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SAM
RHODES - PARTNER After a successful career in business management, Sam Rhodes opened the doors to CFA in 1980. He is a career registered representative for New York Life and a partner with 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. Email: sam@cfagroup.com |
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LORI
J. ALALA - PARTNER Upon graduating 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 is a member of the Lake Hickory Rotary Club, serves on the Council on Adolescence Board, and is on the Insurance Fraternity called Gamma Iota Sigma Fraternity. Lori is very active in the local Health Underwriters Chapter serving as the President. In 2008, Lori was named an Honor Council Member of the NCAHU. Also in 2008 Lori received the NAHU Leading Producer's Round Table Golden Eagle Award. Email: lori@cfagroup.com |
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JANET CLINE (Director of Operations) Janet began with CFA in 2004, bringing a diverse background to
her role as Director of Operations. She worked in
the banking field and her experience in Accounting and Human Resources
serve her well in managing the every day operation of CFA’s
Hickory office. Janet also holds her Life and Health Insurance
license.
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MICHAEL KEENAN (CIC, Director of Group Sales) Michael Keenan, CIC, 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 30 years of experience specializing in group insurance benefits. 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; as well as a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Michael earned his CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) designation in 1991. |
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MARJORIE REYNOLDS (Business Development Coordinator) |
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AMBER HOLDER (Account Executive/Small Business Center) Amber has been a part of the CFA team since July of 200o, specializing in Customer Service, Sales Support, and Account Managment. Her focus as the Small Business Center Account Executive includes retention of current clients, new group sales, quoting, resolving claims, and billing issues. Email: amber@cfagroup.com |
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MICHELLE HOLLAR (Senior Account Executive) Michelle joined the CFA team in June of 1997 in the Customer Service area. Since then, she has transitioned into the role of Senior Account Executive. Her duties include service and retention of current clients, introducing new employee benefit lines, new group sales, and assisting fellow Account Executives. |
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SHANNON
JOHNSON (Account
Sales Executive) Shannon Johnson joined CFA as Account Executive in 2004. She brings to CFA over 24 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. Email: shannon@cfagroup.com |
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MELISSA
HOLCOMB (Customer Service/Sales Support)
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 has been the past President of the Catawba Valley Insurance and Financial Advisors Association. Melissa is now filling the role of Customer Service/Sales Support 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. |
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DONNA KIRBY (Customer Service/Sales Support) Donna has an A.A.S. degree in Healthcare Management as well as Business Administration. Donna also has her Life/Health, Medicare Supplement, and LTC insurance licenses. Donna is filling the role of Customer Service/Sales Support for CFA and is responsible for quoting, claims, and billing inquiries. |
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JUDY WARSHAM (Customer Service/Sales Support) Judy Warsham has an Associates Degree in Business Administration from Catawba Valley Community College and is licensed in Life/Health, Medicare Supplement and Long Term Care. She is a member of the Western Piedmont Health Underwriters Association. Judy is now filling the role of Customer Service/Sales Support and is responsible for quoting, claims, and billing inquiries. |
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MITZIE CLINE (Customer Service Representative/Sales Support) 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. Mitzie has her Life and Health Insurance License and is now filling the role of Customer Service/Sales Support for CFA. She is responsible for quoting, claims, and billing inquiries. |
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DOT
JARVIS (Administrative Assistant) 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 |
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CRISTY GUPTON (Sales Representative) After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BS degree in Public Health, Cristy attended Meredith College where she completed an accredited internship to become a Registered Dietitian. She worked in both a public capacity and in private practice for a few years before following her parents lead into the insurance industry. Cristy focused on voluntary benefits and flexible benefit plans but has always had a keen interest in employee wellness programs. Cristy joined CFA in October 2007 and states, “Now is the right time to combine employee benefits and wellness programs and I am excited about the future of assisting our clients in taking those interests to the next level.” |
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ROSESEMARY BuSHEA (Customer Service Representative/Sales Support) 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.
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