DELTA SETTLEMENTS - Key Persons
Greg established his financial planning practice in Spokane, WA in 2003 to address the needs of clients and attorneys. The goal was to offer clients a holistic, comprehensive and values based approach to planning.
Greg has 30 years experience working with injury victims. He began his career as a railroad claims agent, then transitioned into the life insurance industry and subsequently worked with Safeco Life as a national marketing manager for their structured settlement product line. His plaintiff-only business model is a result of, and aided by his experience and knowledge of the defense side of the settlement process.
He believes financial planning is more than simply offering a product. For clients, this means listening to and identifying their needs and objectives, then providing targeted solutions through the use of multiple planning tools. This approach to financial planning provides the client with protection, choice and control over their future. For client's attorneys, it means utilizing tools, resources and relationships which provide synergistic solutions to handle the increasingly complex settlement process and provide added protection against malpractice.
Greg is a graduate of Brigham Young University and received his Certified Structured Settlement Consultant designation from the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of several articles, frequent speaker and is licensed in multiple states.
Keith Singer, JD CFP™ graduated cum laude from the University of Miami, School of Law in 1992. He also earned a finance degree from the Pennsylvania State University. As a Certified Financial Planner™, Mr. Singer provides retirement and financial planning advice to his clientele many of whom are plaintiffs who for the first time are facing complex financial choices.
Mr. Singer hosts a daily financial radio program called "Prosper!" on channel 740am and 610 WIOD in Boca Raton FL. He has also been quoted extensively as a financial expert in national and regional publications including Business Week, US News and World Report, Smart Money, The Chicago Tribune and Financial Planning Magazine and Money Magazine.
Lynda has an extensive background and training in the Securities industry. She worked as a Registered Representative for Morgan Stanley for 12 years specializing in managing assets of high net worth individuals and Estates. There she designed and managed portfolios incorporating equities, bonds, options, mutual funds, ETF's, insurance and annuities to maximize returns while controlling risk. Lynda has earned many awards and recognitions, including the title of Retirement Planning Specialist during her tenure at Morgan Stanley.
She graduated from University of Richmond, VA with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
Growing up in a family of Plaintiff attorneys, Lynda understands the importance of being an advocate for the injured. In 2003, she joined forces with Delta Settlements, a premier full service, plaintiff oriented firm founded in 1990. To assist attorneys, Lynda is brought in as a member of the plaintiffs' team. Lynda works with the attorney and their client by providing financial strategies to get the plaintiff the maximum tax- free income stream guaranteed for their life and still preserve their government benefits.
Growing up in a family of Plaintiff attorneys, Lynda understands the importance of being an advocate for the injured. In 2003, she joined forces with Delta Settlements, a premier full service, plaintiff oriented firm founded in 1990. To assist attorneys, Lynda is brought in as a member of the plaintiffs' team. Lynda works with the attorney and their client by providing financial strategies to get the plaintiff the maximum tax- free income stream guaranteed for their life and still preserve their government benefits.
She works from start to finish including:
Represented a city employee who lost both of his legs in a motor vehicle accident. This man received more than 18.5 million dollars payable over his lifetime in a tax-free annuity.
Represented a fireman who suffered brain injuries as a result of a truck accident. He was awarded 2.5 million dollars in a tax-free-annuity.
Represented a farm worker who suffered brain and orthopedic injuries as a result of a farm equipment accident. This worker received 3.7 million dollars, which was placed in a tax-free-annuity.
Lynda is an Equestrian and has competed for the U.S. Equestrian Team in Grand Prix Show Jumping and World Cup competitions. She has won numerous National awards including The Mercedes National Show Jumping Championships at Madison Square Garden. She enjoys running and snow skiing, is married and has two sons.
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing and Legal Affairs for CISCO Computer Systems Company
Mr. Markham attended the United States Air Force Academy on an athletic appointment before obtaining his Bachelor of Business degree from Baylor University. Mr. Markham also received his Juris Doctorate degree from Baylor School of Law in 1977.
