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
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.
Sarah E. Porter, MBA
Executive Vice President
With over 25 years of financial expertise, Sarah excelled at Merrill Lynch & Company and Baird & Associates. Awarded the Community Banker's Award, she now oversees day-to-day operations at Patriot Institutional Consulting, contributing her skills to federal agency collaborations. Sarah specializes on the consuting side of the business bidding on federal contracts and using her consulting experience to obtain the best company for the bid.
Susan E. Smith, FRC
Vice President of Marketing
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.
Ericka N. Blake, PN, FRC S
Regional Vice President Federal Education
With a background in Practical Nursing, Erica specializes in Federal employees' full benefit packages. Her expertise covers Social Security, Medicare, FERS, FEGLI, and Retirement calculations. Enrolled in FRC classes, she continually enhances her knowledge. Erica was recently promoted due to her vast knowledge and now oversees all consultant training. Erica has one Daughter,and spends most of her time with her daughter and boyfriend Eric a 22 year military service and commercial pilot. Erica supervises our Educational Financial Analysts, and helps in day to day operations of our virtual system to meet with any federal employee that wants a meeting.
Danielle St. Clair
Director of Medicare and Federal Benefit Programs
Social Security Specialist, Federal Benefits Consultant
Starting in 2018, Danielle focused on Medicare, specializing in its intricate aspects. Her expertise guides individuals through complex decisions, ensuring they choose the best plans to suit their individual needs. For more information about our team, feel free to get in touch. Danielle is a Partner of Insurance Solutions of KY, a full service benefits corporation, that specializes ih empoyer benefit plans.
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.
JENNIFER R. BRAVOS
FEDERAL RETIREMENT ANALYST
Jenni has been working with federal employees for almost 5 years specializing in FEGLI and is a 32 year veteran of the life insurance business, she specializes in complex split dollar, deferred compensation, top hat life Insurance solutions, and has been named one of the "best in the business" by NAIFA, and she works the federal employees like they are family. Jenni, comes from Proctorville, Ohio, where she is married to Dr. William Bravos, they have 2 grown daughters, and one grown son, she enjoys time with her 5 grand children.
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.
