LEADERSHIP

Jim Dahoney

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Jim Dahoney is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing people operations, information services and communications at Marshall+Sterling.

As a key member of the executive management team, Jim helps drives operational excellence and strategic growth within our organization, working closely with the CEO and other senior leaders to translate our vision and mission into actionable strategies that ensure efficiency, profitability, and scalability.

Jim leads the exploration and implementation of technology solutions like automation and AI, to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. He ensures the company adheres to all regulatory and legal requirements specific to the insurance industry and collaborates across the organization to develop processes that manage operational risks, mitigate fraud, and maintain financial stability.

As Director of Strategic Acquisitions, Jim also oversees the search for high-quality agency acquisitions and ensures their seamless integration into Marshall+Sterling to help grow the company.

Jim started his insurance career in 1987 with the George T. Whalen Insurance Agency. Marshall+Sterling acquired Whalen in 1990, and over the years, Jim earned a series of promotions with increasing responsibility for operational and administrative oversight. He was appointed EVP & COO in March 2023.

Jim earned his degree in Business Management, Information Systems and Finance from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and is a licensed P&C insurance broker.

Frank Smith

Chief Financial Officer

Frank J. Smith is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Marshall + Sterling, where he leads the company finance department and serves on the executive management team. With a strong background in accounting and finance, Frank began his career as a CPA at RBT CPAs, where he worked as a senior accountant and auditor.

Frank plays a central role in shaping and executing the company’s financial strategy, including long-term financial planning, budgeting and forecasting. Working closely with the executive management team, Frank ensures Marshall+Sterling’s financial goals and business plan are aligned.

In addition, Frank oversees Marshall+Sterling’s treasury functions, managing the company’s liquidity and cash flow, optimizing cash management to fund growth initiatives and strategic investments, based on the firm’s best mix of debt and equity financing. Additional responsibilities include accurate and timely financial reporting and assessing and managing risk.

He joined Marshall + Sterling in 2011 as Corporate Controller and was promoted to CFO in May 2020. In addition to his financial leadership role, Frank also serves as the plan administrator for the company’s ESOP Trust and 401k Plan.

A native of Poughkeepsie, New York, where Marshall + Sterling is headquartered, Frank graduated from Marist College in 2004 with a BS in Accounting. He is actively involved in his community, having served on the board of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the audit committees of both the United Way and Hyde Park Central School District.

Yvonne McCrea

President, P+C Division

Yvonne launched her insurance career in 2004, gaining valuable experience in both Personal and Commercial Lines Customer Service. She joined Marshall+Sterling in 2010 as a Sales Executive for Personal and Small Commercial Lines, quickly establishing herself as a top performer and earning multiple sales awards.

In 2018, Yvonne was promoted to Vice President of Personal Lines, where she led the development and implementation of key policies and procedures that drove growth and enhanced service delivery throughout the Capital District and Hudson Valley.

Her leadership and strategic insight led to her promotion in January 2023 as President of Marshall+Sterling’s Downstate Region, where she oversaw the regional strategy and operations for both personal and commercial lines. Most recently, in January 2025, Yvonne was appointed President of the combined Property & Casualty Division, unifying the Upstate and Downstate teams to deliver greater efficiency, alignment, and service excellence across the organization.

Craig Pesce

President, Wealth Advisors

In addition to leading the Marshall+Sterling Wealth Advisor team, Craig works with high-net worth individuals and professionals to help plan for life beyond work. Craig takes great pride in taking a holistic approach with his clients by first gaining a thorough understanding of their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Craig is a graduate of Marist College with a degree in Business Administration and Finance, and has a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP^®) designation from The American College of Financial Services. He holds securities registrations FINRA Series 7, 24,  and 66 through LPL Financial and is licensed in Life, Accident and Health. He is licensed for securities in more than 20 states, and is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF^®) and Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA™).

Prior to joining Marshall+Sterling, Craig served as Vice President and Private Client Advisor for Wilmington Trust, a division of M&T Bank, where he provided comprehensive wealth advisory services to high-net worth business owners and professionals. Craig has been featured in Bank Investment Consultant magazine.

