CORE ASSURANCE PARTNERS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Accounting Associate
- Associate
Betty Becraft serves as Accounting Associate at Core Assurance Partners. In her role, she works with the firm's carrier partners for client billings and commissions. She also has the important task of reconciling receivables and payables.
Betty began working with E. L. Creech in 1983 as their bookkeeper. Prior to her employment with Creech, she worked for Holiday Inn across various locations including Chicago, Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Betty's more than 30 years of experience working with the Hampton Roads Community makes her an invaluable asset to the team.
Betty has maintained a Virginia Property and Casualty license since 1984.
Betty has been a resident of Virginia Beach, VA since 1974. She has been married to her husband for 40 years and has 2 children and 3 grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and the warm and sunny weather of the Tidewater area.
Job Titles:
- Client Manager
- PRIVATE CLIENT MANAGER
Cammie Trapp serves as the Private Client Manager for Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for the further development of the Private Client Practice, initial and ongoing training of the Private Client Team, and delivering a differentiated service experience for our clients.
With a tenure in the insurance industry of over 20 years, Cammie obtained her Virginia Property & Casualty Insurance License within months of graduating high school and holds a real estate license in the state of Virginia, adding to her expertise in the Hampton Roads residential market.
Cammie is a native resident of Virginia Beach, VA. She enjoys spending time with her son and husband, designing holiday light displays to raise funds for a local charity organization, and entertaining friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Client Associate
Catherine Duncan serves as Client Associate at Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for enhancing client relationships, interacting with clients to resolve day-to-day needs and performing account analysis.
Catherine has been in the insurance industry for more than 30 years. She began her career with a reinsurance company in Toronto, Canada before relocating to the Hampton Roads area. She then worked for a local agency where she held various commercial insurance positions including claims and service.
Catherine is a resident of Virginia Beach, VA. She enjoys sending time with friends and family, traveling, gardening and the outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Experience
Christie Nichols serves as Director of Client Experience at Core Assurance Partners. Christie is responsible for overseeing the strategic development of the Commercial Lines Service Team, designing, marketing, and implementing insurance programs for our clients, and coordinating the Core Service & Production teams, the client, and the insurance company. Christie provides consultative coverage review and analysis to deliver a differentiated client experience.
Christie has been in the insurance industry for more than 25 years. She began her career as a part-time filing assistant at a local independent agency and navigated her way through various aspects of the business, focusing on commercial insurance and agency leadership. Christie is committed to providing unparalleled client service and creative risk management solutions.
Christie earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University. While attending ODU, her Capstone Project research on Women's Development gained notable attention from her peers and was nominated for publication. She serves as a Certified Public Notary and is certified by FEMA to serve citizens in the event of a crisis.
Christie is a Virginia Beach, Virginia native but now resides in Austin, Texas. She is an advocate of regular exercise and supports the local initiatives of arts, music, and locally grown and produced food.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Client Associate
Danica Crapse serves as a Client Associate for Core Assurance Partners. In this role, she is responsible for enhancing client relationships, interacting with clients to resolve day-to-day needs, and performing account analysis while providing a differentiated service experience.
Danica has been in the insurance industry for 15 years. She began her insurance career in Northern Virginia, learning the complexities of commercial insurance. Before moving back to the Hampton Roads area, Danica gained experience in international coverages for NGOs and non-profits in the DC Metro area. While the majority of her career has focused on client experience, in her last position, Danica served in a leadership role for a local agency's commercial service department.
Danica graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. She maintains a Virginia Property and Casualty license and has earned the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) professional designation. Danica is also currently working towards completing her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation.
Danica is a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and currently resides in Chesapeake with her husband and two dogs. In addition to spending time with family and friends, she enjoys crafting, hiking local trails, volunteering, and escaping to the mountains whenever possible.
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Development & Marketing
Diandra "D" Carpenter serves as Director of Business Development & Marketing for Core Assurance Partners. In her role, she primarily facilitates the marketing of new business, oversight of insurance carrier relationships, and analysis of book performance to meet the agency's growth goals.
D has more than 19 years of experience in the insurance industry working in client servicing, production, and marketing. Prior to joining Core Assurance, she was the Marketing Leader and Executive Client Advisor for a national insurance brokerage providing consultative review and program placement. D is often called upon to review, strategize and resolve challenging and complicated Insurance programs for new and existing clients. Her goal is to foster and deliver an exceptional experience for Core Assurance clients, partners, and colleagues.
D has earned many designations, including her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. As a Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) Instructor in Agency Management, she maintains a role as faculty with The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.
