AMKO | ADVISORS

President/Senior Municipal Advisor

With over 20 years of experience in the financial industry and having personally advised over $100 million in bond issuances, Brian Osowski has developed a diverse background that allows him to focus on the many unique needs of each and every client on a case-by-case basis.

Originally from Cando, North Dakota, Brian credits his early upbringing in this small town as invaluable to understanding the importance that every dollar can make to communities big and small.

He also recognizes the value of personal attention and continued support to clients, both big and small. As an independent municipal advisor, Brian and AMKO provide clients with unbiased and conflict free advice to gain positive results.

Brian is proud to call Fargo, North Dakota, home. This is where he lives with his wife Debbi, a counselor in the Fargo Public School District. Brian and Debbi have three daughters Abby, Meghan and Kate.

Vice President/Municipal Advisor

Mark brings more than 25 years of experience in financial services to AMKO Advisors. He has a long, successful history of leadership, lending/risk management, operations and outstanding customer service. With his senior management and service-oriented background, he is excited to deliver efficient and effective solutions to AMKO’s clients.

With his wife, Liz, of 30 years and their dog, Taz, Mark resides at his lake home in western Minnesota. This has allowed him to establish AMKO’s first Minnesota location, which we’re excited to offer. Mark grew up in Grand Forks, ND and moved to Fargo in 1993. He and Liz moved to Minnesota in the summer of 2017 and enjoy boating, fishing and playing a little golf. Mark and Liz also have 2 grown children: Allie, who is a psychologist in Denver, CO and Nick, who is an entrepreneur in the fitness space in Fargo, ND.

Liz Deraney

Administrative Professional

Liz Deraney grew up in a small town in western Minnesota and obtained a Legal Secretarial degree from Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls, MN. Liz has over 35 years of Administrative Assistant/Legal Secretary experience, having previously worked for Grand Forks County Courthouse, the State’s Attorney’s Office in Grand Forks, ND, an insurance firm and a private law firm in Grand Forks, ND.

In her free time, Liz loves to decorate, travel and cheer on her two favorite sports teams, the University of North Dakota hockey team and the Minnesota Vikings. Liz is also very proud of her extensive volunteer work with Roger Maris Cancer Center, Meals on Wheels and Sanford Health, which has greatly supported these organizations and their constituents. Liz is married to Mark Deraney (above) and is excited to bring her personal touch and expertise to all the work needed to deliver an outstanding client experience.

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Harold Lance

Account Executive (Independent Contractor)

Harold Lance has played a role in helping a variety of industries or individuals accomplish their short and long-term goals for the last 30 years. As an Independent Contractor, he began working with AMKO Advisors in July of 2020 in the role of Account Executive. His primary role is to build lasting relationships with communities, and the people within them, by understanding their needs and providing efficient and effective solutions. Harold is in the process of preparing for the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s (MSRB) Series 50 professional qualification of Municipal Advisor Representative. Harold and his family live in Plymouth, MN.

Kenenth M. Schaefer

Account Executive (Independent Contractor)

Kenenth Schaefer has over 25 years of lending experience across numerous industries and loan structures with transactions for larger capital projects and new ventures based on projections. His focus is custom financial solutions designed to meet client needs. A graduate of the University of Saint Thomas with BA degrees in Economics and Accounting as well as an MBA with a finance concentration. Nonprofit experience includes social service organization supporting single woman’s educational advancement, church finance committee during a larger remodel/addition, healthcare organization for low-income patients, social service organization operating halfway housing and transitional housing for at-risk youth and theater performing new plays. As an Independent Contractor, he began working with AMKO Advisors in 2024 in the role of Account Executive. Ken and his spouse, Mary, live in St. Paul, MN and their family includes three sons, two daughters-in-law and 5 grandchildren.