Management Team

Valerie L. Peterson, JD
Executive Director

Valerie joined ElderCounsel in January of 2008 and serves as Executive Director. Prior to joining ElderCounsel, Valerie was a practicing elder law attorney in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami and the owner of Peterson Law Office, P.A. Valerie was a litigator for several years after law school, but decided to focus her practice on elder law after she experienced firsthand the challenges of caring for an elderly loved one.

Valerie is a frequent speaker both locally and nationwide on topics pertaining to elder law, special needs planning and veterans aid and attendance benefits.

Valerie attended Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas where she received the Order of Barristers award for excellence in courtroom advocacy.

Prior to joining ElderCounsel, Valerie served as President of the Society of Financial Service Providers, Dade County, Florida, and she served on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys. Valerie is also a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys; WealthCounsel, and WealthCounsel Advisors Forum. Valerie is licensed to practice in Florida and Kansas.

For questions about ElderCounsel, you can reach Valerie at 888-789-9908 x81, or via email at valerie.peterson@eldercounsel.com.

Brian F. Albee, JD
Director of Technology 

Brian joined ElderCounsel in February of 2008 and serves as Director of Technology.  Prior to joining ElderCounsel, Brian was the Director of Technology for WealthCounsel, ElderCounsel's sister company.  Brian practiced estate planning law in California for several years before joining WealthCounsel.  He has a keen interest in HotDocs development and helping members make the most of the software.

Brian's primary role with ElderCounsel is the creation and maintenance of ElderDocx, ElderCounsel's elder law document drafting system, as well as website and other technology management for ElderCounsel.

Brian attended Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, California, where he served as a Law Review associate editor. Brian lives in Verona, Wisconsin, with his wife, four children, mother-in-law, and two dogs.

Brian can be reached at 888-789-9908, extension 82, or via email at brian.albee@eldercounsel.com. 

John F. Shickich, JD
Director of Member Recruitment

John joined ElderCounsel in May 2009 and serves as its Director of Member Recruitment. Prior to joining ElderCounsel, he was a skilled franchise lawyer and business developer. John is the only Certified Franchise Executive in Oregon and was a consultant, frequent speaker to trade groups and a lecturer at the University of Oregon.

John has also served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel for an international franchisor, helped grow a start up healthy fast casual dining franchisor as both a consultant and VP - Franchise Development and created and was President of a successful personal fitness franchise for adults age 55+.

John attended the University of Oregon, School of Law and also has a double major from the University of Puget Sound and a Certificate in International Business from Nijenrode, The Netherlands School of Business. He has been licensed to practice law in Oregon since 1987.

While John is a franchise expert, as he states, "I am looking for a career transition where the effects of my efforts will bring positive results to needing individuals." ElderCounsel is privileged to have a person of John's caliber leading its recruitment team.

For questions about ElderCounsel membership, you can reach John at 888-789-9908 ext. 85 (toll free), 541-485-1567 (direct) or via email at john.shickich@eldercounsel.com.