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
Steve Edelstein specializes in designing comprehensive risk management programs for commercial clients, with a specialized focus on commercial real estate and construction within the National Accounts Department. He provides strategic guidance to help clients mitigate exposure and optimize coverage.
Background
Prior to his employment at Conner Strong & Buckelew, Steve spent several years with commercial insurance brokerages focusing on commercial real estate and construction across all lines of coverage.
Education
University at Buffalo – Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Minor in Sociology
Professional Designations
Certified Workers Compensation Counselor (CWCC)
Real Estate Certified Insurance Professional (RCIP)
Responsibilities
Scott Ernst works with businesses to identify and evaluate their unique risk exposures, helping clients navigate the complexities of business insurance with clear, practical guidance and tailored solutions. He specializes in analyzing complex risk profiles and delivering tailored insurance and risk management solutions that align with each client’s needs.
Background
Scott brings more than 25 years of experience in commercial insurance and risk management. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for performing in high-stakes environments and for consistently driving results through a strategic, client-focused approach.
Education
University of Michigan – Stephen M. Ross School of Business, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Professional Designation
Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)
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
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
Responsibilties
Gabrielle Tobia is responsible for driving new business development and managing strategic relationships within the mid-market space.
Background
Gabrielle began her career at Conner Strong & Buckelew as an Employee Benefits intern in 2018. She then joined ADP, where she worked in Small Business Services and later advanced to the Major Accounts division. During her time there, she partnered with Centers of Influence to generate new business opportunities, led competitive takeaways, and collaborated with HR executives to deliver workforce solutions.
Education
Drexel University – Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Responsibilities
Brian Weiscarger is responsible for developing new business opportunities and maintaining strong client relationships for Conner Strong & Buckelew. He focuses on helping businesses design risk management programs that enhance employee well-being and organizational success. Brian advises fully insured and self-funded employers, providing tailored solutions and insights that reduce costs while maximizing the value of their health, life, disability, and voluntary benefit programs.
Background
Brian has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. Prior to Conner Strong & Buckelew, Brian was Vice President of Employee Benefits for Risk Strategies Company and a Client Executive at Marsh McLennan Agency, focusing on Employee Benefits solutions and plan design. Earlier in his career, Brian was Sales Director for a medical services firm, overseeing business development and account management for national accounts. He began his career as a consultant for large national insurance carriers and third-party administrators, providing risk management solutions for clients such as Amazon and Verizon.
Education
West Chester University – Bachelor of Science in Business
Professional Designations
Licensed Insurance Producer: Accident & Health, Life, Variable Life & Variable Annuity
