Meet The Team

BRANDON NICHOLS

Brandon Nichols is the co-owner of Solutions3000, bringing over 25 years of expertise in the Life Insurance and Annuity industry. Renowned for his skills in strategic planning, process optimization, and technology integration, he excels at spearheading large-scale, complex system modernization initiatives.

Throughout his career, Brandon has successfully led transformative projects, including full-scale policy administration conversions, new business and underwriting automation, e-application and illustration system rollouts, and agent contracting and commission enhancements. Leveraging his technical expertise, he specializes in transforming manual processes into efficient, automated workflows. Brandon is also adept at building enterprise reporting platforms, utilizing tools such as Tableau and Power BI to deliver actionable insights.

A graduate of Texas A&M University, Brandon earned his MBA from St. Edward’s University in Austin. Outside of work, he’s often found cheering on his daughter at volleyball games or embracing the challenges of raising Longhorn cattle on his ranch.

TONI SCHUSTER, CLU, FLMI, AFSI, AIRC, PCS

With over 35 years of expertise in life, annuity, and health insurance operations, Toni Schuster is a seasoned leader in the insurance and financial services industry. As co-owner of Solutions3000, she specializes in policy administration conversions and technology modernization, driving transformative projects that enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Toni has led high-impact initiatives, including e-Application implementations, death claims automation, document imaging, workflow redesign, and comprehensive policy administration system conversions. Her leadership in modernization efforts has introduced innovative service models, integrating best practices and cutting-edge technologies. Notable projects include upgrading policy administration systems, redesigning producer websites, and implementing automated solutions like scoring tools and XML dashboards, all while managing vendors and ensuring rigorous quality assurance.

Her strategic oversight extends to streamlining workflows, automating manual processes—such as statutory reserve reporting and disability income claims—and optimizing systems for operational excellence. Toni has also directed multi-million-dollar conversion projects, developed testing strategies, and collaborated with senior stakeholders to deliver seamless implementations.

Renowned for aligning technology and operations with business objectives, Toni consistently delivers high-quality solutions in competitive landscapes, cementing her reputation as a trusted industry expert.

In her personal time, Toni frequently visits her son and family in the Chicago area, and enthusiastically cheers on her grandsons in their various sports activities.

DEB STERNS, FLMI, ACS

Debra brings over 30 years of experience in the Life and Annuity Insurance industry, demonstrating a strong commitment to building high-performance teams and effective management strategies. Throughout her career, her focus has remained on delivering exceptional attention to detail and a deep understanding of customer needs. She has also played a key role in mentoring emerging leaders, helping them make sound, strategic business decisions.

With a proven track record in leadership, Debra has consistently excelled in roles that emphasize the timely and accurate delivery of services. Her extensive background spans across new business processing, back-office services, workflow management, and the automation of letters and forms. She has a keen ability to simplify processes, ultimately enhancing the customer experience while upholding company standards and expectations.

A lifelong resident of Nebraska, Debra is the proud mother of three children. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. In her personal time, Debra enjoys sewing, crafting, spending time with family, and traveling.

KELLY A. BOHNER, MBA, PMP, FLMI

Dynamic IT delivery leader with over 20 years of expertise in the Life and Annuity market. Proven ability to manage large-scale projects, optimize system implementations, and deliver strategic outcomes through resource planning, stakeholder collaboration, and vendor management. Skilled in program and project management, business analysis, and technology-driven transformations, with a strong track record of delivering results for global and domestic organizations. Notable achievements include leading multimillion-dollar projects, enhancing digital platforms, and integrating innovative solutions to improve operational efficiency. Dual MBA holder (Columbia and London Business Schools) with certifications in PMP and FLMI.

