Who We Are
At The Capital Group, we offer Employee Benefits Consulting, Retirement Plan Consulting, Wealth Management, Risk Management, and HR Technology Consulting. Our mission is to be a valued and trusted partner to the institutional and individual clients to navigate this volatile and ever-changing world. We pride ourselves on personal service that satisfies day after day – all to keep clients coming back year after year.
About Us
At The Capital Group, leveraging our expertise to manage client costs is a specialty.
We have the experience and proficiency to determine if plans you have in place are as advantageous as those we can obtain on your behalf. Dedicated to the highest standard of performance, our professionals seek to fully understand your needs before delivering solutions that fit today and grow with your tomorrows.
Our team has extensive training in the laws and regulations that apply to employers including the ACA, FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA, and ERISA. These are of paramount importance as we go through the process of developing a program for you. We pride ourselves on little to no client turnover and have invested a great deal in the team that will be assigned to your account.
Our executive leadership represents the past, present, and future of The Captial Group. This team bonds and guides us as we enhance the lives of our clients. Meet the team, and get to know the unique personal and professional backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of those that come together to serve you.
Meet Our Team
Our team succeeds in providing clients with results-oriented
experiences that move business forward.
Leadership Team
Kevin FitzPatrick
Co-founder & Partner
Kevin FitzPatrick
Co-founder & Partner
Kevin FitzPatrick is a Co-Founder and Partner at The Capital Group, and CEO of the Government Technology Insurance Company. He is an accomplished insurance professional with over 25 years of experience and is highly knowledgeable in employee benefits and commercial insurance. Heavily involved in ACA from the onset, Kevin is regularly asked to lecture to Washington D.C. business leaders about healthcare strategy and how to control and position their companies’ healthcare spend.
Prior to incorporating The Capital Group, Kevin was an executive at MetLife and Mutual of New York. Kevin is a graduate of New Hampshire’s Saint Anselm College, with a Bachelors of Science in Economics. He is on the Board of Directors of the GovCon Council, The Government Technology Association, National Arthritis Foundation and an adjunct professor at the Veterans Institute of Procurement in Bethesda, MD.
As a native Washingtonian, Kevin resides with his family in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He enjoys spending time with his family and boating on the water on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Joseph Apa, AIF®
Co-founder & Partner
Joseph Apa, AIF®
Co-founder & Partner
Joseph Apa is the Co-Founder and Partner at The Capital Group, LLC, President of Government Technology Insurance Company and a board member of the Government Technology Association.
Joe has 30 years of proven insurance experience and comprehensive knowledge about Employee Benefits, Commercial Insurance, Risk Management and Financial Planning. He drives sales and the firm’s revenue through consulting, speaking engagements and mentoring new sales representatives.
Prior to incorporating The Capital Group, Joe started his insurance career in 1986 as a licensed associate for Mutual of New York. He graduated with a Bachelors of Art degree in Economics from George Mason University in 1986. He has volunteered on the board of directors for MVLE, a non-profit organization for the past 22 years. He also sits on the Board of Directors of the Government Technology Association which strives to bring together IT Government Contractors through idea sharing and networking. Joe is a member of the Broker Advisory Council for CareFirst and has professional affiliations with the National Association of Health Underwriters and the Society of Financial Professionals. Joe resides in Mclean, Virginia with his wife and enjoys outdoor activities including riding his Harley and bicycling.
Christopher Staub, AIF®
Managing Partner
Christopher Staub, AIF®
Managing Partner
Chris joined The Capital Group in 2002 and began the Investment Advisory side of the practice. He has 17 years of experience in the financial services industry working with corporations and individuals on investments and financial planning.
Chris has built and manages the Investment Advisory department overseeing all services such as: Corporate Retirement Plan Consulting, Corporate Investment Accounts, Executive Benefits, and Individual Financial Planning and Investment Advisory. He is responsible for the investment process and compliance regulations for The Capital Group Investment Advisory Services, and SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm. He is also responsible for Managing Partner duties for the entire firm such as operations and financial oversight.
