Our Team

Our Team

MARK TRAUMAN, JD, CPA, CFP®, AIF®

Founder

Mark Trauman founded Reliance Financial Advisors in 1995. Located in Franklin Park, Pennsylvania, Reliance Financial Advisors specializes in financial planning and in fee-based asset allocation and portfolio monitoring, as well as in offering nonproprietary investments and insurance products and tax-preparation services to individuals and businesses. Reliance Financial Advisors offers 401(k)/profit-sharing plans and tax planning services to corporate executives, business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporations. 

Mark has a Juris Doctor degree, is a Certified Public Accountant, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner, an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), and a Registered Investment Adviser with the proper regulatory agencies. He also holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations. Mark’s prior experience includes working as a manager/financial advisor for American Express Financial Advisors, Inc., as well as holding positions at PPG Industries, Ernst & Young, KPMG Peat Marwick, and Cargill, Inc. Mark received a bachelor of accountancy degree from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota and his Juris Doctor degree from Concord Law School in Los Angeles, California.

Mark is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Pittsburgh chapter of the Financial Planning Association (past president and chairperson). He also holds board positions with Lutheran SeniorLife (past chairperson), Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation Investment Committee (chairperson), and Lutherlyn.  He is an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Highland and has served as treasurer, church council member, chairperson of the Living Gifts & Memorials Committee, and member of the finance and stewardship committees. In addition, Mark has been involved with Junior Achievement in the Seneca Valley School District and participated in committee work with the Northern Allegheny County Chamber of Commerce.

Mark enjoys time with his family, cars, dirt bikes, and walking/jogging. 

MICHAEL TRAUMAN, CPA

Financial Analyst

Michael Trauman joined Reliance Financial Advisors in 2022 as a Financial Analyst.  Michael’s role is to work under the oversight of Mark to assist in investment research and analysis, portfolio review, client service, compliance, and tax preparation services. 

Michael is a Certified Public Accountant and holds bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Economics from Kent State University.  After college, Michael worked as a Tax Consultant for Deloitte in Cleveland, OH.  He also held accounting internship positions for various organizations in the insurance and financial services industries, and is excited to bring his knowledge and experience to the team at RFA.

He enjoys music, time with friends, gaming, and personal fitness. 

KARIN TRAUMAN

Manager, Operations and Administration

Karin Trauman joined Reliance Financial Advisors in 1997 as Manager, Operations and Administration. She ensures that the business operations run smoothly, responds to client service inquiries, and oversees the support staff and human resource functions.

Karin received an MS in Human Resources Management from La Roche University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She earned BAs in Business Administration and in Organizational Communications, with a minor in English Writing, from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota. Karin has more than 35 years of experience in human resources. Before joining Reliance Financial Advisors, she was an Employee Relations Manager for Federated Investors (now Federated Hermes), a Pittsburgh-based mutual fund company. She has held human resources generalist positions at Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers), Rivertown Trading Company, and Concordia College.

Karin holds a board position with Lutheran Service Society and can often be found volunteering in various capacities at church and in the community.  She is an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Highland in McCandless where she is a trained Stephen’s Minister.  She has also previously served on the church council, stewardship committee, mutual ministry committee, and as a long-time Sunday school teacher. 

She enjoys Aqua Zumba at the YMCA, staying connected with friends and family, creative outlets such as crafting, painting, cooking and cookie decorating, and will always take the scenic route if given the option.  

MARY JO CRAIL

Administrative Assistant

Mary Jo Crail joined Reliance Financial Advisors in January 2019 as an Administrative Assistant. 

Mary Jo graduated from Robert Morris University with an Associate Degree, majoring in the executive secretarial program.  She has more than 20 years of experience in administrative roles in a variety of sectors including a law firm, Federated Investors, Inc., churches, an adoption agency, and a steel manufacturing company.  She had a successful chocolate candy business while staying home with her young children.

Mary Jo is married and lives with her husband in Zelienople. They have a daughter who is married, now living in northwestern Pennsylvania. They also have a son, who is married and has two young sons, living near Tampa, Florida.  Mary Jo and her husband love being grandparents but wish their family lived a lot closer.

She also loves riding her bicycle, going to blues concerts, and attending the ballet. She and her husband are active members at New Community Church in Wexford, where she has served extensively on the Tech Team in support of the Worship services. 

She looks forward to meeting clients and being of service to them.