Management Team

The Greater San Francisco General Office Management Team

Please feel free to contact one of our management team members to learn more about New York Life.

Kevin H. Choi, CLU

Managing Partner

kevinchoi@newyorklife.com

Kevin H. Choi, CLU is the Managing Partner of the Greater San Francisco General Office. Kevin attended the University of Southern California and graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and Finance. Upon graduation, he went into the Banking Business as VP of Customer Service and Loans at Bank of America.

Kevin started his career with New York Life as a Partner in the Los Angeles General Office in December 1996. He accumulated numerous awards as a Partner; Top Partner across the nation among 280 Partners, and was promoted to Senior Partner in October 1999. Kevin then was promoted to Agency Vice President in the Pacific Zone in July of 2000. He was responsible for the development of Partners and Managing Partners in 33 offices. In 2003, the Pacific Zone was the Top Producing Zone in the New York Life Insurance Company. After that, Kevin was promoted to Zone Vice President in March of 2005.

Looking for a new challenge, Kevin became the Managing Partner of the Los Angeles General Office in January 2006, where his career had first started. Over the next six years, the production in the Los Angeles General Office doubled. Numerous awards were accumulated, including View from the Top, Management Development and Zone Chairman's Award for New Agent growth. In January 2013, Kevin was asked to become the Managing Partner of the Greater San Francisco General Office, which is the largest office in the Pacific Zone.

Kevin's constant aspiration is to pursue a life of significance and empower others personally and professionally. Kevin is married to Serena for the past twenty years and has a beautiful daughter Claudia who is a sophomore at the Cornell University majoring in Hospitality. Kevin is actively involved in the Wheel Chair Foundation, which provides financial and emotional support to underprivileged children giving them aid and hope.

John Erwin “EJ” M. Magbitang, LUTCF, FSCP

Senior Partner, San Francisco

Office: (415) 393-6006

Cell: (925) 323-1006

jmmagbitang@newyorklife.com

Although by the time he was hired, EJ was already a familiar face (and voice!) to the Greater San Francisco General Office, his career in the Financial Services Industry officially began when he joined The New York Life in September of 2001. Passionate about his work and dedicated to his clients, he achieved Quality Council in 2006, 2009, & 2011, and Executive Council in 2003, 2012, 2013 & 2014. As an agent, EJ's practice was primarily focused on serving business owners and working with young professionals as he most enjoyed the strategic planning aimed at risk management, wealth accumulation, wealth distribution, and estate preservation. Now, as Partner, EJ is determined to pass his knowledge and experiences to the next generation of New York Life agents, so that they may also realize their dreams and become leaders of their communities. Proudly a second-generation New York Life Agent, EJ bleeds blue through and through. “Growing up, New York Life was much more than just the firm Mom worked with — it was our way of life, our extended family. In carrying on this tradition, my hope is to share with our agents the unique opportunity and the urgent responsibility we have in serving our clients, their businesses, and especially their families.”

EJ and his wife, Sheryl Magbitang, CPA and Senior Accountant with Collins, Mason & Company. LLP, reside in downtown San Francisco and have been happily married since 2012. Together, they enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and exploring all the exciting cuisine the city has to offer.

Anthony Garibaldi, CFP, LUTCF, FSCP

Senior Partner, San Francisco

Office: (415) 393-6009

Cell: (650) 455-2085

aggaribaldi@newyorklife.com

Tony joined New York Life in 2010 as an agent after working many years in a family business in the healthcare industry. Tony was awarded Rookie of the Year Class of 2010 and qualified for Executive Council each of his four years as an agent. As a Financial Advisor with Eagle Strategies LLC, Tony specialized in retirement, insurance, and investment planning. In 2014, Tony was promoted to a Partner in the Greater San Francisco office and qualified as the New Partner of the Year in the Pacific Agencies and the View From the Top Award.

Tony was born and raised in Millbrae, CA and currently lives in San Francisco. Tony enjoys traveling, playing guitar, and spending time with family and friends.