Chris is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF ®) and acts as a fiduciary on all client accounts and retirement plans at the firm. Chris is a graduate of Mount St. Mary’s University with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Economics, Finance, and Business Administration. He is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisor Association and Million Dollar Roundtable Top of the Table. Chris lives in Laytonsville, Maryland with his wife and four children. He enjoys spending time with his family and is actively involved with his kid’s sports including coaching his son’s little league team, and is an avid golfer.
Lawrence Martinelli
Chief Operating Officer
Lawrence Martinelli
Chief Operating Officer
With over 35 years of senior leadership roles in Operational Management including Human Resource, Employee Benefit, Risk Management and Labor Relations within the Retail, Logistics, Technology, Manufacturing and Defense Contracting sectors, Lawrence A. Martinelli brings an unparalleled wealth of knowledge to his team.
A seasoned and effective leader, he has led functions through growth and contraction as our economy has demanded. From strategic program design, financing alternatives, implementation and communications to effective vendor selection and management, Lawrence has a proven track record of bringing the best for less. As a skilled strategist and negotiator of collective bargaining contracts, he has a reputation as being fair and effective with the right balance of providing a competitive total rewards package within the cost parameters established by the company.
Lawrence is a member of SHRM, IFEBP and is the former President of the Massachusetts/Rhode Island chapter of the Risk & Insurance Managers Society. He has been a licensed Insurance agent since 1988 as well as a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Virginia. Lawrence is an active supporter of Veterans groups in Washington DC area.
Management Team
Stephanie Williams, SPHR
Director, Service Delivery
Stephanie Williams, SPHR
Director, Service Delivery
Stephanie Williams heads our Employee Benefits Service Team assisting our Producers, Account Executives and their respective account management team in providing white glove service and attention to our clients. Stephanie has over 30 years of experience in Human Resource Management & Benefit Consulting. Prior to providing benefit management services for The Capital Group, Stephanie headed the Employee Benefit Practice Service Department for several full-service insurance brokerage firms located in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. Stephanie’s experience as a Human Resource practitioner has been in the GovCon, commercial, and non-profit arenas and includes an operational knowledge of various corporate human resource initiatives including Benefits Management and Administration, Employee Relations, Conflict Resolution, Succession Planning, Leadership Training/Development, and Corporate Quality Process Improvement Programs.
Stephanie graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Design and Planning from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is actively involved with her church serving on various financial boards and community service ministries. She is distinguished by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) as a Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) and maintains her Life and Health Insurance License. In addition, she has been a featured speaker on HealthCare Reform and the Affordable Care Act for Montgomery County SHRM and Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. Stephanie and her husband Noel are empty nesters, are avid Pittsburgh Steeler fans and enjoy travelling especially to the Caribbean and the West Coast.
Doug Gray
Director, Employee Benefits
Doug Gray
Director, Employee Benefits
Once Doug Gray completed his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at New York University, he began working in employee benefits, handling small international clients. Doug then joined Wells Fargo, primarily working with the defense contractor L-3 Communications, where he earned Rookie of the Year and was an Employee of the Year candidate. Since then Doug has acquired 22 years of experience and his Group Benefits Associate (GBA) designation.
Doug prides himself on being a good listener, patient, and empathetic, allowing him to provide clients with a solution when faced with a difficult hurdle. Doug joined TCG in 2015, and has been responsible for managing key client accounts as well as leading the other account team members. He brings strategic planning solutions to his clients’ employee benefit needs, as well as management expertise to both special projects and day-to day issues.
Doug has large group experience with top 10 National Insurance agencies, which he is now bringing down to the middle market. Doug assists clients by making sure they are provided a comprehensive solution, he leaves no stone unturned regarding compliance, communications, marketing or financial analysis. When Doug is not working, he is a devoted family man. He coaches his son’s soccer and basketball teams, has tutored students, and is active in Toastmasters International. He enjoys activities that involve him in the larger community.
Nicole L. Fender
Director, Benefits Compliance
Nicole L. Fender
Director, Benefits Compliance
Nicole works with clients to educate them on the consequences of non-compliance with an array of employee benefits laws. She works closely with producers and account executives to provide clients with the tools and information to remain compliant with the ever-changing laws. She provides our clients with compliance audits, offers guidance, and conveys the requirements and intricacies of legislation using a real-world approach.
