Meet Our Leaders
Executive Committee
The Risk Strategies Executive Committee is a body of executive leaders with extensive insurance and risk management experience. They are responsible for the mission, vision, strategy, and operations of the company, focused on revenue growth and expansion. As the executive leadership team, they focus on the needs of clients, employees, investors, and trading partners.
Practice Leadership
We have more than 30+ practices led by experienced industry leaders. This team has deep expertise and knowledge across all leading industries and is passionate about helping our clients succeed.
Assistant Vice President, East Coast
Sam Radin
Senior Vice President, Life Practice
Sam Radin joined Risk Strategies in 2023. He designs life insurance products to meet the needs of affluent families, family offices, large businesses, and charitable organizations as well as senior executives of corporations and not-for-profit entities. Sam previously practiced trusts and estates law and has more than 40 years of experience in addressing issues arising from income, estate, gift, and generation skipping transfer taxation. In addition, he has extensive experience in international estate planning and providing tax efficient ways for non-U.S. persons, including institutional investors, to invest in U.S. real estate interests.
Sam has served as a member of various bar association tax committees, and has been a frequent speaker to accountants, attorneys, and financial planning professionals. He has been cited on the topic of estate taxation in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. His publications include the Executive Compensation Answer Book and the Estate and Retirement Planning Answer Book.
A unique aspect of Sam’s role is planning for writers and other creative professionals, including the disposition of their copyright catalogues. A bibliophile, he is a member of the Advisory Council of the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center at the University of Texas, the leading repository for papers of twentieth century British and American authors. Sam served as an adjunct professor at New York University where he taught a course on the evolution of our legal system.
Sam holds a J.D. from Boston University’s School of Law, where he was awarded the Nathan Burkan Memorial Prize in copyright law, and a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College.
Securities offered through Lion Street Financial, LLC. (LSF), Member FINRA/SIPC. Risk Strategies is not affiliated with LSF.
Senior Vice President, East Coast
Dental Practice Leader
Kyle has over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry. The last 25 has been spent working exclusively with dentists of all specialties and dental practices of all sizes. Kyle is recognized in the dental community as an authority on dental practice risk management and malpractice claims prevention. He often speaks to groups of dentists on this subject, has taught the risk management portion of the AGD Master Track program in Dallas, written several articles for Doctor of Dentistry magazine and was a contributing author for the book, “The Practice Launchpad.”
Vice President | Team Lead
Ann received her Bachelor of Science in special education from Penn State University (Go Nittany Lions!) and has her Master of Education in applied behavior analysis from Arizona State University. She has 12 years of professional experience including 3 years in the insurance industry. Her attention to detail, organizational skills, passion for helping others, strong work ethic, and growth mindset are just some of Ann’s qualities that allow her to bring excellence to Wallace Specialty. She is committed to creating a multi-faceted program tailored to her clients’ unique needs that fosters their personal and professional growth.
Vice President | Business Development
Herb has 5 years of experience in the insurance industry. At Wallace Specialty, Herb thrives in the roles that he naturally succeeds in. With the ability to build a career through the activities and conversations that he enjoys having, he can bring excellence by enjoying what he does and being open to growth. With the desire to be one of the most knowledgeable individuals within the industry, he commits that he’ll provide educated and reliable information.
Herb received a bachelor’s degree in Managerial Economics with a Minor in Astronomy from Allegheny College. He played on the Allegheny Men’s Golf team in college. After graduating, Herb went to work for Merrill in a financial advisor program for 1.5 years prior to joining Wallace Specialty.
In his spare time he works with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Young Professional’s group, plays golf, and looks for wine tastings. He’s always looking to build new connections, create stories, and make new friendships.
Founder & Chairman
Founder & Chairman
Mike founded Risk Strategies in 1997, growing the firm into a national, top 9 privately held broker. He currently serves as Chairman, working with the firm's senior leadership team, private equity partner, and the board of directors on strategic and growth initiatives.
Before starting the company, he worked in senior positions at Alexander & Alexander and Jardine Insurance Brokers.
A native of California, Mike attended the University of California at Santa Barbara and holds CPCU, CLU, and ARM designations. Active in the community, he has served as Board President of Someone Else's Child, Inc. for over 20 years. Mike is also the Managing Partner for Community Impact Ventures (CIV), a venture capital impact fund that provides financial support to social entrepreneurs.
