Our Management

After pioneering the introduction of preneed master trust services in the state of Oregon and participating in establishment of the state’s first master trust in the early 1980s, Hal Martin founded Essential Planning Group in March of 1993.  Hal has guided EPG, originally named Charter Management Associates, and its flagship offering, American Funeral & Cemetery Trust Services (AFCTS), to national recognition for excellence in master trust and third party administration. His vision has catalyzed EPG’s development and utilization of technologies to streamline master trust operations.

 

Craig Martin became our President in July, 2010 after serving three years as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Craig’s appointment ensures the continuity and commitment to values instilled by his father Hal Martin. Craig’s expertise in accounting, financial analysis, and corporate management, accumulated over 24 years in the Chrysler Corporation finance division, helps drive EPG’s service expansion to better support our clients’ strategic goals, such as improving cash flow and increasing master trust investment returns.

Krista Kaysner manages our day-to-day operations, encompassing client support services, technologies, team development, data and documentation  management, and governmental relations.  She joined EPG in 1998 and was appointed Director of Operations in 2003.  She is responsible for relationships with regulators for states in which our clients conduct business, and for compliance with their codes, statutes, and reporting requirements. Krista was named Vice President in July 2010 and participates in executive management, strategic planning, and decision making.