Nicole has nearly 20 years of employee benefits compliance experience. She served as the Compliance Officer for a large insurance broker and has also performed consulting and account management duties. Nicole has the experience and knowledge to facilitate benefits compliance assessments. Specifically, Nicole has focused her attention on ERISA, ACA and other relevant laws and possesses a thorough understanding of the continuously evolving requirements of employee benefits compliance.
Nicole has a B.S. in Paralegal Studies from Villa Julie College. In addition, she is a Certified ACA Professional from the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU). Nicole holds her Health and Life Producer licenses in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. She is the former Chairwoman of Professional Development for the Baltimore Association of Health Underwriters (BAHU). Nicole is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Internal Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans (IFEBP).
Robert Hannan, AIF®, CFP®
Partner, Wealth Advisory
Robert Hannan, AIF®, CFP®
Partner, Wealth Advisory
At The Capital Group, Rob is the head of the Wealth Advisory and Investment Planning division. With over 15 years of experience, Rob is skilled in helping the planning needs of small and medium-sized companies with their retirement plan offerings and personal business planning. Rob’s expertise also extends to helping retiree and pre-retiree employee’s plan their financial future. Rob is also an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF ®) and acts as a fiduciary on all retirement plans at TCG. He is a graduate of Salisbury University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Interpersonal Communication.
Rob utilizes his years of experience in developing optimal, high-quality solutions that meet his client’s specific goals. He has conducted numerous seminars such as “How to Create an Effective Retirement Plan”, “Saving for college on a tax favorable basis”, and “Successful retirement planning is part asset accumulation, part asset protection”. He is a member of the Million Dollar Round Table as well as Top of The Table. Away from the office, Robert volunteers at numerous charities in Washington, D.C., his children’s school, and his church. He is an avid runner as well as a triathlete. He currently resides in Bethesda, Maryland with his wife Annie and three children, Connor, Kyle, and Taylor.
John Solomon
Director, Retirement Plan Services
John Solomon
Director, Retirement Plan Services
John is Director of Retirement Plan Services with The Capital Group. In this role he is responsible for the implementation and execution of a superior client service model in support of the firms Retirement Plan clients. Additionally, John works directly with plans and their employees to ensure that the plan being is being utilized to the maximum benefit of the employees thus enabling them to build a successful pathway to retirement.
Prior to joining The Capital Group, John served in numerous leadership and relationship management roles during his 25 year career in the Investment Management industry. During this time he focused on helping Investment Advisors leverage resources and intellectual capital to be more successful. Mr. Solomon is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, with a BS in Applied Mathematics, and has also completed courses at The Wharton School of Business as part of their Executive Education program. He holds FINRA series 7 and 66 licenses. His personal passions are his family, cooking and umpiring NCAA baseball.
Nazanin Kholdebarin
Senior Accounting Manager
Nazanin Kholdebarin
Senior Accounting Manager
Employee Benefits Consultants
Eric Mothershead
Partner
Eric Mothershead
Partner
With fifteen years of experience in benefits, compliance, and HR technology Eric Mothershead brings an extensive knowledge of all aspect of Benefit Management to his role as Senior Advisor at The Capital Group. Eric’s expertise in Government Contracting requirements, including the Service Contract Act and the Davis Bacon Act, are an invaluable asset to his clients.
Eric has become a leader in analyzing health care reform developments and frequently serves as a speaker on a wide variety of healthcare reform and employee benefit issues. In his day to day operations, Eric utilizes his creativity to implement well-executed strategies for his clients ensuring business goals are achieved. Eric joined the Capital Group after graduating with honors from McDaniel College, where he received a dual major in Economics and Business Administration. He lives in Bethesda with his wife and children.
Ryan Copenhaver
Partner
Ryan Copenhaver
Partner
Ryan was born and raised in Hershey, Pennsylvania and attended Penn State University from 1998 – 2002. He earned a B.A. in Management Science and Information Systems. With over15 years of experience in the insurance industry, Ryan continues to build professional relationships through his network of various associations and business partnerships.