Cindy C. Ngai

Partner, San Mateo

Office: (650) 513-3206

Cell: (650) 278-2889

ccngai@newyorklife.com

Cindy joined New York Life as an agent in 2000 at the San Mateo office. She qualified for Executive Council in 2002 & 2003. In 2002 she earned the Life Superstar, Club 21 and Centurion Awards. She became a member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT*) in 2004. She was also promoted as a Partner in the San Mateo Sales office in the same year. As a Partner in 2005, Cindy earned the Pacific Zone Breakthrough Recruiter and an Outstanding Achievement Award in the Chinese Market for Recruiting.

Cindy graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor Degree in Marketing. She and her husband John live in San Bruno, California.

Rigoberto Ruiz

Partner, San Mateo

Office: (415) 393-6010

raruiz@newyorklife.com

Rigoberto Ruiz also known as “Rigo” is a NYL Partner operating in San Francisco, CA, who has 10 years of experience in finance. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Accounting and Business Management from CSU East Bay. Before joining the ranks as a financial adviser at Eagle Strategies he worked with Edwards Jones and Wells Fargo for several years. He joined the NYL family in 2019 and fell in love with the culture of success at the Greater San Francisco office. Rigo holds his series 66 and 7 license.

Rigo’s dedication to his clients and NYL team allowed him to join the NYL management team. Prior to joining the management team In 2022, he obtained the award Presidents council and multiple Executive councils.

Rigo is a first-generation Salvadoran American that is passionate about mentorship and giving back to his community. He has a long history of teaching guitar which is one of his favorite hobbies.

His favorite quote comes from American actor and filmmaker, Denzel Washington: “Without commitment, you'll never start. But more importantly, without consistency, you'll never finish.”

Aaron Sanchez

Partner, San Francisco

Office: (415) 393-6002

ajsanchez01@newyorklife.com

Aaron is a Financial Services Professional with a passion for guiding small businesses and individuals through the complexities of retirement planning. He has been with New York Life Insurance Company since 2022. Prior to New York Life, he owned a small landscape and design company. He also has 12 years of experience in Commercial Real Estate in San Francisco, and has been a trusted resource across various sectors, from medical and dental practices to manufacturing industries.

Beyond his professional endeavors, he is actively involved in his community as a member of the Domestic Missions Board of Directors at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church. His commitment to serving others extends to his personal interests, where he finds joy in outdoor activities and shares a deep affection for English Bulldogs.

His career is marked by a dedication to helping others secure their financial futures and his contributions to both the business world and community reflect his values of integrity, expertise, and compassion.

Marc Gehrig

Partner, San Francisco

Phone: (424) 200-2989

mpgehrig@newyorklife.com

Marc joined the Greater San Francisco General office in December 2022, and in his first 6 months, qualified for the Career Summit meeting in Las Vegas, where he first saw the true potential of being an agent with New York Life. He then completed his first year in the business as the GSF Rookie of the Year. In his second year, Marc qualified for his first Executive Council, and with the most council credits among the New Organization agents in GSF. He then completed his second year qualifying to be a member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT).

Having been involved in various leadership roles throughout his life, Marc felt that management was where he could thrive; therefore, he joined the GSF management team in 2025. As an agent, Marc loved mentoring the newer agents and felt that by building and developing a team he could have a greater impact on his surrounding community.

Prior to joining New York Life, Marc spent 4 years in corporate finance at tech companies in the Silicon Valley as a financial analyst.

Marc was born in Switzerland, and grew up in southern California, specifically Redondo Beach. He attended Santa Clara University in 2014, graduating in 2018 with a major in Finance and minor in Management Information Systems. Marc’s mom is from Indonesia, and he’s very proud of both his parents’ culture and how it formed him to who he is today.

Marc lives in the Presidio in San Francisco with his fiancé Sarah. In his spare time, he enjoys watching his favorite soccer team Arsenal (although they disappoint him often), playing golf, and spending time with friends.

Brandon Blake Bondoc

District Agent, San Mateo

Office: (650) 997-1970

bbbondoc@ft.newyorklife.com

Brandon Blake Bondoc is a District Agent with New York Life Insurance Company and has been with Greater San Francisco since interning in 2007. He is a third-generation agent, following in the footsteps of his mother, who began her career in 1988, and his late grandmother, who started in 1985.

Brandon began scaling his practice in 2014 as an Agency Associate, and in 2024, he transitioned to the role of District Agent, guiding a team of advisors and agents.

