ESTATE PLANNING COUNCIL OF POLK COUNTY

Join us along with our panel made up of local professionals as they discuss Efficient Long-Term Care Planning for the Affluent lead and moderated by Polk EPC Member Kathryn Koch. Our panelists are Tom Vassallo (Insurance Specialist), Sterling Searchy (Tax Expert), and Kevin Albaum (Estate Planning Attorney). 

Kathryn Koch 

Kathryn joined Lanier Upshaw in 1998 and worked with them for 22 years.  In 2000 Lanier Upshaw merged with Baldwin, Krystyn & Sherman Partners and was recently promoted to Partner.  in 2000.  Recently promoted to Partner.

 She was recruited into the insurance industry while working for a national car rental firm.  She subsequently worked for a direct writer selling property & casualty, employee benefits and personal lines before coming to Lanier Upshaw.  Kathryn holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational business, associate degree in marketing.   Kathryn has earned the four insurance designations:  Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF), Registered Financial Consultant (RFC). Certified Life Underwriting (CLU) and Chartered Private Risk and Insurance Advisor (CPRIA).

 Kathryn enjoys the challenge of helping clients with their financial and insurance needs.

Sterling J Searcy | CPA and FINANCIAL ADVISOR CPS Investment Advisors

Originally from Vero Beach Florida, and spending most summers in the Florida Keys, Sterling is a true Florida native. In fact, he was a certified scuba diver at the young age of 13, and also obtained his boaters license long before driving a car. When he is not on the water, Sterling would spend his time mastering his passion for golf. He competed on the golf tteam at his Alma Mater Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Go Owls! And even tested his skills at some professional mini-tour events. He likes to joke that he lived a retired lifestyle of fishing and golfing, long before he entered the workforce. Now he spends most of his time taking walks with his beautiful wife Christy and beautiful daughter Eden, and searching for that perfect cortado (coffee drink) in the Lakeland Florida area!

Through his connections playing golf, he started his path as an advisor and accountant. He began by serving as the Accounting Manager/Controller for a manufacturing company located in Fort Pierce Florida. More recently he served as an International Tax Associate assisting clients with their U.S. international tax compliance.In his current role, Sterling utilizes his understanding of the tax code to make informed decisions regarding personal finances relative to a client’s tax position. His passion is assisting clients with retirement planning and other personal financial goals. Sterling knows that financial planning can seem intimidating and complex. But, with a little planning, guidance, and hard work, anyone can achieve financial independence.

Sterling received his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University in 2011. He received his Masters in Accountancy (MAcc) from Florida Southern College located in Lakeland, FL. He is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Florida and holds his Series 65 as an Investment Advisor Representative.

Tom Vassallo Annuity and Asset Based LTC Consultant
tom@mrwfinancial.com

Tom joins MRW Financial with over 20 years of financial services experience including 10 years in retail and 10 years in wholesale.  Tom’s previous experience includes Sun Insurance Marketing Network, Physician’s Advisory Group and Agent Link.  With Tom’s vast experience in LTC Insurance, he will be a great asset in helping you build and grow your book.   Tom lives in Sarasota with his family.

Kevin Albaum, Shareholder at Clark, Campbell, Lancaster, Workman & Airth, P.A.

Kevin Albaum was born and raised in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Kevin earned his bachelor’s degree at Florida State University where he competed for the University’s mock trial team in competitions across the country. Immediately upon graduation, he enrolled at Stetson University’s College of Law in Gulfport, Florida due to their specialty program in elder law and his passion for that specific field of the law.

In 2015, Kevin moved to Lakeland to join Clark, Campbell, Lancaster, Workman, & Airth, P.A., where he practices in the areas of: Elder Law, Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning, Guardianship, Probate Administration, Trust Administration, and Medicaid Planning.

In 2021, Kevin achieved board certification status in the field of elder law as recognized by the Florida Bar Board of Specialization and Education Certification. Kevin is currently serving as President-Elect for the Lakeland Bar Association. He is also an active member of the Willson American Inn of Court, the Florida Bar’s Elder Law Section, the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys, and the Estate Planning Council of Polk County.

Kevin’s wife, Lauren, is the executive director of career services at Florida Southern College and is the currently serving president of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland. When not in the office, Kevin enjoys spending his time with his daughter (Nina), his goldendoodle (Brinkley) and playing ice hockey.

Sponsored By: Weaver Loveless Law