He was inducted into the Insurance Business America Hall of Fame in 2020.
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer
John joined Risk Strategies as President in 2017 and was promoted to CEO in 2019. He is an energetic and hands-on leader that places a high focus on execution, candor, and client relationships.
As Chief Executive Officer of Accession Risk Management Group and its specialty operating companies, Risk Strategies and One80 Intermediaries, John has responsibility for the mission, vision, strategy, and overall day-to-day operations of the company, focused on revenue growth, organic and M&A, as well as client retention. His deep industry experience and energetic leadership are fueled by over 27 years at Willis Towers Watson and Marsh.
He received a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management degree from Dowling College.
As part of his commitment to community involvement, John holds board positions with Conservation Nation and the Maguire Academy of Risk & Insurance Management at Gallaudet University.
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officer
With over 30 years of strategic leadership experience in the insurance brokerage industry, Sharon serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Accession Risk Management Group and its specialty operating companies, Risk Strategies and One80 Intermediaries, where she is responsible for the firm's finance, treasury, real estate, and enterprise risk management activities.
Sharon joined Risk Strategies as Chief Operating Officer in 2019 to help scale the company for tremendous growth. In 2021, she assumed the role of CFO. Previously Sharon was the CFO of Willis Towers Watson's Corporate Risk and Broking segment, as well as for their North America geography. Sharon also held senior roles spanning controllership, shared services, sales and service operations, M&A integration, system implementations, and finance. She also served as Co-Chair of Women at Willis, a Diversity & Inclusion group. Before Willis Towers Watson, Sharon worked for Arthur Andersen & Co. focusing on the Health Care, Senior Living, and Financial Services industries.
A University of Tennessee graduate, Sharon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration - Accounting and professional designations as a CPA and CGMA. Sharon is a past recipient of the Business Insurance Women to Watch award.
Chief Operating Officer, Personal Lines
Tim joined Risk Strategies in 2022 as the Chief Operating Officer for the Private Client Practice to help develop and implement the strategic vison for the practice and to manage day-to-day practice operations and technologies. His responsibilities include driving operational efficiencies across all offices and regions, enhancing the client experience through the use of technology, standardizing and optimizing workflows and helping to oversee the management of the Private Client Practices' largest carrier relationships.
In addition to his practice leadership role, Tim is also a personal risk advisor and works directly with successful families across the county. He assesses client needs, identifies future risks, and develops customized, comprehensive personal insurance solutions that align with their risk management priorities.
With nearly 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, Tim brings a wide range of experience having spent dedicated time on the retail, wholesale, and carrier sides of the business. He founded and sold Platinum Partners, a successful wholesale business focused exclusively on the private client segment. He also served as Executive Vice President of Orchid Underwriters, a private equity backed specialty MGA which he joined after selling his firm. In addition, Tim spent nearly a decade at Chubb Personal Risk Services where he held several executive level positions in both underwriting and marketing, including leading the New England Region.
Tim earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Drew University. He is a member of PRMA (Private Risk Management Association), a longtime member of the Boston Estate Planning Council, and a former member of the Family Office Exchange.
National Healthcare Practice Leader
National Healthcare Practice Leader
Bob serves as the National Healthcare Practice Leader for Risk Strategies. Throughout his career, Bob built two national specialty insurance brokerage firms. The first company was sold to Aon where he became the Managed Healthcare Practice Leader. His second firm, Dubraski & Associates, merged with Risk Strategies in 2015.
Bob's client experience across his industry career includes public agencies, publicly traded companies, privately held firms, purchasing groups, nonprofit companies, and healthcare organizations.
He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, specializing in Statistics, from the University of California, Irvine.
National Life Insurance Practice Leader
National Life Insurance Practice Leader
Matthew Friedson joined Risk Strategies in 2022 as the National Life Insurance Practice Leader. He is responsible for developing and leading the national growth strategy for the Life Insurance practice.
