At The DeChristopher Group, our culture is highly collaborative ensuring that experts will be closely involved with you and your program. This page will introduce you to the team members who will contribute to your success.
Michael DeChristopher
President and Founder
Michael is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance. Michael began his career as an Investment Counselor working for a financial institution. Shortly after that, he became a licensed insurance broker. In 1995, Michael founded The DeChristopher Group. In addition to being licensed in Life and Health Insurance, Michael is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and an Investment Advisor Representative. Michael’s area of expertise encompasses all areas of employee benefit programs, funding and plan design as well as 401(k) plan analysis and implementation. Michael has also developed a number of analytics for healthcare costs, benefit trends, and benchmarks. He goes beyond the traditional role of delivering a single source solution. Michael is approachable and versatile in his ability to think and react fast on his feet. He is passionate about his work and consistently provides outstanding service to his clients.
Lucia Fan
Senior Benefits Advisor
Lucia is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication and Business Administraion. She began her career in the insurance and investment industry in marketing and sales. With more than 20 years experience, Lucia has worked for the National Education Association as Life Insurance Product Manager and Quality Assurance Manager. More recently, Lucia worked as Senior Client Manager at Willis (for 6 years), a renowed global employee benefits brokerage and consulting firm. Lucia's area of expertise is working with mid to large size employers and helping them develop and deliver sustainable employee benefit programs. Her accomplishments include negotiating significant savings for a number of area fortune 500 companies and implementing several quality improvement processes within the firm. Furthermore, Lucia serves as writer and editor of "Benefits Wise" a DeChristopher Group newsletter. Lucia is creative, resourceful, results-driven with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
Nikki Petrazzuolo
Client Manager
Nikki is a graduate of Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Science degree in International Economics and Public Policy Administration. She is an accomplished HR administrator with over 7 years experience in HR operations. Nikki is expected to receive her MA in Spring 2012. Throughout her career, Nikki has earned a reputation for being organized and a creative problem solver who has a strong propensity for helping others. In addition to serving as Operations Manager and Parent Communication Liason at Georgetown University, she was responsible for a variety of managerial and administrative duties, all of which require impeccable attention to detail, adherence to high-pressure deadlines, and a love for working with others. Nikki's areas of knowledge and expertise include recruitment, hiring, training and development, EEO laws, FMLA and COBRA administration. Nikki is also a Board Representative for the Fairfax County Virginia Community Action Advisory, an organization dedicated to helping low income families.
Kirsten Jennings
Client Manager
Kirsten is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management. She is a results-oriented HR professional with over 10 years experience in all areas of Human Resources, including benefits administration, management, and communication. Kirsten is well versed in vendor relations, claims and eligiblity management. Having worked for several large employers such as Volkswagen Group of America, Apex Systems, and Howard Hughes Medical Institutes, Kirsten has gained hands on experience and skills which allow her to excel in many areas of Employee Benefit program management. She also has a working knowledge of federal and labor laws such as PACCA, HIPPA, COBRA, FMLA, FSA, and HSA. Kirsten stays abreast of the most current laws that may impact employer-sponsored benefits to ensure the plans are administered in accordance to state and federal regulations and plan provisions are fulfilled.