Partnering With You

Derek A. Lodholtz, LIC

Sr. Agent and lead risk Manager

P: (231) 629-8628

E: derek@lernerfinancial.com

Born and raised in Reed City to a manufacturing family, Derek got his start in business and entrepreneurship early on. He started his insurance career at the age of 16, working part-time at a local independent insurance agency around his high school sports schedule. He transferred from Michigan State University to Ferris State University after deciding to study in their Risk Management program. At that time, he became employed at a local insurance agency and became licensed with the State of Michigan to be able to sell insurance products. Shortly thereafter, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Risk Management & Insurance. In 2019 Ferris invited him back to hold a seat on the Advisory Board of their Risk Management and Insurance program. Derek is an investor into many businesses throughout West Michigan and further, bringing a unique perspective to the clients he advises as he understands and relate to the day-to-day of business owners he works with. He has specialized in health insurance and benefits from the beginning of his career and quickly has become recognized as an industry leader and innovator. 

Away from work, Derek stays active in his community through many volunteer organizations. Derek enjoys spending time with his family up north during Michigan's summers, and enjoys traveling as much as he can with his girlfriend Alexandra. 

Designations & Licensing

• Licensed Insurance Agent, Florida, Michigan, Missouri & Wisconsin
• Licensed Insurance Counselor

Accomplishments

• United Care Consortium, Founder & Alliance Director

Volunteer Organizations

• Ferris State University Risk Management & Insurance Program, Advisory Council Member
• Reed City Chamber of Commerce, Member
• Reed City Rotary Club, Member
• Osceola County Community Foundation, Trustee
• National Association of Health Underwriters, Member

Jacqueline N. Holmes

Agent

P: (231) 629-8617

E: jackie@lernerfinancial.com

Saying Jackie works hard for our clients is an understatement. In 2002, Jackie started building relationships with the healthcare clients of Lerner, Csernai and Fath Financial and has not stopped since. She not only maintains current group health, life and disability clients but also aids in attracting new clients. While creating group proposals and plan designs to meeting one-on-one with clients, Jackie still finds time to engage in continuing education and yearly certifications. Staying up to date regarding healthcare reform is imperative since she works with clients ranging from senior citizens to small businesses. 

Jackie cherishes spending time with her family and friends and being an avid Detroit Tiger fan, she makes sure she attends at least one game per season.

Meagan Tran

Account Manager

P: (231) 629-8618

E: meagan@lernerfinancial.com

Meagan joined Lerner, Csernai and Fath Financial Group in May of 2020. Meagan graduated from Ferris State University in December of 2022 after studying Marketing as well obtaining a certificate in Risk Management and Insurance. She started off as the firms first intern, and stayed on the team post graduation becoming our Benefits Teams newest Account Manager. Meagan is highly organized and an excellent planner. Bringing those qualities to Lerner, Csernai and Fath Financial Group greatly assists in the work our benefits division does on a daily basis. 

Outside of work, Meagan enjoys spending her free time on Pine Lake where she grew up in Plainwell, Michigan. She also enjoys cooking, golfing, and spending time with friends and family. 

Kailey McKenzie

Service Coordinator

P: (231) 796-8644

E: kailey@lernerfinancial.com

Kailey was asked to join Lerner, Csernai and Fath Financial Group in July of 2022. She brings 7 years of banking experience with her that helped shape her love of working with the Big Rapids community. Her attention to detail and hunger for growth and development will be a great asset to the benefits division as it continues to grow. Kailey is a Big Rapids native and graduate from Crossroads Charter Academy. She resides in the area with her dog, rabbits, and horses.

When not at work, she enjoys gardening, playing with her animals, cooking new recipes, and reading murder mysteries.

Trisha Oosterhouse

Service Coordinator

P: (231) 796-8619

E: Trishooster@lernerfinancial.com

Trisha joined Lerner, Csernai and Fath Financial Group as our Front Desk Receptionist in April of 2021. She has since moved to our Benefits Division and is now a Service Coordinator that specializes in insurance. Trisha is highly organized and a people person, making her the perfect fit for this position. 

She is a Big Rapids native who has raised two children, Kayla and Clay, with her husband, Jeff. Her oldest daughter Kayla is a BRPS graduate who is currently living in California. Her son, Clay, is a student at Michigan Tech University. In their free time, Trish and Jeff  enjoy boating, biking, and spoiling their third "child" Oliver, a Goldendoodle.

Howard Kellicut

Risk Manager

P: (231) 796-8621

E: howard@lernerfinancial.com

 I recently retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan after a 35 year career, where I worked the most recent 2.5 years on the Marketing Team as an Account Manager - working with groups over 50 contracts.  The prior 24 years at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan I spent as a Provider Consultant, working on all lines of our business, for both Professional and Facility provider relationships.  I had consulted with providers in most West Michigan counties, and north to Mackinac Bridge.  Prior to Provider Consulting, I was a Supervisor in the Lansing Service Unit for some of the largest public accounts assisting on Membership and Facility claims.   I also have experience with BCBSM in Records Services.  (Do you remember microfilm and micro fiche?  I created them). 

After being sought after by many West Michigan benefit agencies, I chose to work with the team at Lerner, Csernai & Fath Financial Group because throughout my relationship with the firm they displayed such a high level of integrity, and advise on benefits in a way that the entire industry lacks. With proprietary and unique product offerings, the team at Lerner, Csernai & Fath Financial Group really impressed me with their ability to advise and willingness to grow their advisory. I am excited to be an independent Risk Manager to help clients throughout Michigan with innovative and forward thinking benefit ideology.

I graduated from Central Michigan University in Dec. 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Management.  Prior, I was a graduate of Shepherd High School, the Fighting Blue Jays! I’ve been married 33 years with 3 children: A Grand Valley State University graduate, teaching in San Angelo TX.  A Hillsdale College Graduate working for Oppenheimer as a Financial Investor in East Lansing.  A Ferris St. University graduate working for Porter Corp in Holland as a CAD designer.   Away from work I enjoy sports, hunting, fishing, and time spent outdoors with family and friends.

Cindy Leen

Risk Manager

P: (231) 796-8621

E: cindy@lernerfinancial.com

Having spent most of her career in Human Resources and Finance for a manufacturing company in the Thumb of Michigan, Cindy has first-hand knowledge of what employers are looking for regarding employee benefits as well as the agent/agency providing them.  Having utilized Lerner, Csernai and Fath for their employee benefits for several years, she developed a strong relationship with our staff.  

She graduated from Baker College with an Associate Degree in Business Management in 1998 was first licensed in Health and Life back in the early 2000’s and shortly thereafter choose to put her career on hold to raise her three small children.

Realizing that she had a unique opportunity to share her experience from both sides of the table, she obtained her Health and Life license again and joined the LCF Team with a passion to provide our top-quality services to business owners in her home area in the Thumb of Michigan.

Cindy’s three children are now mostly grown and the days of 4-H, high school sports and various other activities are coming to close but she continues as Head Coach for the Sandusky High School Clay Target Team and is on the board of The Well- A Place Of Common Grounds, which is a non-profit ministry in her home town.  She enjoys good books and bold coffee and spending as much time as she can with her children and her Siberian Husky- Zoey.