Matthew has more than 15 years of experience specializing in complex insurance applications of estate and business planning, educating clients and helping them to develop and implement powerful strategies to meet their objectives. He spent nine years as a senior adviser with a mid-Atlantic (DC) area brokerage and consulting firm where he specialized in private client services, advising clients across the country on wealth transfer and tax planning strategies, as well as business succession planning. During the last five years, he also held a principal role for a boutique private client personal lines property and casualty firm.
Matthew holds a marketing degree from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business and a Series 6 securities license. He is a member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet of the Jewish Federations of North America and previously served on the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington for five years.
For six consecutive years including 2022, Matthew has been awarded the ‘Best Financial Adviser: Insurance’ designation by the Washingtonian (https://www.washingtonian.com/best/financial-advisers/ and in 2023, he was listed into their Top Wealth Advisor Hall of Fame (https://www.washingtonian.com/2023/01/31/top-wealth-adviser-hall-of-fame/)
Securities offered through Lion Street Financial, LLC. (LSF), Member FINRA/SIPC. Risk Strategies is not affiliated with LSF. Receipt of an award should not be construed as an endorsement of the financial professional and is no guarantee of future investment success.
National Employee Benefits Practice Leader
National Employee Benefits Practice Leader
John leads the National Employee Benefits Practice as well as the Risk Strategies Benefits Specialty Group. He joined Risk Strategies in 2006 and became the founding member of the company's employee benefits practice with overall responsibility for the growth, profitability, and 350+ associates in the company's largest industry practice. He has implemented operational efficiencies, invested in technology, and upgraded resources that create consistency and support his team resulting in improved client outcomes.
Prior to joining Risk Strategies, John was Executive Vice President of a regional insurance brokerage firm in the Boston area. In addition, his prior experience includes working for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York. He has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry.
National Private Equity Practice Leader
Neil Krauter, Sr.
National Private Equity Practice Leader
Neil leads the National Private Equity Practice.
Before joining Risk Strategies, he founded Krauter & Company in 2004 which merged with Risk Strategies to form and build a leading private equity specialty practice. Prior to founding Krauter & Company, Neil worked at Lloyd's of London, Marsh, and Aon, where he built out and managed the Aon Mergers & Acquisitions Group. He was Aon's leading specialist in providing services to the Mergers and Acquisitions industry with well over 2,000 transactions to his credit. Active in the private equity community, he launched the Private Equity Principal Group in 2014, which currently has over 130 members.
Today, the Risk Strategies Private Equity Practice has over 350 private equity firms as current and active clients.
Chief Legal Officer
Chief Legal Officer
Natalie is an accomplished legal and risk advisor and executive-level leader with over 10 years of experience in corporate law and a successful track record as a trusted advisor to senior management teams and boards of directors of companies across multiple industries on a variety of complex business, strategic, transactional, risk and legal issues. Natalie thrives on collaborating with passionate, driven leaders who excel at their work and know how to play in the big picture space and collaborate to create next-level growth.
As Chief Legal Officer of Accession Risk Management Group and its specialty operating companies, Risk Strategies and One80 Intermediaries, Natalie serves as a member of the Executive Committee and is responsible for all aspects of the organization’s legal and compliance functions, including M&A, securities, litigation, regulatory, governance, intellectual property, employment & benefits, and other corporate matters. Natalie also serves as an executive sponsor to the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council and is deeply committed to the company’s ESG initiatives.
Prior to joining the company, Natalie was a partner at Kirkland & Ellis, specializing in advising private equity firms and their portfolio companies on a wide range of corporate, M&A, and securities matters.
A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Oregon and cum laude graduate of Boston University School of Law, Natalie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, and a juris doctorate in law.
National Brokerage Leader
As National Brokerage Leader, Mark is the lead liaison to the carrier and intermediary community, where he is responsible for communicating the needs of Risk Strategies and its clients and assisting in developing strategy and negotiating complicated coverage and claims. He also leads Risk Strategies National Product Line Practices.
An industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, Mark began his career at Marsh in New York. He joined Risk Strategies through the acquisition of healthcare specialty brokerage Dubraski & Associates, where he served as Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer and Practice Leader. Mark also served as Property & Casualty Practice Leader for Risk Strategies Healthcare Practice before being named National Brokerage Leader.
Mark earned his MBA from the Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts and his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Management from Fordham University in the Bronx, New York.
