Meet The Team
Alexis Ranglas-Behseta
PRODUCER
CUSTOMIZED HIGH VALUE INSURANCE WITH CONCIERGE-LEVEL SERVICE
Premium High Net Worth Insurance
High Value Homeowners
Automobile
Valuables
Watercraft
Art & Jewelry
Umbrella
Amy Saldivar
VP OF CLAIMS & RISK SERVICES
Amy Saldivar brings 20 years’ experience to the Workers’ Compensation arena. She started her career on the client side at Stater Bros. Markets Corporate offices as a Claims Manager and Safety Coordinator for six years. She then moved on to the broker side, spending 14 years at Alliant Insurance, most recently as Assistant Vice President: Workers’ Comp Claims Advocacy.
Amy holds a commercial broker license and the following designations: Workers’ Compensation Claims Professional, Certified Authority on Workers’ Comp, Certified Professional in Fraud Identification and Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist.
Amy has a true passion for the Workers’ Comp industry, protecting her clients’ fiscal condition, physical assets and the health and wellbeing of their employees.
In her spare time she loves being a dedicated wife and mom. Her son Caleb is four and daughter Kaia is 2. Their family time consists of anything outdoors, amusement parks GALORE and exploring life. Her and her husband like to snowboard, spin workout and hike. Amy’s personal fun facts are she has a green thumb, scrapbooks and collects vintage salt and pepper shakers.
Anabel Flowers
TEAM LEAD & CLIENT MANAGER
Anabel was born and raised in San Diego, California. She holds a BA in Business Administration, and combined with her decade of management experience, Anabel brings a wealth of knowledge in sales, management & customer service. She has worked in the Employee Benefit Division since 2015.
Anabel is a true extrovert and enjoys spends her weekends with friends, annual trips to Europe with her husband, and attending as many concerts as possible. She’s also a huge dog lover and is inseparable from her maltipoo.
In her downtime, Anabel’s hobbies include reading, listening to podcasts, coloring & jogging.
Andrea Todd
CLIENT EXECUTIVE & TEAM LEAD
Andrea is a Client Executive and Team Lead and has 27 years of Commercial Insurance experience. She is passionate about insurance and helping educate clients and others who are newer in the industry. She was a member of the National Alliance Education Committee for many years and has also spent time on several insurance carrier advisory committees.
Andrea holds several insurance designations and is currently working on completion of the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation. When she isn’t helping improve a client’s insurance program, she likes to spend time reading, watching her favorite sports teams play, and enjoying her daughter participate in softball.
Arlene Reid
PRODUCER
Arlene is a graduate from the University of California, San Diego with a BA in Economics and Minor in Psychology. Before starting her career in the insurance business, Arlene spent 15 years in the pharmaceuticals industry where she had a wonderful and successful career with multiple sales awards. This experience provides valuable industry insight that is rarely found in the insurance industry. She is one of C3’s Life Science practice leads and focuses her business in that space.
Arlene is the mother of 3 young children who keep her very busy. She enjoys traveling, running and spending time with her family and friends.
Ashkan Alborzian
PRODUCER
My business is to protect your business. With that philosophy, I am proud to insure some of the most prominent San Diego based family-sized businesses. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
Ashley White
PRODUCER
As an Employee Benefits Producer, Ashley brings with her 11+ years of experience in the health insurance industry. Born and raised in San Diego, she attended college at SDSU where she graduated with a degree in Finance. Ashley is passionate about helping her clients make the most out of their employee benefits program by working with business owners to find creative solutions to their problems and providing unparalleled support to their staff.
Ashley lives in Bankers Hill with her partner and their Shih-Tzu, Beaux, whom they rescued together over 4 years ago. As a self-appointed grill-master Ashley loves hosting and spending time with family and friends. Often you will find her relaxing at home with a glass of wine and listening to Jewel, The Carpenters or any music made at least 25 years ago.
Ben Wood
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Ben is the Managing Director of the Employee Benefits Division and part of the C3 ownership team. Ben grew up in San Diego, attending Nazareth School, USDHS, Mesa College and finished at USD. He and his brother Bryan started B. Wood Insurance Inc. back in 2007 and their concept was simple; to treat staff and clients like family, be industry experts, and always do right by the client. After years of being one of the top employee benefits agencies in Southern California, they have now brought that same proven concept to C3.
Ben brings with him more than 17 years in the insurance brokerage industry. His expertise lies in helping employers recruit, retain and reward key talent through customized benefit programs. Collaborating with clients of all sizes, he has become one of the region’s foremost experts in his field.
Ben knows that we are all standing on someone’s shoulders and is committed to our community and those that need a hand. The phrase “Community Before Self” was taught to Ben by his friend Malin Burnham and it has guided his steadfast work in and around San Diego’s many non-profits. Ben and his wife Julie have three children and live in Point Loma. His passions outside of work include coaching his kid’s sports teams, surfing, riding his bicycle and gardening.
Bree Schuman
CLIENT MANAGER
Bree is a Client Manager with 10 years of experience in property & casualty insurance. Her specialty has been working with technology and life science based companies ranging from research & development start-ups to larger commercial clients.
For fun she likes to paddle board, do yoga, mountain bike, snowboard, spend time with her nephews and go hiking. She also enjoys traveling as much as possible and has visited places such as, Alaska and Iceland.
Brian Faulstich
PRODUCER
Brian was raised and still resides in Encinitas, CA with his wife Megan and daughters Madison and Blake. Megan is a 1st grade teacher at Mission Estancia Elementary in Encinitas. Brian has been working as commercial insurance agent the last 13 years specializing in insurance programs for contractors, manufacturers, auto dealers, wholesalers, and many other industries. He also has the unique ability to help his clients with their estate planning needs, business succession plans, & life and disability insurance.
