Our Team
No needs are more important than your own. We pride ourselves in making your needs and goals, our own. We don't simply work for you. We work with you to understand who you are as an individual and as an investor.
 
Our mission is to help you to define your financial objectives, and then use that knowledge to develop — together — a plan that is tailored to fit your unique needs and preferences, and is in your best interest. We’re proud to offer comprehensive financial planning resources, providing you access to education, advice, planning, and consultation.
Thomas's Photo
Thomas F. Lagana, AWMA®
Executive Vice President / Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, Branch Manager
About Thomas
I have over 43 years of investment experience, all with Janney, navigating clients through bull and bear markets and global, economic unrest. I use this knowledge to help recommend to my clients customized investment strategies. I focus on financial, retirement, education funding and insurance planning, annuities, mutual funds, trust services, tax-free and taxable bonds, equities, and stock options.

Beginning my professional career in 1977, I joined the team of Financial Advisors in Janney’s Hazleton Office. Upon my joining Janney, I was mentored by Mr. Robert L. Klotz, the Branch Manager of Hazleton at the time. Mr. Klotz was very prominent in his field and also served as Janney’s Technical Stock Market Analyst. A decorated Marine and recipient of the United States Silver Star for his gallantry in action while serving in Iwo Jima, Mr. Klotz provided me with knowledge and guidance which I still draw from today. In 1982, I was promoted to Assistant Branch Manager and eventually became Branch Manager in 1993, the position which I still hold.

In 2015, I received Janney's top honor of "Financial of the Year" award for 2014. This honor, which I am deeply honored and humbled by, is awarded annually to the Financial Advisor who exhibits unsurpassed knowledge in the field, a dedication to superior client service, an outstanding work ethic, and a commitment to the community.

I completed studies at the New York Institute of Finance and also attended the Wharton/SIA Branch Manager Leadership Institute from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, I completed the “Preferred Portfolio Management Program” in 1995 offered through Portfolio Concepts, Inc. Completion of this program allows for managing client investments and acting with discretion to make all investment decisions. I am an Accredited Wealth Management Advisor designee, AWMA®. I hold FINRA Series 7, 4, 5, 12, 24, 53, 63 and 65 securities licenses, am licensed in 30 states and hold my Life, Accident and Health Insurance licenses.

I was frequently heard on WQEQ, WAZL, WVCD Hazleton area radio stations and Local News 13 television giving live daily stock market reports. I have taught non-credit investment classes at Luzerne County Community College, Penn State Hazleton Campus and Boscov’s Campus of Courses. I am frequently asked to be a guest speaker at numerous organizations throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.

I am very active in the community. Over recent years, I have served on the Board of Directors of the Valley Country Club and served as the Club President for 2009/2010. Previously, I served on the Board of Trustees of the Hazleton Area Public Library, am a past Director of the Hazleton Blind Association, and also served as Director and Vice President of the Greater Hazleton Jaycees. I am Chairman of the Finance Committee of St. John Bosco Church and am a member of the Hazleton Rotary Club.

Away from the office, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Christine, traveling and playing golf. We have twin daughters, Jennifer and Cheryl and 2 beautiful granddaughters. Jennifer is a graduate of Susquehanna University with a degree in Business Administration/ Finance and works along side me in the business. Cheryl is a graduate of the University of Scranton and the University of Illinois - School of Veterinary Medicine and is currently practicing at Abington Veterinary Center.
Michael's Photo
Michael W. Vergari, CFP® AWMA® CLTC®
Financial Advisor
About Michael

Partnering with Janney became both a unique and exciting opportunity for me. I had the opportunity to return to the area where I grew up and embark on a new career path following in the footsteps of my father, Ed. While receiving a Master's degree and relevant experience in Architectural Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, I worked with architects, engineers, and contractors which helped me to appreciate the competence and ability a team environment harvests. Having the ability to address estate plans, insurance needs, and financial planning for the lifelong goals of each individual and the family, it allows me to properly maintain and managed the risks for each client. Developing and nurturing the partnership with each client is an extended commitment that I will continue in perpetuity.

