State College Office Representatives

Donald Leitzell | President | Diversified Asset Planners

Donald Leitzell

Partner
dleitzell@dapsc.com
814-234-2500

ASSISTANTS:

Donald Leitzell was a founding member and president of Diversified Asset Planners, INC. established on June 10th, 1987. He is a Registered Representative with J.W. Cole Financial, Inc. and an Investment Advisor Representative with J.W. Cole Advisors. He helps individuals, businesses, and organizations develop a comprehensive financial roadmap to establish a secure future while taking into account individual client’s goals.

Don believes in conservative investments during these uncertain days while providing the income that may be needed. He meets with clients by referral with one-on- one meetings discussing confidential and life-altering events such as retirement.

Don holds FINRA series 7 and 65 licenses along with being a representative for life, fixed annuity, variable life, variable annuity, health and accident insurances. He is able to provide comprehensive insurance and investment solutions to help meet various needs for retirement.

Don earned a Bachelor of Science (1971) and Master’s (1976) Degree in Economics graduating with honors and distinction from The Pennsylvania State University. Don’s financial experience within the field dates back to 1974 contributing to his success in holding over 800 clients within the Central Pennsylvania and Eastern Coastline areas.

Outside of assisting his clients, Don is incredibly involved with the Blanchard Church of Christ. He enjoys spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren participate in local sports. He is an avid supporter of the Coaches Vs. Cancer foundation along with Bellefonte Little League, State College High School sports, and many others.

Nicholas | CFP & Founding Partner | Diversified Asset Planners

Nicholas Accordino CFP®

Partner
naccordino@dapsc.com
814-234-2500

ASSISTANT:

Nick has been a financial planner since 1979 and is a founding partner of Diversified Asset Planners, Inc. established in 1987. He has been a registered representative with JW Cole Financial Inc. since 2007 and an Investment Advisor Representative with JW Cole Advisors Inc. since 2016.

Nick earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at The Pennsylvania State University in 1977 and graduated with Distinction. He earned the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP) professional designation from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards in 1988. Nick successfully passed the Series 6 and 63 securities registration examinations in 1985 and Series 22 in 1989. He also holds the Pennsylvania Life, Accident, and Health certification since 1979.

Nick works closely with his clients through all phases of their financial journey. He takes the time to truly get to know each client to provide individualized service to meet their needs now and in the future. Nick feels very blessed because over the years since many of his clients have become good friends.

Outside of work, Nick enjoys spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He is an amateur chef providing family and friends with delicious meals and snacks. For the past 30 years, Nick has volunteered for the Park Forest Swim Team helping to run their concessions. Nick is also an avid Penn State fan who hasn’t missed attending a home football game since 1976.

Theodore Oyler headshot

Theodore Oyler CFP®, IAR

President of DAP
toyler@dapsc.com
814-234-2500

ASSISTANT:

Ted joined Diversified Asset Planners in 1990 as an independent financial professional. In 2001, he became a Certified Financial Planner™ and Partner in the Firm. The CFP® designation identifies individuals who have met the experience and ethical requirements of the CFP® Board, have successfully completed financial planning coursework, and have passed the 12-hour cumulative CFP® certification exam. On January 1, 2023, Ted Became President of DAP.

Ted is a Registered Representative with J.W. Cole Financial, Inc. and an Investment Advisor Representative with J. W. Cole Advisors, Inc. Ted holds FINRA series 6, 7, 63, and 65 licenses; as well as life, health, accident, disability, and long-term care insurance.

As a complement to the Firm’s desire to provide individual and business solutions, Ted has dedicated over three decades of his professional career serving the financial needs of many in Central Pennsylvania. Although he resides and currently serves clients in this area, Ted is licensed in 26 additional states, serving others throughout the country. Ted best identifies as a conservative wealth advisor, focusing on his clients to build trusted relationships. He is a trusted advisor helping clients go from success to significance, implementing our generational wealth strategies.  Looking out for the client’s best interest, he provides investment, retirement, and insurance planning solutions. Ted leads an exceptional team, which features high touch service to his valued clients.

