Meet Our Experts
Discover the powerhouses behind Federal Employee Benefits Education. Our team collectively brings over 190 years of experience in financial planning and consulting. From award-winning achievements to diverse specializations, each member contributes unique expertise to help you navigate the complexities of federal benefits, retirement planning, and government services.
Joseph H. Spano, Sr.
President & Chief Executive Officer          Registered Fiduciary, FRC(R)
Having entered the insurance and financial services industry in 1983, Joe has 41 years of experience and is a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table. As the only 4-time "Top of the Table" member in West Virginia, he authored "The Informed Fed" and earned recognition for his achievements and ethical practices. Joe has written articlles for Barrons, and Plan Sponser, and his articles on Mergers and Aquisitions have been used world wide. Joe Formed Federal Emplyee Retirement Services and is contracted by both the General Services Administration (GSA), and System Award Management (SAM) to obtain bids Nationwide, as well as Federal employees that seek federal educational benefit reviews. His team has over 190 years of Financial and Investment experience, and are registered as a Registered Investment Advisor, Joe is also a Registered Financial Fiduciary. Joe has studied most of the other competitors, and now knows that they want a sale, as our firm wants to educate.
Susan E. Smith, MBA, FRC
Executive Vice President
Susan's career transitioned from teaching to insurance, showcasing her adaptability. Named "Rookie of the Year" at Prudential and later managing a team at Guardian Life, Susan brings extensive marketing expertise to Patriot after her successful retirement. Susan, does our federal lead program using 3 of the top federal companies in the world. Susan makes sure every ama;yst as at least 20 qualified appointments per week.
Ella McComas Curry
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Federal Retirement Consultant Account Executive
Ella hasbeen in Marketing for the last 20 yearsI was raised in the close-knit community of Huntington, West Virginia. Professionally, I have over 17 years of experience in student recruitment, having spent a significant part of my career at Marshall University, my alma mater. There, I earned a degree in Public Relations and a master's in journalism while working diligently to support student enrollment and engagement. My journey also took me to state government roles in Pennsylvania. After serving as the Director of Recruitment at Marshall University, I joined the President's Cabinet at the University of Charleston in December 2022, stepping into the role of Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Ella is the proud parent of two Children, and  Ella brings the AI and communications to FERS and we are proud to have her as a part of our team. She wil specialize in face to face Virtual education of federal empoyees and will work tirelessly to help each and every employee leave with the same level of life they had while working
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THOMAS R. SUSMAN FEDERAL RETIREMENT ANALYST
Tom joined Patriot as well as FERS as a Retirement Analyst with 9 years experience working with federal employees, Tom has over 36 years in the Financial Services Industry beginning in 1989 as an Agent with MetLife, and then moving on into management with The Guardian Life supervising an agency of over 34 agents and advisors,
Tom has won numerous awards, and is a member of the million dollar round table, becoming a life member in 2013. Tom specializes in the retirement aspect of federal employees understanding and developing ways to compliment FERS and Social Security to fund the income gap usually created.
NIKKI R PATERNO
FEDERAL RETIREMENT ANALYST
Nikki, has over 14 years in the Investment world beginning her career with Smith Barney ( Morgan Stanley ), as a financial advisor, then moving to Wells Fargo Financial Services as Assistant Branch Manager. Nikki brings a wealth of Knowledge to our team, as she has extensive knowledge of the Thrift Savings plan, its funds and how they are managed. Nikki has won numerous industry awards, and holds an MBA from Penn State University. Nikki and her husband Anthony have 2 boys age 17 and 15, they enjoy sports, camping, boating and spending time with family.
