillendale Associates, Inc.
Zachary is the Managing Partner of Hillendale Associates, a U.S. Employee Benefits Services Group partner firm in Philadelphia. Joining in March 2020, he leads the business’s strategic direction and manages client service and sales teams. Hillendale Associates joined Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, in 2016.
With extensive experience in insurance and employee benefits, Zachary previously worked as a Senior Benefits Consulting & Compliance Specialist at AssuredPartners of New Jersey LLC. He excels in compliance, custom benefit plan design, and HRIS technology platforms. He has consulted for over 300 School Board clients in New Jersey and built a significant private sector portfolio.
Zachary holds a bachelor’s degree in Risk Management & Insurance from the Fox School of Business at Temple University.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2020
Joseph A. Pilla
Managing Partner
U.S. Employee Benefits Services Group / ETA Insurance Group
Joe is the Managing Partner of ETA Insurance Group, which joined Daybright Financial, formerly U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners, in 2020. With 34 years of experience in the insurance and healthcare industries, Joe has grown ETA into a respected leader since its start in 1999.
Joe’s early career in hospital administration, focusing on finance and physician relations, provided a strong foundation for his work with group healthcare plans. He was instrumental in developing Valley Preferred, a PPO network owned by Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Joe holds a bachelor’s degree in health planning and administration from Penn State University and Pennsylvania insurance licenses in life, accident, health, and property/casualty.
Joined Daybright Financial: 2020