Mark Robertson

President, Virgin Islands

Mark Robertson joined Theodore Tunick & Co. in 1997 and quickly became a top sales leader in the organization. Mark has the distinction of becoming the first Marshall+Sterling producer to surpass $1 million in earned commissions in a single year.

In 2011, Mark was named President of the company’s St. Thomas operations and was appointed to the company’s Board of Directors in 2014. He recently was appointed President for all of Marshall+Sterling’s Virgin Islands Personal and Commercial lines businesses.

Mark completed the CIAB Executive Leadership Development Program at The Wharton School in 2001. Currently, he is enrolled with the Insurance Institute of America, working on his Accredited Advisor in Insurance Program designation. Born in England, Mr. Robertson has lived in Spain and Hawaii before settling down in St. Thomas with his wife and family.

Kathy Haase

President, Employee Benefits

As the President of Marshall+Sterling Employee Benefits, Kathy has executive oversight for all of the division’s business development, administration and marketing. Kathy works closely with the team’s sales and marketing, securing appropriate coverage for our clients and for the delivery of superior customer service.

Prior to joining Marshall+Sterling, Kathy held sales and marketing positions at MVP Healthcare and Emblem Health. Kathy joined Marshall+Sterling in October 2010, rising through a series of promotions. She was appointed president of the division in January 2023 and is a member of the company’s board of directors.

Kathy has a BA in English: Literature and Rhetoric from Binghamton University and holds a NYS Life, Accident & Health license.

Don Graves

President, Equine Insurance

Don Graves is President and Director of Marshall+Sterling Equine Insurance, leading a team of professionals in offices across the U.S. who are dedicated to providing insurance and risk management services for equine, farm, and ranch clients.

Don founded the Equisport Insurance Agency in 1984 and joined the company when Marshall+Sterling acquired Equisport in 2013. A familiar presence at equestrian shows around the country, Don has led Marshall+Sterling’s sponsorship of multiple USEF and USHJA programs like the USEF Pony Finals and the USHJA National Championships

With more than 40 years of insurance experience, Don also has been a nationally ranked champion equestrian and recipient of numerous hunter/jumper awards in a distinguished riding career. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Alma College in Alma, Michigan. Don also is a member of the company’s Board of Directors.

Kurt Jaeger

Senior Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer

Kurt Jaeger is Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, directly responsible for driving Marshall+Sterling’s sales for P&C and employee benefits through the development of consistent procedures and strategies that accelerate new business growth.

Kurt has extensive experience working with large, complex accounts, having been the co-founder, CMO and Executive Vice President of the employee benefits firm Jaeger & Flynn Associates (JFA). Marshall+Sterling purchased JFA in 2020. Since then, Kurt has served as Employee Benefits Vice President, Sales, successfully leading the division’s business development and strategy in a highly competitive marketplace.

Specializing in alternative funded health plans, Kurt’s forward thinking and high level of expertise has led to our clients enjoying significant savings over the years, while also enhancing Marshall+Sterling’s revenue growth.

Kurt has been a licensed Life, Health, and Property and Casualty broker in New York for more than 30 years. He is a member of the National Association of Benefit Insurance Professionals, is a Registered Health Underwriter, and Chartered Health Care consultant.

Heather Wargo

Vice President, Chief Information Officer

Heather Wargo is Vice President and Chief Information Officer, leading the company’s technology strategy and digital transformation efforts. Heather works closely with fellow senior executives to ensure that the company’s technology infrastructure is strategically aligned with its broader business goals, facilitating growth, innovation, and enhanced customer experiences.

Heather’s career in the insurance industry began in 2004 with Marshall+Sterling. Over the course of eight years in the Personal Lines Customer Service department, Heather developed a deep understanding of customer needs and operational processes, building the foundation for her future success in technology leadership. Her commitment to delivering exceptional service and interest in the evolving digital landscape set her apart early on.

In 2012, Heather made a shift into the Information Technology department. With a series of promotions, she took on increasing responsibility for enhancing customer experiences through technology and streamlining operational efficiencies across the organization. Her ability to integrate customer-centric solutions with innovative technology led to her promotion to Vice President and Chief Information Officer in 2022.