Olivia Wood, CPCU, AINS, AIS

Olivia obtained her degree in Risk Management and Insurance from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2018. She showcased her leadership skills as President of VCU’s Gamma Iota Sigma chapter, which is a business fraternity dedicated to Risk Management, Insurance, and Actuarial Science. Olivia’s continued commitment to education is evident through her prestigious designations, including CPCU, AINS, and AIS.

Her journey with Continental Underwriters began in September 2016 as a Risk Assessment Assistant, where her thirst for knowledge, work ethic, and attention to detail immediately stood out. Graduating to a full-time role as an Underwriting Analyst was a natural progression for her.

Today, Olivia holds the position of Team Lead for the Underwriting Analysts, where she has utilized her skills as a natural leader to become an indispensable asset to the team. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous growth.

Olivia remains an integral part of CU’s success, exemplified by her participation in the prestigious Lloyd’s of London Broker Academy in 2022. Her dedication to learning and industry leadership continues to drive both her career and our organization’s triumphs. Beyond work, she enjoys iced lattes while working with her dog, Cocoa, in the vibrant Richmond neighborhood of Scott’s Addition.

Andrew Belcher

Prior to joining our team, Andrew worked through high school and college at his family’s trophy business where he gained a solid business foundation. While in college he decided to pursue a career in insurance and build his own name. Upon receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Risk Management from Virginia Commonwealth University, Andrew joined Continental Underwriters, Inc. as an Assistant Underwriter. Andrew has worn many hats over the last 8 years, now holding a role as Underwriting Division Lead where he manages a book of business on the Structured Risk Team and also has the pleasure of leading and working closely with all the talented underwriters at Continental Underwriters. Andrew has a passion for the wood products space and works hard to see the exposures as more than what is submitted on a piece of paper. He sees how a company runs, how it grows, and what it needs to be properly protected. He learns each business and works hard to bring value as he builds an insurance program around the specific needs of that business and those it employs. Andrew brings a young, fresh mind to our underwriting team and an eagerness to win as a team while doing it the right way, and have fun doing it! He challenges us all to work harder and smarter to ensure we are the best in the industry.

In his spare time, Andrew lives for anything to do with sports, competition, being outdoors, and traveling with his wife and young daughters.

Melissa Berry

Melissa grew up in Rockingham County, VA and moved to Richmond, VA with $20 in her pocket and a dream of success. In 2007, she started her insurance career at a local insurance agency where she held the roles of Technical Assistant and Assistant Underwriter. As most in the industry know, when the Insurance bug bites, it doesn’t let go! In 2011, she received the offer of a lifetime – a chance to work for a company with an amazing culture and mentors to help guide her to achieve that dream she moved to the big city for! Melissa’s new role ended up transitioning away from underwriting and toward an administrative and support role, which she came to realize was her area of excellence. She continued this role through the creation of Continental Underwriters, Inc. in early 2013. Melissa was, and continues to be, a cheerleader for every member of the Continental Underwriters team. She is passionate about what we do and the industry we serve, and has played an integral role in the growth and success of Continental Underwriters over the years. With the growth of the company, new opportunities have emerged and Melissa has taken over the role of Marketing Director. Her passion, caring, strong work ethic, and constant desire to improve make her the perfect fit for the role of leading our marketing, social media, events and design. Afterall, who better to promote our business than someone who jokes that she bleeds Continental green?!

Melissa now resides in Mechanicsville, Virginia, with her husband and daughter. Her daughter loves to visit the office from time to time to say hi and make everyone smile with the electric personality she gets from her mom. In their free time, Melissa and her family often visit her family in Harrisonburg, and cheer on their local college team, the James Madison University Dukes! Go Dukes!