Brandon is a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, Court of the Table, and Chairman’s Council.

In addition to his work at New York Life, Brandon serves as the President of both the San Francisco Peninsula NAIFA chapter and the Prosperity Partners BNI SF West Bay chapter.

Brandon holds a B.S. in Commerce with a concentration in Marketing from Santa Clara University. Born in San Francisco, he remains deeply connected to the Bay Area. He and his wife, Aeramis, continue to explore the entire area's attractions and infinite culinary delights while making lasting memories with their daughter.

F. Thomas Laniecki, CLU, ChFC

Senior Director of Development, San Francisco

Office: (415) 393-6089

Cell: (415) 672-4310

ftlaniecki@newyorklife.com

Since joining the Greater San Francisco management team in 2014, Thomas has been preparing entrepreneurial-minded individuals for a rewarding career in financial services. Prior to that, he spent 10 years as a successful Agent with New York Life Insurance Company, Registered Rep with NYLIFE Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, A Licensed Insurance Agency, and Financial Adviser with Eagle Strategies LLC, A Registered Investment Adviser. He qualified for New York Life's Executive Council during each of his 10 years as a Producer. Over the same time period, he qualified for the prestigious Million Dollar Roundtable (MDRT)* six times. Thomas also served as a volunteer instructor for Money Management Educators, a national organization promoting Financial Wellness. He has conducted close to 100 seminars and over 1,000 one-on-one financial education sessions for employees at Bay Area companies on a variety of financial topics and employee benefits.

Prior to joining New York Life, Thomas spent 10 years in the high-tech industry in Silicon Valley in various sales, business development and operational management roles. Thomas was born and grew up in Germany, and is fluent in German. He holds a Masters degree in Business and Economics from Passau University in Germany and spent a year studying in Dublin, Ireland, before moving to the U.S. in 1994 to pursue his professional career.

Thomas lives in Alameda with his wife Sharon and his two children Lucia and Mateo. In his spare time, he enjoys a good round of golf and spending quality time with his family and friends.

Daniel Goe, FSCP, RICP

Development Manager, San Francisco

Office: (650) 513-3210

Cell: (650) 521-6135

Dsgoe@newyorklife.com

Daniel joined New York Life as an agent in September of 2023 and has since qualified for two Executive Councils. He is a Registered Rep and holds the Financial Services Certified Professional (FSCP) designation. Prior to New York Life, Daniel began his career in administration and operations in the aquaculture industry. He holds a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Boston University.

Daniel resides in Menlo Park with his wife, Hayden. A Bay Area native, he grew up learning Russian and Mandarin while translating for his parents, an experience that has shaped his adaptable and client-centered approach. He is active in the community, having served as Treasurer for the Pacifica Rotary Club, and he enjoys contributing to local initiatives. Outside of work, Daniel is a modern wine enthusiast and avid reader.

In his own words, here is what he is looking forward to and what he hopes to contribute: “I’m excited to step into the role of Development Manager at New York Life, building on my experience as a Financial Services Professional and my background in operations and client education. Having qualified for Executive Council during my time as an agent, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and rewards that come with growing a practice. I’m looking forward to supporting new agents as they build their careers, helping them develop the skills and confidence they need to serve clients effectively, and fostering a culture of growth and integrity within our team.”

Spenser Wong, RICP, FSCP, MSFA

Associate Development Manager, San Francisco

Cell: (415) 713-4995

Smwong01@newyorklife.com

A San Francisco native, Spenser graduated from the University of San Francisco in 2020 with a degree in Finance and later earned his Master’s degree in Financial Analysis.

Before beginning his professional career, Spenser spent time traveling internationally in 2022, visiting all seven continents. Along the way, he connected with people at many different life stages—from early-career professionals to retirees—which strengthened his appreciation for the impact financial education can have on long-term security and opportunity. Combined with his own positive experience working with a trusted financial adviser, these experiences solidified his decision to pursue a career in financial services with New York Life.

Spenser joined the Greater San Francisco General Office as an agent in December 2023. In his first two years, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to learning and professional growth. He became registered early, qualified for Executive Council, earned his FSCP and RICP designations, completed his Series 7 and 65, and continues to pursue additional credentials to expand his expertise.

