DUNCAN FINANCIAL GROUP - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Business Development Officer
Alan Lazar joined Duncan Financial Group in 2013 as Duncan's Business Development Officer. Over the years, Al has made a lasting impression on both his clients and co-workers. He connects with clients and prospects by providing education and support regarding their financial needs.
Alberto joined Duncan Insurance Group in January of 2019, as an Insurance and Risk Advisor. Alberto brings over ten years of customer service, sales and management experience to assist clients with insurance solutions.
Alberto specializes in Risk Management and Workers Compensation and has obtained a professional designation as a Certified Workers Comp Advisor. He attended Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Connecticut.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Retirement Specialist
Alex P. Kline joined Duncan Financial Group, LLC, in December, 2011. Alex brings over 30 years of financial services experience to his role as Senior Vice President, Retirement Plan Specialist at Duncan Financial Group, LLC. Alex works closely with both corporate and individual clients to help them achieve their long-term financial goals. In addition, Alex is the Program Director for Duncan Financial Group's Employee Financial Wellness Program.
Alex earned his degree in Economics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and received his Certified Financial Planner designation in 1991. In both 2015 and 2016, he was honored as a Top Financial Advisor by Duncan Financial Group's broker-dealer, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. Today, he currently holds FINRA Series 7, 24, 63 & 65, Life & Health.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Operations Manager DAR BGA
Alexa Smith graduated with her B.A. from Liberty University in Paralegal Studies. In 2017, she returned to acquire her MBA. Prior to joining Duncan Advisor Resources, Alexa worked in banking for three years. She now works alongside the DAR team as an Assistant Operations Manager.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Accounting & Finance
Manager, Accounting & Finance Direct: (724) 863.3287 x3112 | andres.abreu@duncangrp.com Andy is a graduate of La Roche University where he obtained his degree in Finance and Management as well as a minor in Accounting. He currently is in the process of acquiring an MBA with a focus in Finance from Waynesburg University. Prior to his time at Duncan, Andy served as a loan support associate at PNC Financial Services
Job Titles:
- Senior Case Manager DAR BGA
April grew up in West Mifflin, PA and she attended Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA, graduating with a B.S. in business management. During her time in college, she began working at her first brokerage firm. In 1994, she transitioned to Merrill Lynch, where she would remain for the next 13 years. In 2008, she returned to the life brokerage, where she remained until December 2015 when she joined to Duncan Advisor Resources Group. April is insurance licensed and also has her Series 6 & 63, Registered Paraplanner, and Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) designations.
April and her husband got married in 1993 and they have two children. When she is not at the office, enjoys living on her 8.5 acres, raising chickens. She says she has even incubated eggs and hatched chicks herself.
Job Titles:
- Relationship Manager, Investment Advisor Representative
After acquiring his Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Edinboro University, Austin joined the Duncan Financial Group Plan Administration team in March of 2016 as a distribution processor. In this role, he was tasked with managing various types of 401(k) distributions for participants, including; loans, hardships, RMDs, In-service, and more.
During his time with Duncan, he obtained his Series 7 and Series 66 licenses and now holds the CPFA designation. Today, Austin works as a Relationship Manager and Investment Advisor Representative offering clients the guidance needed to meet their long-term financial goals.
Job Titles:
- Director, Retirement Plan Administration
Barbara joined Duncan Financial Group in September 1999. She has 31 years of qualified plan experience working extensively in plan design, set-up, implementation, administration, and consulting of Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit Plans. Barb graduated from Pennsylvania State University in December 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematical Statistics.
Job Titles:
- CEO, Investment Advisor Representative
Brian holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) designations and brings over 10 years of experience to the Private Wealth Management team.
Brian was named Chief Executive Officer of Duncan Financial Group in July of 2022. Since joining the firm in 2009, Brian has worked with families and businesses to develop and implement strategies that accumulate, manage, protect and transfer their wealth. In addition to serving on the Investment Policy Committee, Brian is also active within many industry organizations and associations.
