After a successful career in business management, Sam Rhodes opened the doors to CFA in 1980. As a partner of Carolina First Associates, LLC, his emphasis of service first permeates the entire organization. He is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Sam has been a consecutive Leading Producer Round Table recipient since 2008 and was named a Soaring Eagle LPRT recipient in 2011.
Email: sam@cfagroup.com
Upon graduating from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with a degree in Risk Management and Insurance, Lori Alala began her career with CFA. A veteran of the industry, Lori’s commitment to protecting her clients’ interest led to her being named a founding Partner of Carolina First Associates in 1996. Lori was a founding member of the Western Piedmont Association of Health Underwriters Chapter in 1997. She has served in many capacities on the WPAHU Board and served as President in 2009-10. Lori has been a consecutive Honor Council member for the NC State Association of Health Underwriters, Triple Crown recipient and received the Leading Producer Round Table Golden Eagle Award in 2008, 2009 and 2010. In 2011, she received the Soaring Eagle LPRT designation. She was recently named WPAHU’s Member of the Year 2010-11. Lori is a member of the Lake Hickory Rotary Club and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Council on Adolescence and Catawba Valley YMCA.
Email: lori@cfagroup.com
Janet began with CFA in 2004, bringing a diverse background to her role as Director of Operations. She worked in the banking industry for many years in the area of finance and human resources. Her experience in Accounting and Skill Set Management serve her well in managing the everyday operation of CFA’s Hickory office. Janet attended Appalachian State University and Caldwell Community College. She completed her Associates Degree in Business Administration – Financial Management. Janet is a Notary Public and also holds her Life and Health Insurance license.
Email: janetc@cfagroup.com
Michael Keenan, came to CFA in March, 2007 from Keenan-Stroud Insurance Associates, Inc. Michael has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Wake Forest University, and has over 39 years of experience specializing in group insurance benefits. He is licensed in Life, Health, Medicare Supplement, Long Term Care, Property and Casualty. Michael is currently a member of the Newton-Conover Rotary Club and has served on the Board of Directors. He is a member of the Advisory Council of Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, NC, and he continues to be an active member of the Western Piedmont Association of Health Underwriters.
Email: mike@cfagroup.com
Marjorie has an A.A.S degree in business and has been with CFA since June of 2000. Her role as Business Development Coordinator includes Marketing and Advertising for CFA, working with insurance carriers on implementation of benefits and updates, preparing materials for prospective clients, and working with CFA management in regards to marketing our Value Added Services. Marjorie is a member of the Western Piedmont Association of Health Underwriters and served on the Board. She is a past recipient of the WPAHU “Spark Plug” award and is active with the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce. Marjorie is licensed in Health and Life.
Email: marjorie@cfagroup.com
Amber has been a part of the CFA team since July of 2000, specializing in Customer Service, Sales Support, and Account Management. Her 11 years of experience is reflected in the success she has experienced as the Director of Consumer Sales Center. Her responsibilities include the retention of current group and individual clients, new small group and individual sales, and resolving any service needs such as claims and or billing issues. Amber is a top producer for BCBS of NC. She is an Individual health plan and Medicare supplement plan expert. Amber is licensed in Life, Health, Medicare Supplement and Long Term Care.
Email: amber@cfagroup.com
Michelle joined the CFA team in June of 1997 in the Customer Service area. Since then, she has transitioned into the role of Account Executive. Her duties include service and retention of current clients, introducing new employee benefit lines and new group sales. Michelle attended UNC Greensboro and is licensed in Medicare Supplement, Long Term Care, Life and Health.
Email: michelle@cfagroup.com
Shannon Johnson joined CFA as Account Executive in 2004. She brings to CFA over 29 years of experience. Previously Shannon served as an Account Manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and for WellPath/Conventry, formerly New York Life Insurance for 19 years. Shannon’s responsibilities will include servicing accounts as well as new group sales. Shannon is a member of the Western Piedmont Association of Health Underwriters and served on the Board from 2009 to 2011. Shannon is licensed in Life and Health.
Email: shannon@cfagroup.com
Melissa became a part of CFA in July 2005 bringing with her a variety of experience. She is a 2001 graduate of UNC-Asheville with a B.A. in Mass Communications, and before she joined CFA she worked as a Customer Service Representative in the insurance business. Melissa is licensed in Life and Health. She has served as the past President of the Catawba Valley Insurance and Financial Advisors Association. Melissa is now filling the role of Customer Relations Agent for CFA and is responsible for quoting, claims, and billing inquires. Since high school she has traveled to Germany, Switzerland, Austria, South Africa, and Brazil. Melissa is involved with the Moose Lodge Community Service Club.
Email: melissa@cfagroup.com
Preceding Donna’s tenure at CFA, she worked for many years in accounting and financial management. This past experience, coupled with her natural ability to attend to details has made her a success in our Industry. Her daily responsibilities consist of continuous client interaction and support. Donna has an A.A.S. degree in Healthcare Management as well as Business Administration and is a Notary Public. Donna also has her Life, Health, Medicare Supplement, Long Term Care, Property, and Casualty Insurance licenses. Donna is filling the role of Customer Relations Agent for CFA and is responsible for quoting, claims, and billing inquiries.
Email: donna@cfagroup.com
Mitzie became a part of the CFA team in January 2009. She began her career in the insurance industry in 1991 in the Life Insurance sector as a Marketing Administrator. She began work in the group market in 2004. She is responsible for quoting, claims, billing inquiries and overall client assistance. Mitzie has her Life and Health Insurance License and is also a Notary Public.
Email: mitzie@cfagroup.com
Dot began her career with CFA in 1982. She has a Business Degree from Lenoir Rhyne College. The most tenured employee at CFA, her role as Administrative Assistant includes supporting management’s daily functions. Dot is Corresponding Secretary for Hickory Music Club.
Email: dot@cfagroup.com
A native Miamian, with ancestral ties to Catawba County and the Hickory area, Rosemary has worked in the Health Insurance field since 2003. Coming from a medical claims background, she is licensed in Life and Health, Medicare Supplement and Long Term Care. Rosemary is now filling the role of Customer Service/Sales Support for CFA and is responsible for quoting, claims, and billing inquiries.
Email: rosemary@cfagroup.comIf you need information about any of our services, please feel free to use our contact form, send us an e-mail to info@cfagroup.com, or give us a call at (800) 324-8965 or (828) 324-2000.