Brian graduated from Chico State in 2004 with a BA in Communications. He lettered in basketball and was named 1st Team All NCAA his senior year. He continues to stay involved with basketball by volunteering his time as an assistant Varsity coach at his alumni- La Costa Canyon High School.
Brianna Steverson
CLIENT MANAGER
Bryan Cox
PRODUCER
After spending 12 seasons in the San Diego Chargers scouting department Bryan dove head first into the insurance business. He’s a native San Diegan and San Diego State alum who enjoys all things outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
Bryan Wood
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Bryan Wood is the Managing Director of our Benefit Division and a part of the C3 ownership team. Bryan began his insurance career with his brother Ben in 2007, when they founded B. Wood Insurance Inc. in San Diego, CA. Since inception, Bryan’s role at B. Wood Insurance has evolved. He has worked in every aspect of the business and has helped build the business from the ground up.
On October 1, 2022, B. Wood Insurance Inc. merged with C3 Risk and Insurance Services and brought their entire B. Wood Insurance team to join the C3 team. Together, C3 and B. Wood have become one of the largest privately held benefit practices in the region.
In addition to his day job, Bryan has been a soccer coach for the past 20+ years, coaching various levels of club and high school soccer. As a father of three, Bryan’s free time is filled with his wife and children enjoying outdoor activities that living in California offers.
Bryan’s passion is people. His values are paramount, and he loves to help others succeed every day.
Carla Luger
SENIOR TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Carla Luger joined the C3 team in 2017 and has over 10 years of experience in Property & Casualty Insurance. Carla holds a Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation and is currently working on completing her CISR Elite and Associates in Risk Management (ARM) Designations.
As a Project Manager at C3, Carla uses her insurance knowledge to develop and enhance our company’s systems and related processes.
Carla is a Southern California Native and has lived in San Diego since she was 14 years old.
When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, her son and their two rescue dogs.
Carrie Conejo
VP OF CLIENT SERVICES
Carrie is the Vice President of Client Services at C3. In this role she truly gets to live out her passion for building up and mentoring others in the industry. As a leader at C3 she feels strongly about building meaningful relationships with her team, empowering their growth, and delivering the highest level of customer service for our clients.
As a 20-year veteran of the industry with over a decade of experience working with remote teams, she has successfully managed and mentored colleagues from all over the United States. Carrie has a talent for developing processes and procedures for Commercial Lines teams that handle complex and segmented classes of business.
She has held her CISR and CIC designations for 15 years, received the Spirit of C3 Award, and served on several National Carrier Advisory Councils.
Carrie was born and resides in Northern California with her husband and 3 children. In her free time she loves to garden, cook for family and friends, and spend time with her growing family.
Chelsea Lindow
CLIENT MANAGER
Chelsea began her insurance career shortly after graduating with honors from California State University, San Marcos. She is licensed in both Property & Casualty Insurance and Accident & Health Insurance. Chelsea also earned the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation and is workings towards a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. She has specialized in the Healthcare industry, specifically in the Digital Health space.
Chelsea is a proud wife of a firefighter and mom of four children. She loves being the kids’ chauffeur to practices or cheering them on during games. In her free time, she enjoys reading historical fiction novels, running around Temecula, and hiking. One day she hopes to run a full marathon and hike Mount Whitney.
Chor Granada
PRODUCER
Christina Christensen
BENEFITS SERVICE ASSOCIATE
Christina is from Northern California and moved to San Diego a couple of years ago after falling in love with our fine city on a visit here. She is a graduate of UC Santa Barbara, and brings a big smile and lots of energy to her new role at C3.
When she isn’t working, she enjoys playing with her cat, Miso Soup, painting, poetry, music, and reading on the beach.
Christopher Morse
PRODUCER
Cindy Lou Smith
BRAND AMBASSADOR
Courtney Mitchell
LIFE SCIENCES CLIENT MANAGER
As a native and current resident of Boise, Idaho, Courtney started her insurance career in logging and forest products and quickly specialized in the construction industry. She brings over 11 years of account management experience to her current position as Life Sciences Client Manager. In 2012, she obtained her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. Always wanting to learn more, she is now working toward her Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designation.
In her personal time, Courtney loves to read, go on hikes with her husband and dog, and travel with friends and family. She’s also an expert level co-captain and adult beverage distributor on whitewater rafting trips.
Craig Schell
PRODUCER
Dave Harris
DIRECTOR, LIFE & FINANCIAL SERVICES
Daylene Briones
PRODUCER
Daylene is a Southern California native and has been in the insurance industry for over 20 years. She comes with experience in the commercial lines area with a background of account management. She has earned her CIC designation and enjoys learning about the ever changing markets. She’s excited to be furthering her career in a production role and is passionate about protecting her clients.
In her personal time you can find her with her family of four kids either traveling or at the river boating. She’s also involved on the soccer fields, coaching or being a referee.
Diana Medina
CLIENT MANAGER
Diana is new to the health insurance world with just over a year and a half of having started her career at B. Wood Insurance, now a C3 company. She feels beyond lucky to have been offered such a great opportunity and she couldn’t have asked for a better company to get her started on this new professional path. The culture and values they base their business on is something she shares and admires. Before joining the health insurance world, Diana spent over 6 years in the car auction world as a bank account manager. She also spent a couple of years being a SAHM before then.
