Our Team

Blair Jacobson, CLU AEP

President

Blair has been providing insurance and benefits solutions to businesses for over 50 years.  As a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Accredited Estate Planner (AEP), he helps businesses attract, retain and reward employees, while also providing solutions to business continuity issues and executive compensation.  Blair is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting, International Forum, a Life and Qualifying Member of the Million Dollar Round Table and a member of the Pittsburgh Estate Planning Council.  Blair is also a founding member of NFP Benefits, a national organization dedicated to providing creative employee benefit programs to successful businesses around the country. 

 

Larry L. Jacobson, LUTCF CLTC 

Senior Vice President 

Larry entered the insurance and benefits business in 1991 and works with executives and owners of closely held businesses, helping to create and implement life, health and disability insurance solutions that match their specific needs.  Larry earned his Life Underwriters Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) designation in 1995 and his Certification in Long Term Care (CLTC) in 2003.  He is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Forum 400 and the Million Dollar Round Table.  Larry is a Registered Representative with Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS) and an Investment Advisor Representative with Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS). 

 

Donna Spencer; Director of New Business

Originally from Cumberland, Maryland, Donna has lived in the Pittsburgh area for over 20 years.  She brings with her 40 years of experience in the insurance industry.

Donna joined the Jacobson Associates, Inc.’s team in 1999.  As the Director of New Business, Donna serves as our client advocate and agency liaison with multiple financial services institutions.  Her responsibilities include helping our clients to navigate the insurance application process.  She also maintains consistent contact with our clients, carriers, and staff, ensuring that all involved parties are provided with relevant and current information.  Donna’s professionalism and hands-on, caring approach make her a tremendous asset to our firm and our clients.

Donna lives with her husband, Bob, in Castle Shannon. During her time outside of the office, she enjoys focusing on her love of cooking and entertaining for family and friends.

 

Bill Place, CLU, ChFC, FLMI; Director of Case Design

A Philadelphia native, Bill attended Allegheny College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History.   He began his insurance career in 1985 with Connecticut Mutual.  After moving to Pittsburgh in 1987, Bill worked at an independent insurance agency, managing their life insurance department.  A few years later, he joined Phoenix Life’s local brokerage office.  During his 18 years with Phoenix Life, Bill earned his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI).

In 2010, Bill joined Jacobson Associates, Inc. in the role of Director of Case Design.  Bill helps ensure that clients are provided with comprehensive evaluations of their existing coverage, the current available options, and recommendations for appropriate adjustments, based on the clients’ current needs and goals. He is currently working toward becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

Bill married a Pittsburgh native and has one son.  During his spare time, he is an avid reader.  He also enjoys playing board, card, and computer games with friends and family.  

 

Opal Rhodes GBDS;  Executive Vice President of Policy Services

Opal is a seasoned Account Manager with 17 years in the insurance industry.  As a graduate of Waynesburg College (now University) with a Bachelor’s Degree in English, she began her career in Long Term Care and also spent several years as an Investment Account Manager.  For the past 12 years she has focused on the ever-evolving Employee Benefits field and her role in the firm includes building & maintaining a professional relationship with clients, managing renewals, maintaining eligibility and keeping clients up to date on the rules & regulations surrounding Healthcare Reform.  She is also responsible for maintaining compliance within our organization. 

Opal lives in Washington with her husband Rodney & cat Rory.