Phil Kessler began his career in financial services as a group pension sales representative for New England Financial in Boston after leaving the U.S. Army with the rank of Captain. He later transferred to Syracuse, where he was named agency supervisor. In 1975, Phil was named co-general agent and became sole managing partner in 1978.

As principal of F. P. Kessler, Jr. & Associates, Phil and his son, Brent, work together providing personal, customized financial services and products to many clients, including individuals and businesses. The two also lead a full-service retirement benefits administration team in servicing nearly $150 million in assets for over 125 clients.

Phil holds both the Certified Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations. He is a Life and Qualifying member in the Leaders Association and The Million Dollar Round Table. He has received the National Sales Achievement and National Quality Awards as well as the Distinguished Service Award from both The Syracuse National Association of Life Underwriters and The Society of Financial Service Professionals.

Under Phil’s management, The Kessler Agency won New England Financials’ President’s Trophy three times, the Judge Willard Phillips Award four times, the Ship’s Bell Award nine times and the Individual Pension Agency Award.

Phil is actively involved in both professional and community organizations. He is a current member of the local CLU and GAMA chapters and The Syracuse National Association of Life Underwriters and former member of the General Agents Association. He serves on the foundation boards of Loretto, St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center, Vera House and Community Hospital. He sits on the board of the Metropolitan Development Association and is a past president of the Syracuse Chapter of the American Heart Association. Phil holds a bachelor’s of arts in government from St. Lawrence University.