SML: Sitzmann · Morris · Lavis

Partners

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  Gary R. Sitzmann, CLU*

  January 30, 2009 0 Comments

  Gary Sitzmann first entered the insurance industry in 1965. His industry affiliations include:

  • National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)
  • NAIFA - California Association
    • Former Board Member
  • NAIFA - Mt. Diablo Association (formerly named NAIFA Oakland Association)
    • Former Board Member & President
  • American Society of Financial Service Professionals
  • Association for Advanced Life Underwriter (AALU)
    • Former Board Member
    • Former Chairman of Business Insurance and Estate Planning Committee
  • Million Dollar Roundtable - Qualifying & Life Member
  • Top of the Table - Qualifying & Life Member
    • Former Board Member & Chairman
  • M Financial Group
    • Former Board Member

  Gary supports many civic and philanthropic organizations. In 2005, he was honored as Man of the Year by the Bay Area Tumor Institute. Gary is currently a trustee of the University of California's Educational Foundation at Berkeley and a board member of the Tahoe Lakefront Homeowners Association.

  In 1965, Gary earned his degree from nearby Armstrong College. He and his wife reside in Orinda. They have two children and five grandchildren.

• 

  Donald E. Morris, Jr. CLU**

  January 20, 2009 0 Comments

  Don Morris joined SML in 1983 and became a Partner in 1987. His industry affiliations include:

  • National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)
  • NAIFA - California Association
  • NAIFA - Mt. Diablo Association (formerly named NAIFA Oakland Association)
    • Former President
  • American Society of Financial Service Professionals
  • Association for Advanced Life Underwriter (AALU)
  • Million Dollar Roundtable - Qualifying & Life Member
  • M Financial Group
  • Top of the Table - Qualifying & Life Member
    • Current Board Member

  Don supports The Oakland Boy's & Girl's Club of America and coaches various youth athletic teams. He earned a Political Science degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 1982 where he met his wife Kathy. They reside in Danville with their daughters Sophie & Madeline.

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  William H. Lavis IV

  January 19, 2009 0 Comments

  William “Bill” Lavis has led the Employee Benefits practice at SML since 1988. He started his employee benefit career with Canada Life in 1986, joined SML two years later and became a Partner in 1993. Bill has helped grow SML into one of the largest and most respected insurance brokerage and benefits consulting firms in Northern California.

  In addition to being a member of every major insurance carrier’s Broker Advisory Board, Bill is also active in industry groups including the Golden Gate Health Underwriters Association, the Californian Association of Health Underwriters and the National Association of Health Underwriters. He is recognized as one of the nation’s leading experts in designing consumer driven health plans, creating alternative funding options and building cutting edge care management & cost control programs.

  Bill holds a BA degree in Political Science from the University of California at Berkeley. He and his wife reside in Orinda with their two sons where he is an active supporter of youth sports, Boy Scouts of America and their local educational foundations.

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  Matthew M. Sitzmann

  January 18, 2009 0 Comments

  Matt Sitzmann began his insurance career with Great West Life in 1994, joined SML in 1999 and quickly assumed the role of Group Department Manager. In 2002, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer and became a Partner in January 2005.

  Matt actively supports the Surfrider Foundation, Orinda School District and is an active Board Member for the Bay Area Tumor Institute. He earned a degree in History from the University of Oregon in 1994. Matt and his wife Deb reside in Orinda California with their three children Gunnar, Mari and Chloe.