People

Founders / Staff / Board

Nicholas B. Gavalas, Former General Agent of The South Carolina Agency for MassMutual Financial Group, is a 1972 graduate of The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina.  He began his career as an agent with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1972, and became General Agent of The South Carolina Agency in 1985.  For 36 years, he led his organization through uncertainty, economic booms and busts, and product commoditization while growing revenues from $1 million to over $120 million. Nick is a recognized leader in the financial services industry, and is perennial recipient of the “International ‘Diamond’ Award” for superior management by the General Agents and Managers Association (GAMA). Mr. Gavalas is also an accomplished social entrepreneur, linking his life’s mission and business goals with devotion to service. He’s a three time recipient of Mass Mutual’s National Community Service Award, and was a 2008 finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Nick retired from MassMutual in June 2009. Nick resides in Mt. Pleasant, SC, and is a dedicated father to Alex, Catherine and David.

Dr. Ronald Kolanko is owner and Board Chairman of Atlantic Occupational Health, Inc. D.B.A. AOH, "Industrial Medicine Specialist." He is a graduate of Lincoln College, and is a national and international lecturer on health and insurance.

The GKF Staff stand proudly at the finish line of the 3rd Annual James Island Connector Run. (L-R) Pictured are Catherine Gavalas, Dr. Ron Kolanko, Nick Gavalas, and Ellen Dawson.

Founders & Staff

Board Members

• Bill Hall, Halls Chophouse
• Paul Steadman, The Steadman Agency
• Chris Price, PrimeSouth Real Estate
• Benny Firestone, Legacy Wealth Management
• Dean Riegel, Atlantic Occupational Health
• Larry Lockenby, The Citadel Athletics Department
• David Jodock, Boeing
• Tommy Baker, Baker Motor Company