Diana’s family of 8 takes up most of her free time. She is happily married, has 5 wonderful kids and a husky. They do almost everything together and enjoy going on family trips whenever they have the chance to. She also strives to always save some room for “me time” and for friends. Diana loves eating out and trying any new local restaurants or coffee shops as they open, pretending that she is a foodie and coffee sommelier.
Doug Shea
CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE LEADER
Doug Shea is a commercial property and casualty insurance broker specializing in construction and real estate. Doug began his insurance career in 2013 at Barney & Barney in San Diego. His expertise includes providing risk management and brokerage services to medium to large construction companies, environmental and remediation contractors, as well as homebuilders and residential developers (OCIP/CCIP Programs).
Doug is a member of the Association of General Contractors, Associated Builders & Contractors, the Building Industry Association, The Associated Subcontractors Alliance, and the Urban Land Institute. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers (IIAB) association of San Diego as President Elect.
Doug resides in Santee, CA with his wife Brooke and two boys Trevor & Jason. Hobbies include golf, fishing, camping, and playing other sports with his children.
Drew Baker
PRODUCER
Drew grew up in Northern California but has made Southern California his home for the last 10 years; attending college at San Diego State and then moving to West Los Angeles immediately after.
Drew has spent the last 7 years of his career in the insurance industry with a focus on bringing insurance solutions to Contractors, Building Material Dealers, Funeral Homes, Auto Dealership ad Manufacturers. When he is not working with his clients he spends his time working on his golf game and exercising
Eric Moura
CLIENT MANAGER
Growing up in San Diego, Eric began working in health insurance in September of 2016 after graduating with a degree in Psychology at SDSU. As a Client Manager, Eric took his love for helping people in the health insurance world where he could assist both employees and employers navigate the often-complicated world of health insurance benefits.
In his personal time, you can find him playing music and attending live music events. He also loves to travel, especially if it involves traveling to enjoy live music.
Eric Sheetz
PRODUCER
Eric Sheetz is a property and casualty insurance professional, specifically focused in the Cannabis, Craft Brewery and Restaurant space with the capacity to write business in all 50 US States! Specializing in Workers Compensation, Property, General Liability, E&O, Commercial Auto, EPLI and Directors & Officers Liability.
Professional, strategic, easy going, well versed, and always reachable, are just a few of the many words expressed by Eric’s clients.
“I enjoy working with companies and industries that I understand inside and out. My clients feel at ease when I’m able to fully understand their risk exposures, while providing the most comprehensive coverage, at a cost that’s second to none.
Eric’s a devoted husband and father who spends much of his free time enjoying life with his family. The flip side of that, he’s constantly chasing high adrenaline through off-road racing, downhill mountain biking, surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding… with the scars to prove it.
For more info on our Specialized CANNABIS Insurance, check us out at www.Green-LeafInsurance.com
For more info on our Specialized BREWERY Insurance, check us out at www.BREW-INSURE.com
Faye Deeming
CLIENT MANAGER
Gabe Erle
PRESIDENT
Gabe is the President of C3 and brings strong leadership presence to all facets of the agency operations and also leads the Complex Comp division.
Clients
He serves mature business clients that need sophisticated financial strategies to prevent unexpected loss. His pre-insurance background structuring large financial transactions in Europe provide unique perspective on negotiating complex insurance policies. He services a broad range of industries focusing on clients that need a custom, boutique relationship.
Experience
Gabe majored with honors in Finance and International business from Washington University in St. Louis. He also studied at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and ended up with a major in Middle Eastern Studies.
He began his client focused service at IBM, where he was a financial analyst and later worked for their European headquarters in Paris France. There, he reviewed and approved the pricing of large multi-million-dollar outsourcing contracts and had the opportunity to learn how each country in Europe did business.
Personal
With four children and a beautiful wife, Gabe enjoys coaching club soccer, playing soccer and running triathlons. He has a large family presence in San Diego and enjoys hosting gatherings at his warm home and spending time at the beach with his family.
Gloria Batie
CLIENT ADMINISTRATOR
Gloria was offered a job in the insurance industry after graduating from the Office Professional Training Program in 2015. She has not looked back since!
Formerly a Construction Certificate Specialist at Marsh McLennan Insurance Agency from 2015 – 2021, Gloria is now a Client Administrator with the Construction Team at C3 Risk and Insurance Services. Gloria has her CISR and is looking to obtain the CRIS.
In her free time she is a softball mom and robotics mom to her three amazing girls. She also loves to read, cook delicious meals for her family, and pretend like she has a green thumb.
Ivan Rostovsky
PRODUCER
Jamie Reid
CHAIRMAN
Jamie is the leader of the Complex Comp division at C3 and is the Chairman of the Board. Jamie serves mature business clients that need sophisticated financial strategies to prevent unexpected loss. His background in risk engineering, underwriting, claims management and actuary service provides unique insight he leverages to advocate on behalf of his clients. Collateral negotiation and swift resolution of difficult claims are areas of his service expertise.
Prior to entering the insurance industry Jamie was the Corporate Safety Director for an international engineering & construction company that built power plants, refineries, airports, etc… Jamie constructed the site programs, staffed the projects and managed the financial aspects of the Controlled Insurance Programs (CIPs or Wraps). Jamie has a B.S. in Occupational Safety and Health and a M.S. in Fire Science from University of Central Missouri.
Jamie is an involved Father of 3 and enjoys his on field title of Coach when not servicing clients or spending time with his wife.
Jannel Espinoza
PERSONAL LINES CLIENT MANAGER
Jannel started in the insurance industry in 2013 as a Broker in San Diego. She switched over as a direct agent for 6 years, which made her realize that she enjoyed being able to bundle the best packages for her clients. In 2019, she considered something new and made the switch to Account Management. She has truly enjoyed the past 9 years in insurance as it has allowed her to meet new people and learn new things from different carriers to see what they have to offer the client.