Brian obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Business Administration from Duquesne University. With a commitment to providing comprehensive guidance and strategies to clients, Brian also holds Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) designations.
Brian Duncan, David Duncan, Nancy Conners, Edward Kavo, Alex Kline, Tim Kunkle, Robert McCalmont, Larry Qvistgaard, Frank Zoracki, Don Waite, Ron Kims, Julie Snyder, and Robb Stottlemyer are investment advisory representatives and registered representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. Greg Hicks and Kristen Hull are registered representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. They are collectively registered in the following states:
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President of Operations
Christy joined Duncan Financial Group, in March of 2014. She brings 18 years of financial services industry experience to the organization. Her experience in both operations management and as a sales professional, provide the perfect balance for achieving strategic operational objectives while meeting the needs of our sales professionals and ensuring superior client experiences.
Christy currently holds FINRA Series 7, Series 66, and a Life and Health license. She graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Mathematics from California University of Pennsylvania and received her Master of Business Administration from Seton Hill University in 2013.
Job Titles:
- Associate Advisor / Investment Advisor Representative
Colton Hearn graduated from Saint Vincent College in 2018, earning his Bachelor of Science in Finance with a focus in Investment Management. Shortly after obtaining his degree, Colton joined the Duncan Financial Group team in May of 2018. During his time on our team, Colton has worked closely with our senior advisors to learn the ropes and advance in his role. In just two years, he has earned his Life and Health Insurance, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses. Today, he will be helping clients identify and achieve financial goals.
Job Titles:
- Director, Commercial Lines Operations
Dan has been a CPA and a member of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) since 1992- offering over 30 years of experience.
Daniel J Vecchio, CPA joined Duncan Financial Group, LLC in October, 1994. He brings over 25 years of management, accounting and tax experience to his dual role as the company's Chief Operations Officer and CPA for outside individual and business tax clients.
Daniel started with the company as a staff accountant taking care of the accounting, payroll, and income taxes for the internal operating companies of Duncan Financial Group. In addition, he oversees all of the companies outside interests including partnerships with other related companies affiliated with Duncan Financial Group. Daniel also works with the company's investment clients in preparing their personal income taxes.
He has been a CPA and a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) since 1992. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Management from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg in 1989.
Job Titles:
- Chief Risk Officer
- Executive Vice President
- Executive Vice President and Executive Partner
CPCU, CIC, CBWA, CWCA, CRM
David has over 30 years of experience specializing in Risk Management and Workers' Compensation. His professional designations include: Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Certified Risk Manager (CRM), Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Benefits & Wellness Advisor (CBWA), and a Certified WorkComp Advisor (CWCA) by the Institute of WorkComp Professionals.
David R. Leng is Executive Vice President and Executive Partner of Duncan Financial Group, Co-Founder of Keystone CompControl, one of only 14 nationwide Level-5 Advisors of the Institute of WorkComp Professionals, and author of the International Best Sellers - Turning Premiums Into Profits and The 10 Laws of Insurance Attraction, as well as Stop Being Frustrated & Overcharged (By Your Workers' Compensation Program).
David has over 30 years of experience specializing in Risk management and Workers' Compensation. He is an alumnus of Penn State, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Insurance and Risk Management. His professional designations include Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Certified Risk Manager (CRM) and Charter Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Benefits & Wellness Advisor (CBWA), and he's been designated a Certified WorkComp Advisor (CWCA) by the Institute of WorkComp Professionals. In 2008, he was awarded the Advisor of the Year by the Institute of WorkComp Professionals.
Job Titles:
- Executive Chairman
- CEO & CFP®
Dave holds his CFP® and has over 30 years of investment management experience. He has been licensed to offer securities products by FINRA since 1983.
