About Our Support Team
As advisors specializing in the senior insurance market, our advisors help retirees and their families make informed decisions regarding healthcare coverage. With the shifting political landscape, rising Medicare costs along with plan changes, and uncertainty about a constantly evolving healthcare system, retirees need expert advice more now than ever.
Our advice doesn’t end with healthcare. We analyze the most important elements of our client’s financial affairs, from senior insurance coverage options to income planning, from asset protection to wealth transfer, along with tax minimization strategies. Whether a client is considering retirement, or already there, our purpose is to exceed your expectations allowing you to confidently carry on building your life and legacy.
Click on a Staff Members’ Name Below To Go Directly to Their Bio
Leadership Team
| David Kurtz | David Jones |
Ops Center Staff
| Kelly Steigerwald | Kristen Coover | Sam Errington |
| Melanie McClanathan | Rachel Olson | Ashley Meredith |
| Collin Owens | Justin Ross |
Office Administrators
| Kelly Phillips | Barb Plovock | Laury Skidmore |
Leadership Team
David Kurtz
President
David is a 3rd generation insurance professional who began working for his father at age 14 filing Medicare claims. Before entering the insurance industry full-time David served in the United States Marine Corps and graduated from Winthrop University. For over three decades he has been driven by the principle of making sure our clients are provided a level of service that is second to none.
He has served on numerous advisory boards for insurance companies and has been instrumental in the development of several insurance plans that are now sold nationwide. While not spending time working, he enjoys spending time with his wife Priya who has been by his side for over 30 years, and his two children.
Click Here to Connect with David on LinkedIn
David Jones
Vice President
Before joining Senior Benefit Services, Inc. David worked with hundreds of clients, from medical offices to legal practices to industrial companies, helping them navigate their company retirement plans with expertise in helping clients build 401(k) plans that balanced the changing demands of the business and regulatory environment with employee needs.
David is a graduate of Elon University (NC) and holds Series 7, 63, and 66, and life and health insurance licenses.
He is a lifelong sports enthusiast with a passion for soccer. He serves as the President and Executive Director for Liverpool FC International Academy Western Maryland, where he oversees the day-to-day operations of the soccer club, reporting directly to the Liverpool FC Academy in England. When he is not in the office or on the soccer field, he enjoys spending time with his two boys Abe and Max. He also serves his high school alma mater, St. Maria Goretti, sitting on the Athletic Hall of Fame Committee.
Click Here to Connect with David on LinkedIn
Ops Center Staff
Kelly Steigerwald
Favorite Quote: “Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes” ― Carl Yung
What is something within the healthcare industry you want to fix? The level of difficulty and confusion that seniors experience in navigating and acquiring Medicare and the proper health plans.
What do you do at Senior Benefit Services? I work in our New Business department assisting agents by making sure applications are submitted on a timely basis and seeing them through underwriting in an effort to get them approved as quickly as possible.
What do you like about working at Senior Benefit Services, Inc.? The atmosphere and the people, as well as contributing to a job that helps others.
What’s your background? I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology which helps me in all aspects of work. I also have a background in Loan Processing, Proposal Writing, and working with abused children and women recovering from the disease of addiction.
What values drive you? Integrity, passion, and a strong work ethic, along with a determination and desire to help others.
What activities do you enjoy doing when not at work? In my spare time, I enjoy photography, being outside in nature, and spending time with my family and friends.
Click Here to Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn
Kristen Coover
Favorite quote: “If you are unwilling to learn no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” – Unknown
What do you do at Senior Benefit Services? I work as a liaison between the insurance carriers and our advisors to resolve commission questions/concerns. My primary responsibility is to reconcile commission statements and payments ensuring that our advisors and brokers are compensated promptly.
What do you like about working at Senior Benefit Services, Inc.? I enjoy the sense of family in our office. We all work together to help and support each other.
