Leadership Team
Insurance Agents
Account Managers
Operational Associates
Bennie Sheally, Agency Owner, CEO
bennie@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Bennie is the founding owner of Sheally Insurance Group and the heart and soul of our agency. He leads the strategic direction of the organization and ensures that we remain well-positioned to serve our client’s evolving needs while providing the best product options and supportive capabilities. Known around the office for his contagious ambition, positive outlook, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of himself and others, Bennie has a remarkable talent for building meaningful relationships and winning teams. Prior to taking the entrepreneurial path, Bennie represented Prudential as a life insurance and financial planning advisor. He later joined Nationwide Securities as a financial wholesaler responsible for agency recruitment and financial services production throughout the North Carolina region. Bennie earned his finance degree from the University of Massachusetts School of Business where he also played for the men's soccer team. He maintains an active role on numerous insurance industry-related advisory boards and executive leadership committees as well. Bennie also serves as President of the Wilmington Hammerheads Youth Futbol Club, a 501 c3 non-profit that strives to maximize resources and provide high-quality soccer services to the community.
When he isn't working, Mr. Sheally enjoys being out on the water, spending time with his wife and three children, traveling, and anything else that sounds like fun! Bennie strives to live each day to the fullest and truly embraces a “work hard, play hard” mentality.
Erica L. Cottle, Vice President, COO
erica.cottle@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Erica was Sheally’s first hire and her vital role within the agency has truly evolved alongside our growth every step of the way. There’s not much she hasn’t influenced in her tenure! Although her focus on providing exceptional customer service and love for all things insurance still remains at the heart of her approach to leadership and work every day. Erica is passionate about training others to reach their personal best and applies her industry expertise, robust product knowledge, and diverse operational experience to lead our commercial insurance solutions team and portfolio strategy. She likes a good “stump your agent” challenge, too...just try her!! Erica earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. When Erica’s not hard at work, you will most likely find her enjoying family and the outdoors. She also volunteers with several local non-profits throughout the community while serving as Residential HOA President.
Miranda Parker, Chief Financial Officer
miranda@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Miranda joined Sheally Insurance Group in 2011 and is responsible for overseeing the financial health of our organization in addition to agency accounting, filing, and reporting. She is our Head of Human Resources as well and is genuinely dedicated to supporting the career path and goals of each individual team member. Miranda is also the system administrator for countless core operational functionalities across our agencies. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Her business acumen has been an essential ingredient of our growth strategy and leadership team since nearly inception. Who knows where we would be without her!? Even so, faith and family remain Miranda’s top priorities. Mrs. Parker and her husband have four daughters and she cherishes the gift of being their mother. Miranda enjoys being with family above all and also volunteers with many church activities and youth programs in her “free time.”
Allison Sisson, Director of Marketing
allison@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Allison joined Sheally Insurance Group in 2019 with over 15 years of corporate marketing communication experience. Prior to diving into the insurance field and fabric of our agency, Allison launched her career in the financial services sector where her passion for brand management and in-house marketing first began. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of marketing and advertising strategy for our dynamic family of brands, and leverages a diverse skill set to further support our growth and development as we continue to expand and memorialize independence. Allison attended Appalachian State University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising Communication. Outside of the office, she's a wife and doting aunt who loves the ocean, all things home and garden, and family time!
Jarrett Shearin, Executive Director of Sales
jarrett@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Jarrett joined Sheally Insurance Group in 2021 with over 20 years of experience structuring insurance and risk management solutions for businesses throughout North and South Carolina. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he studied organizational communication and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. In his current role within the agency, Jarrett is primarily focused on fostering opportunities for new growth and sales team development. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and two daughters, in addition to fishing and boating.
Gary Columbus Duke, Agency Partner
gary@sheallyinsurance.com
Lexington, NC
Gary joined Sheally Insurance Group as part of the Wagner-Duke merger in February of 2018 with over 20 years of prior agency experience. Before beginning his work in the insurance field, Gary attended East Carolina University and spent another two decades mastering his sales, operations, and management skills in the food processing and restaurant industries. Gary is a critical thinker with practical perspective and hard-earned stripes. We are fortunate to leverage his talent and tenure in the Lexington office and on our Leadership team. Gary is also licensed in Property and Casualty, Life, Health, Medicare Supplement and Long Term Care. In his free time, Gary enjoys good conversation, the occasional cold beer, and spending time with family and his grandchildren.