Providing services in the Central Pennsylvania area has further permitted Ted to invest his time in giving back to the local community. Ted volunteers his time by serving on the Mount Nittany Health Golf Classic Committee and The Foundation Board. He is an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in State College. In the past, Ted served as Vice President on Church Council, and as Chair of the Pay It Forward Team; educating the church congregation about charitable giving.  He is currently a member of the Finance Committee, Usher, and cuts the grass for Grace. Ted is also passionate about supporting Coaches vs. Cancer, the YMCA backpack program, Mount Nittany Health Foundation, and Centre County Paws. Ted believes he has not built a legacy of success, if it doesn’t lift up others in his community.

Separate from servicing and helping his clients, Ted is similarly passionate about spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children; Trey and Linlee. Trey is a senior at La Roche University, and a member of the basketball team. Linlee is a sophomore in the Smeal College of Business at Penn State. Ted enjoys attending Trey’s basketball games along with PSU athletic events, golfing, spending time outdoors, and working out at the YMCA.

Taylor Leitzell headshot

Taylor Leitzell

Registered Representative, Vice President, & Partner
tleitzell@dapsc.com
814-234-2500

ASSISTANTS:

Taylor graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Financial Counseling. During his time at PCT he served as Vice President and President of the Student Managed Investment Fund. He was immediately hired at Diversified Asset Planners and has been contributing to, learning from, and building upon the highly experienced firm. With his father, Don, being one of the founding members of DAP still actively serving clients and his brother, Chris, serving DAP for over 27 years until his passing, Taylor looks to build upon the legacy of DAP and the legacies of each client DAP is able to serve.

Taylor holds his Series 7, Series 63, and Life, Health, & Annuity licenses. Taylor uses a goal-oriented approach for the client in determining proper investments, asset allocation, insurance needs, retirement, and income strategies. The investments and strategies should work towards the goals of the client, not the other way around. Regular reviews are a key part of the goal-oriented planning process, ensuring that Taylor and the client are always on the same page. 

Taylor is an active member of the Blanchard Church of Christ and is instrumental in the Church’s Youth Ministries. Being a part of these programs is truly a passion for Taylor whether it is behind the scenes hauling a trailer full of suitcases for retreats and conferences, or being there each week instructing and leading games with the kids. He also serves on the technical team for Sunday morning services, and aids in instructing various Sunday School classes. After his passion for his job and passion to serve the church, Taylor inherited a love of classic cars from his father. In addition to enjoying it himself, he and his father have been able to share this hobby together for many years.

Joseph Gordon headshot

Joseph Gordon

Registered Representative & Investment Advisor Representative
joe@jgordonfinancial.com
814-234-2500

ASSISTANT:

Joseph is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor with a deep commitment to assisting individuals, businesses, and organizations in creating comprehensive financial roadmaps. His primary goal is to employ a client-centric approach and develop targeted strategies that align with their unique needs.

Following a successful career in corporate finance, Joe pursued his lifelong aspiration of becoming a personal financial advisor. In 2009, Joe embarked on this journey by partnering with Diversified Asset Planners, Inc., an esteemed company that has been serving clients since 1987.

In addition to his extensive corporate finance background, Joe holds FINRA series 7, 63, and 65 licenses. Moreover, he specializes in offering life and long-term care, providing clients with comprehensive insurance and investment options that cater to various requirements, from retirement planning to building a legacy.

With over 15 years of global finance experience in diverse roles such as financial analysis, planning, mergers, and acquisitions, budgeting, and leadership, Joe possess a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape and its potential impact on clients.

Joe earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance (with Economics minor), graduating with honors. He also has a Master’s in Business Administration with a Finance concentration from Bucknell University. He is actively involved in the community as a board member of the State College Quarterback Club, a Penn State football booster club, and served as President from 2017 to 2019. Additionally, Joe is a board member of the Penn State All Sports Museum, which celebrates the accomplishments of Penn State Intercollegiate Athletes. Furthermore, experience includes his passion for teaching having worked as a part-time adjunct instructor at St. Francis University, where he taught Economics.