Throughout his career, he has had extensive involvement in mentoring programs and professional development training. Mark serves on several Carrier and Intermediary Broker Advisory Councils, is a member of the Northeast Board of Directors for the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF), and is a frequent contributor to industry publications.
Active in his community, Mark has served on his local Little League Board of Directors, was a youth football and baseball coach and has participated in a host of other athletic programs. He also volunteered at his local Volunteer Ambulance Association and Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities.
Managing Director,
National Aviation Practice Leader
Chief Human Resources Officer
Chief Human Resources Officer
As Chief Human Resources Officer of Accession Risk Management Group and its specialty operating companies, Risk Strategies and One80 Intermediaries, Amanda oversees the company's human resources function including talent and organizational development, total rewards, talent acquisition, and overall total employee engagement.
Previously, she served as senior vice president and chief human resources officer at New Jersey Resources (NJR) and as director and senior vice president of human resources in North America for Willis Group Holdings. She has also held senior HR leadership roles at Dun & Bradstreet, Anywhere Integrated Services (formerly Title Resource Group), and Prudential.
Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Delaware and a Master of Business Administration from Rider University. She is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and holds a Society of Human Resources Management - Senior Certified Professional (SCP) designation.
Active in her community, Amanda serves as a member of the 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc. Board of Trustees, and is the chairperson of their personnel committee. In addition, Amanda is an executive fellow for Rider University's Center for the Development of Leadership Skills and serves on the University's Women's Leadership Council.
National Private Client Services Practice Leader
National Private Client Services Practice Leader
Alison joined Risk Strategies in 2021, developing and leading the overall national growth strategy for Private Client Services. She focuses on enhancing the client experience for our high net worth clients and delivering tailored solutions that better serve their unique insurance and risk management needs.
With over 25 years of experience in the property & casualty insurance industry, Alison has spent the majority of her career in the high net worth segment. Prior to joining Risk Strategies, she worked for the PURE Group of Insurance Companies where she held various leadership positions including Eastern Zone Executive. Previously, she held various roles focused on business development and underwriting for AIG and The Chubb Corporation.
Alison holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Franklin & Marshall College and is a graduate of Boston’s Future Leaders Program. She is actively engaged in her community through several organizations including the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, Women’s Lunch Place and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Falmouth Road Race.
National Private Client Services Practice Leader
National Private Client Services Practice Leader
Alison joined Risk Strategies in 2021, developing and leading the overall national growth strategy for Private Client Services. She focuses on enhancing the client experience for our high net worth clients and delivering tailored solutions that better serve their unique insurance and risk management needs.With over 25 years of experience in the property & casualty insurance industry, Alison has spent the majority of her career in the high net worth segment. Prior to joining Risk Strategies, she worked for the PURE Group of Insurance Companies where she held various leadership positions including Eastern Zone Executive. Previously, she held various roles focused on business development and underwriting for AIG and The Chubb Corporation.
Alison holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Franklin & Marshall College and is a graduate of Boston’s Future Leaders Program. She is actively engaged in her community through several organizations including the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, Women’s Lunch Place and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Falmouth Road Race.
President, One80 Intermediaries
President, One80 Intermediaries
Matthew serves as President of One80 Intermediaries which was formally launched in December 2019. He formerly served as Executive Vice President of Lexington Insurance Company one of the strongest and most stable excess & surplus carriers. Matthew continues to advance the mission of One80, through innovation, specialization, and development of new programs designed to meet the demands of a changing market.
Matthew is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, and in 2005 completed post graduate studies at Harvard Business School.
He serves on the boards of directors of The New England Council, The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, and The University of Massachusetts College of Management Advisory Board.
National Director of Retail Operations
National Director of Retail Operations
John is responsible for growing our retail operations both organically, by driving consistency to the client and associate experience, and inorganically as we integrate new acquisitions into the Risk Strategies family. An industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in insurance management and underwriting, John joined Risk Strategies from Boston-based CNA Insurance where he served as branch president.
Prior to CNA, he was regional president at OneBeacon Insurance. He spent the first dozen years of his insurance career in underwriting and marketing with Chubb Insurance.