Morgan Lawson, Senior Sales Executive
morgan@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Morgan joined Sheally Insurance Group in 2013 with over seven years of prior insurance agency experience. He is licensed in Property and Casualty, Life, and Health. Morgan specializes in assisting our personal lines clientele with protecting everything they work hard for, along with the financial security and wellbeing of their most valuable asset - their families! Morgan graduated from Florida State University where he earned both a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and a Bachelor's degree in Real Estate. He is a hardworking, dedicated father and husband who always smiles at the mention of his bride and their two children. In his free time, Morgan enjoys spending time with family, boating, hunting, and fishing.
Andrew Thomasson, Associate Sales Executive
andrew@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Andrew joined Sheally Insurance Group in June of 2017 after graduating from East Carolina University where he earned his degree in Economics. He holds Property and Casualty as well as Crop Farm licenses in addition to the Trusted Risk Advisor designation. Andrew specializes in assessing many aspects of commercial risk and is dedicated to delivering cost effective insurance strategies that are designed to not only protect the business but also support the critical demands of everyday account servicing needs. Andrew is focussed and effective as evidenced by his participation in extensive training programs and desire to understand and gain first-hand experience in all areas of the insurance arena. Outside of the office, Andrew enjoys traveling, offshore fishing, and spending time with family.
Brandon Edens, Senior Sales Executive
brandon@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Brandon joined Sheally Insurance Group in 2013 and is licensed in Property and Casualty, Life, Accident and Health, Medicare Supplement, and Long Term Care. Prior to beginning his career in the insurance field in 2008, Brandon earned a degree in Psychology from North Carolina State University and spent ten years in the banking center management industry. Brandon is a native of Wilmington who still believes in “old fashioned” business ethics and the value of an honest handshake. He enjoys meeting new people, helping clients protect their family, and identifying the right insurance solutions for their specific insurance needs. In his free time, Brandon enjoys traveling for soccer, going to the beach, and being active outdoors with his wife and three children.
Denise Kelly, Senior Sales Executive
denise@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Denise joined Sheally Insurance Group in 2008 and is licensed in Property and Casualty, Life, Accident and Health, Medicare support, Long Term Care, and Resident Broker. Her career in the insurance industry began in 1986 and she went on to later operate her own agency. These days, she primarily assists commercial customers, enjoys helping clients, and working alongside her Sheally family and team. Denise is a caring, veteran agent with a memorable sense of humor and beaming smile! Outside of the office, she loves spending free time with her husband, daughters, and grandchildren, and going to the beach, of course!
John Meiser, Senior Sales Executive
john@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
John joined Sheally Insurance Group in 2010 after working in the furniture industry for 15 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where he also played collegiate rugby. He holds a Property and Casualty license and is focussed primarily on catering to the insurance needs of commercial clientele. John enjoys meeting new people, a good laugh, and getting to know his customers on a personal level. In his free time John volunteers with coaching on his children’s soccer teams. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as going to the beach, and watching and participating in sports.
Katherine Howington, Flood Specialist
katherine@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Katherine joined Sheally Insurance Group in May of 2019 with nearly 20 years of experience focussed primarily in the flood insurance arena. She has her Property and Casualty license, is a Certified Floodplain Manager, and also holds ANFI (Associate in National Flood Insurance) and CPIA designations. Katherine is our undeniable Queen of Flood! In her current agency role, she works with agents, as well as personal and commercial clientele to assess and optimize flood insurance strategies, mitigate exposure to flood risk wherever possible, and educate others on what to do before, during, and after a flood event. Katherine volunteers her time and vast knowledge to help increase flood awareness, communicate flood map changes, and protect communities through multiple outreach programs including Program for Public Info and Community Rating System. She is also passionate about traveling, learning about different cultures, and history. Katherine enjoys experimenting with chocolate, creating delicious truffles, and “watching people smile” in her free time!