Corey Bounds

Corey’s journey is deeply rooted in the values of hard work, instilled during his upbringing in the family farm supply business. He solidified these principles by graduating from Mississippi State University in 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, marking the commencement of his career in the insurance industry. From the very beginning, Corey’s professional focus has revolved around risk assessment and loss prevention tailored explicitly to the forest products industry. His journey commenced at Lumbermen’s Underwriting Alliance in 2002, initially as a Loss Prevention Representative. In an astonishingly brief span of five years, Corey’s exceptional contributions propelled him into the role of Loss Prevention Manager. Four years later, he continued to ascend, assuming the prestigious position of Regional Loss Prevention Manager for the Eastern United States.

Corey’s meteoric rise within the industry stands as a testament to his unwavering work ethic, insatiable hunger for success, and unparalleled dedication to both his team and customers. He has personally visited numerous mills across the United States, gaining invaluable firsthand insights into the inherent risks of the forest products industry. With an innate ability to analyze and comprehend risk and risk exposures, Corey assists our insured clients, spanning from small milling operations to large, complex facilities, in running safe and profitable businesses. His contributions extend beyond this, as he plays a pivotal role in training and educating our underwriters, ensuring they have a comprehensive understanding of the unique aspects of each operation we work with.

Corey is irreplaceable, serving as an indispensable asset to both the Continental Underwriters team and our esteemed customers. Outside of his professional life, Corey resides in Mississippi with his wife and three children. Together, they relish the joys of camping, canoeing, participating in baseball and softball, and showcasing livestock. Corey can be found actively engaged in his local church, and occasionally, in his recliner for a post-lunch nap.

Kelly G. Park, CSP

Kelly’s journey commenced with the completion of his Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health at Murray State University. He embarked on his career in safety and risk management within the insurance industry, focusing primarily on workers’ compensation insurance. Throughout his professional journey, Kelly has collaborated with a diverse array of industry players, including multi-line carriers, self-insured group programs, brokers, TPAs, and captives, amassing a wealth of experience. While his career has taken him across different sectors, his unwavering passion has consistently centered on the forestry industry.

Kelly’s notable accomplishments include overseeing risk management programs for the Tennessee Forestry Association Workers Compensation Program and the Kentucky Forest Industries Worker’s Compensation Program, attesting to his expertise in the field. He has earned the esteemed title of Certified Safety Professional, a testament to his qualifications and dedication.

Residing in Kentucky, Kelly values precious moments spent with family and friends. During his leisure hours, he skillfully weaves captivating stories and has authored two books that feature interviews with baseball legends, titled “Just Like Me: When the Pros Played on the Sandlot, Volume 1 and 2.” Kelly’s personal motto reflects his commitment to excellence and loyalty: “Be the best you can be, Be proud of the work you do, Be loyal.”

Autumn Garcia

Autumn joined our CU team in mid- 2020 with prior experience in the insurance, administrative and customer service industry. She was more than ready to take on any tasks given to her, well equipped with all of the knowledge necessary to succeed in her role. While she did take some time away from working to raise her daughter, she has not lost her touch and greets each new workday with a bubbly spirit and sunny disposition. She prides herself on being a reliable, confident, and enthusiastic person.

Autumn’s other passions include baking, Netflix binging and spending quality time with her friends and family, especially her daughter. She is eager to further her knowledge of the industry and is excited to see what else it may have in store for her.

ANDREA GREEN

Andrea brought over 9 years of valuable experience in the insurance industry, primarily in claims handling when she joined Continental Underwriters, Inc. in February 2019. Since her arrival, Andrea has proven to be an excellent addition to our team. She possesses a strong passion for assisting others and is driven to develop her career further, deepening her knowledge of our forest products niche. Her enthusiasm is dedicated to providing top-notch service to our clients, agents, and carrier partners.

Outside of the office, Andrea loves spending time with family and friends, visiting local wineries, and traveling. She particularly enjoys being on the water and takes trips to the beach whenever possible, often accompanied by her husband and their silver lab, Beck

Ni’Asia Griffin

Ni’Asia is a graduate of Mary Baldwin University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English. Her tenure at Mary Baldwin University was marked by her active involvement in leadership roles, including serving as the Lead Resident Advisor for the Office of Residence Life. These experiences have endowed Ni’Asia with a profound understanding of effective teamwork and communication, which she believes are key ingredients for success.