D is a resident of Portsmouth, Virginia, where she resides with her husband and fur babies. She spends her free time active in her local church and enjoying new culinary experiences with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing and Communications
Elizabeth Hawse serves as Director of Marketing and Communications at Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for the development and execution of the firm's overall marketing strategy, branding, advertising, public relations, and internal and external communications. Elizabeth has been instrumental in crafting the company's story and shaping the brand message, including the creation, promotion, and trademark protection of Core Assurance's most identifiable brand distinctions, Beyond the Policy® and CORE24®.
Elizabeth has been in the insurance industry for 15 years, beginning her career as a surety account manager and later transitioning to a surety business development role in the Washington DC Metro area. Prior to joining Core Assurance, Elizabeth was a regional marketing manager for a national broker, responsible for the promotion of risk management and surety in the Mid-Atlantic region. Her marketing team was charged with the consolidation of 11 legacy insurance agencies into one cohesive brand. While in that position, Elizabeth was appointed as the firm's sole marketing liaison for both the National Construction Practice and National Surety Council.
Elizabeth earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She completed her degree abroad while living in Germany and fulfilled several writing curriculum requirements with traveling literary studies of European countries. Elizabeth is a member of the American Marketing Association and holds their Professional Certified Marketer (PCM®) designation. She has also earned the Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) designation.
Elizabeth is a resident of Alexandria, VA, where she lives with her husband and two children. In her free time, she enjoys pilates, gardening, and is an avid enthusiast of art and all things design.
Job Titles:
- DIRECTOR
- Director of Maritime & Legal Affairs of Core Assurance CR Marine
- DIRECTOR, MARITIME & LEGAL AFFAIRS
Hara Gisholt serves as the Director of Maritime & Legal Affairs of Core Assurance CR Marine. Hara oversees and manages complex marine accounts and maintains a thorough understanding of clients' strategic priorities and risk management needs. She is also responsible for identifying new opportunities for the firm, fostering strategic relationships, and overseeing internal legal matters relating to the marine practice of the company.
Prior to joining Core Assurance CR Marine, Hara served as a Vice President at one of the world's largest ship registries for twelve years where she led the global legal team and created collaborative relationships with worldwide private and public owners as well as ship financiers. Hara has authored several articles published in publications such as Marine Risk International and Offshore Investment and has presented at various industry conferences.
Hara earned her law degree (J.D.) from Hofstra University School of Law and has been a member of the New York State Bar since 2005. She was later admitted to the U.K. Roll of Solicitors in 2010. She is a New York and Connecticut-licensed P&C broker. Hara is the co-President of the Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) NY/NJ Chapter and serves on the board of directors of New York Maritime Inc. (NYMAR).
Job Titles:
- Associate
- CLIENT ASSOCIATE
Jennifer Gobin serves as Client Associate for Core Assurance Partners in our Private Client Practice. She is responsible for enhancing relationships and interacting with clients to resolve their day-to-day Private Client insurance needs.
Jenny has been in the professional services industry for three years following a career switch from the sports industry. Since relocating to the Hampton Roads area, Jenny spent several years in operations for a local financial firm. She began her career at the world's largest sports media company, followed by several years working in college athletics, where she was a member of an NCAA National Championship winning program. Jenny is dedicated to providing excellent client service and building lasting relationships with clients and colleagues with clear and consistent communication.
Jenny is pursuing a Virginia Property and Casualty license and is currently participating in the firm's training and development program. She is an alumna of the University of Connecticut, where she earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Sport Management and Educational Leadership.
Jenny is a resident of Norfolk, VA, and enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dog. She also enjoys being active and involved in the community by playing and coaching ultimate frisbee.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Client Associate
Jessica Mueller serves as Client Associate at Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for enhancing client relationships and interacting with clients to resolve day-to-day needs and perform account analysis.
Jessica has worked in the insurance industry for 18 years. In that time, she has developed and maintained relationships with top insurance companies, enabling her to provide clients with outstanding products and services.
Jessica earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Old Dominion University.
Jessica is a resident of Virginia Beach, VA. In addition to spending time with family and friends, she enjoys shopping for antiques and working in her garden.
Judy Thow serves as Senior Client Associate at Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for the development and care of client relationships within our Private Client Practice.
Judy has been in the insurance industry for over 30 years. She began her career with Creech Insurance as the receptionist, and through years of various positions in the agency, she made her way to managing the personal insurance department. Judy enjoys building strong professional relationships with her clients and is committed to providing her clients with excellent client service.
Judy has earned the Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR) designation and maintains a Virginia Property and Casualty License.
Judy is originally from Lynchburg, VA, and has been a resident of Virginia Beach for more than 35 years. In addition to spending time with her husband, children, and friends, she enjoys spending her free time kayaking and walking, she also enjoys living near the beach.
