Our Team

Maxwell Merhar

Max Merhar serves as Vice President of The Merhar Agency, continuing a proud legacy as a third-generation insurance professional. With a deep commitment to client service and financial protection, Max upholds the agency’s longstanding tradition of integrity, reliability, and personalized care.

A native of Willoughby, Ohio, Max graduated from Willoughby South High School in 2006 and went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree from Kent State University. During his time at Kent, he was an active member of the Zeta Lambda Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity, where he held the role of Risk Manager—an early reflection of his dedication to responsibility and leadership. While still in college, Max obtained his Property & Casualty and Life & Health insurance licenses, laying the groundwork for his career in the insurance industry.

Max is married to his college sweetheart, Leah, and together they are raising three children. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Max enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, engaging in activities such as hiking, fishing, golfing, and riding ATV's.

Darlene (Noda) Phillips (Dar)

Although you can’t tell by her picture, Darlene has the most insurance experience in the Merhar Agency. She started in 1972, working after school, at her father, Jerry Noda’s Nationwide Agency, in Eastlake, Ohio. When her father retired to Florida in 2000, Darlene brought her insurance skills and customer care to the Merhar Agency, as Office Manager.

Darlene loves our customers like family and spends much of her day looking for ways to save this family on their insurance cost. When you speak with Dar, you realize that you are part of her family.

Darlene is married to her husband Ernie, has two grown sons and four grandchildren, all still living in the Lake County area. Darlene’s life, outside the office, centers around her family and her church

Betty Denholm

Betty arrived at the Merhar Agency with her best friend Darlene. Betty had worked for many years, with Darlene, at the Gerald Noda Agency. Betty continued her position with the Merhar Agency, as a customer service representative and Darlene’s right hand and assistant.

Betty lives in Highland Heights with her retire insurance agent husband, John. Betty and John have three grown children and eight grandchildren.

Marykay Magri

Marykay Magri is a 32 year veteran in the insurance industry. Marykay was licensed in 1993 and she served as Office Manager for the Bryan Noda Agency from 1996 to the present. In June of 2018 the Noda Agency merged with and is now a satellite office of the Merhar Agency.

The best part of Marykay’s job is working with so many wonderful people, both staff and clients. Making the insurance buying experience easier and friendlier is a daily goal, along with providing outstanding customer service.

When Marykay is not being an insurance agent she loves spending time with family and friends, and “glamping” in her RV. She is looking forward to being a first time Grandma later this year.

Brian W. Kelly

Brian W. Kelly brings over seven years of experience in the insurance industry, dedicating himself to ensuring his clients receive optimal coverage while saving costs. With a genuine passion for assisting others, Brian thrives on building strong partnerships with his clients.

Originally from Southern West Virginia, Brian relocated to Ohio approximately two decades ago. Prior to his insurance career, he was renowned as a top-rated local radio personality and actively served as a first responder in his local communities. Brian also holds the esteemed position of President of the Geneva Area Grape Jamboree, the fifth-largest festival in Ohio.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Brian cherishes spending quality time with his family and beloved dogs at his camp. You might also catch him lending his voice as an announcer at various local events or auto races.

Gillian Derus

Gillian Derus joined the Merhar Agency in July 2025 after earning her Property and Casualty license in 2022. She enjoys helping clients with their insurance needs, supporting her coworkers, and brightening people’s day along the way.

Gillian grew up in Madison, Ohio, and was part of the CCP program in high school, graduating with a dual degree in Art and Science from Lakeland Community College. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and has a passion for vintage collecting and thrifting—giving old things a new life.