Beyond Joe’s professional pursuits, he finds immense joy in spending quality time with his wife of 27 years, Stephanie, and their two daughters. If you know Joe, you are aware of his love for outdoor activities and the importance he places on building strong relationships. Joe actively engages in charitable events and has raised funds for organizations such as Multiple Sclerosis, Type 1 Diabetes, the Ruffled Grouse Society, and other non-profit organizations.

Stephen Wright headshot

Stephen Wright

Registered Representative
swright@dapsc.com
814-234-2500

ASSISTANT:

Steve had a thirty-year career as a teacher before joining the team at Diversified Asset Planners in July of 1999. After teaching high school social studies in Rochester, New York for three years, Steve and his wife, Carol, found their way to State College and Penn State. Steve earned both Master’s and PhD degrees in history at Penn State. He had a 27-year career at the University where he held a number of administrative positions while teaching history on a part time basis. During the late 1990’s he was Director of the Department of Independent Learning and a member of a large team that developed the Penn State World Campus, the University’s digital learning platform.

Over a period of almost 25 years, Steve has developed his financial planning business and grown his client base. He holds FINRA series 7 and 65 license and is a Registered Representative of JW Cole Financial, Inc. based in Tampa, Florida. Steve has approximately 200 clients in 19 different states and specializes in retirement planning. He is licensed to represent a number of companies offering a range of insurance products including fixed and variable annuities. Steve meets with clients on a regular basis to review the performance of their investments and discuss changes that might need to be made. Many of his clients have been a part of Steve’s practice from the beginning which has enabled him to assist in securing their financial futures. Most of all, Steve has viewed his work with his clients as that of a teacher wanting to be certain that the individuals and families, he works with understand how their individual investments work and fit together within overall portfolios.

Karen Shute headshot

Karen Shute CFP®, ChFC, CLU

Karen.shute@jwcemail.com
814-234-2500

Karen holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from Penn State University and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU). She also holds her FINRA Series 6, 7, 63 and 66 securities registrations.

Karen has been providing sound financial guidance to her clients for more than 30 years and was one of the first women to venture into the financial planning field. Karen’s practice is centered on financial planning and investment management for individuals and also covers tax-qualified retirement plans for businesses.  Other areas of concentration include strategies for estate planning, tax planning and legacy planning.

Karen focuses on building long-term relationships with her clients to assist them in pursuing their dreams and objectives.  She accomplishes this by customizing appropriate strategies in an objective and independent fashion with a “clients come first” mindset. Her core values include integrity, professionalism, honesty and extraordinary client service, and she believes these values should never be compromised.

Karen has been very active in her local community of State College, PA. Past volunteer and community activities include:

  • Palmer Museum of Art – Friends Board Member and served as President, Vice President and Treasurer, and also served on the PMOA Advisory Board
  • Penn State Women’s Athletics – Chairperson of the Finance Committee for the 40th Celebration
  • Centre County Community Foundation - Board Member and served on the Investment and Finance Committees
  • Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts – Board Member and Treasurer
  • State College Centennial Commission – Board Member and Finance Chairperson
  • American Cancer Society – Centre County, Co-Chairperson with Husband
  • Penn State College, College of Arts & Architecture – Development Committee
  • Mount Nittany Health Systems – Board of Directors and served on the Finance and Governance Committees
  • Mount Nittany Medical Center - Trustee

Karen and her husband, Bob, have lived in State College since 1992.

Stephanie Bell headshot

Stephanie Bell MBA

Stephanie.bell@jwcemail.com
814-234-2500

Stephanie holds her FINRA Series 6, 63, and 65 securities registrations. She received a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Marketing/Management from the Pennsylvania State University. Her emphasis was on the Management side of the curriculum. She then went on to receive an MBA in Public Accounting from the Rochester Institute of Technology, in Rochester, New York.

