About Us
Our History
Since 1975, GCG Financial, LLC, has been a trusted partner for our clients. Our mission has been to enhance the financial security of the businesses and families we serve through exceptional employee benefits, risk management, and wealth management solutions.
In 2017, GCG Financial and 23 other like- minded, entrepreneurial firms came together to form Alera Group. Since then, Alera Group has grown to become the 11th largest independent insurance and financial services firm in the nation with over 4,000 employees, 180 firms, and thousands of clients across the country.
In 2022, we officially began embracing the Alera Group brand. What remains consistent is holding our clients at the core of our business; we focus on bringing personalized solutions, expanding our capabilities, and deepening our resources nationally.
Our Team
Trusted. Smart. Passionate.
Our team has a sincere commitment to the long- term success of our clients. With an emphasis on collaboration and teamwork, we create unique solutions that fit the distinct needs of each client. We are passionate about doing what is right for every client, driven by the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, integrity, character, fairness, trust, and confidence.
Our Presence
Our clients benefit from the expertise and resources of a large national firm, while still maintaining the advantages of local service and relationships. We leverage powerful relationships, industry experience, and resources with the goal of supporting our clients’ business strategies and elevating the experience of working with us.
Above all, our firm believes in empowering people – our clients, our team, and the individuals in the communities where we live and work.
We are headquartered in Deerfield, IL, with offices throughout Illinois and Colorado, along with more than 150 Alera Group locations across the country. Wherever you are, we can meet your needs.
Investment advisory services offered through Alera Investment Advisors, LLC. Securities offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth.
Meet Our Team
Shelly Rabin
Senior Benefits Consultant | Employee Benefits
Shelly Rabin is a Senior Benefits Consultant at the firm with over 30 years of experience writing and servicing small group benefits, individual medical plans, and Medicare supplement plans. Among other things, her responsibilities include serving as the first point of contact for small group account specialists with complex issues, working with her team to troubleshoot challenges and identify solutions, and managing a book of small group accounts.
Shelly received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a specialty in interpersonal communication from The University of Wisconsin- Madison.
Joan Settineri Kopinski, GBDS
Senior Vice President, Benefits Consulting | Employee Benefits
Joan is a Senior Vice President of Benefits Consulting who brings organization and execution to the strategies that Brian Uhlig develops for his clients. Joan is responsible for the strategic planning and execution of Health and Welfare programs including vendor management, plan administration, merger/acquisition management, and employee communications. Joan’s years of experience in Human Resources before becoming a benefits consultant provides her with a unique ability to understand and address each client's needs. She has a passion for employee education and ensuring that the programs that are implemented are understood and properly communicated.
Joan enjoys spending time with her daughter and 3 young boys. She is active in her community and is heavily involved with her sons' extracurricular activities: band, cross country, track, travel hockey, theatre and Boy Scouts.
Kim Slavik, AINS, CISR
Director of Select Accounts, Risk Management | Property & Casualty
Kim is a Director of Select Accounts in the Risk Management division with over 17 years of experience in the insurance industry at both large and small insurance agencies. She supervises the Select Accounts Team as they guide both prospects and clients in managing their business insurance needs. Kim is passionate about helping businesses find cost effective insurance options without sacrificing the quality of their insurance coverage.
Education: B.A. Applied Behavioral Science, Psychology
Credentials: Associate in General Insurance (AINS), Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR)
Duane Stevens, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CLTC, CFS, BFA™
Senior Vice President, Wealth Services
Duane has been passionate about the field of financial services since 1996. He works closely with his clients to develop, implement, and review financial solutions. Duane specializes in working with small-to-medium-sized businesses in the selection and implementation of various programs, including business continuation, pension, medical, disability, and non-qualified retirement strategies. He also works with individuals and is well known in the medical community, helping physicians implement a variety of financial strategies.
Duane lives in Naperville, Illinois with his wife and two children. He enjoys golfing, boating, and traveling.
Education: B.S., Marketing and Insurance/Finance, Illinois State University.
Credentials: Behavioral Financial Advice (BFA™), Certified Financial Planner™ Professional (CFP®), Certified Fund Specialist (CFS), Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC), Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®), and Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFATM)
Investment advisory services offered through Alera Investment Advisors, LLC. Securities offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth.
CA license # 0C87991
Resources
EXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
Employee Benefits
Q3 2025 Quarterly Compliance Webinar
Alera Group's quarterly employee benefits compliance roundup will help you stay current on the latest national regulatory developments impacting employers.
September 9, 2025 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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Employee Benefits
Navigating Medicare: Educational Virtual Seminar
Navigate Medicare options to ensure you feel confident in your post-65 healthcare coverage.
September 10, 2025 at 12:00 pm CT | Virtual
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New Era, New Options: Understanding the Employee Benefit Impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and Direct Primary Care
With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the employee benefits landscape is shifting. This webinar brings together legislative insight and real-world application to help employers and advisors make informed decisions in a changing regulatory environment.
September 25, 2025 at 02:00 pm CT | Virtual
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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Property and Casualty
Alera Group’s 2025 Property and Casualty Market Update
Alera Group’s 2025 Property and Casualty Market Update, designed as a bridge between Alera Group’s annual Market Outlooks — provides insight into pricing, coverage availability, market capacity and underwriting trends for the balance of 2025.
August 1, 2025
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Wealth Services
The Hidden Cost of Sitting on Cash
Holding cash might feel safe — but it could be quietly costing you. Learn how to find the right balance between flexibility and growth, so your money keeps working as hard as you do.
July 28, 2025
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Wealth Services
Tuition, Travel, Retirement — Can You Plan for It All?
You’re juggling college savings, retirement planning, and living fully today. Here’s how a personalized plan can help you balance it all — without losing momentum or peace of mind.
July 28, 2025
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What Does Wealth Mean to Your Family?
Wealth is more than a number — it’s what you’re able to do with it. Discover how aligning your financial strategy with your family’s values can lead to greater clarity, connection, and purpose.
July 28, 2025
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