David Duncan is the Executive Chairman of Duncan Financial, the parent company of Duncan Advisor Resources. Dave holds his CFP® and has over 40 years of investment management experience. Although he has responsibility in all aspects of the company's growth, his main focus is personal wealth management, which allows him to help his clients develop, monitor and achieve their financial goals.
David graduated from Point Park University in 1979 with a degree in Business Administration. He received the professional designation of Certified Financial Planner from the College for Financial Planning in 1986. He has been licensed to offer securities products by FINRA since 1983. David is a qualifying and life member of the Million Dollar Round Table and has been a member of the Top of the Table for the last nineteen years.
Deanne has been with Duncan Financial Group as an Account Manager for Employee Benefits since 2013. She quickly entered the industry after attending Edinboro University near Erie, Pennsylvania.
Job Titles:
- Director, Financial Wellness Services
Don Waite joined Duncan Financial Group, LLC, in January 2015. Don brings over 40 years of real-world business and financial experience to his role as an Investment Advisor Representative at Duncan Financial Group. As Director of Financial Wellness Services, Mr. Waite leads a team of Duncan employees who are Specialists in developing, presenting, and implementing their Employee Worksite Financial Wellness Program.
Don currently holds FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 licenses. He obtained the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM designation in 2016 from the College for Financial Planning. He is a licensed Financial Advisor in PA, WV, OH, NY, CT, WI & FL and also, a licensed Insurance Agent in PA & OH. His degree is in Business Administration.
Job Titles:
- Investment Advisor
- Representative
Edward E. Kavo has been with Duncan Financial Group since August, 2010. Ed specializes in Personal Wealth Management, and Retirement Services-- bringing over 40 years of experience in financial services.
In 2010 he joined DFG to again work with clients directly. Ed continues to help businesses and individuals to achieve their goals in the areas of his expertise, Individual and retirement planning, as well as business continuation.
Frank brings over 30 years of life insurance with specialties in business succession and estate planning.
Investment Advisor Representative Direct: (724) 863-3287, x3122 | fzoracki@cambridgesecure.com Frank S. Zoracki joined the Duncan Financial Group in 2016 and brings over 30 years of life insurance and wealth management expertise to his role as an Investment Adviser Representative at Duncan Financial Group. Frank works with clients to understand their wants and needs, while providing personalized financial advice attained over the last 30 years. He currently holds a FINRA Series 6, 63, 66 and Series 7, and is licensed in several states to conduct business and provide advice and services. Additionally, he proudly serves on the Investment Policy Committee at Duncan Financial Group and as Managing Director of The Northeast Region for Keystone Insurers Group.
Job Titles:
- Insurance Operations Manager
Gabrielle joined Duncan in October 2018, as the Insurance Operations Manager. She began her career in the insurance industry quickly after college graduation, obtaining her Property & Casualty license in Pennsylvania and Ohio. She has extensive knowledge, having worked in both Personal and Commercial Lines positions including sales, customer service, and management.
Prior to joining Duncan Financial Group, she facilitated the start of a new Property & Casualty agency, where she was responsible for performing numerous tasks to facilitate growth and the success of the company.
Job Titles:
- Director, Information Technology
PJ Pizarro brings more than 28 years of hands-on experience in information technology, technology support services and operations. He oversees the architectural development and implementation of all operational and business support systems at Duncan Financial Group. He responsible for the support of computer hardware and software technologies, delivery of IT infrastructure and telephony services, information security systems, administrative technology systems, and end user support services. He has been at Duncan Financial Group since January of 2000 and prior to joining the organization he spent over a decade working as a technology infrastructure and support consultant for small to medium businesses.
Job Titles:
- Executive VP Life Brokerage Distribution DAR BGA
Job Titles:
- President, Insurance Division
While serving as President of Duncan Financial Group's Insurance Division for the past 15 years, John has overseen the company's unwavering delivery of the gold-level service its clients have come to expect.
