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John W. Cucarese, RICP®, LUTCF®

Financial Professional

John grew up in the tri-state / Ohio Valley area where continues to work and reside with his wife and son. He holds RICP® and LUTCF® designations from The American College of Financial Services and a degree in Health Information Management from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining New York Life, John spent approximately ten years with a healthcare administration firm providing consulting services to large employers throughout the country.

John is extremely active as a volunteer throughout the local community, having spent many years on local Boards of Directors for the American Cancer Society, the Jefferson County (OH) Chamber of Commerce, and the American Red Cross (where he has now donated over 6 gallons of whole blood). In addition, John is an active member of several local Chambers of Commerce including the Weirton Area, Harrison County, Pittsburgh Airport Area, and Muskingum County. John enjoys running local 5k, 10k, and half-marathon events with family and friends throughout the region.

About my Designations

Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®)

The RICP® designation teaches advisers techniques and best practices used to create sustainable streams of retirement income. The education covers retirement income planning, maximizing Social Security and other income sources, minimizing risks to the plan, and managing portfolios during the asset distribution phase. The designation includes three required, college-level courses that represent a total average study time of more than 150 hours. RICP® designees must meet experience, continuing education and ethics requirements. The credential is awarded by The American College, a non-profit educator founded in 1927 and the highest form of academic accreditation.

Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF®)

The LUTCF® designation is thought to be the first designation a insurance professional should get. The designation is given jointly by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and The American College.

Quick Facts:

  • Began working with New York Life in September of 2005
  • Achieved New York Life Council Qualification1 for 15 consecutive years (Executive Council annually from 2007-2010, President’s Council annually from 2011-2016 and 2018-2020, Chairman's Council in 2017 and 2021)
  • Qualifying and Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table* with Court of the Table qualifications in 2013, 2018 and 2021.
  • Currently licensed in AL, CA, CO, FL, GA, KY, MD, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, and WV
  • FINRA Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, and Series 66 certified
  • Affiliated with the Pittsburgh, PA General Office of New York Life
  • Personal office located in Steubenville, OH

*The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals, is recognized globally as the standard of excellence for life insurance sales performance in the insurance and financial services industry. John qualified for MDRT in 2009, and annually since 2011.

1Council is an annual company recognition program based on agent production from July 1- June 30.

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Nicole Vahalik

Office Manager

Nicole joined our office in April of 2012, following 6 years of experience in the banking industry in both administration and customer service. Born and raised in the tri-state area, she resides in Amsterdam with her husband and two children. Nicole enjoys working on her family’s cattle farm, knitting and spending time with family and friends.

Pittsburgh-Johnstown Team

Downtown Pittsburgh

We're proud to be a part of the Pittsburgh-Johnstown New York Life General Office. The team in Pittsburgh provides us with terrific back office support.

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