Karen Stump, Account Manager
karen@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Karen joined Sheally Insurance Group in 2006 with seven years of prior agency experience. She holds Property and Casualty and Life licenses and assists clients with all aspects of their ongoing insurance needs in her role as an Account Manager. Karen values the relationships she’s developed over time with clients and teammates most about her work with the agency. Ms. Karen is also one to keep you smiling throughout the day and each season. She is definitely “in” on the office fun and is well known for her enthusiastic participation and contributions to our group celebrations. She has two sons and grandchildren as well. In her free time, Karen enjoys spending time with family, going to shows and movies, photography, cooking, traveling, and Panther football!
Brandon Odham, Senior Sales Executive
brandon.odham@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Brandon joined Sheally Insurance Group in November of 2011 with nearly 20 years of prior agency experience. He is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of UNCW’s Cameron School of Business where he double-majored in Marketing and Management. Brandon enjoys developing long-lasting relationships with clients, meeting new people, and helping them confidently secure the insurance policies that best fit their needs. He brags that Sheally's structure and service model is by far the best he’s experienced in his career (his words!) and of course, we are thrilled to have him on our team. In his free time, Brandon likes to stay active, golf, play basketball, and "just be outdoors" in addition to traveling, experiencing new places, and cultures.
Tina Adler, Account Manager
tina@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Tina joined Sheally Insurance Group in 2016 with eight years of prior agency experience. She earned her Bachelor's in Finance and Production Management from Mercyhurst University, is licensed in Life and Health, Property and Casualty, Broker and Bond, and also holds a Trusted Risk Advisor designation. Tina constructs and optimizes insurance portfolios in the commercial division of our agency and is primarily focussed on protecting businesses from unforeseeable loss. She enjoys meeting and helping business owners with their insurance needs and, “has, and always will, specialize in helping others, especially when they need it the most!” Tina treasures time spent outside the office with her husband of many years, her children, and grandbabies!
Missy Easter, Agency Partner
missy@sheallyinsurance.com
Lexington, NC
Missy joined Sheally Insurance Group in 2017 with over 25 years of industry experience as part of the Wagner-Easter agency merger. She is licensed in Property and Casualty as well as Life and Health. Missy focuses primarily on assisting commercial clientele with the full spectrum of business insurance needs. She is passionate about customizing the right product for the best rate for each customer and takes a personal interest in the success of each business. Missy received a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design from Salem College, having spent 12 years in the interior design field as well. Missy is an active member of the Winston Salem Home Builders Association, serving on multiple committees & boards to support the local home building industry, including Parade of Homes Chair, Remodelers Council and Women’s Council President, and Triad Home & Garden Show Administrator. She also volunteers at Centenary United Methodist Church and is dedicated to working with youth to help them grow in their faith and know Jesus. Missy loves spending free time with her family, Wake Forest Football, going to the beach, eating great food, and taking her boxer on long hikes. She also enjoys visiting new places and getting to know new people!
TJ Dunn, Associate Sales Executive
tj@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
TJ joined Sheally Insurance Group in July of 2019 and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Kennesaw State University. He is dedicated to expanding our agency footprint while helping to protect those who live in the Wilmington community he loves to call home. TJ holds Property and Casualty and Life and Health coverage licenses. He is a “Core 4” in 2020 member of the Port City Young Professionals group and you better believe you can always count on this young man to dress the part! TJ also enjoys spending time with friends, making new ones, boating, fashion, and working out.
Cindy Ridenhour, Senior Sales Executive
cindy@sheallyinsurance.com
Shallotte, NC
Cindy began her career in the insurance field in 2008 prior to joining Sheally Insurance Group in 2017. She holds a Property and Casualty license and assists both commercial and personal lines clientele. Cindy’s favorite part about working in the insurance field is the opportunity it presents to meet and help new people. In her free time, Cindy loves to boat and spend time with her husband and son.
Lisa DuBose, Account Manager
lisa@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Lisa joined the Sheally Insurance Group family in 2008. Her career in insurance began in 1979 after working in banking for several years. She is licensed in Property and Casualty, Life, Medicare Supplement, and Long Term Care. Lisa has seen a thing or two over the course of her career (there’s not much she hasn’t seen or dealt with, actually) and she is always eager to get to know and help our loyal customers. Lisa was born and raised in Pender county and graduated from Burgaw High School. If you want to hear a good story or learn about how our community has evolved and changed over time, just ask this true-local! Lisa is also a dedicated caretaker who likes to shop and absolutely loves to spoil her dog!
