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 and takes more than 20 qualified leads a week.Â
Terri R. Spano
Federal Retirement Consultant - FERS/Account Executive - Spano GroupÂ
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Ella McComas Curry, MAÂ
Federal Retirement ConsultantÂ
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With over 20 years in marketing and 17 years in student recruitment, Ella brings a wealth of experience in higher education and strategic communications. A proud graduate of Marshall University, where she earned degrees in Public Relations and Journalism, Ella has held key roles at Marshall University and in Pennsylvania state government.
As a consultant at the Spano Group, she specializes in Ai-driven communications and face-to-face virtual education for federal employees, helping them transition smoothly into retirement while maintaining a high quality of life. Ella is also a devoted parent of two.
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.
