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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. Sam enjoys snow skiing, hiking, restoring historic properties and vintage cars. 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 (formerly Sam Rhodes Insurance) in 1996. Lori is very active in the local Health Underwriters Chapter serving as the Education Chairperson. Lori’s interests include golf and both water and snow skiing. 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 most recently 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. She also holds her Life and Health Insurance license. Email: janetc@cfagroup.com |
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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) Marjorie has an A.A.S business degree 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 broker services. Email: marjorie@cfagroup.com |
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AMBER HOLDER (Account Executive/Small Business Center) Amber has been a part of the CFA team since July of 2000, specializing in customer service, sales support and account management. Her focus as the Small Business Center Account Executive includes retention of current clients, new group sales, resolving claims and billing issues, ordering and running quotes. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her daughter, family, and friends. 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. She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and shopping. Email: michelle@cfagroup.com |
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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. She enjoys time with her two children. Email: shannon@cfagroup.com |
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MANDY BRINKERHOFF (Account Sales Executive) With nearly 15 years of medical industry experience in addition to her license in Life, Health, Annuities, and Long-Term Care, Mandy joins CFA by way of Daytona Beach, Fl. Previously, she worked for an Insurance Broker as an Account Manager for both large and small groups. Throughout her professional career, Mandy has developed a deep sense of commitment and understanding of her client’s needs, and takes great pride in working very closely with each of them to provide unique solutions coupled with unparalleled customer service. For leisure Mandy enjoys spending time with her children and husband, reading, and outdoor activities of all types. |
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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. This year Melissa is 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. She is involved with the Moose Lodge Community Service Club and also enjoys writing, reading, and playing guitar. |
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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 inquires. In her spare time she enjoys shopping, reading and spending time with family. |
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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, quoting, claims and billing inquires for CFA. Judy’s interests include faith enrichment studies, photography, walking and hiking. |
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DOT
JARVIS (Administrative Assistant) Dot began her career in 1982 with CFA formerly known as Sam Rhodes Insurance. 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, enjoys classical music, and spending time with family and friends. 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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GREG SIMMONS (Executive Benefits/Estate Planning) Greg has partnered with CFA to provide individual planning for business executives and their families. With a Business Management Degree from Western Carolina University, Greg has worked closely with CPA’s and Attorneys since 1989 to provide creative insurance and investment solutions for their valued clients. Greg is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, and has earned the coveted Million Dollar Round Table membership for many years. Greg enjoys traveling, performing live music, and spending quality time with his three children. |
