RUSSELL LASNER
MANAGING PARTNER
With a career in the insurance industry that began in 1978, Russell Lasner has built a legacy of service, expertise, and dedication. Since joining Aflac in 1996, he has served as a Voluntary Benefits Consultant, working with employer groups, unions, associations, and federal and postal employees, ranging in size from 3 to 1,000 lives.
Lasner’s lifetime commitment to the mental health of our first responders and others has been inspired by the murder of his brother, a first responder lost in the line of duty. He is familiar with the mental toll experienced by those who serve us, and their families. He is very involved in the Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center assisting others that have lost family members to murder and suicide.
Through the Lasner Company, he has established and currently manages voluntary benefits programs for over 50 local governments. A cornerstone of the office’s success is its in-house Claims Team, known for personally assisting every policyholder and offering help to anyone who walks through the door—regardless of whether they are a client.
As the Managing Partner of Concepts Unlimited, Lasner stands out for its commitment to exceptional customer service, never redirecting individuals to a toll-free number but instead ensuring they receive the support they need directly.
JEFFERY S. GRAY, VAS III
RETIRED DETECTIVE
CRISIS/TRAUMA SPECIALIST
Jeffery S. Gray is a highly decorated and respected 40-year veteran of law enforcement with a distinguished career serving as a Detective and Investigative Supervisor with the Prince George’s County Police Department and the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office. He has conducted hundreds of complex investigations involving homicide, sexual assault and rape, undercover narcotics, child abuse (Physical and Sexual), and domestic abuse and violence. His expertise regarding sensitive cases—particularly those involving children and families—has made him a trusted authority in the field.
Jeffery is also a passionate educator and crime victims’ advocate. For over 25 years, he has been a Maryland and federally certified instructor, training thousands of law enforcement officers regarding criminal investigations, interviews and interrogations, court preparation and presentation, victimization, and victims’ rights. As a certified Victim Assistance Specialist (VAS III) and Crisis Intervention Specialist (CIS), he speaks with crime victims, civic and community groups across the region about safety awareness and planning, the effects of crime related stress and trauma, and victims’ rights.
Deeply committed to service, Jeffery volunteers with numerous advocacy boards and organizations, including the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (DVCC), the Family Justice Center, and the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV), the Prince George’s County Business Round Table, Prince George’s County Crime Solvers, and the Prince George’s County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART).
He currently serves with the Maryland National Capital Park Police as their CALEA Specialist, Criminal Investigative Analyst, and Victim-Witness Coordinator, which he created. Additionally, he serves as the Cold Case Homicide Investigator with the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, the original Stephanie Roper Committee and Foundation; helping law enforcement agencies, crime victims, their families, and loved ones across the state pursuing justice with unresolved cases. He assists any type of crime victim with any type of crime. His dedication continues to make a lasting impact on crime victims, our communities, and the profession of law enforcement.
JODY SHEGAN
Jody Shegan has over 40 years of law enforcement experience and is retired from the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. During his distinguished career, he served as a K9 Handler, Firearms Instructor, Chemical Aerosol Instructor, and Tactical Baton Instructor. He has been recognized with more than 37 Letters of Commendation, three Life-Saving Medals, and three Meritorious Service Medals, and was twice named Officer of the Year.
Mr. Shegan also demonstrated strong leadership and dedication to his fellow officers through his service as President of the International Union of Police Associations, Local 104 (IUPA). He served 17 years as a Shop Steward with the D.C. Police Union and completed two terms as Chief Shop Steward.