Partnering with NJ, NY & PA Employers to Build Employee Benefits That Reduce Cost, Attract Talent, and Simplify Your Life
Experience You Can Trust. Service You Can Feel.
At Spencer & Spencer, we see beyond policies and premiums — we see people. Behind every plan we design are families, teams, and businesses counting on us to do what’s right, every time.
We understand how complex and costly employee benefits can feel for small and mid-sized businesses. That’s why we’ve dedicated three generations to one mission: helping employers design smarter, simpler, and more sustainable benefits that serve both the business and the people behind it.
We know how it feels to face rising premiums, endless options, and unclear advice — and we’ve found that with the right partner, everything changes.
You gain clarity. You gain confidence. And you gain peace of mind knowing your employees — and your company — are protected.
A Legacy of Integrity and Partnership
For more than 50 years, Spencer & Spencer has guided businesses through the ever-changing landscape of employee benefits.
Our approach blends the reach of a large brokerage with the care of a boutique advisory firm — offering the best of both worlds: deep expertise and genuine connection.
As a family-owned firm with deep local roots in New Jersey and New York, our commitment goes beyond compliance or cost savings. We build relationships that last
Every recommendation we make comes from the same values that built our business: family, integrity, and partnership.
Meet Your Team
Joseph A. Spencer III, ChFC, CLU
Employee Benefits Consultant/Owner
Joe Spencer joined the firm in May of 1974 after graduating from Holy Cross College.
In 1980, Joe received the professional designation of Chartered Life Underwriter through The American College. This was followed by an additional designation of Chartered Financial Consultant administered through the same educational institution.
Since entering the industry, Joe Spencer has been affiliated with the Society of Financial Service Professionals and has held the positions of both President and National Committeeman for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.
Joe has also spoken at various meetings and written numerous articles for the magazines associated with the Association of Financial Advisors.
Joe has licenses for Life and Health insurance, and investments in the following states: New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Rhode Island, Florida, Maine, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
Courtney Spencer Cuykendall, LUTCF
Employee Benefits Consultant/Partner
Courtney Spencer Cuykendall started her insurance career in 2004 with Mass Mutual. She jumped into the Employee Benefits while working at Eastern States Financial Group and has been working with her family at Spencer & Spencer since 2006 as an Employee Benefits Specialist. Courtney specializes in assisting small and mid-sized businesses with developing and enhancing their employee benefits packages, all while managing costs and mitigating risks.
Courtney graduated from Boston University earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Relations and History. She has secured the following designations:
Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF)
Health Care Self-Insured Plan Self-Funding Certification
Consumer Directed Health Care Certification
She has qualified for the Leading Producer Round Table with National Association of Benefit and Insurance Professionals since 2023.
Courtney resides in Bernardsville, NJ with her family. She is the acting Recording Secretary with the Junior League of Morristown. She is also a member of National Association of Benefit and Insurance Professionals, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Women in Financial and Insurance Services and Society of Human Resource Management. Hobbies and interests include yoga, reading, wine and spending time at the Jersey Shore.
Courtney Spencer Cuykendall is not affiliated with HTK and is not registered to offer securities or investment advisory services.
Derek Spencer, CFP
Employee Benefits Consultant/Partner
Derek joined the firm as a partner in 2015 and brings over 18 years of experience advising businesses across a wide range of industries.
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, he specializes in Employee Benefits Planning and Business Owner Planning, helping clients create tailored strategies.
Known for his practical approach and dedication to client success, Derek works closely with business owners to design benefit programs that attract and retain top talent while aligning with overall company goals.
Outside of work, Derek lives in Red Bank, New Jersey, with his wife and three children. He enjoys traveling, reading, and staying active through regular workouts.
Derek Spencer is not affiliated with HTK and is not registered to offer securities or investment advisory services.
Charytin Paules
New Business Manager & Senior Account Executive
Charytin Paules is the New Business Manager and Senior Account Executive at Spencer & Spencer, where she has been a valued team member for more than 20 years. With extensive experience in the industry, Charytin specializes in new business implementation and maintaining long-term client relationships.
She earned her Bachelor of Science Business Management degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Outside of work, Charytin enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters—whether trying new restaurants or exploring exciting travel destinations together.
Mary Ann Greenfield
Account Executive
Mary Ann has over 23 years of experience in the healthcare insurance field, specializing in billing and coding, insurance verification, claim resolution, and working on both the general agency and broker sides of the industry. Throughout her career, she has also worked in physicians’ offices handling billing and patient intake.
Her passion for this field is deeply personal—driven by a genuine desire to help others and make a difference in people’s lives. She finds her greatest satisfaction in ensuring that clients and colleagues feel supported and cared for. Known for her compassion and positive attitude, she believes that empathy and personality are essential in such a challenging yet rewarding profession.
Outside of work, she’s a devoted dog mom who regularly donates money, food, and supplies to local animal shelters. She’s also a proud aunt who loves spending quality time with her niece and nephew, making memories and having fun together.
Her favorite motto reflects her outlook on life: “Life is short — be happy, kind, and patient.”
Camille Mercado
Account Manager
Camille has been an Account Manager with Spencer and Spencer for 8 years. She helps with account implementation and maintenance for all of our clients.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Seton Hall University.
While raising her 3 children Camille was actively involved with the Parsippany PTA as well as her local parish of St. Ann’s Church.
These days, she enjoys spending time with her adult children and her beloved pet, Monty. She has also discovered a love of travel with her husband.
Our Community
Our firm sponsors the Valerie Fund. This is an organization designed as a support group for children with cancer. As our way of giving back to the community, we have been sending two children for a week of fun to a special summer camp sponsored by this organization. We have been supporting this program for the last 15 years! Our goal is to eventually sponsor three children to attend this camp in the future. Spencer & Spencer makes all contributions to the Valerie Fund on behalf of the clients our firm has the privilege to work with.
Neither Spencer & Spencer, HTK, or The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company are affiliated with The Valerie Fund. Trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Ready to Partner With a Team That Puts People First?
Whether you’re exploring group health insurance for the first time or looking for a better experience with your existing benefits, our team is here to guide you — every step of the way.