Ryan has extensive expertise in Corporate Employee Benefit Strategies (Self-Funding & Traditional Concepts), HR Technology, and Worksite/Voluntary Benefits. Since joining TCG in 2007, he continues to consistently rank among the top producers at the firm. He attributes his success to his knowledge of the industry, work ethic, client relationships, ability to create new opportunities, and knowledge of client’s needs. His industriousness and conscientious style along with his consistent client relationships are an asset to The Capital Group. Ryan enjoys guiding clients through the ever-changing healthcare landscape and developing solutions for all work environment problems as well as an in-depth understanding of the unique needs of Federal service providers. Ryan has been married to his wife since 2004 and has 2 girls.
Ryan Reiskin
Senior Associate
Ryan Reiskin
Senior Associate
After an extensive career in advertising sales Ryan Reiskin brought his 15 years of business to business sales experience to TCG and since then has earned salesperson of the year honors and consistently ranks near the top of the producer list year after year. Ryan attributes his success to always putting the client first and assisting them in achieving their goals. His attention to detail helps him navigate his clients through the insurance market and the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
Ryan assists clients in designing robust, cost-effective group benefit packages that can be offered to employees at a reasonable cost for the employer. Out of the office, Ryan is a 90’s cover band singer and an avid tennis player, currently playing in a league through the United States Tennis Association. A prior Ohio State University student and Maryland native Ryan follows the Buckeye’s and all local D.C. sports teams. In the community, Ryan has been a Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber member, leader of the Chambers young professional group, and a member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. For Ryan, community involvement is key to growing as a professional and person. His ability to build long standing relationships with the community and his clients has been an asset to TCG.
Kahlil Perez
Senior Associate
Kahlil Perez
Senior Associate
With 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Kahlil has extensive expertise in Corporate Employee Benefit Strategies (Self-Funding & Traditional Concepts), ACA/Compliance, HR Technology, and Worksite/Voluntary Benefits. He started and spent the first 15 years of his insurance career at a nationally recognized insurance brokerage company where he eventually became the Managing Partner of the DC Metro office. He led a sales team of 20 individuals to become one of the top five firms in the DC area. Kahlil also became an essential part of several mergers and acquisitions, which prompted him to become an expert in the M&A process.
After leaving the firm that he was with for 15 years, he was hired as a Partner for one of the leading global insurance brokerage companies out of Washington, DC. While there, he sharpened his consulting skills with mid-size and large employer clients. However, he truly missed dealing with the small/mid-size clients, so in 2015 he decided to join one of the most reputable and well-respected regional firms, The Capital Group. Kahlil is one of the top producing consultants in the office, he is a mentor to new producers, and he assists the partners in the planning and direction of where the firm is going in the future. Kahlil lives in Annapolis with his three high school aged children, who all enjoy sports and boating on the Chesapeake Bay.
Patrick S. Durbin
LUTCF, MHP, HIA, Senior Associate
Patrick S. Durbin
LUTCF, MHP, HIA, Senior Associate
Patrick Durbin joined The Capital Group in August of 2017. He’s a veteran of the employee benefits market with over 25 years of experience. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. Pat served on the board of the former Potomac Prep in Washington, DC and was President of Maryland Insurance & Financial Advisors. He is a recipient of the Greater Washington Health Underwriters Member of the Year and is a member of the NAIFA-MD Hall of Fame. Pat has served the nonprofit community for many years.
Pat holds professional designations, including Life Underwriter Training Fellow (LUTCF), Managed Healthcare Professional, and Health Insurance Associate (HIA).
While not working, Pat has many interests such as serving as the Eucharistic minister for Holy Cross Catholic Church, umpiring high school baseball and softball, and running.
Sarah Dunn
Associate
Sarah Dunn
Associate
Sarah is a native of Connecticut and after graduating early from Eastern Connecticut State University she began her career in the healthcare insurance industry. While employed at Aetna, a leader in the industry, she attended their prestigious sales and leadership Group School program at their Hartford, CT headquarters. During this elite program, she became an expert in the healthcare industry and was ultimately sent to Aetna’s market in the DMV area. It was during her time at Aetna that she became a thought leader for creative level and self-funded plans. After surpassing expectations of the program and her time as a national sales rep, Sarah decided that she could have a greater impact by working directly with employers in providing state of the art employee benefit solutions. As an influencer within the government contracting community and the Founder of the first Women in GovCon networking group, her goal is to collaborate with teaming partners, and elevate best practices. While her niche is in the government contracting space, she also works with a variety of complex groups and industries to provide a simple, thoughtful, and seamless experience. She has a knack for finding little-known ways to save companies big money in terms of compliance, technology, self-funding, commercial lines, retirement plans and more, leaving no stone unturned in her holistic approach.