John holds a Juris Doctor from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University in New York and a Bachelor of Science Law degree from Fairfield University in Connecticut.
Managing Director
Chief Mergers & Acquisitions Officer
John Vaglica
Chief Mergers & Acquisitions Officer
As Chief Mergers & Acquisitions Officer of Accession Risk Management Group and its specialty operating companies, Risk Strategies and One80 Intermediaries, John focuses on all M&A activities, including debt financing, investor relations, and the company's overall capital structure. He has over 30 years of experience in corporate finance, accounting, and operations, with both public and private companies. His background is in insurance and high-tech medical device manufacturing specializing in operational assimilation, accounting, finance, M&A and private equity/venture capital financing.
John has been with the company for over 18 years serving in a variety of roles including CFO. Previously, he was responsible for HR, IT, and Administration.
Prior to joining Risk Strategies, John held positions of increasing responsibility at Endius Incorporated, Benchmark Assisted Living, and Haemonetics Corporation.
John holds both a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Accounting and an MBA from Bentley University.
Managing Director
Michael Waters serves as Managing Director in the Financial & Wealth Services division of Risk Strategies. He brings more than 35 years of financial services experience to his clients with a focus on employee benefits, wealth management, and retirement plan services.
Michael started his career with Profit and Pension Planners inc., a retirement plan consulting firm in 1985 and became a partner in 1989. In 2003, Michael was one of the founding members of TSG Financial LLC, a full-service employee benefits and Financial Services consultant and broker. TSG Financial was acquired by Risk Strategies in 2016.
Michael strives to provide highly-responsive, personalized strategies to sophisticated clients who desire holistic financial counsel. He believes in developing long-term partnerships with his clients who benefit from competitive, transparent pricing, appropriate products, and personalized guidance. Michael works closely with the Private Equity and Employee Benefits teams to deliver retirement plan solutions which complement the overall corporate programs at Risk Strategies.
Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Binghamton University. He is a chartered life underwriter, CLU, and Chartered Financial Consultant.
Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and Investment Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. TSG Financial and Risk Strategies are not affiliated with the Securities America companies.
Managing Director
Stuart Youngentob has served as a Managing Director since 1993. He specializes in the creative application of life insurance solutions and corporate benefit plans, providing business owners, executives and professionals with innovative approaches and exceptional service to enhance their financial futures.
Prior to his Managing Director role, Stuart was the Founder / Director of Revere Bank (formerly Monument Bank) for 12 years. He also worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers for three years.
Stuart is a Washington, D.C. Estate Planning Council Member and earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in Tax from the Emory University School of Law. He also holds an MBA in accounting and finance from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and a BA in economics and political science from the University of Rochester.
Securities offered through Lion Street Financial, LLC. (LSF), Member FINRA/SIPC, and Investment Advisory services offered through Lion Street Advisors, LLC (LSA), an Investment Advisor registered with the SEC. Risk Strategies is not affiliated with LSF or LSA. Tax and Legal services are not offered through LSF or LSA.
Managing Director
Howard Zodicoff serves as Managing Director in the Financial & Wealth Services division of Risk Strategies. He brings three decades of financial services experience to his clients and was a business owner prior to joining the firm.
In 1996, Howard merged his firm with Standard Pension Services, LLC, and has been an integral part of the firm’s growth. In June 2020, Howard became President of Standard Pension Services, LLC. In September 2022, the firm joined Risk Strategies adding to the company’s existing financial service capabilities, with a focus on retirement planning.
Howard specializes in providing solutions in all areas of wealth management, retirement plan design/administration and corporate benefits for individuals and companies. He is committed to transparency, thoughtfulness, and being available to his clients. Howard strives to build personal relationships with every client he serves. Aside from his credentials and considerable experience, his clients appreciate Howard’s dedication, diligence, and the personal interest he takes to best accomplish their goals.
Howard earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from State University of New York College at Old Westbury. He holds a series 6 and 7 securities license as well as life and health insurance.
Howard lives in Roslyn, New York, with his wife, daughters, and dog. In his free time, he enjoys skiing and traveling.
Investment Advisory services provided through Aurora Private Wealth, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Certain representatives of Aurora Private Wealth are also Registered Representatives offering securities through APW Capital, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC.
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