During her academic journey, Ni’Asia delved into the history and significance of leadership, completing a leadership minor to further refine her knowledge and skills in this domain. With her background in leadership, Ni’Asia embarked on her journey with Continental Underwriters in July 2022, joining as an Underwriting Technician with a strong desire to contribute beyond the realm of underwriting. Ni’Asia plays a crucial role in various aspects of the company, from helping plan events to assisting with policy-related tasks. Her willingness to lend a helping hand extends to both clients and fellow analysts.

Outside her professional pursuits, Ni’Asia takes pleasure in exploring the vibrant offerings of Richmond. Her hobbies include culinary endeavors, exploring new local restaurants, and cherishing quality moments spent with friends and family.

Amanda Huang

Amanda Huang first entered the insurance industry after receiving her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from James Madison University in 2005. She started making copies and answering phones at a Managing General Agency and Wholesaler where she first began her career mission of serving the forest products niche. Working her way from the front desk to underwriting, Amanda’s humble yet consistent dedication to improvement and knowledge has allowed her to establish an impressive career.

Flash back to 2013 – Continental Underwriters, Inc. was born! Amanda’s focus shifted from underwriting to operations. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to build a strong foundation for the company by building agency management systems, setting internal goals and defining company initiatives. While always considering the big picture, she is still heavily involved in the day-to-day underwriting and operations at Continental. Her experience and keen eye for detail make her a tremendous resource for all of our underwriters.. Her dedication to her career is underscored by her recent achievement of earning an MBA in December 2022, further enhancing her capacity to contribute to the company’s operations and growth.

Amanda lives by the motto: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys quality time with her husband and two young children. In her downtime, you’ll find her reading, watching movies, and going on family trips. She’s a proud supporter of her Alma Mater, James Madison University – go Dukes! 🏈

C. Preston Herrington, III

Preston boasts an impressive career spanning over 30 years in the insurance industry, with a specialized focus on forest products insurance for over 25 years. His success is attributed to his knack for building and nurturing relationships with industry leaders and his dedication to mentoring future leaders.

The foundation of Preston’s remarkable career is rooted in his competitive spirit and unwavering commitment to getting the job done, regardless of the circumstances. This ethos was forged during his five-year tenure in the Navy, three of which were served as a U.S. Navy SEAL, defending his country with honor. Following his military service, Preston transitioned to various insurance companies, primarily in underwriting roles. However, in 1996, he made the pivotal decision to leave the large corporate environment and join a small agency, where he spent 17 years as a Managing General Agent and Wholesaler, specializing in forest products insurance.

In 2013, Preston and his team embarked on the journey of creating Continental Underwriters, Inc., a pivotal moment that has defined the company’s trajectory ever since. His wealth of experience in the forest products insurance industry, coupled with his unwavering commitment to his employees and customers, has cultivated a winning team with a shared passion and commitment to being “The National Solution to Your Local Risk.” While a substantial portion of his time is now dedicated to shaping the strategy and growth of Continental Underwriters, Inc., Preston’s innate drive remains in getting actively involved with underwriters, agents, and insureds to deliver the best products and services possible. It is not unusual to find him deeply engaged in the placement of complex insurance risks, collaborating with adjusters on significant claims, or mentoring young underwriters, generously sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise. Preston’s true passion lies in helping people and solving problems, a mission he embraces every day.

As a native of Louisiana, Preston has a profound appreciation for the outdoors. When he’s not at his Chesapeake Bay residence or enjoying quality time with his wife of over 24 years and three children, he can be found in a deer stand, a duck blind, on a golf course, out on a boat, or behind the wheel of an antique car. Preston is also a talented cook, renowned for his mastery of gumbo. Having resided in Richmond, Virginia, for over 30 years, Preston actively participates in various social and civic organizations, maintaining a strong connection to the local community.