What’s your background? I grew up in Chambersburg, PA. I started working in the hospitality industry, eventually working my way into the accounting department. I have always enjoyed working with numbers and solving any financial challenges that businesses face.
What values drive you? My family inspires me to do more. I want them to continue to grow and develop throughout their adult lives; stressing to them that helping out others is life’s greatest reward.
What activities do you enjoy doing when not at work? In my free time, I enjoy sitting on my deck and reading a good book.
Sam Errington
Favorite quote: “Do what is right, not what is easy nor what is popular.” — Roy T. Bennett, “The Light in the Heart”
What is something within the healthcare industry you want to fix? I feel that the healthcare industry has a lot of issues regarding service, in general. I’ve experienced times where I’ve only been as valued as a consumer to the extent of the amount of premium I pay. I want to be an example of what service should be, where all clients are valued and treated with respect and dignity.
What do you do at Senior Benefit Services? As a member of the marketing team, my main focus is to work with agents and show them how our vast amount of insurance products can help their customers save money and protect themselves and their families.
What do you like about working at Senior Benefit Services, Inc.? I truly value the culture and people I am graced to work with. Everyone is welcoming, supportive, and laid back. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere that allows productivity without the stressful ‘corporate culture’ feel.
What’s your background? Most of my professional experience revolves around account management, with over 10 years of expertise. From large corporate structures to small business growth, I pride myself on building and establishing professional relationships to continue business growth.
What values drive you? I think being flexible and open to new ideas keeps me from getting complacent. There will always be someone with more knowledge, so understanding that there is always something new to learn helps to keep me engaged and excited for each day.
What activities do you enjoy doing when not at work? I am an avid gamer, and movie and sports buff. When I’m not grinding hours on my PC, I’m watching 80s and 90s movies or playing hockey.
Melanie McClanathan
Vice President of Operations
Favorite quote: “There are going to be times where you will have bad days, bad weeks, and even sometimes bad months – but remember rainbows always come after the darkest storm” – Demi Lovato
What is something within the healthcare industry you want to fix? I would love to be able to fix the customer service issues at some of the carriers we deal with. Sometimes it can be very difficult to get the answers and help that is needed. I navigate this by being persistent, asking follow-up questions, and communicating with the agents and clients regarding the outcome.
What do you do at Senior Benefit Services? I am the Vice President of Operations for all three of our locations (Hagerstown, Cumberland, and Thurmont) making sure that the offices are running smoothly and efficiently. One of the most important aspects of my job is to ensure the staff are happy and well-trained so they can provide the best client and agent support possible.
What do you like about working at Senior Benefit Services, Inc.? I love the family atmosphere at Senior Benefit Services, that is probably the best thing. I like that every day has its routines, but challenges also help keep each day fresh and rewarding.
What’s your background? I grew up and currently live in Greencastle, PA. Before working for Senior Benefit Services, I was in college studying to become an RN while working in retail. I have always enjoyed paperwork (there’s a lot of it in insurance!) and helping people.
What values drive you? Perseverance and determination: I overcame a lot of obstacles in high school which taught me to be resilient. Enthusiasm and optimism: I always look for and hope for the best in people. Hardworking: If I am not striving to do my best and not putting forth my best effort I don’t feel like I was successful.
What activities do you enjoy doing when not at work? When not in the office, I can be found sitting at the ice rink for my daughter’s hockey practice or my husband’s game. Ice hockey is a family activity and passion for us, especially catching a Hershey Bears or Pittsburgh Penguins game. Outside of hockey, I enjoy taking dance classes (ballet, jazz, and tap), reading, being active outside, and baking.
Click Here to Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn
Rachel Olson
Favorite quote: “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” -David Viscot
What is something within the healthcare industry you want to fix? I would love to see an improvement in the mental health industry. There are so many people struggling with mental wellness. It has become very difficult for those individuals to find a provider that is accepting new patients, and/or willing to see patients face to face.
