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Our
Staff
Passion
is a characteristic all our staff shares. Each one
of our staff are specifically trained for the functions
they provide. Our staff includes graduates of some of
the best schools and programs in the nation. We are
happy to provide to our clients a staff comprised of, MBA's,
CSOP's, CRSP's, and attorneys.
Local professionals with a passion for what we do. Your team, of local
experts are ready to assist all your needs. |
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Craig A. Kuhlman
President & CEO
Craig joined Reliance in February 2006 as President &
CEO. He brings with him over twenty years of experience,
with significant trust expertise and management skills.
Craig holds a Master of Business Administration degree
with emphasis in Finance and Marketing from the
University of Findlay, a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Theology from Ambassador University in Pasadena,
California, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics
and Finance from University of Findlay. He has several
professional certifications: Certified Retirement
Services Professional, Graduate of Retirement Plan
Services School, and Cannon Trust School - from Cannon
Financial Institute, N.A.S.D. Series 7 License, Advance
Personal Trust Sales and Relationship Management and
several courses in retirement and estate planning from
the University of California in Los Angeles.
"I am
absolutely delighted to join the Reliance Financial
Services team. My passion for the past twenty years
aligns with our mission of growing and preserving your
wealth. I look forward to working with our team to
continue building your relationship with us."
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David A. Bell, Certified Retirement Services Professional
Executive
Vice President
Since 1989 David has been working in the banking industry. For
over the past decade he has concentrated his efforts on corporate trust principally defined contribution retirement plans.
When asked why he was drawn toward Reliance he noted, "I really wanted to get back to an organization that operated under local autonomy. I wanted to be able to make promises and deliver on those promises."
After receiving a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in finance from Bowling Green State University, he attended the University of Toledo
to obtain his Masters of Business Administration majoring in
Finance. Since this time he has attended numerous training sessions and achieved his CRSP designation from Cannon Financial Institute.
From Plan design to employee communications, David is well versed in all aspects of establishing and maintaining todays most popular retirement plans. He enjoys all opportunities for communicating the merits of leveraging plan benefits.
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Jay Hanson, Certified Retirement Services Professional
Senior Vice President
Jay has been servicing Retirement Plan clients as well as Personal Trust clients with Reliance since 1995.
He began his career at Reliance as the Investment Coordinator, he was responsible for
investment analysis, portfolio design and
implementation. As a Senior Vice President, Jay is dedicated to attaining his clients' financial goals through both Retirement Plans and Personal Trust services.
Jay brings to Reliance a strong educational background. He received his Bachelors degree in Business Administration at The University of
Toledo and his Masters of Business Administration at Ball State University focusing on Corporate Entrepreneurship. He has also earned the designation of a Certified Retirement Services
Professional (CRSP). He looks forward to continuing his education in the financial services industry through seminars and additional professional designations.
"I enjoy taking my clients through the basic financial planning of looking at where they are today compared to where they want to be in the future. Together we come up with a plan that will accomplish their goals. I take great pride in knowing our clients place their trust in us and in turn we strive to provide excellent customer service with the highest of integrity."
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Dale
Grocki
Vice President
Dale
brings a wealth of experience to Reliance.
Admitted to the Ohio bar in November, 1991, he
has over 12 years experience in the areas of trust,
estate and tax planning.
In March 2001, Dale left his legal practice and
accepted a position with National City Bank as a Trust
Administrator. He
now works at the position of Senior Trust
Administrator with Reliance.
Originally
from Toledo, Dale and his wife Verna moved to Bryan,
Ohio, in September, 1994.
“We like northwest Ohio, and Bryan in
particular. We
live in the historic district in a historic home, which
we love. Bryan
and Defiance are great communities to live and work
in.”
“Trust
administration truly is interesting. It involves a cutting edge merger of law and investment
practices. It
not only requires technical expertise, but a
considerable exercise of discretion in applying that
knowledge to the situations of individual beneficiaries,
which are invariably unique.
It’s the type of job where you can truly feel
as though you have made a difference.”
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Liz Zartman,
Certified Securities Operations Professional
Vice President
Liz joined Reliance in December of 1998, with over
twenty-four years experience in Trust Operations and
trust accounting systems. Liz currently holds the
position of Trust Operations Manager.
Liz completed
coursework in Accounting at Indiana University and she
has attended numerous seminars and workshops specific to
Supervision and Trust Operations. She holds
certification as a Securities Operations Professional
from the Institute of Certified Bankers.
"I really enjoy
working with a team that is so focused on providing the
very best service for our clients."
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Tracy Baughman
Vice President
Born and raised in Defiance, Tracy earned his Bachelors
of Business Administration at Eastern Michigan
University in 1997 with an emphasis in Finance. After
graduating, he began working for Rurban Financial Corp.
as a Management Trainee. After going through the
18-month program and learning about nearly every facet
of company, Tracy joined Reliance as Investment
Coordinator. He is now the Senior Investment
Administrator. Tracy also earned a Masters of Business
and Organizational Leadership degree from The Defiance
College in 2004.
His
hobbies include, working on computers and renovating houses.
Tracy is also the Treasurer of Defiance/Paulding County
CrimeStoppers, and a BIG brother for Big Brothers Big
Sisters.
"I enjoy working with people to make sure their
investments are matched with their long-term
goals."