In 1979, after working for a short time a trust officer at Oak Cliff Bank and Trust in Dallas, Texas, Lynn moved to Crockett, where he became an associate attorney for Jim Turner. Mr. Turner soon began a long career as a public servant, serving as a Texas State Representative, Texas State Senator and U.S. Congressman (filling Charlie Wilson's seat). Lynn served as Mr. Turner's first campaign manager.
In 1982, Mr. Markham became director of marketing and legal affairs for CISCO Computer Systems Company, a computer software company. Mr. Markham's primary responsibility was the development of a dealer network. By the time Lynn resigned in 1985, the company had dealers in 25 states. Upon resigning from CISCO, Mr. Markham was appointed to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term as the Judge of the Houston County Court At Law. He successful retained the position thru three subsequent elections. In 1999, Mr. Markham returned to private practice in Crockett, Texas. Upon returning to private practice, Mr. Markham also became a certified mediator.
Mr. Markham has been involved in hundreds of trials either as Presiding Judge or as a litigator. In the early 1990's, Mr. Markham gained a unique knowledge of condemnation case by presiding over numerous jury trials as a visiting judge in Ellis County, Texas. Ellis County was home to the defunct superconducting super collider project. A good portion of the two billion dollars spent on the project was spent on condemnation cases. Mr. Markham has also represented clients who have collected large settlements and has personal experience from a plaintiff's attorney's perspective in assisting those clients in obtaining structured settlements. Mr. Markham says his only big regret is that he failed to take advantage of the tax deferral opportunities for some of his attorney fees, a mistake he believes has cost him nearly $250,000 in extra income taxes over the years.
Mr. Markham brings to Delta a unique background as an attorney and a former judge. His experience in the courtroom as a litigator and out of the courtroom as a mediator help position him to serve plaintiff's attorneys early and throughout the settlement and trial process.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- District Chairman for the Great Muskogee District of the Boy Scouts of America
As a financial professional, Michael creates value for clients by looking at each customer as a unique individual with unique financial needs. Michael is dedicated to providing individuals, families, and business owners with the professional attention necessary to help them achieve their financial goals, offering continued service as their needs change.
Michael is a highly accomplished seasoned professional with over 15 years of professional experience. As Chief Executive Officer of Delta Settlements, he oversees an organization that places in excess of $250 million a year in annuities and managed assets. Michael's heart and soul have always been in helping individuals and families create, implement, and manage customized financial plans.
Over 95% of Michael's new business comes from referrals from the legal community. Michael often presents continuing legal education courses focusing on trust and tax related issues to state and local associations. Specifically, he and his team are active in the following National and State associations:
American Association of Trial Lawyers.
Florida Justice Association.
Jacksonville Justice Association.
Orange County Justice Association.
Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association.
Palm Beach Trial Lawyers Association.
Michael is known for providing unique and creative solutions to clients' tax, estate, and business problems, utilizing a variety of financial protection and asset accumulation products and services. He also helps in finding the dollars to fund the purchase of the most appropriate products to fit their need(s), including life insurance, annuities, and investments. Working closely with customers and their trusted advisors to identify their financial needs, Michael uses these tools to help craft strategies for each client's situation.
Michael received his undergraduate degree from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and his Masters in Business Administration from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
Active in the community, Michael is currently the District Chairman for the Great Muskogee District of the Boy Scouts of America and is an active basketball and baseball coach at the YMCA and NOL in Jacksonville, Florida.
Michael enjoys boating, golfing, football, and family time with his wife Holly, daughter Isabella, and sons Mick and William.
Education:
Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, MBA
Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, BS in Biology and Physics
Mikel Taft joined the Delta team in 2010 where he serves as the Director of Marketing. Mikel brings a warm and refreshing approach to the Marketing of Delta and its wide variety of products.
Mikel started with his financial career in college when he was awarded one of CNN Money's "Top Five Internships" as a financial Representative.
Mikel was able to find success is this position by listening to clients and tailoring products and plans to each client. Mikel then graduated from the University of North Florida, with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration - Marketing.
