Smart decisions. Real results.
We remove the complexity from financial planning & employee benefits.
Our Story
Jack Harrington founded the company in 1962. He passed the baton to Barb McVagh, who then chose financial planner Deneen Cunningham to continue the legacy. Barb has since retired to pursue her passion for travel.
Employee Benefit Plan Specialist, Nicole Ardiel, joined the team in 2005 and became partners. Today, Deneen and Nicole focus on their specialties, while working closely to ensure all clients benefit from their Smart decisions. Real results. approach to financial planning and employee benefits.
Our People
Financial Planning
Deneen Cunningham
CFP, CLU, CH.F.C., CHS
Deneen holds her Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (CHFC), and Certified Health Specialist (CHS) designations. But what motivates her is making people feel confident about their money and comfortable that they have a plan in place for their next life stage. She is known for her trust and advice and the enjoyable personal relationships she has with her clients.
Known as a hard worker and seeker of thrilling experiences, Deneen has been a First Responder with the Piers Island Volunteer Fire Department for many years. She and her husband Len are parents to Sydney and Dalyce, grandparents to Brooklyn and Austin (notice the theme here), and cuddlers of their dog Pawz.
Karen Mason
CFP, CLU, CHS
Karen has her Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Life Underwriter and Certified Health Specialist designations and is currently President of the Sooke Chamber of Commerce.
Deneen and Karen met 21 years ago as board members for Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association. Karen is available for Deneen’s clients as vacation backup (though Gillian remains the first point of contact) and as an additional resource.
Over the past 15 years, Karen says the biggest compliment she can imagine is a client saying, “I feel so relieved we’ve chatted with you.” In her spare time, Karen has discovered a secret skill painting pet and human portraits.
Gillian Murray
LLB, B.Soc.Sc, Marketing Associate
Gillian joined the McVagh Cunningham team in 2007. Day-to-day she is the first point of contact for financial planning clients. With her law degree, deep background in the financial industry, and longstanding relationships, Gillian makes sure the right foundation is in place so clients can focus on planning when they meet with Deneen.
Originally from Belfast in Northern Ireland, Gillian splits her time between Victoria and Courtenay, spending lots of time with her 14-year-old Aussie Riley.
Employee Benefit Plans
Nicole Ardiel
GBA, CHS, B.A.
Nicole, a life-long learner, has the Group Benefits Associate (GBA) and Certified Health Specialist (CHS) designations, as well as a Workplace Mental Health Leadership™ certification, and Mental Health First Aid training.
During her 25-year career, Nicole has supported hundreds of Vancouver Island business owners with meaningful, sustainable, and fairly-priced Employee Benefit Plans. She believes strongly in employee education and engagement and has a passion for mental health and wellbeing. She brings authenticity to all of her client relationships and is known for “walking the walk.”
Nicole enjoys a full and fulfilling life. She is a spirited soccer enthusiast, an aspiring golfer and an avid reader and writer. She also loves to be on her bike and snowboard, hike local hills with her dog Wally, and spend quality time with friends, family and her sweetie.
Carla Pusateri
Carla joined the McVagh Cunningham Group team in 2007. She delivers the gold standard of care and support to employers and plan administrators, due to her superb attention to detail and deep knowledge of how to manage benefit plans. Carla also works closely with employees, helping them navigate their coverage and how to ensure claims are paid in a timely matter.
Carla is a proud born-and-raised Victorian, and loves exploring this beautiful island with her husband, step-daughter and pup, Roxy.
Our Clients
I’ve worked with Deneen for many years. She’s provided the guidance I’ve needed since my husband passed. She’s a pleasure to spend time with, knowledgeable, and we meet regularly.
Lynn Gilby
Now that we’re retired, we’re getting into serious planning – what we can afford, cost of living, longevity, and taxation. We really trust Deneen’s advice. She has been understanding of our changing requirements.
Robin Richardson
We value reliability, responsiveness and relationships. Deneen exemplifies these attributes. She listens to our needs, understands our risk tolerance and has developed a plan allowing us to achieve our financial goals.
Craig Mattear
She helps guide us, answers our questions, and anticipates issues. We know the plan is specific to us and that it’s evaluated annually so adjustments are made, depending on what’s changed in the markets and our life stage. We learn every time we meet her.
Sharilynn Wardrop
I have been a client of McVagh Cunningham since 2007 and have always been very impressed by their professionalism and knowledge. They are always available to help and never make my employees or myself wait when we have questions. I couldn’t imagine moving to a different benefit company. The service they provide is top notch. Nicole & Carla really know what they’re doing!
Lucy-Ann Smith – Happy Campers Child Care
We have been in partnership with McVagh Cunningham Group for over 25 years! Nicole and Carla are fantastic to work with, they are incredibly approachable, knowledgeable and always have our best interests in mind. I highly recommend McVagh Cunningham Group.
Allison Greaves – Durwest Construction Management Inc.
Our law firm has worked with the McVagh Cunningham Group for many years. They have been our Employee Benefits provider, and guide us as well in financial planning, and insurance. We are a large company and benefit greatly from their expertise and assistance. The service they provide is excellent, and the personnel is second to none. We recommend them highly.
John Coupar & Clara Toledo – Horne Coupar LLP
We needed to work with a company that would listen to our needs as a business and recognize the changing needs of our employees. We wanted the ability to offer competitive benefit packages that fit the needs of our diverse employee group. The McVagh Cunningham Group delivered.
Duane Shaw – Mill Bay Marine Group
