Mike Baas
Regional President
Houchens Insurance Group
Nashville, Tennessee
Mike joined HIG as an intern in 1997 while earning his finance degree from Western Kentucky University. After graduation, he joined the production team in Bowling Green before moving to Nashville in 2017 to lead a local office turnaround. Now Regional President of the Southern P&C region, Mike oversees a team of seven while also serving on the boards of Nashville Rescue Mission and Men of Valor. Mike and his wife, Stephanie, have two sons.
John Burton
Vice President
Burton & Company,
a Division of USI Insurance
Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
With more than 30 years of industry experience, John, a Vice President at USI Insurance, began his career in 1991 and has led agency growth, built and sold a successful firm, and managed large commercial portfolios. John specializes in construction, real estate, and manufacturing, mentors emerging professionals, and lives in Greater Philadelphia with his two children.
Jim Denham
President
Arthur Hall Insurance, a
Marsh & McLennan Agency
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Jim joined Arthur Hall in 1991 as a commercial producer and became an agency principal in 1995, serving as Vice President of Commercial Lines. In 2009, he was elected President of the agency, continuing a long-standing commitment to leadership and client service. James and his wife, Jennifer, live in Wilmington, Delaware. He is the proud father of two children — his daughter, who is married with two children, and his son, who is recently engaged.
Jeff Dietrich
VP of Carrier Relations
Maury, Donnelly & Parr
Baltimore, Maryland
Jeff is Vice President of Carrier Relations at MDP, bringing over 20 years of carrier‑side insurance experience. He joined MDP in 2022 and established the Carrier Relations division, strengthening profitable, collaborative partnerships between agents and carriers. Jeff and his wife, Sha, have five children and spend much of their time traveling for University of Cincinnati football, along with dance competitions and youth sports.
Tracey Franchi
Senior VP – Commercial Lines
Brown & Brown Metro
Roseland, New Jersey
Tracey joined Brown & Brown Metro in September 2019. She currently serves as Senior Vice President, Commercial Lines Leader in the Roseland, NJ office. With over 30 years of underwriting and brokerage experience, Tracey leads Property & Casualty’s strategy and execution — spanning program design and placement, servicing excellence, and claims advocacy. She lives in Denville, NJ, with her husband and their dog and enjoys time with her three grown children.
Brian Friel
Executive Vice President
Brown & Brown
Insurance Services
Spring House, Pennsylvania
Brian is Executive Vice President at Brown & Brown Insurance Services and has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. He began his career with his wife, Kellie, at Smith Insurance Associates, Inc., a real estate– focused firm serving the Philadelphia region. Following the firm’s 2019 sale to Brown & Brown, Brian has continued serving real estate clients. He and Kellie have three grown daughters and are looking forward to celebrating their oldest daughter’s wedding this June.
Jason Griffith
CEO / Partner
Legacy Risk Solutions
Gainesville, GA
A graduate of Clemson University, Jason began his insurance career in 1997 after success as a professional golfer. He joined Legacy Risk Solutions 15 years ago and was pivotal in the transformation and success of the agency — including growing the agency sixfold over the past five years. Jason holds the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation and has served as District 2 Director of the Independent Agents of Georgia (IIAG), participated in several company advisory committees, and gives back to his community through coaching youth and high school sports. He is married to his wife Michele and is the proud father of three children.
Dean Hayes
Senior VP
McGriff, a Marsh &
McLennan Agency
Conyers, Georgia
Dean earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management and Insurance from the University of Georgia. He has 32 years of experience as a commercial lines broker and holds the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. Dean is the current Senior Vice President and agency manager for McGriff-Mainstreet and is responsible for managing six McGriff offices. He is active in the insurance industry, serving on the Commercial Lines Advisory Committee for the Independent Insurance Agents of GA (IIAG) and previously served on the board for the Young Agents of the IIAG. Dean also serves as a board member on numerous carriers’ agent advisory boards and is attending the agency trip with his wife, Holly.
Andrew Howard
President / CEO
Howard Insurance
Chevy Chase, Maryland
As President and CEO, Andrew leads the firm’s strategic planning and client relationships. He holds a B.S. in Finance from Villanova University. Andrew serves on multiple advisory councils for leading insurance carriers, as well as on the boards of Levine Music and the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind. He was named as one of the “Top 40 under 40” business leaders by the Washington Business Journal and has been recognized as a Top Insurance Advisor by Washingtonian Magazine. Andrew and his wife, Rebecca, live in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with their two sons.