I hold and maintain my Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses as well as PA Accident, Health, Life, Fixed and Variable Annuity Licenses. In addition, I'm a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Accredited Wealth Management Advisory (AWMA®) and hold a Certification for Long Term Care (CLTC®.)

Additionally, I am an active member in my church, Treasurer for local Foundation 58 charity, and an avid golfer.

John's Photo
John E. Schwear Jr. CRPS®
Financial Advisor
About John
As a graduate of Wilkes University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, I began my career in financial services in 1996 when I joined the management development / training program with PNC Bank. I entered my management role in the spring of 1997, and promoted to Assistant Vice President / Sector Sales Manager in 1998. In 2001, I transitioned into the commercial / Business Banking segment of PNC, working closely with business owners throughout the area. In 2003, I joined M&T Bank, Business & Professional Banking Group as a Vice President & Relationship Manager, where I worked until 2015 when I joined Janney Montgomery Scott as a Financial Advisor. Throughout my 20+ years in the banking and financial services industry, I have worked closely with my clients to uniquely serve, nurture, and grow trusted, long lasting relationships. With the team at Janney, I hold the FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses, and a PA Accident, Health, Life, Fixed and Variable Annuity license.

I have a deeply rooted connection within the community, and participate on many local boards through service and membership - - I am a proud member of the Rotary Club of Greater Hazleton, I serve as a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of Can Do Inc., and am past Chairman of the Can Do Finance Committee. I currently Chair the Minsi Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America Anthracite District Regional Advisory Board and serve as the district’s Family FOS Chairman. I am a Trained Assistant Scout Master with BSA Troop 63 in Drums, PA. I am a member of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, and a 2003 graduate of “Leadership Hazleton”. In the past, I served on the Board of Directors for Pathway to Recovery of Greater Hazleton, and The Greater Hazleton Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

I am proud and blessed to have a wonderful family. Together with my wife Lisa and our children, we enjoy mountain biking, playing golf, hiking, having fun with our German Shepherd, Nala, and participating in many regional Antique Auto Shows. My son, John III is a very skilled young man. He is an active Life Scout who is working on his Eagle Scout project. My Daughter Erica plays trumpet in four of her school’s bands, and is a Girl Scout who just earned her Bronze Award.
Jennifer's Photo
Jennifer L. Karnoski, AWMA®
Senior Registered Private Client Associate
About Jennifer

I began seeing financial markets and understanding stock symbols from a young age. I am a graduate of Susquehanna University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration - Finance and a minor in Information Systems. You can say that “the apple didn’t fall far” because upon graduation, I started my career with Janney and Mr. Lagana. For over 18 years as a father/daughter unit and also as part of the larger team, we expanded our capabilities for the clients we serve and consider family. I help to answer client questions, review investment portfolios, process client transactions, provide operational assistance, and ensure branch adherence to internal and external regulatory compliance. I hold and maintain Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. I live in the Hazleton area with my husband and daughters.

Terri's Photo
Terri Gavinski
Private Client Associate
About Terri
I started at Janney in late 1993. In my capacity as Private Client Associate, I perform all administrative duties for the Lagana Wealth Advisory Group’s team of Financial Advisors. I am also considered “the point of first contact” when it comes to operational matters.  My tenure here at Janney has provided me with experience that allows me to be efficient and knowledgeable in carrying out our clients’ needs. My goal is to provide a friendly, helpful, and exceptional experience for our clients. I live in the Hazleton area with my husband, Dave.

 

Supported By

We collaborate with other Janney specialists, as needed, who have in-depth experience in specific disciplines. Together, we can assess your unique situation, analyze difference strategies, and develop a plan fit for your unique needs and goals.