Caitlin Jones

Carmen Justice

Carmen’s journey is rooted in her proud graduation from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where she earned a degree in Risk Management and Insurance. During her time at VCU, Carmen was an active participant in Gamma Iota Sigma, the International Risk Management, Insurance, and Actuarial Science Fraternity. Her commitment to education and career development was evident in her rigorous course load, enthusiastic involvement in GIS activities, and simultaneous role as a restaurant manager. She further honed her skills through an internship at a local insurance agency specializing in tow-truck operations.

Carmen is consistently described by her peers as a highly motivated individual with an unwavering determination to achieve her goals, regardless of the challenges she faces. Her innate interest in the transportation industry and its associated risks naturally led her to the Transportation Team at Continental Underwriters. Carmen’s dedication to learning and her eagerness to diversify within the insurance industry prompted her transition to the Forest Products Division as an Underwriter Analyst. Notably, Carmen’s commitment to learning has recently led her to complete several Micro-Certs through The Institute, with plans to obtain more in the future. Her accomplished Micro-Certs include Workers Comp Foundations, Commercial Risk Foundations, and Commercial Coverage Gaps.

Beyond her professional life, Carmen cherishes the time spent with her family and friends. She takes pleasure in exploring new restaurants in Richmond, experimenting with cooking, indulging in cycling, and nurturing her passion for photography when she’s not at work. Carmen’s self-motivation and strong work ethic make her an indispensable member of our team, and we are honored to have her as part of our workforce.

Bernie Kurtzweil

Bernie is a 30 year veteran of the Property/Casualty Insurance industry. He is a Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and has earned his Associate in Risk Management and Associate in Reinsurance designations, along with the Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt certification. Throughout his career, Bernie has worked at several top-notch insurance companies and managing general agencies. Bernie has experience underwriting diverse lines of coverage and even led the implementation and launch of the first ever Cyber Liability product! His insurance career brought him to forest products in the early 2000’s when he became the Program Manager for one of the leading providers of insurance for the forest products industry. Of course, Bernie’s hands-on experience in the industry came much earlier. Bernie’s first exposure to forest products came at age 7 when he began working with his father’s logging operation in Wisconsin. He continued this for 16 years until he earned degrees in Finance and Economics from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. Bernie’s combination of real world and insurance experience is rare and offers the foundation for bringing together practical solutions for complex problems. His perspective allows us to see the big picture and the smallest of details when creating comprehensive asset protection strategies for our customers. At Continental Underwriters, Bernie enjoys being able to share his knowledge and experience in finding new opportunities, solving challenges, and making the full circle back to the wood products industry that began for him over 46 years ago.

His wife of over 20 years and two daughters spend as much time outdoors as possible. If not at their mountain retreat, you can find them at home in Ashland, VA.

Kate Lapkinski

Tzachi Lozano

Tzachi Lozano came aboard in May 2021, he works to help moderate and maintain workflow. Before starting at Continental Underwriters, Tzachi studied political science and business entrepreneurship at VCU. After graduating, he worked in home renovations and was able to continue his previous passion for martial arts. Now, part of the CU Team he is happy to use the experiences he cultivated over the past decades of working in tight knit groups to achieve goals. Tzachi has always been eager to learn new things and processes. Now, diving into the insurance world, he seeks how he can play a part in helping the CU Team and all partnerships achieve new goals.

Tzachi has had the opportunity to travel across the US, UK, Europe, and Africa. A lover of the path less traveled and meeting new people, he has been able to adapt to many different situations. While venturing, he has learned not only the importance of people’s differences but how those differences, when brought together create the most powerful solutions. Teamwork is a necessity for success. This is why Tzachi feels so much at home with Continental Underwriters, where teamwork and community are primary.

When not in the office, you will find Tzachi out and about, checking out the newest spot downtown or the dustiest hiking path. No adventure is too big or too small!