Evan Jeffords
Partner
Kinghorn Insurance Agency
Beaufort, South Carolina
Evan, a native of Florence, South Carolina, is a University of South Carolina graduate with a double major in finance and management. He is active in the Van Landingham Rotary Club, where he previously served as Treasurer and Board Member, and is also a member of St. Andrews by the Sea United Methodist Church. Evan spends his free time coaching youth sports in his community. His wife, Emily, was elected Teacher of the Year, and they have two sons.
Tim Latimer
Vice President
The Barclay Group &
JS Braddock Agency
Riverton, New Jersey
Tim is Vice President of The Barclay Group, a third‑generation family‑owned insurance agency in South Jersey. Founded in 1945 by Walter Barclay, the firm was later passed to Tim’s grandfather and is now led by his father, John. Tim joined eight years ago and oversees operations, including JS Braddock, which joined the group in 2000. He and his wife, Chandler, live in South Jersey with their daughter, Elle, and enjoy traveling and summers at the Jersey Shore.
Archie Litaker
President / CEO
Litaker Insurance
Charlotte, North Carolina
Archie joined Litaker Insurance in 1986, becoming the third generation to lead the family business and now serves as President and CEO. He oversees property and casualty insurance, specializing in hospitality, construction, and property management. A lifelong Charlottean, he studied Risk Management and Insurance at Appalachian State University and has spent nearly 40 years in the industry. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, their three children, and several grandchildren, as well as spending time outdoors. He is also deeply involved in his church and community, serving in leadership roles at Weddington Methodist Church and participating in Habitat for Humanity and mission work for over a decade.
Leonard Marinaccio
Executive Vice President
Associated Insurance
Management
Silver Spring, Maryland
Len’s father was a former Executive VP of Harford Mutual, so when he was just 9 years old, he started “in” insurance by preparing postcards announcing the acquisition of Berks Mutual Fire Insurance Company by Harford Mutual. Years later, while attending college, Len interned at Harford Mutual performing essential tasks such as repairing Venetian blinds, transporting files to and from the attic, and washing windows. He is currently the Executive Vice President of Associated Insurance Management a role he has held since 1983 and serves on the board of Westminster American. Len is a wine connoisseur and enjoys traveling to Bermuda and Italy with his wife, Fran.
Cliff Patterson
Senior VP, Carolinas Region
McGriff, a Marsh &
McLennan Agency
Wilmington, North Carolina
Cliff joined McGriff (now Marsh) in 2016 and serves as Senior Vice President in the Hospitality and Pest Control practice groups. He is a cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and holds the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designations. Cliff has earned McGriff’s Sterling Performers / Blue Triangle Award four times and has been named to the President’s Club for sales excellence on multiple occasions. He is also actively involved in numerous insurance associations. Cliff lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and four children and volunteers his time with youth sports organizations.
Jesse Reeder
Co-owner / CEO
Farm Creek Insurance
Nottingham, Maryland
Jesse is a Co-Owner of Farm Creek Insurance, overseeing seven locations and a team of 43 employees. He is a graduate of Salisbury University. Jesse began his insurance career in 2005 and purchased his first agency in 2008, when it was a two-person office. Raised on a dairy farm in Boonsboro, Maryland, Jesse learned the importance of hard work early in life. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and watching his two children, Abigail and Grant, play sports.
Joseph Rice
Vice President
Associated Insurance
Management
Dunkirk, Maryland
Joe has spent more than 30 years partnering with Harford Mutual, both as the owner of J. E. Rice Insurance Agency and currently as a member of Associated Insurance Management. Throughout his career, he has built trusted relationships and a strong reputation for service within the insurance community. Joe and his wife, Carolyn, enjoy exploring new destinations, discovering great wine, and spending time with their family.
Jordan Russell
Vice President
Marsh McLennan Agency
Hunt Valley, Maryland
Jordan is a Vice President at Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) with 20 years of experience focusing on larger middle‑market business. He previously spent a decade as an equity partner at HMS Insurance Associates, acquired by MMA in A Baltimore native, Jordan currently lives in Monkton, Maryland, with his wife, Betsy, and their three children. He enjoys family time, youth sports, the outdoors, and is a lifelong Baltimore sports fan.
