About

Mark’s extensive knowledge of pension law provides the foundation for his retirement plan consulting regarding plan design, implementation, operation, administration, compliance, and corrections. He serves as general counsel for ACSI’s pension administrators and actuary. Mark started his career as a corporate attorney with a national law firm in Pittsburgh and then was a partner with Phillips Lytle LLP in Buffalo, spending 21 years as a pension lawyer prior to joining ACSI in 2011.

Mark has a J.D. (Law) Degree and B.S. and M.B.A. degrees in Accounting and Finance from the University at Buffalo. In his free time, he’s a dedicated Atlanta Braves and Buffalo Sabres fan and a lifelong hockey player who, along with his wife, loves caring for their grandchildren whenever he is away from the office.

James Brand, the President of ACSI, partners with financial advisors to provide their clients’ retirement plans with A+ TPA services. His focus is on onboarding all new ACSI clients, designing retirement plans, and setting up automation for clients’ retirement plans.

James started his career in private equity and is a CFA with a Master’s in Financial Engineering from NYU. Today, James is proud to lead ACSI alongside his wife and father, continuing the firm’s legacy of independent, expert service.

Bridget manages ACSI’s Pension Administrators and oversees all aspects of compliance and reporting for clients’ 401(k), 403(b), and other defined contribution plans. As Chief Operating Officer, she leads firmwide operations, driving strategic initiatives, process improvement, and organizational efficiency to support the firm’s continued growth.

Bridget has more than 25 years of experience providing retirement plan services, including 3 years with a large public accounting firm. Bridget has a B.S. and M.B.A. in Accounting and Finance from St. Bonaventure University. Outside of work, she is a devoted Disney enthusiast who loves vacationing, cherishes time with her family, and enjoys tending to her ever-growing collection of office plants.

Chloe Champagne serves as the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at ACSI, responsible for the development, management, and execution of key projects and strategies to drive organizational growth and efficiency.

Prior to joining ACSI, Chloe spent over 15 years in the nonprofit sector, where she most recently managed numerous nationwide public health initiatives. She holds a Master’s degree from Columbia University. Chloe enjoys running ACSI alongside her husband and, in her free time, enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with her family.

As Director of Finance, Emily Debbins is responsible for all accounting functions for ACSI, including billing and collections, payables, payroll, and cash management. She plays an integral role in overseeing the firm’s financial operations, strengthening internal processes, and supporting strategic decision-making.

Working alongside her family at ACSI, Emily brings a practical, hands-on approach and entrepreneurial insight to the firm’s daily operations. She holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Accounting from the University at Buffalo. Outside of work, Emily enjoys life with her growing family, staying busy with her two young daughters – a lively two-year-old and a new baby – making the most of every moment together.

Sean Fitzgerald is the Chief Actuary at ACSI, specializing in defined benefit plan administration. With a robust background in mathematics and business, Sean excels at translating complex industry formulas and data tools into clear, actionable solutions for his clients and colleagues. He is most passionate about helping others navigate intricate pension-related challenges. When he isn’t decoding formulas, Sean enjoys diving into high-strategy board games and trading card games.

As Director, Pension Administration, Diana Tabone leads ACSI’s pension administration with a commitment to precision and client success. With 15+ years of experience, she ensures that plan operations are seamless and fully compliant with evolving regulations.

Diana’s background includes over ten years in the healthcare and tech industries, where she mastered the art of complex problem-solving and relationship management. A graduate of Empire State College, she holds a B.S. in Business Management and Economics. Outside the office, Diana finds her greatest joy in family life and keeping up with her young daughter. Whether she’s getting lost in the pages of a compelling novel or discovering a new favorite film, she appreciates the balance of a quiet afternoon and quality time with those she loves.

Gina Curella is the Assistant Director of Pension Administration, bringing over 25 years of specialized industry expertise to her leadership role, including prior service with ACSI earlier in her career. She is instrumental in supervising the pension administration team, providing essential technical support and comprehensive training to ensure operational excellence.

A proud graduate of Canisius College, Gina balances her professional commitment to precision with a love for the outdoors and home life. When she isn’t mentoring her team, she enjoys gardening, spending quality time with her family, and relaxing with her dogs.

Paula Iannello, the Assistant Director of Client Services at ACSI, brings over 25 years of experience in contract management and compliance to her role. Utilizing her paralegal skills and a deep focus on risk management, she leads her team in overseeing the firm’s complex contractual obligations and regulatory adherence. Paula provides vital value by safeguarding client interests and maintaining the highest standards of accuracy across all contractual mandates.

Hiking, gardening, and family time are her go-tos, but nothing helps her decompress like diving into a compelling murder mystery.

As a Senior Relationship Manager at ACSI, Kristen partners with plan sponsors and financial advisors to deliver strategic retirement plan solutions and provide proactive, relationship-focused service. Kristen helps clients navigate compliance requirements, optimize plan design, and create positive outcomes for their organizations and employees. Her background in employee benefits and experience as a Financial Advisor Associate allows her to bring a well-rounded financial perspective to every conversation. She is passionate about building long-term partnerships and being a reliable, solutions-oriented resource clients can count on.

Kristen also serves on the Ambassadors Board for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara, and the Southern Tier, supporting their mission to empower and mentor youth in our communities. Outside of the office, you can often find Kristen on the tennis court and spending time with her family.

Donald Mitchell specializes in helping business owners and financial advisors design, implement, and maintain high-performance retirement plans. Since earning his MBA from St. Bonaventure University in 2017, Donald has dedicated his career to the financial sector, where he has built a reputation for his customer-first approach and meticulous problem-solving skills. He excels at guiding clients through the complexities of the ever-changing regulatory landscape, ensuring their plans remain compliant and optimized for long-term success.

A proud member of the Buffalo community, Donald balances his professional life with his passion for the local scene. When he isn’t at ACSI, you’ll likely find him at one of the area’s many hockey rinks, enjoying a show at a local concert venue, or perfecting his game at a nearby golf course.

As a Relationship Manager at ACSI, Jill Fisher partners closely with financial advisors to deliver high-touch, white-glove TPA service to plan sponsors. Her focus is on helping plan sponsors navigate retirement plan challenges while ensuring each plan is optimized for both the organization and its employees and remains fully compliant. Jill takes pride in being a proactive resource, guiding advisors and clients through complexities with clarity and confidence.

With nearly 10 years of experience in the retirement services industry, Jill brings a well-rounded perspective shaped by her prior role as a Retirement Plan Consultant at an advisory firm. She draws on this experience to support advisors and plan sponsors with thoughtful, high-quality service. Outside of work, Jill enjoys spending time camping with her husband and their two dogs, taking every opportunity to unplug and enjoy the outdoors.

With more than 25 years of experience as an Executive Assistant, Bethany currently serves as a Client Services Representative & Executive Assistant at ACSI. Known for her strong work ethic, reliability, and people-first approach, she enjoys supporting both clients and colleagues.

Outside of work, Bethany is a proud mom and coach of two travel baseball players and stays active by playing softball several nights a week. She believes that teamwork, positivity, and dedication—both on the field and in the workplace—are key to success in every area of life.

Carisa Gramza is an Administrative Assistant at ACSI, where she has been supporting daily office operations since 2019 and plays a key role in helping ensure a smooth and efficient experience for both clients and staff.

She brings a background in customer service to her role, with a strong focus on organization, responsiveness, and attention to detail. Carisa holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Buffalo State College. Outside of the office, she enjoys life with her young son and newborn daughter and cherishes time with her large extended family, especially when traveling together for relaxing ocean vacations.