Portia Suggs, Account Manager
portia@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Portia joined Sheally Insurance Group in 2009 with six years of prior agency experience. She is a seasoned member of our personal lines account management team and is committed to providing excellent customer service to our loyal base of local clientele. Portia also keeps us smiling and guessing in the office with her funny stories and crazy-accurate impressions! She is a proud mother of one son and enjoys reading and spending time with family in her free time.
Edna Garcia, Account Manager
edna@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Edna joined Sheally Insurance Group in January of 2015 with over a decade of prior agency experience. Edna is a knowledgeable agent who is well-known for her calming demeanor, helpful nature, and sincerity. She holds Property and Casualty licenses and is also bilingual. She was born and raised on the tropical Island of Puerto Rico and moved to Wilmington in 2002. She enjoys interacting with clients and having fun with her Sheally coworkers while in the office. Ms. Edna values her family more than anything and loves spending free time with her husband and four sons.
Matthew Anschutz, Account Manager
matthew@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Matthew joined the Sheally Insurance Group team in January of 2019 with nearly a decade of prior agency experience. He is licensed in Property and Casualty and is always willing to extend his expertise to help customers navigate a wide range of both new and ongoing insurance related scenarios. Matthew enjoys working and having fun alongside his fellow-teammates, getting to know clients, and meeting new people. Our agency benefits not only from his professional contributions, but also from his famous culinary creations as well! Matthew attended the State University of New York at Oswego where he studied Elementary Education and Coaching. Away from the office, Matthew likes to golf, relax, and go to the beach in his free time.
Patricia Burney, Account Manager
patricia@sheallyinsurance.com
Shallotte, NC
Patricia joined Sheally Insurance Group in March of 2017 with over 10 years of insurance industry experience. She previously worked in banking and retail management for many years as well. Patricia is licensed in Property and Casualty, Life, and is also a Notary Public. She is passionate about getting to know her clients and building lasting relationships. Patricia volunteers with her church as their Finance Secretary and also enjoys reading, visiting with family, and going to antique car shows in her free time. She and her husband have five children and lots of grandchildren!
Cary Libson, Account Manager, Habitational Division
cary@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Cary joined Sheally Insurance Group in February of 2019 with nearly a decade of prior insurance industry experience. She is licensed in Property and Casualty in both North and South Carolina. Cary is a problem solver with keen attention to detail and a passion for doing things the right way. She also specializes in the area of Homeowners Associations and the unique insurance coverage and service needs of this clientele. Outside of the office, Cary and her husband take on some seriously impressive home renovation projects! She also loves going to the beach and spending time out on the water with family.
Kim Floyd, Account Manager
kim@sheallyinsurance.com
Lexington, NC
Kim joined Sheally Insurance Group in 2016 with over 10 years of prior agency experience. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Catawba College. Kim is licensed in Property and Casualty in both North Carolina and South Carolina and assists clients with keeping their policies up to date and ensuring proper coverage. In her free time Kim volunteers as a Church Treasurer and Music Director! She also enjoys spending time outside of the office with her husband, two children, and grandchild.
Lynn Sluder, Account Manager
lynn@sheallyinsurance.com
Lexington, NC
Lynn joined Sheally Insurance Group in 2017 with over 30 years of prior industry experience. She is licensed in Property and Casualty as well as Life and Health. She earned her Associates degree from Forsyth Technical Community College. Lynn enjoys working with new and existing customers and assisting with all aspects of their insurance needs. Lynn likes to garden and participate in church activities outside of the office. She also loves spending time with her big family that includes many grandchildren!
Cathy Barnette, Account Manager
cathy@sheallyinsurance.com
Lexington, NC
Cathy joined Sheally Insurance Group in 2017 with over 25 years of prior agency experience. Cathy is licensed in Property and Casualty and enjoys keeping up with clients, watching them grow, and helping to ensure that their coverages stay up to date as things change over time. Cathy has been married for many years and loves traveling to Hickory, North Carolina with her husband to visit with family in her free time!
