People

Founders / Staff / Board

Description / History

"This is a truly inspirational endeavor they [the GKF board members] have undertaken. They have found a true need in our community."
- College of Charleston President Alex Sanders

Nicholas B. Gavalas, 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.  Since that time, the agency has had a continued growth rate, and is now rated in the Top Ten of the company's agencies.  The South Carolina Agency has been the recipient of numerous company and industry awards, including: The American College Professional Growth Award, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996 and 1995; MassMutual Master Agency Growth Award; The Chairman's Trophy for Outstanding Performance 1998 and 1996. The South Carolina Agency was also honored last year with the Retirement Services Product Leader Award.  Most Recently, MassMutual awarded Gavalas with two of the eight national Blue Chip Community Service Awards at the MassMutual Leader's Club Convention.  A $10,000 grant was presented to The Gavalas-Kolanko Foundation (GKF) and the Zonta Foundation of Charleston, Inc. respectively, on behalf of Gavalas.  MassMutual established the Awards to recognize and financially support the volunteer work of the company's general agents, agents, and agency employees.

Dr. Ronald Kolanko is owner and Board Chairman of Atlantic Occupational Health, Inc. D.B.A. AOH, "Industrial Medicine Specialist."

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.

Staff

Dr. Ronald Kolanko
- President & Chief Executive Officer
- Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
- Director of Operations

Board Members

Nicholas B. Gavalas - MassMutual Financial Group
Dr. Ronald Kolanko - AOH
Virginia H. Hinnant - VH Marketing Group
Joe Riley, III - MassMutual Financial Group
Jarrel Wigger - The Wigger Law Firm
Mary Peters  - Care For Life
Kristin Hetterman   James Doran Real Estate Company
Suzanne Barr   Pawpurri for Pets Boutique