After graduating, Mikel reevaluated his position and drew from his experience as an Eagle Scout, and joined the North Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America as a District Executive. Over three years Mikel led the Council with more than 30% membership growth, three years of consecutive fundraising goal achievement.
Mikel was recognized locally with the "Centennial Quality District" award for 2008, 2009, and 2010. Mikel was also recognized as the "Prime Osborne Recipient" for having the best District in 2009. Mikel was also recognized and asked to be a guest speaker at the Southern Region Annual Business Meeting in reference to direct marketing and membership growth.
Mikel is also very active in his community. Mikel is currently:
• Member - West Jacksonville Rotary Club
• Associated with The Big Fun Box
• District Committee Member - Boy Scouts of America
Born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida Mikel now lives in Jacksonville, Florida with his beautiful wife Jessica. Mikel enjoys all aquatic sports, golf, fishing, and is a proud supporter of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Education:
University of North Florida, in Jacksonville, Florida, BA in Business Administration and Marketing
Job Titles:
- Financial Consultant With the
Patrick E. Randall II is a financial consultant with the Delta team. He specializes in the unique planning needs of injured individuals and their families. Currently, he primarily serves clients in the Southwest region, advising injured parties in financial and structured settlement planning and public benefits preservation.
Patrick is well-respected in the investment and financial community for his knowledge, integrity, and commitment to outstanding service. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a B.S. in Finance. Patrick is currently FINRA 6, 7, 63, 65 licensed.
Seeing grand, scenic vistas from remote Uintah mountain trails doesn't happen often enough for Scott Sayre. But when it comes to his daily work, there's no shortage of "big pictures" in his mind. As Director of Planning for The Insight Group, Scott is responsible for taking a high-level view of each client's plan and ensuring that no facet of wealth management is incomplete. When Scott reviews a client's plan, he analyzes the financial, legal, and tax implications and summarizes them into a format that can be readily understood. While most people have no point of comparison for their estate and wealth management documents, Scott sees them every day, so he's attuned to potential issues, missing details, and different angles for consideration. What's more, Scott is the firm's go-to resource for current tax law, regulatory guidelines, and legislative matters.
He understands that wealth management is a dynamic process; the sound advice from last year may take on nuances as issues evolve. So unlike some firms that offer a oneshot financial plan, The Insight Group provides yearly reviews with specialized guidance from Scott. A "finance guy" since childhood, Scott remembers getting a money bag for a birthday present-a gift he still holds onto today. (Sounds like he was able to see the big picture even then.)
Education:
Brigham Young University, B.S. in Business Management, Emphasis in Finance
College for Financial Planning, M.S. in Financial Planning
Sofia Khan is one of the trusted financial planners on the Delta team, providing expertise in the design, negotiation and placement of financial services. Since 1995, Sofia has worked extensively in the areas of personal injury, environmental and transportation concerns, public entities and self-insurers. And whether she is providing hands-on advice to clients or among a diverse team of professionals, her creative approach and strategic methodologies can assist clients in achieving their long-range financial goals.
Ms. Khan is acutely aware of the financial pitfalls that can create uncertainty and problems as well as how to avoid them. Ms. Khan strives to enhance her client's financial, physical, and emotional quality of life with in-depth analysis of their unique situation to recommend the proper funding of the award or settlement. By addressing all of the needs of each client individually, Ms. Khan has been committed to provide financial benefits that take care of all the future needs of her clients.
Ms. Khan only works with those companies with the strongest financial ratings. It is important that the companies selected for the client be strong and capable of making a long-term commitment. By working with many different companies Ms. Khan is able to quickly locate the company that can best provide the settlement options that serves the client's needs.
Ms. Khan received a B.A. in Managerial Studies from Rice University in Houston, and an M.B.A. from the University of Houston.
Thomas Upchurch, Attorney at Law, is a Daytona Beach native committed to providing outstanding legal services to individuals and families in Daytona Beach, Jacksonville and throughout Volusia County, Florida.
Mr. Upchurch has been working with Delta since 2008 and handles a broad range of practice. His practice is client-centered, focusing on meeting the diverse needs of his clients.
Practice areas:
Elder law