Job Titles:
- Client Associate Assistant
- Client Associate Associate
Kim Powis serves as Client Associate Assistant for Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for assisting the firm's Client Associates with daily service needs to ensure that client expectations are exceeded.
Kim has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. She began her career with a national insurance carrier before transitioning to a local agency. There, she held a variety of positions in the personal insurance, commercial insurance, and accounting departments before joining Creech Insurance in 1998.
Kim has earned the Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR) designation and maintains a Virginia Property and Casualty License.
Kim is a resident of Virginia Beach, VA. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking and being active outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Client Associate
Evelina Domanski (Lina) serves as a Client Associate at Core Assurance Partners. Her primary responsibilities are building and refining client relationships by performing account analyses and interacting with clients in their day to day needs.
Lina began her insurance career at a national risk management brokerage in 2014 prior to joining Core Assurance. Lina is committed to updating her product knowledge and delivering reliable service with clear and consistent communication with clientele.
Lina earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Russian from Old Dominion University. She maintains a Property and Casualty Insurance license in the state of Virginia.
A native of Croatia, Lina considers Virginia Beach her second home and is fond of the natural beauty of the area. Lina serves the Hampton Roads community in several philanthropic roles and is markedly proud of being able to protect children's rights as a Court Appointed Special Advocate with the Virginia Beach Juvenile Domestic Relations Court System.
Melody Barnes serves as a Senior Client Associate at Core Assurance Partners. Melody is responsible for enhancing client relationships and interacting with clients to resolve day-to-day needs and perform account analysis.
Melody has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years, starting her career in the personal insurance sector at a local independent agency. She honed her skills and transitioned to commercial insurance in 2012. Melody is committed to fully understanding the businesses she serves and to building lasting professional relationships.
Melody earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from George Mason University.
Melody is a lifelong resident of Virginia Beach, VA. In addition to spending valued time with her family and friends, Melody enjoys living an active lifestyle and serving the community in various philanthropic efforts.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Client Associate
Michele Curtis serves as a Client Associate at Core Assurance Partners. Michele is responsible for enhancing client relationships and interacting with clients to resolve day-to-day needs and perform account analysis.
Michele has worked in the insurance industry for more than 30 years, beginning her career with a top insurance company in the northern Virginia area, where she held various commercial insurance positions in the claims department and as a commercial underwriter. She relocated to Hampton Roads in 2004 and transitioned to the agency side of the business working for a handful of local large insurance brokers. She has developed and maintained relationships with multiple insurance companies, enabling her to provide clients with outstanding products and services.
Michele maintains a Property and Casualty Insurance license in the state of Virginia and earned the professional designation Associate in Insurance Account Management (AIAM).
Michele is a resident of Chesapeake, VA. In addition to spending time with family and friends, she enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, long walks with her dog, gardening and arts and crafts. She is also active in the local Porsche Club of America of which she enjoys volunteering in events to benefit the local community.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Client Associate
Natalie Davidson serves as a Client Associate for Core Assurance Partners. In this role, she is responsible for enhancing client relationships, interacting with clients to resolve day-to-day needs, and performing account analysis for clients in our Private Client Practice.
Natalie has been in the insurance industry for 9 years. She began her insurance career at a local independent insurance agency.
Natalie graduated from Old Dominion University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She maintains a Virginia Property and Casualty license as well as a Virginia Life & Annuities license.
Natalie is a long-time resident of Virginia Beach, though originally from Buffalo, NY. She enjoys time with her husband, two children, and dog, spending most days outside. She can usually be found boating, fishing, or by the pool.
Roxanne Sayre serves as Director of Finance for Core Assurance Partners. Roxanne is responsible for financial operations, reporting and oversees the accounting of the firm. Additionally, she manages the human resources of the organization and assists with any operational needs as they arise.
Roxanne began her career at a large public accounting firm, gaining knowledge on how publicly traded companies operate. She then transitioned out of public accounting and has been in the insurance industry for 13 years. Prior to joining Core Assurance Partners, Roxanne led the financial operations team for a national insurance brokerage firm regionally.
Roxanne is a graduate of Western Michigan University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. She maintains a Virginia Property & Casualty Insurance License.
Roxanne lives in the Harrisonburg, Virginia metro area. She is a Detroit, Michigan native who loves living near the mountains. Roxanne and her husband like spending as much time as possible outdoors with their dog, hiking, running, and discovering Virginia wine country. They also enjoy traveling abroad and experiencing new and different cultures.
Job Titles:
- President Emeritus
- PRESIDENT EMERITUS, CREECH INSURANC
Job Titles:
- Executive Administrative Assistant
- EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Sheri Bond serves as Executive Administrative Assistant for Core Assurance Partners. Sheri is responsible for administration, communications, and information/technology systems throughout Core Assurance offices.