David Sciortino
Vice President
L&W Insurance
Lewes, Delaware
David is a Partner and Producer at L&W Insurance, where he has built a 21‑year career. Originally from Chicago, he has called Delaware home for two decades and currently resides in Lewes with his wife, Theresa. They have one son, who lives and works in Washington, D.C. Outside of the office, David enjoys family time, being outdoors, and visiting the beach in summer. Fun facts: he’s a triplet and still loves classic Chicago deep‑dish pizza.
Candi Shoupe
Mid-Atlantic P&C Practice Leader
Alera Group
New Castle, Delaware
Candi has been in the insurance industry for over 35 years and is currently the P&C Practice Leader for Alera Group’s Mid-Atlantic region. Prior to Clark, Baffone & Matthews Insurance (CBM) joining Alera Group in November 2023, she was a Partner at CBM, specializing in the Real Estate, Habitational, and Construction industries. Candi has served on several leadership/IT/advisory councils with various carriers. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active and spending time with her husband, Harold, their four children, and five grandchildren.
Michael Sutherland
Senior Vice President
Marsh & McLennan Agency
Hunt Valley, Maryland
Michael brings his expertise as a commercial insurance broker, captive specialist, and risk management consultant to his role as Senior Vice President with Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA). He began his career as a corporate trainee with USF&G Insurance in 1995 and joined HMS Insurance Associates in 1999 before they were acquired by MMA in 2023. Mike earned his master’s degree from West Virginia University and holds the Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI) designation. He lives in Lutherville, Maryland, with his wife Monica and their two children, Jack and Anna.
A.J. Wehar
President
Rodgers Insurance Group
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
A.J. is a third-generation employee of his family’s business, Rodgers Insurance Group, where he has worked for 16 years and currently serves as President. Founded by his grandparents in 1957, Rodgers is the longest continually run company in Green Tree Borough outside of Pittsburgh. A.J. and his wife, Brett, met in an adult sports league, love attending Penguins games, and enjoy staying active — even running a marathon together. They are soaking up their experience as new parents to their son, Arlo.
Michael Whitcraft
President
Lewis, Hopkins & Williamson
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Mike is currently serving as President of Lewis, Hopkins & Williamson after he purchased the company in 2012 from his father, who served as President for more than 45 years. LH&W was founded in 1913, and under Mike’s leadership, the business has grown sevenfold through clear structure, processes, and values-driven hiring. While representing many carriers today, Harford Mutual remains especially meaningful as one of the four original carrier partners. Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife, Carrie, and their children, Jack and Maya.
Rodney Yates Jr.
President
Yates Insurance Agency
Edgewater, Maryland
Rod Jr. joined his family’s company, Yates Insurance Agency, in 2011 after graduating magna cum laude from Messiah University, where he competed on the lacrosse team and served as captain his senior year. He has held roles including underwriter, producer, and now President. Rod Jr. holds the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation and in 2024, earned his Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designation. Rod and his wife, Whitney, have three young children and enjoy many of the activities their coastal lifestyle has to offer, including time spent boating and at the beach.
Rodney Yates Sr.
President / Founder
Yates Insurance Agency
Edgewater, Maryland
Rod Sr. cofounded Yates Insurance Agency with his wife, Kim, in 1992. Their son, Rod Jr., joined the company in 2011, becoming a key contributor to its longevity and success. Rod Sr. leads strategic agency and sales planning and is affectionately known as “Coach.” He and Kim live in Davidsonville, Maryland, and enjoy family time with their three children and grandchildren, boating on the Chesapeake Bay, visiting Bethany Beach, and escaping to the Florida Keys in the winter.
Steve Linkous
President & CEO
Steve Linkous is President and CEO of Harford Mutual Insurance Group. He joined the organization in 1985 and, in 2006, became only the 10th president to lead the company since its founding in 1842. Under his leadership, the organization has achieved significant growth, including increasing direct written premiums from $112 million to more than $446 million in 2025. Steve serves on HMIG’s Board of Directors, the Baltimore Equitable Insurance Board of Directors, and the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund Board of Trustees. He is also a member of several industry and community boards and has been recognized three times as one of Maryland’s Most Admired CEOs. Steve and his wife, Sandi, live in Harford County, MD, and enjoy traveling, visiting the beach, and spending time with their two adult sons and grandson.