John is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his degree in Business Management. He takes his civic responsibility seriously, a trait passed on by his father, who taught him the importance of supporting the community that supports his company. John has long-served as President of the Norwin Public Library Board, and is a board member of the Norwin Chamber of Commerce, where he co-chairs the annual Golf Outing. He is also member of the Norwin Rotary Club, on the Board of the Norwin School District Community Foundation, and a member of the Irwin Lions Club. John strongly supports Norwin's Student Athlete of the Week Program, where he is honored to present awards to the school's outstanding scholars and athletes. One of John's passions is Norwin's Relay for Life event.
John and Duncan Financial Group are also firmly committed to the events hosted by the Irwin Business and Professional Association, including such endeavors as the Irwin Jazz in the Streets, Ladies Night, Light Up Night, Cookie Tour, Car Cruise, and others.
Just as important to John is his family, which includes: his wife of 30 years, Donna; his son Lance, who also works at the company; daughter, Megan, a teacher at Vincentian Academy in Pittsburgh; and their beloved rescue dog, River. John is an avid golfer and enjoys a good game at the Madison Club. He also likes to travel and visit his camp in Potter County.
Jon Michael has been working in the marketing and operations field for over 7 years with experience in various industries. He has a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management with a minor in Business Administration from Slippery Rock University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He obtained his Professional Certified Marketer (PCM®) certification through the American Marketing Association in 2022.
Job Titles:
- Investment Advisor
- Representative
Julie Snyder (formerly Leeper) joined Duncan Financial Group, as a Registered Representative in March 2019. Throughout her career, Julie has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge- managing the behind-the-scenes work with local advisory firms and acting as an advisor for a large securities and life insurance firm.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator
- Charted Retirement Plan Counselor
- Strategic Planning Analyst / Investment Advisor Representative
CRPC® | Concierge Coordinator
In addition to her role as our dedicated Private Wealth Concierge Coordinator and Financial Planning Specialist, Kristen brings 15 years of experience to the Private Wealth Management Team.
Kristen joined the Duncan Financial Group team back in July of 2018, bringing 16 years of experience in the financial services industry. She began her career at Seton Hill University- first, attaining her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and then her Masters of Business Administration shortly thereafter.
Today, Kristen is a Charted Retirement Plan Counselor (CRPC®) and has earned her Life, Accident, and Health Insurance license in addition to holding her Series 7, Series 63, and Series 66 security licenses.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Insurance Operations Manager
Lance joined Duncan Financial Group, LLC in 2015, as an Account Manager in the Group Benefit division and Brokerage assistant for Duncan Advisor Resources' Brokerage General Agency. Lance quickly advanced in his role, transitioning to a full-time position in the Duncan Insurance Group and acquiring additional internal responsibilities, while focusing on carrier relationship management.
In 2018, Lance advanced to his current role of Assistant Insurance Operations Manager, executing administrative responsibilities for Duncan Insurance Group and continuing his work with Duncan's insurance carriers and providers.
Lance graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2009 and he is also licensed in Life, Accident, and Health Insurance.
Job Titles:
- Investment Advisor
- Principal
- Representative
- President and Chief Operations Officer for Duncan Advisor Resources
- President, COO Duncan Advisor Resources
Larry Qvistgaard is the President and Chief Operations Officer for Duncan Advisor Resources, a group of over 140 representatives, one of the largest within Cambridge Investment Research, the company's broker/dealer. He is responsible for the overall operations, supervision and field development of the advisors affiliated with our branch office.
Larry is a knowledgeable and experienced provider of sales, service and support to financial advisors, having amassed over three decades of successful experience in the retail, wholesale and manufacturer sectors of the financial services industry.
Larry spent a bulk of his career as senior executive for a mid-size d national independent broker/dealer he co-founded, building it to over 400 financial advisors nationwide. He was responsible for building this multi-million dollar Broker/Dealer that he eventually sold to a subsidiary of one of the world's largest financial services conglomerates.
