Our Staff


Senior Staff

James Krantz, CPCU

Chairman

Jim started his Insurance career with Paul Krantz & Co. in 1977. In 1987, Jim was instrumental in creating the newly formed York International Agency.  Jim graduated from Syracuse University in 1977 and completed his CPCU designation in 1989.  Jim sits on the Board of Directors of the Sid Jacobson JCC in Roslyn, N.Y.


 

 

Robert Kestenbaum

Chief Executive Officer

Robert joined York International Companies in 1997.  Prior to York, Robert was employed with Alexander and Alexander for 15 years.  He was head of the CT, NJ and Long Island Offices, and was a Managing Director.  Robert sits on the Board of the Independent Insurance Agents of Westchester County (IIAWC) and Hudson Valley Bank’s Business Development Board.  He is a member of the Business Council of Westchester, and a participating member of the Mount Vernon Boys and Girls Club.  Robert graduated from American University in 1980. 


 

 

Michael A. Bodack, CLU, ChFC

President

Michael joined York as a Senior Partner when the firm he founded, Sequoia Financial Partners LLC, merged with York. Michael started his career while still in college at Northwest Mutual, and upon graduation worked for New York Life. He graduated with a BA in Political Science from Tufts University in 1998.  Michael earned his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation in 2000 and his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation in 2001. Michael is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and was named one of Westchester’s “40 Under 40 Rising Stars”.

 
 

Barbara Strauss

Executive Vice President

Barbara joined York International in 2000 as Senior Vice President before advancing to the position of Executive Vice President.  Prior to York, Barbara spent over 30 years with a regional insurance agency specializing in Real Estate, and is highly recognized as an industry leader for her expertise in the field. 

 

 

Carey O'Connor

Executive Vice President and Principal

Carey joined York International Companies in 2001 as Senior Vice President and Account Executive.  Prior to York, Carey has 20+ years in the insurance industry having spent the majority of time with the global brokers, Willis Corroon and Frank B. Hall.  Carey graduated from Tulane University in 1978.  Carey achieved his MBA from Fordham University and completed his CPCU designation in 1987.


 

 

Stephen P. DeMatteo

Executive Vice President and Principal

Steve joined York International in 2005 as a Senior Vice President and Principal.  In 2009 Steve was promoted to Executive Vice President and was recently appointed the Practice Leader managing York’s Commercial Insurance brokerage and claims operation.  Prior to joining York, he was employed with Marsh Inc. for 10 years, most recently as Senior Vice President and Group Leader for the Connecticut Middle Market Client Executive Practice.  Steve began his career working with Chubb & Son.  He graduated from Fairfield University in 1989 and he currently sits on the Fairfield University Dolan School of Business Advisory Council.


 
 

Joshua S. Marcus

Executive Vice President

Joshua joined York International in 2009 when Sequoia Financial Partners merged with York International.  Joshua began his career as a broker for Sequoia Financial Partners, working his way to Partner in that firm.  Prior to Sequoia, he worked with Principal Life Insurance Co., where he specialized in the private market.  Joshua attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and holds his BA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. 

 

 

David Kane

Executive Vice President

David joined York International Companies in 1997 as President of the Benefits company.  Prior to York, David was a Guardian Agent specializing in Life and Benefits.  He formed The Kane Planning Group, Inc. which was a full service financial company with expertise in employee and executive benefits programs.  David graduated from The University of Michigan in 1984.


 

 

 

Gil Fishman

Senior Vice President

Gil joined York International LLC in 2002 as a Senior Vice President specializing in new business development. Gil has over 25 years experience in the insurance industry, and facilitates the role of risk advisor to his commercial and individual customers. Prior to joining York, Gil was a Principal for Versatile Insurance Programs Corp., and served as COO for a leading men’s footwear company.  He sits on the Focus for a Future Board, and is a Vistage Trusted Advisor.  Gil graduated from CCNY/Baruch business school with a degree in Accounting. 

 
 

Angie Castella

Senior Vice President

Angie joined York International Companies in 2000, and holds the position of Vice President. Prior to joining York, Angie worked for 12 years as Commercial Lines Manager with Owens Group.  Angie began her insurance career with Firemen’s of Washington DC (now Clermont Specialty) focusing on the Real Estate industry.
 
 

 

 

George Friedberg

George Friedberg

Chairman Emeritus

George has been in the insurance business for 40 years. He founded Great Bay Brokerage which merged into York International Companies in 1985.  George graduated from New York University. 

 

 ° York International Agency ° 1 Executive Blvd., Yonkers, NY  10701 ° 914-376-2200 ° Fax: 914-376-2891 ° Info@yorkintl.com °

 
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