Ricky Rutter

Before Ricky joined Continental Underwriters Inc., he spent six years as a Firefighter/Paramedic. His firsthand experience as a first responder has equipped him with valuable insights into mitigating hazards. Furthering his skill set, Ricky utilized his attention to detail working as a Home Inspector, ensuring that even the smallest of details are noted and properly addressed. Ricky’s knowledge and experience position him as a valuable asset to our Risk Assessment Team.

Outside of work, Ricky is a passionate traveler who seeks new adventures around the world. In his role as a Risk Assessment Representative at Continental Underwriters, Ricky has the opportunity to continue traveling across the United States.

Dale Schmincke

Dale graduated from Radford University in 1995 with a degree in Business Operations Management. His career began in his hometown of Forest, Virginia, where he joined a direct marketing company shortly after graduation. Eager to advance, Dale seized an opportunity to move to Richmond and joined an exciting marketing agency. For seven years, he excelled in helping companies expand their customer base through successful direct marketing campaigns.

In 2006, Dale played a pivotal role in launching Venture Specialty Insurance (VSI). Leveraging his marketing experience, he targeted specialty niche markets within the insurance industry. In just a few years, VSI became a top retail agency in the commercial auto industry. Dale developed a passion for the insurance industry, relishing the competitive nature of creating and selling new products and building strong partnerships with insurance carriers.

In 2014, Dale embraced a unique opportunity to establish a Transportation division with a focus on specialty niches like wood haulers and logging companies. He joined the Continental Underwriters team and has since been responsible for the development and consistent growth of these product lines. Dale also contributes as a Production Underwriter on the Forest Products/Manufacturing Team.

Dale’s industry expertise and deep understanding of its people make him invaluable. He prioritizes working closely with business and agency owners, as well as our carrier partners, to craft comprehensive and competitive insurance programs for our customers. Dale consistently goes the extra mile to ensure our customers have the coverage they need to run successful and profitable businesses.

When not at work, Dale enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. He passionately supports his daughter’s Field Hockey endeavors, and their weekends are dedicated to quality family time.

Woody Stanchina

Woody graduated from VCU in 2016 with a degree in Risk Management and Insurance and served as VP of Gamma Iota Sigma, the International Risk Management and Insurance professional fraternity, during his senior year. He joined Continental Underwriters in 2015 as a Risk Assessment Intern and later became a Production Underwriter, the role he remains in today. In 2022, he earned his Executive MBA from VCU, highlighting his commitment to learning and industry relationships. Woody is known for his rigorous customer advocacy, His keen awareness of market trends, and his consistent efforts to foster relationships with both new and existing clients. Woody’s unwavering commitment to his clients knows no bounds. His tenacious attitude empowers him to conquer even the most challenging scenarios, leaving no account beyond his reach. Woody’s dedication to excellence drives him to consistently go above and beyond, ensuring he uncovers the absolute best solutions for his clients.

Beyond work, he enjoys sports, outdoor activities and cherishes time with friends and family. He loves traveling to find the next best meal and spending time in the kitchen cooking for family and friends. Additionally, he is set to marry his fiancé, Cat, next spring, adding another exciting chapter to his life.

Callie Vasiliou

Callie became a part of Continental Underwriters, Inc. in February 2020, bringing three years of industry experience, primarily in claims handling. Her positive attitude, ability to thrive under pressure, and quick learning skills quickly established her as a valuable asset to the team. Callie is unwavering in her commitment to delivering exceptional customer service to our clients and readily offers her assistance wherever needed.

Although she initially started as an Underwriting Technician, Callie’s insatiable appetite for learning has propelled her into her current role as an Underwriting Analyst. Callie goes above and beyond, dedicating early mornings and late hours to ensure our clients’ success. She is devoted to expanding CU’s clientele and is dedicated to their prosperity. Her aspirations include continued growth within the company.

Beyond the office, Callie resides in Goochland, VA, where she relishes her personal time. Her interests encompass visiting wineries, creating cherished memories with family and friends, and fervently supporting her beloved hockey team, the Hurricanes (GO CANES!).