For nearly 30 years Larry has helped financial advisors grow their businesses through innovative sales and marketing strategies. He has also designed and distributed fixed and variable insurance products. He provides financial advisors, affiliated with Duncan Advisor Resources, access to his years of experience in Sales, Marketing, Product Development and Distribution. He can be thought of as a "sounding board" for advisors and their new product implementation along with their sales and marketing endeavors.
Larry Qvistgaard is a Registered Principal and Investment Advisor Representative with Cambridge Investment Research and Cambridge Investment Research Advisors respectively. He has the FINRA Series 7, 24, 63 and 65 licenses along with the California state life and health insurance license. He is an active member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) in Orange County, California.
Job Titles:
- Lead Personal Insurance Account Manager
Lisa joined Duncan Financial Group in February 1988 as a Customer Service Representative. Not long after joining the staff, she became certified and earned the Customer Insurance Service Representative designation. Lisa received her Certified Insurance Counselor designation in July 2018.
Lisa is the lead Personal Insurance Account Manager. She works with quoting and writing new business, as well as managing close to 500 clients. Lisa enjoys getting to know her clients and helping them find the best insurance coverages for their unique needs.
Michael Parisi joined Duncan Financial Group, LLC, in September 2021. Michael brings over 20 years of experience building relationships with mid-market companies in the Tri-State area to his role as Group Benefits Producer at Duncan Financial Group, LLC. Michael helps clients design health insurance plans that maximize claims settlements, review contracts for Insurance requirements/compliance, and provide claims data analytics and communication with carriers.
Consistently helping clients by educating & assisting employees with questions while offering outstanding customer service with a proven record. Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from American University in Washington, DC and holds a Health & Disability license.
Job Titles:
- Investment Advisor
- Representative
Nancy L. Conners joined Duncan Financial Group, LLC in November 2010 as an Administrative Assistant in the Retirement Plan Administration department. Nancy quickly excelled in her role and after only a few years, she emerged as an Investment Advisor Representative.
Nancy works with existing retirement plan sponsors on evaluating plan design, administration, investments, compliance, fiduciary responsibility and ERISA regulatory matters. As an Investment Advisor Representative, Nancy acts as a fiduciary for her clients. Her experience and integrity allows her to best serve her clients' needs.
Nancy graduated Summa Cum Laude from Slippery Rock University. Nancy currently holds FINRA Series 7 & 66 and is licensed in Life and Health insurance in PA.
Rachel joined the Duncan Financial team in 2012 as a Benefits Account Manager. She began her career in the insurance industry quickly after college and has been collaborating with employers and employees on their benefit needs for over 20 years. She has been highly devoted to the clients she assists and her dedication to her clients as well as fellow team members led her to become the Manager of the Group Benefits Division in 2020. She provides extensive knowledge to her existing clients and prospective clients to provide exceptional customer service and strategies for their group benefit offerings.
Job Titles:
- Director of Life Brokerage Sales DAR BGA
Robb joined the company in 2013 to focus on the life insurance aspect of the BGA. He provides concierge-level service, specializing in creative case consultation and policy audit capability, that integrate life insurance into an overall financial plan.
Robb earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. He is a member of the Financial Planning Association, teaches Sunday School at Centenary United Methodist Church. Additionally, he volunteers for the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Recruiting Team and coaches youth sports. Robb married the best referral he ever received, his wife, Kate. He and Kate have two sons and they enjoy participating in outdoor activities as a family.
Job Titles:
- Investment Advisor
- Representative
Robert McCalmont joined Duncan Financial Group, LLC, in January 1992. He has over 25 years of institutional retirement plan and wealth management experience in his role as Investment Advisor Representative at Duncan Financial Group.