What do you do at Senior Benefit Services? As a New Business Specialist, I make sure all applications are submitted so they can be approved quickly; monitoring applications through the underwriting process to provide a smooth and quick approval time.
What do you like about working at Senior Benefit Services, Inc.? What I like most about working at Senior Benefit Services are the people that work here. The company culture makes the staff feel like a little family. Although we work hard at what we do, the staff is very laid back and welcoming. I’m never afraid to ask questions.
What’s your background? I was an elementary school teacher for 17 years for Greencastle Antrim School District as a regular education teacher with children in grades K-3.
What values drive you? The number one value that drives me is integrity; doing the right thing even when no one is looking. I strive to be a role model for my kids at home, so this is very important to me. I also feel that being compassionate and kind to our clients is very important. They want their voices to be heard and I hope that I reflect these values on the phone. Honesty is also important to me. When I make a mistake, I will own up to it and learn from the process.
What activities do you enjoy doing when not at work? When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 children.
Ashley Meredith
Favorite Quote: “Don’t just teach your children to read, teach them to question everything that they read…. Teach them to question everything”. – George Carlin
What is something within the healthcare industry you want to fix? Nobody wants to call a human to talk anymore, it is all email. I want people to hear my smile when I talk to them whether in person or on the phone. Allowing them to feel like they are talking to someone who genuinely cares what they have to say.
What do you do at Senior Benefit Services? I work in the Contracting and Licensing Department here at Senior Benefit Services, Inc. My primary responsibility is to ensure that our agent’s licenses are maintained and that they are appointed to write business with the carriers.
What do you like about working at Senior Benefit Services, Inc? Each day is different.
What’s your background? I’ve spent most of my working life in retail and management. When I started looking for a career change, this position was of interest to me because it was in a different industry and looked to be a new challenge I knew I could handle.
What are the values that drive you? I like to make sure that I am always one step ahead and that I don’t ask anyone to do something that I wouldn’t do myself.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? I am a homebody and like to spend time with my kids and family.
Collin Owens
Favorite quote: “Whatever you do, always give 100%. Unless you’re donating blood.” – Bill Murray
What is something within the healthcare industry you want to fix? I don’t understand much about this industry because it is so new to me. That being said, I still want to help as many people reach their goals by improving this industry to the best of my ability.
What do you do at Senior Benefit Services? I work in our commission department making sure our agents get the correct compensation for the hard work they put in every day.
What do you like about working at Senior Benefit Services, Inc.? Everyone here is so kind. We’re a tight-knit group of people and we all go out of our way to help each other as much as possible.
What’s your background? I grew up in Chambersburg, PA. I’m new to Senior Benefit Services, but before that, I was between different retail jobs. After I took a step up to an administrative position at my prior job, I knew I wanted to get myself into this industry.
What values drive you? Be kind to people. We live in a world that strives off negativity and I want to be the one who spreads light into people’s lives and makes them feel valued.
What activities do you enjoy doing when not at work? When I’m not in the office I can usually be found playing in my local recreational soccer league. Whether it’s an official game or just pick up with some friends I can usually be found with a ball at my feet.
Click Here to Connect with Collin on LinkedIn
Justin Ross
Favorite quote: “The only true wisdom consists in knowing that you know nothing” -Socrates
What is something within the healthcare industry you want to fix? Ease of access to knowledge for the general public, healthcare can seem like a very overwhelming system(and it can be!) but the more people can be introduced to the inner workings of it the more equipped they can be to feel comfortable approaching it.
What do you do at Senior Benefit Services? As a member of the marketing team, my main focus is helping the company recruit more agents to work within our network. I also get to be creative, working on creating digital content designed to help our agents in their success.
What do you like about working at Senior Benefit Services, Inc.? I love the laid-back atmosphere, I feel like that helps to create a working team relationship as well as feeling a certain level of freedom to perform within my role.
What’s your background? I have spent the last decade or so in some form or another of sales, most recently in insurance, mostly Life and Property & Casualty sales.
