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.

Focusing on specialty distribution and markets within MarshBerry’s Financial Advisory practice, George brings to MarshBerry extensive knowledge in merger & acquisition (M&A) transactions. In addition to being a trusted advisor to sellers and buyers within the specialty insurance arena, George provides valuation, succession planning, strategic planning, financial benchmarking and other financial consultative services. Working with program managers, managing general agents, managing general underwriters, wholesale brokers, carriers and firms ancillary to these operations, George is privy to insights, proprietary knowledge and best practices directly impacting firms in today’s dynamic economic and rate environments. George uses his experiences to educate clients and colleagues within the industry and to offer superior client services.

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.

Luke currently serves as the President, Independent Agent Distribution for Liberty’s US Retail Markets business unit. In his current role, Luke is responsible for the independent agency distribution management of all products and lines of business for Liberty’s USRM business unit, including $20B+ of premium through the Liberty Mutual, Safeco, and State Auto brands. Prior to his current role, Luke served as the Chief Product Officer for the US operations of Liberty’s Global Retail Markets business unit, including responsibilities for all aspects of Product and Underwriting for Liberty’s $32B of US personal lines and small commercial business, distributed through all channels and through the Liberty, Safeco, and State Auto brands.

Adam Mazan serves as the President of Risk Placement Services (RPS) with responsibilities over the strategic direction of the revenue-generating operations of the firm across its binding, brokerage and program administration divisions.

Prior, Adam served as the Vice President for RPS’s Pacific-West Region, where he was responsible for leading and growing RPS’s brokerage and binding business in California and Hawaii. Under his leadership, the region achieved significant growth, recruited and developed top performers and increased client engagement.

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.