Jannel has two kids and a golden retriever. On her free time, she enjoys road trips, good food and nice walks with her family.
Jennifer Van Buskirk
CLIENT ADMINISTRATOR
Jennifer Van Buskirk, or JVB as she likes to be called, was born in Upland, CA and moved to San Diego in 2011. She graduated from Chapman University in 2009 with a Social Science Degree. She has been in the insurance industry since 2011. She started in the Accounting Department at Barney & Barney then moved into the Commercial Department at Marsh & McLennan working on the Construction Team. She has a great sense for providing the highest quality customer service to clients.
In her spare time, she likes gardening, going to the beach and taking road trips. JVB is excited to be a part of the C3 family.
Jenny Dedrick
CLIENT EXECUTIVE & TEAM LEAD
Jennifer Dedrick is a Commercial Insurance Client Executive and Team Lead with over 20 years in Commercial Insurance. She holds the following designations: AU-Associate in Commercial Underwriting, AAI-Accredited Advisor in Insurance, CIC-Certified Insurance Counselor and the CISR-Certified Insurance Service Representative.
Jennifer’s professionalism is key in her relationships with clients and insurance carriers, to obtain a well placed insurance program.
Jennifer enjoys giving back by volunteering at the local woman’s shelter and at community events. She also enjoys paddle boarding and watching her son play soccer and baseball.
Jessica Waite
CLIENT MANAGER
Jessica graduated from Wayne State University and was born and raised in Michigan. She is approaching 10 years of experience in Property & Casualty Insurance and holds the CISR and CRIS Designations.
Her love for adventure has taught her lessons she applies to work, such as communication, preparation, and the ability to think fast and work well in moments where time is of the essence. Essential skills that she utilizes in her personal and professional life.
In her free time, she loves hiking, reading on the beach, cooking, and traveling.
Jim Eggert
PRODUCER
Jim Gonzales
CLIENT EXECUTIVE
Jim is a Client Executive and has 15+ years of insurance experience. He has served in Team Mentor & Team Lead roles for both local and global insurance agencies. Jim holds several insurance designations including Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Associate in Insurance Services (AIS), Associate in Insurance (AINS), and Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR). He is also a recipient of The Institutes President CPCU Scholarship and is currently working on completing his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation.
Outside of insurance, Jim is married to his high school sweetheart, enjoys attending his kids sports events and dance classes, as well as enjoys working in his backyard on landscaping projects.
Joanie Cramer
CLIENT MANAGER
Joe Erle
PRODUCER
Joe Erle has been working as a commercial insurance broker for over 10 years in San Diego County. Joe’s super power is analyzing policies and finding what is not covered and offering solutions to cover the exposure through insurance or through other risk management vehicles. When Joe isn’t fighting the evil forces of underinsured policies, he’s spending time with his wife and toddler in Mira Mesa, CA.
Jon Greulich
PRODUCER
Jon has worked in the finance and benefits world for over 30 years. He holds his 6, 7, 63 securities licenses and has collaborated with individuals and companies on health benefits as well as defined contribution, non-qualified deferred compensation plans and key person planning. He has also worked with owners of closely held businesses in business succession planning and estate planning and enjoys helping them realize and preserve the value they have worked so hard to build.
During his free time, Jon enjoys golfing, traveling, flying, and spending time with his four girls.
Jonathan Benet
PRODUCER
Jonathan was born and raised in San Diego and attended Loyola Marymount University. He started in the insurance industry with Northwestern Mutual and soon after migrated to the Employee Benefits side of the industry at B. Wood Insurance, now a C3 company, where he has been a broker for 10+ years. He learned the benefits world with individual coverage lines including individual health plans, Medicare and life and disability coverages. He graduated to small and large group coverages and focuses on the Cross Border market. He loves to integrate his second language of Spanish to help employers and employees alike.
Jonathan believes strongly in his faith and in serving others and giving back to the community, especially to those most in need. He enjoys watching and playing soccer, fishing, cooking and spending time with his family, most of all his newborn daughter.
Joy Robinson
CLIENT EXECUTIVE
Joy Robinson began her insurance carrier in 1980 working in the accounting department of National American Insurance. Joy has spent time with well known agencies in San Diego such as Westland, Gallagher and CMR before joining C3. She began taking insurance classes provided by the company which she has continued throughout her career. She holds AU, Associate in Underwriting, CPCU, Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, and CIC, Certified Insurance Counselor designations. She’s thankful to have had good mentors in her career and strives to give back the community that has provided her with so much opportunity.
In her free time she enjoys reading, making cards, spending time with husband of 33+ years, and training with a local running and walking group to help people reach their goals of completing half and full marathons (walking club will be fun!).
Kaitlin Lively
DIRECTOR OF RISK SERVICES
Kaitlin’s safety career began at a workers’ compensation insurance carrier where she had a mentor who pushed her to continue her education in occupational health and safety. She has worked with a variety of industries and understands that safety is not a one size fits all. She enjoys meeting new people and learning about what makes them passionate about what they do. In addition, she is a certified First Aid/CPR/AED instructor through National Safety Council and specializes in OSHA compliance.
When she isn’t working, Kaitlin enjoys spending her free time with her two beautiful girls, painting, reading, and being outside.
Kathy Greci
VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE
Kathy has over 5 years’ experience in the insurance industry, coming to C3 after leading the accounting department for a nationwide insurance claims TPA. She has over 15 years’ experience with corporate accounting. A long-time San Diego resident, she has a Masters in Business Administration from SDSU as well as an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin. She considers finance to be a customer-focused activity, both to internal stakeholders and external customers of the company.
