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, MSFS, FRC, CFF
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 Investment Advisors. Joe is also a Registered Financial Fiduciary. Â


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 FERS 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
Ella Rose McComas, MAÂ
Vice President of Marketing, 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.

Terri R. Spano
Director of Institutional Consulting Â
Terri, a Marshall University graduate, came to FERS after 35 years in hospital managment. She manages all FERS bid systems and secures desired federal contracts, while also meeting with federal employees to provide educational services. Terri has one son, and two grandchildren, with whom she spends as much time as possible.

Zach Walker
Federal Retirement Consultant
Zach was born and raised in Charleston, WV. He attended both Marshall and West Virginia University on full academic scholarship - receiving his degree in Business Finance. His professional career started in south Florida with the Miami Heat, later moving into hospitality management, successfully opening and serving as the GM of several nightclubs and restaurants.
He later transitioned to real estate and property management. Licensed in FL, NC, SC, and WV Zach proudly helped hundreds of people navigate real estate transactions and investments. Zach helps federal employees make the most of their benefits to ensure that their retirement years truly are for enjoyment.

Nikki R. Paterno
Federal Retirement Consultant
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.