Sarah’s desire to help her clients succeed and grow and the optimism she brings to the table is contagious. This deep-rooted nature to support her team began with her love of sports and all things fitness. When she is not busy making clients smile, you can often find Sarah working on herself at the gym or supporting animals through volunteer service. Not only will Sarah lead your company to growth and better benefits, but she will also throw you a perfect spiral!
Timothy Taylor
Associate
Timothy Taylor
Associate
With several years of experience, Tim is continuing to expand his knowledge in benefits, compliance, and commercial insurance at a rapid rate. Diving deep into the field of government contracting, he holds great knowledge in Service Contract Act and DCAA Compliance, helping his clients through each of those processes. He continues to stay ahead of the curve in forming creative health care strategies to help clients mitigate any future increases, allowing him to help small businesses not only retain key talent, but make a more profitable company.
In his first year, Tim had won the distinguished Junior Agent of the Year and looks forward to continued success. Before joining The Capital Group, Tim had graduated with highest honors from Hood College and earned his degree in Mathematics in three years. In combining his college education and professional knowledge, Tim is gearing up to become an actuary to bring another area of expertise to help his clients save money.
Retirement Plan/Wealth Management Consultants
Robert Hannan, AIF
Director, Wealth Advisory
Robert Hannan, AIF
Director, Wealth Advisory
Rob is the Director of the Wealth Advisory and Investment Planning division. With over 20 years of investment and planning experience, Rob is skilled in helping small to medium-sized companies with their planning needs, providing expertise about retirement plan offerings, personal business planning, and asset management. Rob’s proficiencies also extend to the financial planning process, where he helps employees plan their financial future, both up to and through retirement. Rob is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), as well as an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®).
Prior to joining The Capital Group, Rob earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Interpersonal Communications from Salisbury University. Rob currently resides in Kensington, MD with his wife, Annie, and three kids, Connor, Kyle, and Taylor.
Eric Friedman, CFA®
Director, Investment Research
Eric Friedman, CFA®
Director, Investment Research
In his role as Director, Investment Research, Eric oversees the due diligence and selection of all investments utilized by both Wealth Advisory and Retirement Plan clients. With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, he utilizes his knowledge of capital markets to help the team guide our clients through the ever-changing economic landscape. In addition, he heads the firm’s Investment Committee and oversees the quarterly Investment & Wealth Management newsletter.
Prior to joining The Capital Group, Eric earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Finance from The University of Pittsburgh. He is a CFA® Charterholder and a member of the CFA® Society of Washington, DC. Outside of the office, he loves playing golf, skiing, and rooting for DC sports teams.
Tim Sommer, AIF
Senior Wealth Advisor
Tim Sommer, AIF
Senior Wealth Advisor
Tim Sommer is a Managing Advisor at the Capital Group. He is a Registered Investment Advisor with more than 28 years of industry experience specializing in providing retirement income, estate planning, investment management, and full-service financial planning to individuals.
Prior to The Capital Group, Tim was a founding member of TIAA's Wealth Management Group in New York City and served as a Senior Wealth Management Advisor, where he led a team of Advisors who developed and maintained relationships with clients representing more than $1.4 billion in assets.
Tim enjoys spending time with his clients and their families to understand their financial needs and concerns. He builds comprehensive financial plans unique to their personal situation and provides objective advice to ensure their definition of success is met. At TIAA, this strategy earned Tim a consistent spot as a Top Advisor for Client Satisfaction.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities from Providence College, and holds NASD Series 7, 66, 6, and 63 licenses.
Tim currently resides in Kensington, Maryland along with his wife, Christina - a Washington native - and their seven-year-old twins, Peyton and Matthew. Tim enjoys traveling the world, playing tennis, and hopes to one day be a decent golfer.
Contact me at:
(301) 375-4205 or Tim.Sommer@capgroupfinancial.com
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We customize benefits packages to fit your needs, and act as an effective incentive to attract and maintain the best talent for your company.
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Our HR management technology provides your company with the efficiency & ease of use to effectively manage your employee benefits.
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