Debra's Photo
Debra Roey
Vice President, Retirement Plan Services Director
About Debra

Debra S. Roey joined Janney Montgomery Scott LLC in November 2006, as Janney Retirement Plan Services (JRPS) Manager. JRPS was founded in 1982 to provide Janney’s Corporate Retirement Plan Clients with support in plan design analysis, proposal procurement and review, investment fiduciary services, technical expertise, and problem resolution.

 

Debra has over 30 years of experience in the Retirement Plan arena. Prior to joining Janney, she served as Regional Director with Union Central Life Retirement and Investment Services. During her tenure, she received numerous sales awards including qualification for the company’s highest society membership. She also served on several corporate committees involved with Strategic Planning and Product Development.

 

Debra earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Rutgers University.

Guy's Photo
Guy LeBas
Chief Fixed Income Strategist, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC Director, Custom Fixed Income Solutions, Janney Capital Management
About Guy

Guy LeBas is Janney’s Chief Fixed Income Strategist, as well as Head of Fixed Income for Janney Capital Management. As Strategist, he is responsible for providing direction to the Firm’s clients on the macroeconomic, interest rate, and bond market investing climate.

 

Guy authors bond market periodicals, which provide relative value recommendations across the fixed income spectrum. With Janney Capital Management, Guy is responsible for overseeing the Firm’s discretionarily managed bond portfolios, which take a client-tailored approach to generating consistent income across interest rate environments.

 

Guy joined Janney in 2006. Prior to joining Janney, Guy served as Interest Rate Risk Manager for U.S. Trust’s bank asset and liability portfolios, a role in which he oversaw risk and return on $20 billion of bank assets and derivatives.

 

Guy is also a frequent guest on CNBC, Bloomberg TV and Fox Business News, as well as a regular speaker at financial industry conferences. He received his education from Swarthmore College, holds an M.S. in Applied Economics from Johns Hopkins University, and is a CFA Charterholder.

 

Mark's Photo
Mark D. Luschini
Chief Investment Strategist, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC President and Chief Investment Officer, Janney Capital Management
About Mark

Mark Luschini is the Chief Investment Strategist for Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, leading the Investment Strategy Group. In that capacity Mark is responsible for establishing the Firm’s broad outlook relating to conditions in the capital markets and the economy and to develop investment strategies that align with the best interest, goals, and objectives of individual and institutional clients. He also establishes the Firm’s asset allocation models used for portfolio construction and financial planning.

 

As Chief Investment Strategist, Mark serves as the Janney's investment spokesperson, offering national market commentary and developing asset allocation models and investment strategies. He chairs the investment committee and actively interfaces with both current and prospective clients.

 

Additionally, Mark directs Janney Capital Management, the Firm’s discretionary investment management division. Under his leadership, Janney Capital Management has delivered competitive investment results across multiple strategies. The total assets under management has grown to more than $4 billion, with nearly $3 billion in traditional equity and fixed income assets, and over $1 billion in various strategic and tactical asset allocation strategies utilizing exchange-traded solutions and mutual funds. Mark served on the Board of Managers for Janney, and currently serves as a Trustee for the Firm’s Pension & Profit Sharing Plan. He is a member of the Janney Wealth Management Department’s Mutual Fund and Alternative Investment Committees.

 

In Janney Capital Management, Mark chairs the Investment Committee which sets asset class and sector policy and directly participates in managing the equity, fixed income, and asset allocation strategies under its advisory. Mark has spent more than 30 years in the investment industry. He utilizes that experience to speak on topics related to macroeconomics and investment management at seminars and conferences.

 

His comments and written articles have been circulated in numerous publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal and Barron’s to the New York Times, USA Today, Financial Times, and Money magazine. He has appeared in various media outlets including CNBC, Bloomberg Television, Fox Business News, and CNN.

 

He has a BA and MBA from Gannon University and holds the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) designation from the Market Technicians Association

Preferred Communication Method
Contact us today to discuss how we can put a plan in place designed to help you reach your financial goals.