Responsibilities
Shalin Dave is responsible for driving new business development and managing strategic relationships across mid-market and enterprise employers. Shalin specializes in optimizing fully insured, level-funded, and self-funded employee benefit programs. He works closely with employers to design innovative, cost-contained benefits strategies that align with workforce goals while maximizing long-term value for both employees and the business.
Background
Shalin brings a broad background in employee benefits, client services, and human capital strategy. At Conner Strong & Buckelew, he helps employers unlock value through forward-thinking benefits consulting and data-driven plan design. Before joining Conner Strong & Buckelew, he served in client-facing roles at Univest and PrimePay, where he collaborated with HR leaders and executive stakeholders to streamline operations, enhance benefit offerings, and implement technology-forward solutions.
Education
Temple University, Fox School of Business – Bachelor of Business Administration in Innovation Management and Design Thinking
Responsibilities
John Kanarr is responsible for new business development and relationship management. John has expertise in both fully insured and self-funded programs. He works with clients to provide detailed recommendations for sustainable employee benefit programs that are valued by both employer and employee.
Background
John has over 9 years of employee benefits experience. Prior to Conner Strong & Buckelew, John was an Employee Benefits Consultant at ISM Insurance overseeing new sales for the Northeastern and Southeastern United States. Prior to ISM, he worked as a Multinational Sales Associate at Arthur J. Gallagher. John gained experience in account retention with large, self-funded clients at Independence Administrators and has also worked as a Corporate Sales Associate at GeoBlue, a large multinational insurance carrier.
Education
Pennsylvania State University – Bachelor of Arts
Professional Designations
Registered Employee Benefits Consultant
Responsibilities
Matthew Mattingly specializes in designing comprehensive risk management programs for commercial clients across the Nonprofit, Public Entity, and Construction industries in the National Accounts Department for Conner Strong & Buckelew.
Background
Matthew has been in the insurance industry since 2006. With experience as a Commercial Insurance Broker and Vice President of Property & Casualty, he has provided expert consultation for non-profit organizations, transportation companies, distributors, and manufacturers.
Education
Binghamton University – Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, and Law
Professional Designations
Associate in Risk Management (ARM)
Responsibilities
Matt McKenna specializes in designing comprehensive risk management programs for commercial clients of all types and across all industries.
Background
Prior to joining Conner Strong & Buckelew, Matt spent over 7 years working in the National Football League where he held various sales and business development roles. As an Account Executive with the Philadelphia Eagles, Matt worked within the Corporate Partnerships Department where he focused on building mutually beneficial sponsorship agreements for the organization.
Education
Indiana University Bloomington – Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs, Major in Management
Responsibilities
Sam Montgomery specializes in designing comprehensive risk management programs for commercial clients of all types and across all industries in the National Accounts Department for Conner Strong & Buckelew.
Background
Prior to his employment at Conner Strong & Buckelew, Sam worked as an Account Analyst for the Graham company for three years. His responsibilities included the daily servicing and preservation of commercial lines customers including rating and marketing. Sam obtained quotations and was instrumental in preparation of submissions, proposals, and binders. He also reviewed and processed policies, audits and policy changes. The book that Sam serviced consisted of Construction and Healthcare clients. Prior to Graham, he worked at BizEquity and Clark Construction.
Education
The Catholic University of America – Bachelor of Science in Finance
Responsibilities
Kyle Mullen specializes in designing comprehensive risk management programs for commercial clients of all types and across all industries.
Background
Prior to joining Conner Strong & Buckelew, Kyle gained over 10 years of sales experience in the life sciences and technology software industries. He began his career in Bayer’s Future Leaders Sales Program, where he developed a strong foundation and passion for sales. From there, Kyle transitioned into the technology sector, focusing on selling software applications that support the entire lifecycle of life sciences manufacturing. Over the past eight years, he worked as an Account Executive at Honeywell and Veeva Systems, helping clients optimize their operations and drive efficiency.
Kyle also played baseball at Saint Joseph’s University and is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Education
Saint Joseph’s University – Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Community Involvement
Coopertown Civic Association
Responsibilities
Erik brings a dynamic and relationship-driven background to his role as a Business Development Executive at Connor Strong & Buckelew, where he focuses on driving new business opportunities in commercial property and casualty insurance.
Background
Prior to entering the insurance industry, Erik spent several years as a licensed real estate agent in Los Angeles, representing high-profile clients at top-tier firms, including Douglas Elliman. In addition, he served as a golf instructor at Urban Golf Performance and several private clubs,
where he worked with executives, athletes, and business leaders—cultivating a strong, diverse professional network across industries. With a background in both business and competitive athletics, Erik brings discipline and strategy to consult clients on their risk management programs.
Education
Albright College – Bachelor of Arts
Professional Designations
Property and Casualty License