CHRISTINE DAVILA

From project management to business analysis to quality assurance, no job is too big or too small for Christine.  With over 20 years of experience in the insurance and financial industry, Christine’s background includes all lines of insurance and annuities sales, service, and admin, retirement plan administration, and accounting.  Since joining the Solutions 3000 team 10+ years ago, she has been an integral part of the successful completion and implementation of numerous projects such as e-application software, policy admin conversion, and workflow improvement overhauls.  Christine’s attention to detail and precision along with her commitment to excellence is unparalleled.

CHUCK DEFILIPPO

An effective leader in Financial Service Operations for almost 30 years, Chuck promotes a high-performance culture, goal attainment, and superior workforce optimization. Skilled in identifying areas of strength and weaknesses, he excels at identifying policies and changes that optimize productivity and financial outcomes.

He has proven experience holding leadership roles with prominent carriers, IMOs, BGAs, and vendors, demonstrating a history of advising and administering sales-related tools, underwriting and new business workflows, and policy service enhancements for life insurance and annuity clients. He has an extensive range of CRM experience working with multiple industry platforms, simplifying processes, helping individuals and teams manage their business. Chuck strongly believes in taking a direct approach when managing projects and workflow, utilizing a combination of technology, analytics, and customer feedback for both tactical and strategic decision-making.

Chuck currently lives in Austin, TX, with his wife and two children but is native to Massachusetts. He graduated from Assumption University in Worcester, MA., majoring in Politics. In his free time, Chuck is an all-around sports addict, but he is most enthusiastic about baseball and is an avid Boston Red Sox fan. He also enjoys movies and spending quality time with his family and friends. If there is a beach anywhere near, you can expect Chuck to be there whenever possible.

DIANE LEBLEU

Diane LeBLeu, FLMI, is an accomplished business leader, entrepreneur, and communications professional with a proven track record in driving change, managing large-scale technology projects, and enhancing client relationships in the Financial Services Industry. She has extensive experience in business process improvement, financial services, and IT project management, having held key roles at Accenture, USAA, and Harte-Hanks. In her many roles spanning over 15 years of experience, she has been an effective team member in business analysis and technology solution delivery.

Diane currently lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband Tom of 31 years in their mostly empty nest of four children. Diane is a 16 year breast cancer survivor and the Founder and President of Surgical Drain Solutions, LLCs. She invented and successfully brought to market Pink Pockets™, a self-adhesive fabric pocket designed to aid post-surgical patients. Under her leadership, the product has gained widespread recognition and distribution across multiple countries for patients, physician offices, surgical centers, and non-profits.

STEPHANIE DALE

Stephanie is a licensed insurance professional with over 25 years of experience across various areas, including training, documentation, quality assurance testing, underwriting, and case management. Throughout her career, she has consistently contributed to business operational improvements by applying analytical problem-solving skills to help implement new systems. She has a proven track record in designing training documentation and policy administration processing materials. Her extensive background in life insurance underwriting is complemented by an advanced understanding of medical terminology.

HEATHER EMERY, ACS

Heather is a highly skilled and results-oriented Business Analyst with over 20 years of experience in the life insurance industry. She specializes in system upgrades, platform implementations, process improvements, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Heather excels at bridging the gap between operations and IT, with a proven ability to develop comprehensive business requirements, optimize system performance, and devise effective solutions to complex challenges.

In her role as a Senior Business Analyst at a leading life insurance company, Heather played a key role in the design and implementation of a new web-based administration system, supporting over 1 million life insurance policies across various product lines, including Variable, Universal, Indexed, Term, and Whole Life Insurance. A strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, she consistently delivers on time-sensitive projects by excelling in data analysis, compliance audits, and process optimization to drive organizational success.

Heather’s expertise encompasses process improvement, requirements analysis, user acceptance testing (UAT), leadership, and regulatory compliance. She consistently delivers impactful results that enhance operational efficiency and business performance.

Based in Peoria, IL, Heather resides with her husband, three stepchildren, and two cats. An advocate for animal rescue and fostering, she is passionate about supporting animal welfare. Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with her family and attending her stepchildren’s sports events, particularly basketball and baseball games.