Dublin, California — April 27, 2026
Luso-American Financial, a Fraternal Benefit Society, announced the results of its 2026 National Council Meeting, including the election of its Financial Board of Directors and the appointment of new executive leadership.
Delegates from across the organization gathered on April 25 to elect members to the Financial Board, the governing body responsible for financial oversight, strategic direction, and long-term stewardship of the Society.
The Financial Board consists of nine directors. This year, five positions were open for election. Two incumbent directors were eligible to run for an additional term, and three new directors were elected to join the Board.
Luso‑American Financial is pleased to confirm the following Financial Board composition:
Tina Medeiros — Santa Clara, California
Elizabeth Motta — Riverdale, California
Judy Mottini — Granite Bay, California
Manuel Vieira — San Jose, California
Re‑Elected Financial Directors
Mina DaCunha — Howell, New Jersey
Dan Rocha — Artesia, California
Newly Elected Financial Directors
Roxann Burns Aguilar — Elk Grove, California
Manuel Alexandre — Riverside, California
Eric Larson — Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Luso‑American Financial extends its sincere appreciation to Tony Sozinho, Maritana Guadalupe, and John Perdigao, who concluded their terms as Financial Directors.
Following the National Council Meeting, the Financial Board convened to elect its Executive Committee for the 2026–2028 term.
The Board selected:
Manuel A. Vieira, Financial President
Judy Mottini, Financial Chair of the Board
Tina Medeiros, Vice Chair
In addition to the election of directors, the Financial Board has hired two new employees to support the Society’s continued growth and operational excellence.
Executive Leadership Team
Sean Wheeler — Executive Vice President
Effective May 4, 2026
Sean Wheeler is an accomplished organizational leader with more than 20 years of experience driving productivity, strengthening performance, and elevating operational excellence across insurance, marketing, operations, finance, and risk management sectors. Known for his strategic clarity and hands-on leadership style, Sean has guided organizations through transformative growth by developing strong policies, optimizing workflows, and building high-impact internal and external partnerships.
He has a proven record of identifying emerging opportunities, designing innovative solutions, and implementing strategic initiatives that deliver measurable results. His expertise spans executive management, business development, performance improvement, and organizational advancement. Sean is also recognized for his commitment to coaching, talent development, and cross-functional collaboration—empowering teams to align people, processes, and long-term organizational goals.
Daniela Pedersen — Sales & Field Operations Manager
Hired April 1, 2026
Daniela Pedersen is a results‑driven Sales & Field Operations Manager who accelerates revenue growth, expands market presence, and builds high‑performing sales teams. With more than a decade of success across the financial and employee benefits landscape, she brings a powerful combination of legal training (J.D., Southern California College of Law), LUTCF designation, and Life & Health, Series 6, and Series 63 licenses.
Daniela excels in the small‑ and mid‑market sectors, leading high‑performance sales execution, strengthening broker and client partnerships, and delivering competitive benefits solutions across health, dental, vision, life, disability, and ancillary products. She is known for transforming market insights into action, uncovering untapped opportunities, and positioning organizations ahead of industry trends.
These new changes will strengthen the Society’s leadership team and reinforce its commitment to financial stewardship, membership growth, and organizational advancement.
About Luso-American Financial
Founded in 1868, Luso‑American Financial is one of the nation’s oldest fraternal benefit societies, dedicated to providing financial products, cultural enrichment, and community support to its members. Rooted in Portuguese‑American heritage and guided by principles of service, unity, and mutual aid, the Society continues to strengthen communities across generations.
For additional information, please contact our Luso Office.