In her free time, Kathy enjoys sampling new restaurants, hiking on cooler days, fierce card games, and reading fantasy novels. She also likes to spend time with her husband of five years and her grown children.
Katie Englehardt
BENEFITS CLIENT EXECUTIVE
Katie began her Employee Benefits career over 15 years ago and has primarily worked with mid to large groups with fully insured and self-funded benefit programs. Her natural ability to solve complex situations and present simplified solutions allows clients to make informed decisions and build strong partnerships.
Originally from Northern California, Katie moved to San Diego 24 years ago to finish college and is a proud San Diego State alum. When not supporting clients, Katie and her husband, Tim, stay busy with activities and sports for their three kids, Ava, Jaxson and Cooper and traveling to spend time with extended family.
Kellen Stanford
BENEFITS PRODUCER
Kellen was born and raised in San Diego, California. He joins our C3 Employee Benefits team with 9 years of experience in the insurance industry where he has focused on educating San Diego families and small businesses on the best health insurance coverages available. He takes great pride in developing relationships with each of his clients and treats them all like family. He understands that choosing the right health insurance plan to protect your world can oftentimes be difficult and confusing, which is why he goes to great lengths to make sure everyone he works with fully understands the plans and coverages that are available.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing golf, water skiing, snow skiing and traveling to some of his favorite vacation destinations. His wife is from Istanbul, Turkey and they have one son. He also loves heading south of the border in search of Tijuana’s best taco stand and exploring the up and coming wine and culinary region of the Valle de Guadalupe.
Kelly Tran
BENEFITS CLIENT EXECUTIVE
Kelly grew up in Virginia and moved to San Diego after graduating from James Madison University. She started her insurance career at Marsh & McLennan Agency and brings thirteen years of benefits experience to her role with us. She is passionate about going above and beyond to support her clients and team members.
When she isn’t working, she is with her loved ones eating her way through Southern California. Kelly and her husband, Loc, have two little ones, Charlotte, and Greyson.
Kim Acevedo
CLIENT MANAGER
Kim started her career in 1999 working various roles within the insurance industry, including training and account management. She enjoys building positive relationships with clients and carrier partners. She is always striving to give clients great customer service.
Kim moved from Colorado to San Diego in 2018 to be closer to her grandchildren. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending her free time with her boyfriend, grandchildren and her fur baby, Wesley. She also loves going to concerts and watching the Denver Broncos play football.
Kim Nash
BENEFITS CLIENT MANAGER
Kim has over 10 years experience working with groups to design their employee benefit packages. She prides herself on her consultative approach in helping companies offer the most robust benefits, while meeting the budgetary goals of her clients. Customer service and follow through are the qualities she values when dealing with clients. Retention and satisfaction are always the goal.
Kim is an avid horse enthusiast and lives on a small horse ranch. She also holds adult volunteer positions in both a local 4-H Club and a National Charity League Chapter, for which she holds a Board position. Involvement in these organizations allows for community involvement and the opportunity to mentor kids and teenagers.
Krista Marquez
PERSONAL LINES TEAM LEAD
Krista Marquez joined us with 22 years of experience. Krista prides herself on her consultative approach that enables her to provide excellent service to her clients. She has won the JD Powers award for excellence in customer service three years in a row.
On her free time you will find her on the beach, paddled boarding or bike riding with her husband and two adult sons.
Lady Nguyen
CLIENT MANAGER
Lady has been in the insurance industry with a focus on Commercial Insurance for the past 5 years. She has an affinity for providing the highest quality customer experience. In her spare time, she plays volleyball competitively in addition to participating in cross fit training. Though she is not a San Diego native, she feels right at home exploring the off beaten path and hiking mountain peaks in and around San Diego.
Lauran Graham
CLIENT MANAGER
Leona Evangelista
CLIENT MANAGER
Leona started working in the insurance industry in 2002. She began her career working in the accounting department doing payables, then obtained her P&C license and got her CISR designation (Certified Insurance Service Representative) soon after. She has been in the surety industry for 10+ years and thoroughly enjoys it! She often refers to herself as a bond geek. She is always up for a challenge, loves learning new things and is always happy to help someone out.
Although she is a Bay Area native, she would say Covid brought her husband and herself to SoCal. It was a spontaneous road trip to the SoCal wine country where they decided to look at new houses, fell in love with the area, put a deposit on their dream home, packed up their first home of 14 years, made the move and she says that they couldn’t be happier. She has 3 grown kids, 6 grandchildren and 1 Aussiedoodle puppy who runs the house. In her spare time she enjoys decorating her home, spending time with friends and family, entertaining guests, tasting fine wines, cooking and eating good food.
Liana Binder
CLIENT EXECUTIVE & TEAM LEAD
You could say that insurance runs in my blood, with a family of insurance professionals dating back to the late 1800s.
I first started in the industry as a teenager doing data entry of paper files into the agency management system of my father’s newest insurance agency. With the help of my family, friends and colleagues, I have come a long way since then, gaining much “real life” knowledge and experience throughout my insurance journey. Because of the unique dynamics of the insurance industry, I believe the learning process is constant and fluid, where there are always new concepts to be mastered. I am proud to continue my growth as an insurance professional as a part of C3 Insurance and very much look forward to working with you in the future.