As an independent Investment Advisor Representative, Rob provides unbiased financial advice for his individual clients with a high level of personal service. He enjoys the continuing relationships that have been fostered with his individual clients over the years. Rob currently holds FINRA Series 6, 7, 24 and 63 licenses. He obtained the Certified Financial Planner™ designation in 1999. Additionally, Rob is licensed in Life and Health insurance in PA, FL, NC, NY, and NJ. In December of 1991, he received his degree in Finance from Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA.
Job Titles:
- Investment Advisor
- Representative
Ron Kims has been with Duncan Financial Group since June of 2017. Ron has over 10 years of experience in the financial area, as well as several additional years of business experience. Ron possesses a Series 7, Series 66, and Life and Health license in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida.
Ron works with prospects and current clients to plan an investment strategy, assisting both individuals and commercial clients to achieve their long-term investment goals. Ron engages in all areas of financial planning with an emphasis on retirement planning and elder care.
Job Titles:
- Strategic Planning Analyst / Investment Advisor Representative
Stacy joined the Duncan Financial Group team July of 2021 as a Strategic Planning Analyst, bringing over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry serving high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients. Her passion is to assist clients achieve their personal financial goals and aspirations through financial planning.
Stacy has earned her Series 65, 7 and 63 licenses, holds an Executive Certification in Financial Planning through the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, an Advanced Certification in Accounting from Robert Morris University, and a B.A. in Communications from Slippery Rock University.
Stephanie is licensed for Personal and Commercial Property & Casualty and Life, and has 2 professional designations; LUTCF (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow) and CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter). She has also been recognized within the industry as a Five Star Professional award recipient.
Stephanie Botti joined Duncan Financial Group, LLC, in January 2014. She brings over 20 years of insurance experience to her role as Insurance & Risk Advisor at Duncan Financial Group.
Prior to joining Duncan Financial Group, Stephanie was with Liberty Mutual Group for 24 years, as an Agent, and Sales Manager of 4 Western PA offices. She is licensed for Personal and Commercial Property & Casualty and Life, and has 2 professional designations, LUTCF (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow) and CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter), and has been recognized within the industry multiple times as a Five Star Professional award recipient.
Job Titles:
- Investment Advisor
- Representative
Timothy A. Kunkle joined Duncan Financial Group, LLC, in December 2013. Mr. Kunkle began working with retirement plans in 1998 and brings over 20 years of institutional retirement plan and wealth management experience to his role as Investment Advisor Representative and Retirement Plan Relationship Manager at Duncan Financial Group.
Tim works closely with potential and existing retirement clients on evaluating plan design, administration, investments, compliance, fiduciary responsibility, and ERISA regulatory matters. His primary goals when working with companies on their retirement plans are to simplify the plan management for the plan sponsor, lower plan expenses, and assist the plan participants in reaching their retirement goals, enabling them to retire with a sustainable retirement income.
Tim currently holds FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 licenses as well as Life and Health insurance. He obtained the Accredited Investment Fiduciary™ designation in 2015 and the Accredited Retirement Plan Consultant designation in 2020. As an independent Investment Advisor Representative, Tim provides objective financial advice for his individual clients with a high level of personal service.
Tyler Harkins has been with Duncan Financial Group since July of 2021. Tyler has over 4 years of experience in the insurance & financial area and possesses his property and casualty license as well as his Life and Health license. He previously held position with PNC Bank and most recently State Farm.
Tyler works with current clients and prospects to plan an insurance & risk strategy, making sure what matters most is properly protected.
William E. Zurlo, CPA joined Duncan Financial Group, LLC in December 2021. He brings over 30 year of accounting and tax expertise to his role serving outside business and individual tax clients.
Bill has been a CPA and a member of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) since 1992. He earned his degree in Business and Economics from the University of Pittsburgh in 1990.
Bill began his career working for a local CPA firm in Murrysville where he performed various services for the firm including preparing business and individual tax returns along with many other client need-based services. Bill spent the next 20 years working at two Pennsylvania based utilities as a manager and director in accounting.