About Us and Our Story

A closer look at the people and principles shaping every recommendation.

SINCE 2007

Founded on Independent Expertise

Since 2007, Executive Benefit Options has provided independent executive benefit consulting for banks, corporations, and insurance companies. Built on trusted expertise and objective guidance, we help organizations strengthen executive benefit strategies with confidence.

WHAT DRIVES US

Our Mission and Philosophy

Put every organization's best interests first.
Deliver objective, independent recommendations.
Build trust through expertise and integrity.
Support lasting organizational success.

MEET THE TEAM

Experienced Professionals

Principal

Paul J. McNellis

Bio

Paul McNellis is the owner of Executive Benefit Options, LLC
(www.EBOptions.net), which specializes in the design, implementation and funding of nonqualified executive and director benefit plans. E.B.O. was established in 2007.
Prior to that, Paul was the Institutional Fixed Income Specialist for the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)-Oppenheimer, where he worked with Fortune 500 companies with regards to fixed income instruments.
Paul graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.S. in
Psychology in 1991.
Paul has been a Northwestern Mutual Forum Qualifier seven times. Paul also holds a Series 7, Series 6, and Series 63 licenses.
Paul McNellis works in the Bank-Owned (BOLI), and Corporate-owned
(COLI) Life Insurance and Executive Benefits marketplace.
Paul is married to Bridget, they reside in St. Charles, Illinois and have
three lovely children, Madeline, Mary and Daniel.

Client Relations Manager

Melanie Barajas

Bio

Melanie Barajas is the Client Relations Specialist of Executive Benefit Options, LLC (www.EBOptions.net), which specializes in the design, implementation and funding of nonqualified executive and director
benefit plans. Melanie has been with Executive Benefit Options since
2011.
Melanie graduated from Southern New Hampshire University in 2020
with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. Melanie holds both her Series 6 and Series 63 licenses.
Paul McNellis works in the Bank-Owned (BOLI), and Corporate-owned
(COLI) Life Insurance and Executive Benefits marketplace. Melanie is married to Danny, they live in West Chicago with their two kids, Caitlin and Chloe.

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