As President of MarshBerry's Financial Advisory Division, Phil Trem brings extensive knowledge in merger & acquisition (M&A) advisory and operations, specifically in the business and technology arenas and is a trusted partner for buyers and sellers who depend on his proficiency at deal negotiation, due diligence, deal execution and integration planning. His experience encompasses the full life cycle of an M&A transaction for independently owned insurance agents & brokers, specialty distributors, wealth management advisors, retirement planning specialists, private equity firms, banks & credit unions and insurance carriers. Phil's objective is to provide clients with a seamless, comprehensive experience.

Eric Hallinan joined MarshBerry in 2011, bringing significant experience in insurance firm operations, finance, and technology. He is a trusted partner for buyers and sellers who depend on his proficiency at deal negotiation, due diligence, deal execution and integration planning. His involvement covers the full gamut of a merger & acquisition (M&A) transaction, and he works hard to provide clients with a seamless, comprehensive experience.

In his role as President of FirstChoice, a MarshBerry Company, Keith Captain has grown FirstChoice to one of the fastest growing networks in the country. Recognized as the Top Agency Partner by Insurance Journal, FirstChoice has established agency relationships spanning across 42 states and growing. Keith was also instrumental in establishing a smooth integration between MarshBerry’s Platform and First Choice Agents Alliance − a merger that further dominates and redefines the agency partnership and aggregation space.

Russ Johnston serves as President of Nationwide’s Commercial Lines, Excess & Surplus and Specialty businesses. He joined Nationwide in 2021 after serving as Chief Executive Officer of QBE North America.

In a career that includes more than 35 years of experience leading insurance organizations, Russ has served in a variety of executive roles, including Chief Operating Officer of AIG’s US Commercial Business, President of Casualty Americas, CEO of AIG Environmental and President of AIG Risk Management. He began his insurance career as a commercial underwriting trainee at Chubb. Russ was also the founder of AIG’s first onshore rent-a-captive facility in Vermont.

Brooke Liu’s exceptional client service, leadership, and laser-like focus on results have contributed to her many successes since she joined MarshBerry in 2016. In her current role as Senior Vice President, Brooke’s collaborative guidance and industry expertise are essential for overseeing the company’s many growth assets including Connect – MarshBerry’s executive peer exchange.

Don Folino joined MarshBerry in 2018 where he helps insurance agencies and brokerages build infrastructures that drive organic growth, as well as working with them through the continued development and execution of that process. His primary responsibilities include working closely with producers and sales leaders to create successful and repeatable sales processes while also assisting firms with organizational infrastructure, business planning and sales management.

As a Managing Director at MarshBerry, Tommy McDonald focuses his time on delivering valuable advice and counsel to his clients. In his career, Tommy has built extensive knowledge in the insurance distribution space in areas involving merger and acquisition advisory, organic growth best practices, financial management, valuation, perpetuation, and strategic planning. Tommy’s analytical talents and passion for the industry produce exceptional results, whether he’s developing new client relationships or providing advice and counsel to existing clients to help them accomplish their goals.