Lilly Ordonez
CLIENT MANAGER
Lindsay Patten
VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Lindsay is a dedicated HR Executive with over 10 years of human resources, management, and leadership experience. In 2015, Lindsay was hired by a private equity-backed financial services company as part of the growth and acquisition to streamline human resources processes, talent acquisition, employee engagement, and career development. Lindsay has overseen the continuity of bi-coastal offices and remote employees while navigating changes to employment laws, managing employee concerns and issues, developing and implementing performance management and organizational development strategies among other policies to mitigate risk and create a strong, fun and dynamic workforce.
Previously, Lindsay held a leadership position managing a team of recruiters and ran point on employee relations, talent acquisition, and retention of over 150 employees during a large-scale billion-dollar private equity M&A of a SaaS company.
Lindsay earned her Bachelor of Arts in Human Development with a Minor in English from Azusa Pacific University. She is a member of The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Forbes Human Resources Council.
Lindsay is a So-Cal native; born in Santa Monica, she moved to San Diego in 1995 after living on the Big Island of Hawaii for two years. She is a proud mom of a gregarious 8-year-old daughter, Avery. She loves to cook, listen to live music, and please don’t hold it against her, but she is a fan of 90’s alternative and hip-hop music.
Lis Georgeson
PRODUCER
Lynne Robinson
CLIENT MANAGER
Lynne Robinson began her insurance career in 1986 working as a manual property rater on the carrier side for Fireman’s Fund, a professional liability underwriter and worked in the trucking program for surplus lines brokers and then eventually moving to the agency side as a Commercial lines manager. She currently holds a CISR designation and is on the advisory board of an insurance software company that uses her technical experience and insurance background to help in the development of their software to enhance the automation to their insurance agents throughout the states.
Lynne was born in England, and has lived in San Diego for most of her life. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her Fiancé and friends camping, off-roading, a good game of darts, barbequing, gardening, and hiking. Lynne has completed the six peaks challenge of San Bernardino.
Maria Catane
CLIENT EXECUTIVE
Maria Catane earned a college degree in Bachelors of Electronics and Communications Engineering. She has been working in the Health Insurance industry for almost 20 years. She believes that putting her clients first and maintaining a high level of professionalism on their behalf is what makes clients happy. She has health insurance designations in Health Insurance Associates and Healthcare Customer Service Associate.
She has a wonderful partner (Curtis) and two grown daughters (Ingrid & Therese), a son-in-law (Anthony), and one grandson (Kai Neo). Every weekend she volunteers in her church community. Her latest volunteer work was with the Million Meal Project sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego. Her family and church community came together to pack nutritious meal bags for children and families living in extreme poverty.
Mariela Connery
CLIENT MANAGER
Matt Bonnet
CLIENT MANAGER
Matt is a San Diego native and has spent the last 5 years in the insurance industry with a focus on the Construction and Real Estate industries. As a self-described “Insurance Nerd”, he loves digging into complex items and turning the grey areas of insurance into black and white.
In his free time, he spends his time playing competitive paintball, snowboarding, and enjoying the San Diego nightlife.
Maxwell Lin
CLAIMS ADVOCATE
Max is a Claims Advocate and has 10 years of commercial lines claims experience. He began his career handling workers’ compensation claims on behalf of Los Angeles County, continued his claims career managing claims for small to medium sized businesses in various industries where he focused on large losses, and eventually transitioned to claims advocacy consulting on complex claim matters in multiple lines of business across various jurisdictions.
He believes in an aggressive but empathic approach to resolving claims to achieve cost-effective and advantageous outcomes.
A graduate of University of California – Riverside, Max earned his Bachelors of Arts in Economics. He is a licensed Self-Insurance Plan Administrator (SIP) and is currently working towards an Associates in Risk Management.
In his spare time he enjoys eating his way through Southern California with his wife, Janice, traveling, playing basketball and collecting watches.
Megan Seitz
CLIENT MANAGER
Megan was born and raised in San Diego, California. She has been in the insurance business focusing on Commercial Insurance for the past eleven years. She has a strong passion for combining her insurance experience and cyber security education. She loves exploring San Diego and trying new restaurants with her family and friends.
The Humane Society of the United States is a charity that is near and dear to Megan’s heart, which administers medical care and services to thousands of animals each year.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets.
Melodie Hallett
SURETY MANAGER
Melodie Hallett is a Data Mining Specialist, Statistical Consultant and former Educator. She also is a licensed insurance agent, since 2007, and a notary.
She received her M.S. in Statistics from Miami University and her Ph.D. in Computational Science with an emphasis in Statistics from Claremont University, jointly with SDSU. Her dissertation focused on creating and applying novel data mining techniques, particularly random forest models, to correlated survival data. Melodie taught at SDSU from 2001 to 2021, focusing on courses in Statistics, Data Mining, SAS, SAS for Econometrics and SPSS. She has published a course reader for Statistics using SPSS. She has also worked as an expert witness in statistics and data mining for various attorneys and class action lawsuits. She has over 20 years experience as a statistical consultant working with companies including Proctor & Gamble, Blackboard and HP on a variety of analysis including sales prediction models, marketing mix models, customer segmentation, and pricing lift models.
She is excited to start this new chapter in her life, working with her husband in the Surety Business at C3.
Mia Ferguson
MARKETING & CONTENT COORDINATOR
Mia is a San Diego native who received her M.A in Education at San Diego State University as well as an undergraduate degree from Oregon State University. Mia comes to C3 new to the industry. Her previous occupation was coaching DI College Softball at San Diego State University for 13 years. This experience allows her to bring her competitiveness, drive, respect, and organization to the insurance industry.
In her spare time she loves being with her family and friends. She has two daughters, Jena (5) and Ryleigh (3). Mia’s husband is a mortgage loan officer. Oftentimes you will see this family out and about. There isn’t an adventure they aren’t down to try. They love to be tourists in San Diego; camping, biking, golfing, Padres games, amusement parks, beach, SDSU sporting events and much more!