Stephanie competed on the Women's Golf Team while at Penn State and worked in the golf industry from 1980-2012, either as a PGA club professional, competing on Tour, and eventually as an Operations assistant for the LPGA Tour.  Prior to 2024, Stephanie was a Quarter Century member of the PGA of America.

Stephanie functions with the same core values of her mentor, Karen Shute.  Those values include integrity, honesty, professionalism, and extraordinary client service, it was an easy transition to carry her passion of being service focused, from her many years of work in the golf industry, directly into the financial services field and to continue her mentor’s “clients come first” mindset.

Stephanie's giving back to the community has included serving on the Mount Nittany Medical Center Golf Classic Committee. She also enjoys volunteering her time and expertise with Destiny’s Calling Ministries.

State College Office Assistants/Staff

Madeline Jaglowski | Assistant | Diversified Asset Planners

Madeline Jaglowski

Assistant to Donald Leitzell & Taylor Leitzell
mjaglowski@dapsc.com
814-234-2500

Madeline R. Jaglowski is dedicated to her role as an Assistant to Registered Representatives at Diversified Asset Planners, leveraging over a decade of experience since joining the firm in 2012.

With a solid background in banking spanning 10 years prior to her current position, Maddy brings a wealth of financial expertise to her work.

As a proficient notary public, she is committed to ensuring smooth transactions and providing invaluable support to clients and colleagues alike.

Actively pursuing professional development, Maddy is currently enhancing her qualifications to obtain licensing within her field.

Outside of her career, Maddy is happily married and cherishes the joys of parenthood with her two children.

Alicia | Registered Assistant | Diversified Asset Planners

Alicia Moore

Registered Assistant to Theodore Oyler
amoore@dapsc.com
814-234-2500

Alicia joined the DAP Family in 2016 as the Client Relationship Manager for Ted Oyler, CFP®. The following year she began her licensing and holds FINRA series 6, and 63 licenses, as well as Life, Health, and Annuities licenses. The requirements of annual continuing education keep her up to date with industry regulations, enabling her to provide our clients the highest level of care and service. Her daily responsibilities include cultivating trusted relationships with the clients, portfolio reporting for client meetings, completion of account paperwork, and follow-up through the entire financial planning process. Additionally, she can be found organizing Client Experience events and actively participating in local charity opportunities alongside the DAP Family.

Prior to joining the firm, and directly after college, Alicia spent several years as a Commercial Credit Analyst in the local bank setting. The skills and knowledge she gained from that position led to a smooth transition into the financial industry.

Alicia graduated from Lock Haven University with dual Bachelor Degrees in Accounting and Business Administration. She is passionate about serving and helping each client through their entire financial journey, with a goal of providing an elite customer experience along the way.  Her generosity of spirit is evident in the way she prioritizes superior client service with the people she works with.

Outside of work, you can find Alicia spending time with her husband, Jordan; daughter, Masden; and son, Hazen. She enjoys spending time with her family being active in the outdoors, working out, reading a good book with her toes in the sand, and gathering around the table for family meals. Alicia also enjoys spending time serving her church family through helping and teaching Sunday school, and volunteering in the youth Awana program at First Baptist Church of Bellefonte.

Heidi Luchs headshot

Heidi Luchs

Registered Assistant to Nicholas Accordino, Joseph Gordon, & Stephen Wright
hluchs@dapsc.com
814-234-2500

Heidi has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. Her credentials include holding a series 7 & 63 license, as well as life, accident, and health insurance certifications. These qualifications demonstrate her commitment to staying up-to-date with industry regulations and her dedication to providing comprehensive financial solutions for you.

Heidi's pursuit of excellence is evident in her academic achievements. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Southern New Hampshire University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Her educational background further enhances her ability to analyze financial data and offer strategic advice to you.

Having joined J. W. Cole in 2014, Heidi had previously built a strong background in the banking industry. Her remarkable work ethic and attention to detail have consistently earned her recognition and trust of our clients.