What values drive you? Attitude is a big driver for me, and I try to come to most situations with enthusiasm and a sense of humor that helps bring a smile to people’s faces.
What activities do you enjoy doing when not at work? I am a huge movie nerd, so I love nothing more than getting sucked into a good film! I have been married for over 10 years, my wife, Trina, and our trouble-making cat, Nala are my world! I also produce and host a podcast that is a real passion project!
Click Here to Connect with Justin on LinkedIn
Office Administrators
Kelly Phillips
Favorite quote: “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.” -Albus Dumbledore
What is something within the healthcare industry you want to fix? The ease at which you can contact an insurance company whether it be an issue that needs resolved or just general questions. The wait times are unbearable and can be frustrating for our clients.
What do you do at Senior Benefit Services? I am one of two Administrative Assistants in our Cumberland office happily serving both the clients and agents
What do you like about working at Senior Benefit Services, Inc.? Even though I haven’t been here long, I like the fact that if feels like I’ve known my co-workers for years. Also, the gratification I get from assisting our clients is another reason why I like my job.
What’s your background? I spent 12 years in medical billing where I learned a lot about insurance and how it works. This has allowed for a smoother transition into helping our clients deal with their insurance policies and any questions they might have.
What values drive you? Above all, I strive to be kind, honest, and loyal, and I value anyone who has a good work ethic.
What activities do you enjoy doing when not at work? I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, and taking trips to the beach!
Barb Plovock
Favorite quote: “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” Albert Einstein
What is something within the healthcare industry you want to fix? I would like to see the process of transitioning from the workforce and into retirement simplified. The rising cost of prescription medications is also an issue that I’m happy to see is starting to be addressed at the federal level.
What do you do at Senior Benefit Services? I am the Administrative Assistant for our Thurmont, MD office. My responsibilities include scheduling appointments for prospective and existing clients, supporting our office’s advisors, and answering any questions our clients may have related to their insurance needs. I maintain a positive attitude, so each client feels as though they have had a comfortable and satisfactory experience.
What do you like about working at Senior Benefit Services, Inc.? I enjoy working with people and so my role at Senior Benefit Services is a perfect fit. The opportunity to help simplify our client’s lives as they transition from the workforce to retirement is very satisfying to me.
What’s your background? I grew up in a small Southwestern Pennsylvania coal mining town relocating to the suburbs of Washington D.C. in the mid-1980s. While there I worked in hospitality for the Marriott Corporation. In the late 1990s I moved to South Central Pennsylvania to raise a child working in the local school district as an administrative assistant. I joined Senior Benefit Services in 2013.
What values drive you? Hard work and integrity are very important to me. Almost every situation in life is a “you reap what you sow” opportunity and I try very hard to find success in everything that I do.
What activities do you enjoy doing when not at work? I enjoy being outdoors hiking and powerwalking. My daughter lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where enjoys visiting with her family. We also enjoy vacations at the beach.
Laury Skidmore
Favorite quote: “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be brave.”-1 Corinthians 16:13
What do you do at Senior Benefit Services? I am one of two I am Administrative Assistants in our Cumberland, MD office. My responsibilities include scheduling appointments for prospective and existing clients, supporting our office’s advisors, and answering any questions our clients may have related to their insurance needs. I enjoy working with our clients helping to make them feel comfortable and welcome in our office.
What do you like about working at Senior Benefit Services, Inc.? It’s great to work in an environment where I feel like everyone has a voice and the staff is encouraged to express their concerns and ideas.
What’s your background? I spent a few years in retail before transitioning to financial services. I feel that my time at the credit union prepared me well for the challenges and workload here at Senior Benefit Services, Inc. I have been married for 10 years and have a 9-year-old son.
What values drive you? Strong work ethic, honesty, reliability, and loyalty.
What activities do you enjoy doing when not at work? Spending time with my family camping and cheering on my husband and son from the sidelines at the racetrack.