Mike Milligan
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Nancy Beckman
BENEFITS ANALYST
Nanci and her husband raised their three grown children in Mission Viejo, CA. While raising her children she was often volunteering her time with Children’s Hospital of Orange or managing her own Interior Design business. She then joined the insurance industry to begin a new career. Her attention to detail, project management abilities, creative problem solving and colorful spreadsheets proved to be a huge success in Employee Health & Benefits. As a Benefit Analyst she is able to do what she loves most, build client relationships while supporting them with their benefit needs. No matter how busy, she always finds time to help a co-worker in need!
In her spare time, Nanci enjoys playing tennis and riding a tandem bike with her college sweetheart. She loves travel, snow skiing, wake boarding, hiking and spending time with her growing family. Bass Lake continues to be her “happy place” where she and her family have vacationed for 30+ years.
Noah Prouse
CLIENT MANAGER
Noah has over five years of experience in the Insurance industry, with broad experience covering personal lines, small business owners, and commercial business lines. Noah is passionate about providing top of the line service to all his clients, giving them quality insight and solutions that meet their unique needs.
In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball, hiking, and generally spending as much time outdoors as possible.
Norma Cervantes
CLIENT MANAGER
Norma is a Client Manager and has 25 years of Insurance experience. She currently holds a CISR-Certified Insurance Service Representative designation. Eager to learn, help others and grow.
Norma was born in Guadalajara, and has lived in San Diego for most of her life. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her three grown kids and three grandbabies. She loves the outdoors, hiking, the beach but most of all time with her loved ones. Norma’s favorite saying is, “Share a smile, it’s free and it makes a difference.”
Olivia Bonilla
TALENT ACQUISITION MANAGER
Olivia is an experienced Talent Acquisition Manager with a demonstrated history of finding top talent for both technical and non-technical skill-sets. She has worked with numerous individuals and clients to address their hiring needs, develop recruiting strategies designed to identify qualified candidates, all while also taking into consideration the goals, skills and interests of any potential candidate. In her personal time, Olivia enjoys working out, traveling, watching movies and spending time with her family and loved ones— including her two huskies.
Paul Heidemann
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Paul Heidemann is the Managing Director of our Construction Division and part of the C3 ownership team. Paul began his career at John Burnham & Company in 1995 before moving on to Barney and Barney in 2007 where he led the construction practice. He continued his leadership through the transition to MMA where the practice group had record growth.
Paul has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance brokerage industry. His expertise includes providing risk management and brokerage services from medium to large construction companies, environmental and remediation contractors, homebuilders and residential development. In addition to construction, he has expertise in nonprofit housing developments, real estate companies, heavy industry and other large businesses.
A graduate of the University of California, Irvine, Paul has a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He holds the designation of Certified Insurance Counselor and the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist.
As a San Diego native, he enjoys playing beach volleyball and golf, but his biggest passion is being a dad to his kids. Paul lives in Solana Beach with his fiancé, Di, and they enjoy their constant rotating door of five kids, friends and family.
PV Mata
CLIENT ADMINISTRATOR
PV started her insurance career in 2019 coming from working in the health and fitness industry. She has gained knowledge and experience in construction insurance working with OCIP projects and with clients in property and casualty.
PV was born and raised in San Diego. She loves exploring the city and trying all the trendy foodie spots with her husband. On lazy days she loves to just chill at home and watch Korean dramas and k-pop videos.
Ray Canto
CLIENT MANAGER
Ray was born and raised in San Diego. After graduating from SDSU, Ray decided to begin his career in the insurance industry. With 6 years of commercial insurance experience, he is looking for to utilize his skills and knowledge to help others. In his free time he enjoys exploring and being active. He enjoys activities such as weight training, rock climbing, and hiking. His sweet tooth combined with his love for science and experimentation has fueled his passion for baking. He is also an avid sports fan – both real and fake. He enjoys watching the Padres and pro-wrestling.
Rebekah Eads
SURETY ADMINISTRATOR
Rich Hallett
DIRECTOR OF SURETY
As Director of Surety, Richard is responsible for the management of C3’s contract and commercial surety practice. With over 25 years in surety program management and placement, Richard has been efficacious in obtaining surety credit for national and international contractors and developers.
Prior to joining C3, Richard was a Principal and the Director of Surety for a global insurance broker. He also has held underwriting positions at Arch Insurance and Westfield Companies. His industry experience includes general construction, subcontract trades, environmental, and energy development. Richard has underwritten and managed surety programs in excess of $750 million and has expertise in domestic and international surety placement, including reverse flow transactions.
His designations include Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Risk Manager (CRM). Richard served as past president of the San Diego Surety Association and is an active member of various organizations including Associated General Contractors (AGC), Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA), Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP).
Romina Camacho
CLIENT MANAGER
Romina was born in San Diego, CA and raised in Tijuana, MX. She started her insurance career four years ago working for a cross-border carrier where she quoted, implemented and managed small and large group clients.
When she is not working, Romina likes spending time with her family. She enjoys finding new coffee spots and trying out new restaurants.
Royce Sheetz
PRODUCER
Royce is a commercial property and casualty insurance broker. He partners with Arlene Reid specializing in the life science/technology business arena, and also partners with Eric Sheetz in the craft brewing business arena. Royce has MANY years of experience in the insurance industry, having entered it shortly after his graduation from Indiana University where he received a B.S. degree in Business Management.
