Joe Thomson
Joe Thomson [founder of Pacer Financial] co-founded PLANCO in 1977, which grew to be one of the largest independent wholesale distributors of financial products in North America. PLANCO brought in billions of dollars in annual sales of annuities, mutual funds, and insurance during Joe's tenure. In 2009, Joe was inducted into the Insured Retirement Institute's Hall of Fame for his contributions to the industry.

In 1998, PLANCO became so successful it was acquired by one of its largest partners, Hartford Life Insurance Company. He continued as President through August 2001.

Joe founded Pacer Financial in 2004 to address the issues facing today's investors by offering low cost, tax efficient solutions.

Joe Thomson (CFP®, CLU, ChFC, CMFC) holds the FINRA General Principal's license, the PA Life & Annuity Insurance license, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Business Administration.

Sean O'Hara, CMFC
Sean O'Hara joined PLANCO in 1985. Sean spent 22 years with PLANCO/Hartford where he performed various roles including wholesaler, divisional manager, and managing director of the national wholesaler team. In his time as managing director, PLANCO sales grew on an annual basis from $14 billion per year to over $30 billion per year. During his tenure, he had oversight responsibility for more than 300 wholesalers, 20 divisions and managing all domestic wholesaling activities for Variable Annuities, Mutual Funds, and 401k’s. Additionally, Sean oversaw Variable Annuity sales in Japan and held a seat on the Board of Directors for the Japanese Life Company.

In July 2007, Sean joined Pacer Financial to lead the national wholesaling team. He has made television appearances on CNBC and Fox Business.

Sean holds the FINRA Series 7, 24, 26, 63, and 65 licenses as well as a Pennsylvania Resident Insurance Producer license and is also licensed as a Non-resident Insurance Producer in all 50 states and commonwealths throughout the US and the District of Columbia.

Sean is a graduate of The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC.

Bruce Kavanaugh
Bruce joined the firm when Pacer Financial began operations in 2004 and played an integral role in building Pacer’s infrastructure and assembling a distribution and marketing operation. He is responsible for setting and executing strategic goals for the company, working with existing product partners as well as identifying innovative future product structures and strategies for Pacer.

Bruce has more than 20 years experience in the financial services industry. He spent nine years with Vanguard where he worked in management and sales roles. He also spent several years with SEI Investments. He has experience in both the retail and institutional side of the business and has extensive experience in selling various product strategies through different sales channels.

Bruce is a graduate of Richard Stockton College, Pomona, NJ. Bruce holds the FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 licenses as well as a Pennsylvania Resident Insurance Producer license and is also licensed as a Non-resident Insurance Producer in 23 states and commonwealths throughout the US and the District of Columbia.

Ashlee Thomson
Ashlee joined Pacer Financial in July 2007 and is responsible for all marketing and communications activities in the firm as well as general operations.

Prior to joining Pacer Financial, Ashlee worked for the World Trade Center Institute, the largest international business network in the Mid-Atlantic located in Baltimore, MD where she was responsible for the Institute’s marketing, communications and event planning functions.

Ashlee earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Arts and Design from James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA and a Master of Science degree in Communications Management from Towson University, Towson, MD. Ashlee holds the FINRA Series 7, 24, and 66 licenses.