Sheri has been in the insurance industry for more than 25 years, beginning her career in claims and continuing in commercial insurance. Sheri serves as a Certified Public Notary.
Sheri is a resident of Virginia Beach, VA. She is a California native and enjoys living near the beach. Sheri enjoys spending time with family and her two teenage daughters.
Solach Burch serves as Client Associate at Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for enhancing client relationships, interacting with clients to resolve day-to-day needs, and performing account analysis.
Job Titles:
- Technical Client Associate
Tracy Minnich serves as Technical Client Associate at Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for providing expertise and collaborative support to Client Associates in our Business Insurance division.
Tracy has been in the insurance industry for more than 30 years. She began her career with a local insurance agency in Chesapeake, VA, later working for a regional agency in Virginia Beach. In her roles, Tracy has held various commercial insurance positions, including Commercial Lines Manager and new business marketing.
Tracy maintains a Property and Casualty insurance license in the state of Virginia. She has also achieved the Associate in Supervisory Management (AISM), Associate in Account Management (AIAM), and Certified Builders Insurance Associate (CBIA) designations.
Tracy is a resident of Virginia Beach. She enjoys traveling to tropic climates, spending time with her family, and supporting her favorite philanthropy, Southeastern Virginia Golden Retriever Rescue, Education and Training (SEVA).
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Resident of Virginia Beach
Trey Braithwaite serves as Associate at Core Assurance Partners. He is responsible for business development and cultivating long-term strategic client relationships.
Trey utilizes his more than 23 years of business experience, 12 years in the insurance industry, to develop and place innovative insurance solutions for middle to large market companies, addressing complex domestic and international exposures. Prior to Core Assurance, Trey was Vice President of a national firm, heading up the Hampton Roads office where he was responsible for all aspects of developing business and maintaining client relationships. He is well respected in the marketplace and is committed to being innovative and client-centric. Trey's clients have ranged from large real estate operations, global distributors, construction, complex government contractors, and maritime-related risks.
Trey is a graduate of Old Dominion University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude, in Management.
Trey is a resident of Virginia Beach, VA. He has served on the Boards of the Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council, Princess Anne Country Club, and the Virginia Beach Assembly and is involved in other valuable community initiatives such as diabetes research, autism support, and disadvantaged adults & youths.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Resident of Virginia Beach
Will Russell serves as Vice President at Core Assurance Partners. He is responsible for business development and strategic client relationships. Will serves his current clientele while also developing new partnerships and creative solutions for the firm, notably in the maritime, construction, and real estate industries.
Prior to joining Core Assurance, Will worked as a risk advisor for a regional insurance broker. He has worked in Italy and London, building key relationships and knowledge geared towards the future of the maritime insurance industry.
Will is a graduate of Hampden Sydney College, where he received his Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, in Economics. He currently holds a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLSC) designation and is currently working towards a Certified Marine Insurance Professional (CMIP) designation. Will completed the Cincinnati Insurance School New Producer Program as first in his class. He is the Chairman of the Future Leaders of the Virginia Maritime Association and has been instrumental in the design and implementation of the Maritime Leadership Certificate Program. Will graduated from the inaugural class of the 2-year Maritime Leadership Certificate Program in 2021.
Will is a resident of Virginia Beach, VA. When he is not with his wife, daughter, family, or friends, he can be found enjoying the outdoors. His pastimes include boating, surfing, hunting, and golf. Will is involved in numerous local organizations and believes in giving back to the community he serves. He serves on the Future Generations Board of Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters and the boards of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic, the Virginia Gentlemen Foundation, and the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum.
Zack Brandau is President of Core Assurance Partners. Zack leads the daily operations of the firm and is responsible for strategic growth initiatives and overseeing client relationships.
Zack has been in the insurance business for more than 12 years and is respected throughout the industry for his real estate related insurance and risk management expertise. He has served clients throughout the U.S. and globally in the design and implementation of complex insurance and risk management programs. Prior to founding Core Assurance in 2017, Zack was Senior Vice President with a national brokerage where he co-chaired the company's National Real Estate Practice. He has been recognized for his sales success and leadership; achieving local, regional and national awards for new client growth and retention. Zack is an innovative and forward-thinking leader committed to service excellence, transparency and advocacy for all Core Assurance clients. Under his leadership, the firm has realized exceptional organic growth and market presence.
Zack is a graduate of George Mason University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Marketing.
Zack is a native of the Tidewater area and now lives in Virginia Beach with his wife and two daughters. He currently serves on the board of The Virginia Gentlemen Foundation and is active in the numerous events they host annually to raise awareness for their cause. Zack is a member of the Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club and is a lifelong car enthusiast.