When not serving his clients, Royce has numerous outside interests including golf (which he’s lousy at), skiing (which he’s good at), scuba diving (as often as he can), and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Shannon Bailey
CLIENT MANAGER
Shannon has worked with our team for over a decade on both small and middle market commercial business clients.
Steve Gill
PRODUCER
Steve Gill brings a strong background in the trucking industry and is well versed in the complicated world of California work comp claims. Steve enjoys spending time with his daughter and, as a former professional water polo player, anything that involves the water.
Suzanna Tomey
PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE LEADER
Suzanna is a certified Project Management Professional with direct experience in the insurance, employee benefits and health and wellness industries. Suzanna’s continued success is rooted in her ability to juggle multiple projects, work in a fast-paced environment, and manage the expectations of multiple stakeholders. Suzanna stands as an inspiration on how to manage the rigors of project management in a way that is full of heart, empathy, and thoughtfulness.
Suzanna enjoys doing anything outside, whether that is boating on the water or hiking in the mountains. She also loves cooking new recipes and spending time with her family, friends, and dog, Marley.
Sydney Best
CLIENT ADMINISTRATOR
Sydney, a San Diego native, graduated with Honors from the University of San Diego with an emphasis in Business. After completing a successful internship program, she began her professional career with Greystar, a global property management company. Though she is new to the Insurance industry, her passion for learning is a perfect fit for C3 and we are very excited to be there as she begins her journey.
In her free time, Sydney loves to spend her time outdoors, hanging out with her dog, Koa, and planning out her next travel adventure.
Teri Porlas
CLIENT CONSULTANT EXECUTIVE & TEAM LEAD
Teri Porlas is a Client Consultant Executive and Team Lead within the Construction Practice Division at C3 Risk & Insurance Services. Teri began her career on the Carrier side in the mid 80’s and transitioned into the retail agency side in 2003 where she grew as a Marketing Executive at Barney & Barney. In 2009, Teri promoted to a Client Executive in the Construction/Real Estate Practice Group, where she was responsible for a large book of business ranging from Street/Road contractors to Affordable Housing Real Estate Developers.
Teri’s expertise ranges from detailed review of complex contractual requirements, customizing insurance programs, including WRAP Ups, Project Specific, Large complex shared/layered property placements and loss sensitive programs.
In Teri’s free time, she loves to practice Yoga, spend time with her family and Cooper (her 120 lb German Shepherd) and live in the present.
Tim Roth
CLIENT EXECUTIVE
Tim has been in the commercial insurance industry for over a decade primarily focused on the trucking industry. He has an in-depth knowledge of trucking insurance and how to deliver to clients the coverages and solutions they need.
Tim is a midwestern native growing up in Iowa but currently residing in Indiana. During his free time he loves hanging out with his wife, two daughters and his lovable Lab doing anything outdoors. He also loves playing sports and cheering on the Hawkeyes.
Tracey Best
VP OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Tracey started her career in Employee Benefits over 20 years ago and still loves what she does! She finds helping clients identify solutions and move toward results that help their business and their employees very fulfilling. Her background is working with mid-market to large companies. Though she is a native New Yorker, she has lived in San Diego for over 22 years with her husband and two grown daughters. Though, recently, her family is growing with the newest addition— their Vizsla puppy, Koa! In her free time you will find Tracey at the beach, hiking, traveling, spending time with her family or doing anything outdoors.
Tracy Le
ACCOUNTING ANALYST
A transplanted native to San Diego, Tracy has eight plus years of experience in insurance premium accounting. She has worked in various capacities with accounts receivable, insurance payable, and premium financing, at the retail and wholesale level.
In her free time, she enjoys watching K-Drama, listening to music, and hiking the many trails in San Diego County. She hopes to one day complete the 5 Peak Challenge.
Trang Nguyen
BENEFITS ANALYST
Trang grew up in Orange County most of her life and graduated from University of California, Riverside. She started her journey in insurance in 2019 and brings 3 years of benefit experience to her role with us. She is passionate about employee benefits and is excited to support members, clients, and her service team!
On her free time, Trang enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also loves to try new foods and travel!
Tulu Workman
CLIENT MANAGER
Tulu has worked in the insurance industry a little over 20 years.
“Thankful to be part of the C3 Familia!”
Wella Campbell
CLIENT EXECUTIVE & TEAM LEAD
Wella’s hashtag, “#insuranceisfun” comes from 15 years of enjoying great success in the industry. She started her career in 2005 and brings a wealth of experience handling Construction accounts. Not only has she been a trainer for new leverage hires, Wella’s experience includes having participated in various initiatives such as process improvement and leadership training.
Wella was born in the Philippines, and has lived in San Diego for most of her life. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 17 years and their two kids. She loves to work out, jog, watch her kids play sports, and volunteer at different nonprofit organizations as well as coach her daughter in soccer and softball. She lives by the moto, “Be kind and treat others the way you want to be treated.”
Ying Huang
ACCOUNTING ANALYST
Ying is originally a Washingtonian but moved to the beautiful city of San Diego two years ago where she began her career in the insurance industry with premium accounting. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business with a concentration in Finance from Eastern Washington University and has had previous experience working in general accounting.
In her spare time she likes to explore the different eateries that San Diego has to offer, listen to music and go to the gym to lift weights. She is also very much a homebody who loves to spend time with her friends and family.
Join our family
We created a recruiting experience focused on a culture that attracts the best people who can deliver the best products and service to our clients. We want a diverse team, comprised of divergent thinkers who work together to solve a problem. Our professional yet fun environment was intentionally built to fit around our employees’ lives, not the other way around. We want our team to be happy, because happy people make clients happy. Join our C3 family!