Meet Our Team

Carla Hayes - Account Manager - Started in the insurance industry in customer service and marketing over 20 years ago after many years of watching her father who was also in the busjness. Her experience is exclusively in Employee Benefits on the broker side and she is always learning new things. She has a history of making healthy positive changes in her life and enjoys the opportunity to do the same for others. At home Carla spends her time with her two sons who enjoy going fishing and camping, watching movies and sports and have taken up fencing and taekwondo as their hobbies.

(ph) 847/699-1400 Ext.260
(email) carlah@meekermagner.com

Gil Haggart - CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter), LUTCF (Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow) - Gil is a graduate of Northwestern University and has been in the insurance business for 45 years. Gil is married and has three children and seven grandchildren. He has been active in many local organizations including the Boy Scouts and the Glenview Park District. Gil is proud to be a 38 Year Qualifying and Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table and Past President of the Chicago Association of Life Underwriters and the Illinois Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. He is a former Big Ten basketball referee.

Jennifer Livingston - Account Manager - Jennifer has over 14 years insurance experience. She has worked on both the insurance company and broker sides. Jennifer enjoys the customer service work she does for Meeker-Magner clients. In her spare time she enjoys horseback riding, camping and tennis.

Rusty Magner - RHU – Executive Vice President, Employee Benefits and Group Wellness Specialist. A fourth generation member of the Meeker-Magner team, Rusty works with mid-sized business to help his clients attract and retain top employees through comprehensive employee benefit plans. For the past several years he has helped employees at client companies have life changing experiences through wellness programs. He has expertise in health, dental, disability, life, FSA, HRA, HSA, consumer-driven healthcare, retirement and deferred compensation plans. In addition to his insurance licenses, he holds Series 6 & 63 securities licenses. Rusty graduated from Fairfield University, with a degree in Business Management. He is Past President of the Chicago Board of Underwriters. He enjoys his wife and children, golf and networking. Most of all he enjoys helping others.

Dan Shank - Sales Support - Dan has over three years of Employee Benefits experience working on the broker side. He believes that providing superior customer service to clients is mandatory because they deserve nothing less. In his spare time Dan is working towards a Bachelor's degree in Audio Production and enjoys exercising and playing guitar and drums. He also spends his weekends playing guitar for local churches.

Jeff Petro - Vice President and Employee Benefits Specialist and Group Wellness Specialist - Jeff has been with Meeker-Magner since 1991 and serving in the Life / Health Benefits Industry since 1987. Prior to that he sat on the other side of the desk assisting in the Human Resources / Management of a firm. He continually exceeds the expectations of his employer group clients through comprehensive and proactive services. No detail is too small for Jeff. He was awarded employee of the year at Meeker Magner, and in 1999 he has been awarded the title of Assistant Vice President. Jeff was appointed Vice President in 2002 and has won the Meeker-Magner Annual Sales and Retention Award several times. He has a wonderfully supportive wife, whom he married in 1983, two super children and a dachshund! He enjoys hunting, hiking, reading, and films.

Maggie Lech - Account Manager/Employee Benefits Generalist- Maggie has worked on both the insurance company and broker sides.  Maggie was born in Poland and came to the United States in the mid 1990’s.  She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.  Working out, staying in shape and being active are some of Maggie’s top priorities.  She also enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family.