In his new role, Spenser will focus on sharing his knowledge and experience to support our New Org agents as they build confidence, capability, and a strong professional foundation. He will also serve as a resource for the broader agency, reinforcing best practices across planning, client relationships, and product knowledge while promoting collaboration and continuous improvement.

Gaurav Chibber

Associate Service Leader

Office: (415) 393-6010

Gchibber@newyorklife.com

Gaurav began his journey with New York Life in 2018 as an agent with the Santa Clara General Office. In 2024, he transitioned to the Service Team, where he focused on Agent Contracting and Onboarding—an area that blends process with people, and one he’s grown passionate about.

In 2023, Gaurav earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, further strengthening his commitment to strategic thinking and team collaboration. Outside of work, he’s a proud dog dad to Oreo, a lively border collie mix. To unwind, he enjoys cruising on his motorcycle and embracing the open road as a way to recharge.

Gaurav was promoted to Associate Service Leader in November 2025 and joined the Greater San Francisco General Office, where he continues to build on his strong operational foundation and commitment to excellence. In his new role, Gaurav will focus on leveraging his operational expertise and service leadership experience to support agents and staff in delivering a seamless, high-quality client experience. He will partner closely with both new and tenured agents to strengthen their understanding of processes, systems, and compliance requirements, while fostering confidence and accountability in their day-to-day business. Additionally, he will serve as a key resource across the General Office, driving consistency in service standards, encouraging collaboration across teams, and supporting ongoing process improvements to enhance efficiency and overall performance.

Stacy Sanders

Agency Standards Manager, San Francisco

Office:(415) 393-6001

Sbsanders01@newyorklife.com

Prior to her current role as Greater San Francisco Agency Standards Manager, Stacy Sanders served for two and a half years as a New Org Agent and Registered Representative.

Stacy brings more than 25 years of insurance industry experience, with extensive expertise in Property & Casualty underwriting and underwriting leadership. She has held senior roles with several of the nation’s largest commercial carriers, where she was known for driving operational excellence, strengthening accountability, and leading high-performing teams. During this time, she earned both the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Associate in Management (AIM) designations from The Institutes. She also served as President of the CPCU Golden Gate Chapter.

A respected industry leader, Stacy currently serves as President of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA), where she actively champions diversity, inclusion, and professional development across the insurance community.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Wake Forest University. Outside of work, Stacy enjoys traveling the world and discovering new restaurants throughout the Bay Area.

Minh Ngo

CVP, Agency Standards Pacific Zone Team Lead

Office: (415) 393-6233

HMNgo@newyorklife.com

Minh Ngo joined the Greater San Francisco General Office as the Agency Standards Manager in June of 2021 after a successful career in the retail investment industry as a Director. Minh spent 14 years in Financial Supervision and Oversight with Merrill Lynch. Minh’s extensive background with Supervision, Compliance, and Risk Management has taught him that we are better served when we are inclusive with our clients and advisors to strive for financial innovation together.

Minh could not pass on the opportunity to join New York Life, a company that supports an inclusive culture. It has been said many times that “the people make New York Life” and we serve the client need of Insurance and Wealth Management Solutions. In 2022, Minh was the recipient of the New York Life New Agency Standards Manager of the Year Award. In 2023, Minh was promoted to Director of Agency Standards. In September 2025, Minh was promoted to Corporate Vice President of Agency Standards Pacific Zone Team Lead.

Minh earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California at Santa Cruz, a Masters in Governance from the California School Board Association, and holds active FINRA Series 24, 4, 53, 6, 63, 66, and 7, as well as his California Life Insurance license.

Minh has been married to his beautiful wife Jennifer since 2009. Minh is a proud father to two daughters, Zoe and Averline, and a son, William. Minh is an avid Golden State Warriors and San Francisco 49ers fan. In his spare time, Minh is actively involved in his community with various non-profits, as a member of the Milpitas Rotary International Club, Volunteer with Silicon Valley Second Harvest Food Bank, Former Advisory Chair with Silicon Valley High Tech High Heels, and a Governing Board of Education Trustee with Milpitas Unified School District.