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Gwen Anderson
Assistant Vice President
Gwen
has been part of the Reliance Financial Services team
since 1990. She has been a very valuable part of our
company serving in variety capacities over the years.
Currently she serves as the Network Systems Manager and
Corporate Secretary. Gwen earned a Bachelor of Science
degree in Business Administration and Business Education
from Wittenberg University.
“I
have really enjoyed the challenge of learning new
technology and putting that knowledge to work for our
clients.”
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Laura Kline
Senior Trust
Administration
Laura joined
Reliance in June 2006 as a Senior Trust Administrator.
For over seven years, she has excelled in serving the
clients of our holding company, Rurban Financial Corp.
She is eager to apply her skills to service RFS clients
needs. Laura has attended Cannon Trust Schools.
Laura is
a native to Northwest Ohio, a Defiance College graduate
and currently resides in Bryan with her husband and two
sons.
"I am
proud to be working for a company that excels in
offering exceptional customer service. Assisting
you in meeting your financial goals is what we do best."
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Karen McCarthy
Personal Trust Assistant
We
consider ourselves fortunate since Karen joined our company
in 1996. Since
then, she’s been helping our clients by taking care of
their ongoing needs. Whether you’re making a simple inquiry or have a specific
account related issue, you will appreciate Karen’s
professional attitude and genuine concern.
“Personal
Trust is never the same from day to day.
Each person and situation is unique.
I enjoy the variety of clients and celebrating
with them as they meet their personal goals.”
Karen
earned her BS from Northwest Technical College in 1983
majoring in Executive Secretarial.
In addition, Karen attended Midwest Trust School
in 1998 and 1999 earning her certification in both
Fiduciary Principles and Personal Trust I.
Karen continues to attend various seminars and
workshops to stay current with the changing financial
landscape. She is a graduate of Cannon Trust Schools.
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Teri Westrick
Trust Operations Assistant
Teri
joined the Reliance Investment Department in 1996,
initially working with portfolio design, trading, and
investment performance data.
In 2001 she joined the Trust Operations Team, and
has played an integral part in providing clients with
the Trust Operations services they need.
She
has
more than 20 years of business experience prior to her
employment with Reliance. Teri continues with a course
of study, workshops, and seminars that will enhance her
focus on investments, and operational services.
“We
are a very team oriented department in Operations. It
allows us flexibility, and a greater understanding of
the overall needs of our clients, as we strive to
achieve Customer Service Excellence.”
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Melissa Moninger
Employee Benefit Assistant
Melissa joined Reliance in December 2000. She comes to
us with an extensive background in customer service. She
takes great pride in her work and strives for
excellence. She is committed to serving our clients.
Melissa attends seminars and various training workshops
to continue her knowledge in the financial industry.
She
initially worked with investment data and the investment
products we employ. Melissa expressed a strong desire to
understand the Employee Benefits/IRA side of the
business and enjoys providing first class service to our
clients and their inquiries. Our clients depend on her
quick responses.
"As a
team, we take pride in providing first class customer
service. You'll never hesitate to call Reliance for
assistance." She is committed to serving you.
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Jeannie Fisher
Administrative Secretary
Joining Reliance in January of 2006, Jeannie has over 9
years of experience meeting customer's expectations. She
is very attentive to customer service and committed to
solving problems.
Jeannie is a
graduate of The Defiance College with a Bachelor in
Human Resources Management and Social Sciences. She
continues to advance her education by attending seminars
and various training workshops.
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Dustin Jennings
Investment Assistant
Dustin
joined Reliance in September 2005 and has been in the
financial services industry for the past three years. He
began his career as a Customer Service Representative on
a military post in Mannheim, Germany.
"The lessons
learned and friendships made since I entered the
financial services industry have paid me untold
dividends. Teaching our military men and women about
basic finances and helping them achieve their financial
goals was a humbling and rewarding experience. Those
experiences have encouraged me to apply the same
enthusiasm and hard work I witnessed the soldiers do in
their jobs to the work I do for each client of Reliance
Financial Services."
Dustin's
educational endeavors have earned him a Bachelor of
Liberal Studies degree from Bowling Green State
University and he is currently working toward a Master
of Business and Organizational Leadership degree from
The Defiance College.
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Diane Norden
Trust Operations
Assistant Manager
Diane joined
Reliance Financial Services in December 2005. She became
exposed to the securities industry in 1995 by working as
a registered representative assisting clients with
insurance and investment needs. Diane has previously
worked in the brokerage service operations and
compliance areas. She is currently licensed with NASD
Series 7 and 24. Diane comes to us with an extensive
background in customer service.
Diane
attended Northwest State Community College and she
attends various training workshops and seminars to
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Bonnie Bost
Branch Operations
Manager
Bonnie
joined Reliance in November of 2005, brining with her
many years of experience in customer service, management
and accounting. She is an alumni of Defiance College
with an associated Degree in Business Management. She
currently holds the position of Branch Operations
Manager with our Brokerage Office.
She and
her husband, She reside in Napoleon. They stay very
active with their six children and 11 grandchildren and
enjoy traveling.
"I find
the financial services industry very interesting as well
as challenging. I truly enjoy assisting clients with
their financial needs."
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401
Clinton St. • P.O. Box 467 • Defiance, Ohio 43512
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1-419-783-8007
• 1-800-273-5820
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