1st American Has Been Helping Educators with Free, Independent Retirement Counseling Since 1987
We look forward to establishing a purposeful relationship with you as we plan for your retirement together!
Our Team
Phil Lynch
Founder
Phil founded 1st American in April of 1987. After a renowned career that included growing a highly successful, national teacher benefits organization and working with Zig Ziglar, Phil decided to establish a family owned and operated legacy. Having many different experiences throughout his career, Phil found his calling providing ethical, strategic guidance to teachers and other public school employees preparing for retirement. As Phil was quoted in one of Zig Ziglar’s many top-selling books, he encouraged his clients to “Prepare for tomorrow by performing today.” To this day, this stands as the Company motto.
Phil instilled integrity and character in company employees and representatives. His loving parents infused these traits in him, and the United States Marine Corps reaffirmed them during Phil’s service from 1966-1970. Phil advocates for teachers and is active in legislation affecting viable retirement options for those serving in public education.
Phil has been married to Carol since 1965, who was integral in starting and running the business for its first twenty years of operation. They enjoy traveling, camping, and off-road trail riding with the families of their three children, including ten grandchildren.
James Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
James came aboard as a Retirement Specialist in July of 1997. He quickly developed an acute interest in business administration and devoted his time watching his father operate the Firm. In 2003, James was appointed as the Executive Director. He began coordinating a strategic growth plan that included the negotiation, development, and launch of a nationally exclusive retirement product for teachers focused on rate of return and liquidity. During this time, James also began to oversee the finances of the Company and was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer in 2007, and then as the Chief Executive Officer in 2012. James is driven by maintaining and supporting an environment that allows K-12 public education employees to successfully prepare for, and live well through, retirement.
Prior to 1st American, James served in the United States Marine Corps from 1993-1997 as a Plane Captain and Power Plants Mechanic on the F/A-18 Hornet combat jet. His greatest accomplishments include being a husband, father, son, and uncle. He is passionate about life with his wife, Mary, and their three sons. He enjoys golf, softball, travel, and a myriad of outdoor activities with friends and family.
David Lynch
Chief Marketing Officer
David began his career with 1st American in July of 1997. He was appointed as the Chief Marketing Officer in 2014 because of his dedication to connect educators with vetted, professional Retirement Specialists. After serving as a Retirement Specialist himself for fourteen years, and as the Director of Business Development for three years, David saw many educators’ retirement planning needs go unaddressed because they did not know where to start or who to trust. He knows that educators want clarity of vision and purpose in a retirement plan, and he loves to connect them with local, experienced Retirement Specialists who will provide it.
Prior to 1st American, David served as an Infantry Officer in the United States Marine Corps from 1991-1996, separating at the rank of Captain. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Finance from Dallas Baptist University. He loves his wife, Ginny, and his four children, including his daughter-in-law. He volunteers on the Security Team at his church and is fascinated with all things outdoors and travel.
BECKI BETHKE
Manager of Administration and Service
Becki found home at 1st American in 2001. Becki always greets you with a sincere, hospitable smile when you enter the office. Her unrivaled passion to serve is evident to thousands of current clients and retirees. In addition to managing the office staff, Becki facilitates client retirement withdrawal requests and account transfers. Helping clients protect and access their retirement savings gives her tremendous satisfaction. Becki is married to Joe and has two beautiful daughters. She enjoys traveling, working in the yard, serving in the church nursery, and Mexican food.
DIDI RANEY
Compensation and Licensing
Didi, Phil and Carol’s daughter, started with the Company as a receptionist in 1997. Since that time, she has served in many capacities, including New Business, Customer Service, Transfers, Compensation, and Licensing. She possesses an infectious “bring it on” attitude when faced with new challenges, and she will exhaust every effort toward successful accomplishment on behalf of clients and their representatives. Didi is deep-rooted in family values and has a large family. Her hobbies include jogging, hiking, quilting, knitting, crocheting, and gardening. If ever you cannot reach her, she is likely on vacation with her family in Colorado.
GLORIA TALAMANTEZ
Marketing Coordinator
Gloria, a native Texan, started with 1st American as a Retirement Specialist in 2009. Due to being steeped in forty years of combined family experience in retirement planning for educators, Gloria found her passion in helping educators through effective, transparent marketing. She was integral in the creation and development of the 1st American proprietary marketing system, and she currently manages its operation. Gloria keeps our clientele connected with their Specialist by proactively providing multiple opportunities for account service. She also connects with prospective clients to provide initial retirement analyses and strategy discovery.
Prior to 1st American, Gloria attended the University of North Texas and served as an educator for over ten years. She enjoys spending time with her husband and son, as well as playing or watching sports, and traveling.
CRISTAL ORTIZ
New Business Coordinator and Loan Processor
Cristal has worked at the Firm since 2014. A beacon of joy, Cristal brightens the lives of those around her. She adamantly enjoys helping people in any and every way possible. She cherishes the opportunity to make the well-being of our clients her top priority. Cristal meticulously walks every new application through to ensure it is established timely and properly. She also serves clients by verifying and processing loan requests. She shares life with her husband, Cesar, and their wonderful daughter. Cristal enjoys cooking for her family, playing with her two dogs, and watching her daughter learn new things every day.
LISA MAWHINNEY
Comptroller
Lisa joined 1st American in 2004. Exceptional in critical thinking, Lisa plays a vital role in assisting the Company in its financial endeavors. She is ardent in good stewardship and wise decision-making. Lisa knows that having an organized, scalable approach within the Company is synonymous with how we advise our clients to establish and grow their retirement portfolios. Lisa enjoys spending time with her high school sweetheart and husband, Bryce, and adores life as a girl mom.
CHAELI DIAZ
Digital Marketing Associate
Chaeli (Shay-lee) joined our family in June of 2019. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English, minoring in Creative Writing from the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to being an incredible writer, Chaeli’s specialty is digital content and editing. She drives the Company’s social media so that our followers receive relevant, timely content and can easily reach us for questions or service. She enjoys reading Victorian novels, writing short stories, and traveling through the mountains.
