Field Director - Advanced Designs Unit,
Pacific Life
With over 40 years’ experience in law and insurance planning, Stephen joined Pacific Life’s Advanced
Designs Unit in 2024. Previously, he served on the Advanced Markets team at Mutual of Omaha for over
16 years after a two-decade career combining law and financial services practices. His primary focus in his
practice was business-succession planning and general business planning along with real estate and estate
planning.
Stephen graduated from the University of Iowa with a BA in English/Creative Writing and earned his juris
doctor degree at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. He then earned his MBA from the J.L. Kellogg
Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University. He is admitted to the state bars of New York
and Illinois.
In his spare time, Stephen enjoys performing improv comedy, working on his comedy podcast, and
spending time with his wife, Theresa, and their three grown children and one grandchild.
Topics include IRC Section 1202 planning for business owners, the strategic use of MSOs for tax efficiency, insights into Section 199A and Opportunity Zones, and advanced inherited IRA strategies using Charitable Remainder Trusts to reduce taxes and support legacy goals.