Jeff Rink
Executive Vice President
Jeff Rink is Executive Vice President of Harford Mutual Insurance Group. Jeff joined HMIG in 2009 and has played a key role in driving the company’s
vision and growth, including transforming the Business Development team, expanding operations with the Southern Office in Fort Mill, S.C., and supporting a strategic merger that expanded the organization’s footprint. He has more than 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, earned a bachelor’s degree from McDaniel College, and holds the CPCU designation. Jeff enjoys golfing, visiting his daughter in North Carolina, and spending summer weekends at the beach with his wife, Kathy.
Wayne Gearhart
Senior Vice President, COO
Wayne Gearhart is Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Harford Mutual Insurance Group. Since joining HMIG in 2019, he has advanced from AVP of Claims to VP of Claims and, in 2023, to his current position, overseeing Information Technology, Claims, Strategic Planning, and Corporate Operations. He has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. Wayne graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Finance, and holds the CPCU designation. He lives in Lancaster, PA, with his wife, Jodi. Outside of work, he values time with family and friends, golfing, visiting the beach, and spending time with their three adult daughters.
Shane Crockett
Vice President, Chief Underwriting Officer
Shane Crockett is Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer of Harford Mutual Insurance Group. He has over 15 years of experience in insurance underwriting and leadership and joined HMIG in 2025. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the United States Naval Academy and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland, College Park. He holds the CPCU, PMP, and AFIS designations. Shane served for over a dozen years in the U.S. Navy as a submarine officer and nuclear engineer, earning numerous commendations during multiple deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Currently in Richmond, VA, Shane, his wife Kelly, and their four daughters enjoy boating, beach time, skiing, and visiting new places—usually in between a busy calendar of kid activities.
Stacey Rebbert
Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer
Stacey Rebbert is Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Harford Mutual Insurance Group. With more than 35 years of experience in marketing and corporate communications, she has shaped HMIG’s brand identity and reputation since joining the company in 2013. Stacey earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Towson University and a master’s degree in Contemporary Communication from Notre Dame of Maryland University. She also holds the AINS designation. A community champion and advocate for women, Stacey supports youth development and women’s empowerment through volunteering and mentorship, including serving on the Maryland Commission for Women. She has also been recognized twice as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women. Stacey and her husband Eric live in Harford County, MD, and enjoy traveling, golfing, volunteering, and spending time with their three adult children and two grandchildren.
Matt Summerell
Assistant Vice President, Business Development
Matt Summerell is Assistant Vice President of Business Development at Harford Mutual Insurance Group. Since joining HMIG in 2018, he has led the development and execution of the company’s business development strategy, building strategic partnerships and promoting growth opportunities across its footprint. Matt has more than 20 years of insurance industry experience and holds a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University, as well as the CPCU, FLMI, and AAI designations. Matt lives in Indian Land, SC and enjoys traveling, live music, Carolina Panthers football, and spending time with his 18-year-old son.
Christopher (C.J.) D’Alessio
Assistant Vice President, Underwriting
Christopher (C.J.) D’Alessio is Assistant Vice President of Underwriting at Harford Mutual Insurance Group. He joined HMIG in 2012, advancing through roles of increasing responsibility, and now oversees underwriting across all regions and business units. C.J. holds a bachelor’s degree from Stevenson University, has earned the CPCU, ARM, and AINS designations, and completed The Institutes’ Executive Education Program through the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. He serves as chair of HMIG’s Inclusion, Diversity, and Opportunity Committee (IDOC) and was named to Insurance Business America’s 2022 Hot 100 list. CJ and his wife, Megan, live in Bel Air, MD, with their 11-month-old Mia and 14-year-old Mason. In their spare time, they enjoy trying new restaurants and spending time together with family.
Jamie Hobgood
Regional Business Development Manager
Jamie Hobgood is Regional Business Development Manager at Harford Mutual Insurance Group. He joined HMIG in 2024, and has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. Jamie has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. He graduated from Lipscomb University and holds the CIC designation. Jamie and his wife, Karen, live in Lebanon, TN, just outside Nashville. They have three children, Jonas, Jaden, and Keely, and one daughter-in-law, Ella. Their free time is spent building the family nutrition and supplement business.
Angela Burr
Business Development Specialist- Virginia and Southern Maryland
With over 20 years in the insurance industry, Angie is highly regarded among her peers. She is a licensed P&C and Life insurance agent in Virginia and is a member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia (IIAV) and Professional Insurance Agents (PIA). Angie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Christopher Newport University, has earned the CIC designation, and is pursuing the CPCU certification. Outside of work, Angie enjoys spending time with her husband and two teenage boys, relaxing at the beach, outdoor activities, and reading.