Melody Allen, Account Manager
melody@sheallyinsurance.com
Lexington, NC
Melody joined Sheally Insurance Group in August of 2019 with over six years of prior agency experience. She is licensed in Property and Casualty, Life, Health, Med Sup, and Long Term Care, and focuses on assisting our personal lines customers with a wide range of ongoing insurance and service needs. Melody will flat-out tell you, she truly loves her job! Melody attended Appalachian State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing there. Melody and her husband have one son. She likes to help with school and church events when she can and also enjoys traveling and spending free time with family!
Barbara Suppa, Operations Associate
barbara@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Barbara joined Sheally Insurance Group in 2017 with an extensive background in early childhood education prior to beginning her work in the insurance field. Barb leads our certificate processing operations and also runs point on several avenues of incoming electronic information. She earned her Early Childhood Education degree from Ashworth College in Georgia. She also has a Culinary Certification with an emphasis in baking from HCCC Culinary Arts Institute—a nationally recognized, award-winning curriculum that is one of only two programs to be accredited by the American Culinary Federation Accrediting Commission in the New York region. Barbara is also an ordained minister, wife, and mother of two...in other words, you might want to get to know her! She is quite the well-rounded and connected individual!
Pamela Volz, Operations Associate
pam@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Pam joined Sheally Insurance Group in 2017 with over 20 years of prior agency background and experience. She is licensed in Property and Casualty, as well as Life and Health, and is also a Notary Public. Pam is well-versed in the arena of insurance coverages and ongoing servicing needs. She also assists with promoting a fun work environment in the office through her participation and help with coordinating festive celebrations and shared meals. Pam is very dedicated to her family as well. She is married with two grown children, loves being a grandmother, and also enjoys cooking, shopping, and spending days off at the beach!
Dani Pittman, Operations Associate
dani@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Dani joined Sheally Insurance Group in February of 2019 and is a licensed Property and Casualty agent. Prior to beginning her career in insurance, she attended NC Wesleyan and spent many years as the program director of a youth soccer club. In her current role with the agency, Dani focuses primarily on serving the needs of commercial clientele. Dani is passionate about creating relationships with clients, coworkers, and insurance carriers. Away from the office, Dani volunteers with Wilmington Hammerheads Youth FC, loves being outside with her family, and also enjoys running and working out.
Denise Griffith, Operations Associate
deniseg@sheallyinsurance.com
Lexington, NC
Denise joined Sheally Insurance Group in 2017 with over a decade of prior agency experience. She is licensed in Property and Casualty and enjoys each opportunity throughout the workday to greet and assist our customers with their insurance needs. Outside of the office, Denise likes to spend time at church and craft. She creates beautiful custom string art pieces! Denise is very dedicated to her family as well. She has been married to her husband for many years and they have two sons.
Esthella Eason, Operations Associate
esthella@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Esthella joined Sheally Insurance Group in August of 2018. She is the calm voice and welcoming smile that typically greets visitors in our Wilmington headquarters location! Esthella is always willing to help with whatever is ringing, dinging, or needing attention in the reception service area. She is also bilingual, which aids in our ability to serve our Spanish-speaking clientele. Life outside of the office is all about family for Ms. Esthella. She and her husband have five children who keep life very busy and full of adventure!
Rose Marie LaPietra, Operations Associate
rose@sheallyinsurance.com
Wilmington, NC
Rose joined Sheally Insurance Group in June of 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The College at Brockport State University of New York. Rose also has a strong customer service-oriented background and she’s super-excited to begin her career in the insurance field with Sheally! On a personal note, Rose loves meeting new people, enjoys traveling, reading and writing, being outdoors, and playing basketball in her free time.
Alison Dutka, Operations Associate
@sheallyinsurance.com
NC
Alison joined the Sheally Insurance Group family in 2016 and holds a NC Property and Casualty license. Whether assisting customers with service needs or interacting with colleagues, she is always wiling to pitch in and help out. Alison's positive attitude and calm, graceful demeanor is altogether wonderful. She's that good kind of contagious! Alison earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Belhaven University. She is a formally trained dance instructor and director as well. Outside of the office, Alison enjoys spending free time cooking, going to the beach, and hanging with her husband and their dog, Benedict Cumberbark. She’s also highly involved with GAFA, a non-profit, faith integrated performing and visual arts studio dedicated to nurturing the creativity of each student as God uniquely reveals Himself in each individual.
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