Partnering With You

Derek A. Lodholtz, LIC

Director of Risk Management

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. He has specialized in health insurance and benefits from the beginning of his career. 

Away from work, Derek stays active in his community through Rotary as well as with family and friends through shared interests in sports and popular events.

Designations & Licensing

• Licensed Insurance Agent, 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

Benefits Specialist

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.

Howard Kellicut

Risk Manager

 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.

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 as Risk Management and Insurance. She stayed on the team post graduation and became our Benefits Teams newest Account Manager. She 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. 

In her free time, Meagan enjoys being on the water, hanging out with friends and family, and cooking.

Alaina Woodard

Service Coordinator

P: (231) 796-8621

E: alaina@lernerfinancial.com

Alaina joined Lerner, Csernai and Fath Financial Group as our Benefits Service Coordinator in October 2021. She is a Paris native who graduated from Reed City Schools. After high school she pursed a degree and graduated from Ferris State University. Alaina is a highly organized people person who enjoys working with the community for all their benefit needs.

She enjoys spending her free time with her family, friends, and son Paxton. She loves being outdoors whether it is working on the farm, camping, boating, walking her dogs or riding horses.