Outside of her professional life, Heidi finds fulfillment in her personal relationships. She resides in Julian, PA with her husband and youngest daughter. Her greatest joy comes from spending quality time with her children and extended family. Her strong family values and ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance contribute her overall success and well-being.

Dianne Pighetti headshot

Dianne Pighetti

Assistant to Donald Leitzell & Taylor Leitzell
dpighetti@dapsc.com
814-234-2500

Dianne A. Pighetti brings over three decades of administrative expertise to her role as an Administrative Assistant at Diversified Asset Planners. Since joining the team in 1994, Dianne has been instrumental in ensuring smooth operations and providing essential support to colleagues and clients alike.

Before her tenure at Diversified Asset Planners, Dianne cultivated a diverse skill set through various professional endeavors. For nearly a decade, she shared her passion for gymnastics as a teacher and coach at Nittany Gymnastics, honing her ability to mentor and motivate individuals towards achieving their goals. Subsequently, she transitioned into the dynamic field of banking, where she spent nine and a half years refining her organizational prowess and attention to detail.

Beyond her professional commitments, Dianne finds fulfillment in her roles as a spouse and parent. Married with three children and two grandchildren, she embraces the joys and challenges of family life with unwavering dedication. Dianne's involvement extends beyond the home, as she actively contributed to her daughters' travel softball teams as a coach, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship along the way. Additionally, she enthusiastically supported her son's athletic pursuits, relishing in his baseball and football endeavors from a young age through high school. A proud supporter of Penn State athletics, Dianne cherishes the tradition of attending home football games, adding to her rich tapestry of experiences.

Dianne's multifaceted background, coupled with her commitment to excellence and community engagement, exemplifies her as a valued member of both the professional and personal spheres.

Cori Gerlach headshot

Cori Gerlach

Assistant to Donald Leitzell & Taylor Leitzell
cgerlach@dapsc.com
814-234-2500

Cori L. Gerlach brings a wealth of experience to her role at Diversified Asset Planners, having joined the team in 2024. With a solid foundation in banking, Cori dedicated 17 years to the financial industry before transitioning to roles in bookkeeping and payroll, where she honed her meticulous attention to detail over 7 years. Married and proud parent of two college-age children, Cori balances her professional commitments with her roles as a supportive spouse and devoted parent. Her extensive background and dedication to excellence make her a valuable asset to the Diversified Asset Planners team.

Kaleigh Kinley headshot

Kaleigh Kinley

Receptionist
kkinley@dapsc.com
814-234-2500

Kaleigh R. Kinley is a diligent Receptionist at Diversified Asset Planners, where she excels in providing exceptional service and administrative support. A graduate of Lycoming College with cum laude honors in 2023, Kaleigh brings a strong academic foundation and attention to detail to her role.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kaleigh was a member of the Lycoming College softball team for four years, where she embodied teamwork and perseverance. Her ability to balance academic excellence with athletic commitment showcases her multifaceted abilities and drive for success.

Stephanie Gordon headshot

Stephanie Gordon

Assistant to Joe Gordon
stephanie@jgordonfinancial.com
814-234-2500

As the Director of Client Relationships and Business Development Stephanie’s focus is enhancing the client experience by connecting them with comprehensive financial planning services. With over 20 years of sales experience in the aluminum and software industries, she brings a wealth of expertise to support clients' financial well-being journeys. Her goal is to leverage this background to deliver exceptional experiences for clients, generating relevant content through newsletters, blogs, and other resources. Clients can expect relatable financial emails and engaging social media content, as well as efforts in lead generation, advertising, and business development. Stephanie excels in building strong relationships and aspires to enhance services for both new and existing clients.

Before joining the team, she spent over 8 years in the metal manufacturing industry, specializing in regional sales within the aluminum extrusion sector. Additionally, she contributed to the development team of the self-funded Penn State University Athletics program. Subsequently, she spent 9 years selling statistical software to companies in the United States and Canada.