Sales Producers
Charles Heath McKeehan
Heath attended Middle Tennessee State University and started his professional career in the family business, McKeehan Chair Company. With furniture manufacturing predominantly moving outside the United States, Heath decided to make a career move and joined Athens Insurance Agency in March of 2002. Heath serves on the BlueCross Blue Shield of Tennessee “Broker Advisory Council”. Heath and his wife Heather have three daughters. He is a licensed pilot and an avid golfer.
S. Jason McConkey
Jason attended Tennessee Wesleyan College where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business. While obtaining his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, he worked as a licensed contractor, specializing in custom home construction. Jason began his career at Athens Insurance in 2006. He participates in the Boy Scouts of America annual skeet shoot and is a part of the Athens Insurance shooting team where he has placed first. Jason and his wife, Chrissi, have three daughters. He spends his free time hunting, fishing and working in his vineyard, Beaver Creek Vineyard.
Christopher Liner
Chris joined Athens Insurance in August of 2009 after his family owned agency, Liner and Associates, was purchased by Athens Insurance. Chris has 26 years of experience in the insurance industry with an emphasis being in government and public sector accounts. Chris attended the University of Kentucky where he was the captain of the golf team from 1991-1993. Chris and his family are active members of Keith Memorial United Methodist Church. Chris is very active in the Athens community. He was elected four times to serve on the Athens City School Board where he was the vice-chairman of the board. He was a board member for the 10th Judicial Childrens Advocacy Center, United Way volunteer, Athens Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce volunteer and chairman of the "Athens Chamber of Commerce / Jimmy Liner Christmas Parade". In 2008 Chris was selected as the Athens Chamber of Commerce “Young Man of the Year”. Chris and his wife, LeAnn live in Athens and have four children: Mayson, Emily, Creed, and Ty.
Kathy Underwood
Kathy began her insurance experience at age 17 working in her Dad’s insurance agency. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a BS Degree in Logistics, Kathy worked for companies such as United States Lines (Sales), Sara Lee (Distribution, Fleet and Safety Management), and GE (Inventory Control). For the past 8 years, Kathy has been helping employers reduce their healthcare cost, and assisting them in the overall management of their employee benefit programs. Joining Athens Insurance in 2009, opened opportunities to help employers with Commercial and Workman’s Compensation Insurance programs as well as Employee Benefits. Kathy resides in Knoxville with her two children.
Cullen Trew
Cullen attended The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he earned his Bachelors of Science in Business Administration in 2013. Upon graduation, he moved backed to Athens and began his career here with us at Athens Insurance. Cullen enjoys spending his free time outdoors playing golf, hunting, and fishing. Cullen and his wife, Katie, have two sons, Cohen and Paxton.
Crockett Shamblin
Crockett graduated from Cleveland State Community College in 1996 with an Associates of Science degree in Pre-Physical Therapy, and then attended East Tennessee State University. Crockett joined Athens Insurance in November of 2015, after previously working for Liberty Mutual Insurance as a Lead Sales Representative since 2004. Crockett has over 11 years of experience in the insurance industry with his emphasis being in Personal Lines. Crockett enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, skiing, and running, but prefers to spend most of his free time investing in relationships with his family & friends.
Andy Crichton
Andy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Westminster College in 1995, soon thereafter began his insurance career with the Crichton Group in Nashville, Tennessee. In 2002 he returned to his hometown of Columbia, to begin a nearly fifteen year stint with a firm located there. He has been with Athens Insurance since September of 2016, and manages an office for them in Columbia. Andy and his wife Julie have two girls Sarah Ann and Perry. In his free time Andy enjoys music, sports and traveling with family and friends.
Charles Mayfield
A native of Athens, TN, Charles received his Bachelor of Science in Management from Georgia Tech in 1997 and immediately began his career as a financial advisor with Prudential. He got his CFP® designation in 2004 from Duke University and cofounded a financial planning firm in Atlanta, GA. Charles has owned and operated a personal training gym and coauthored three cookbooks. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking and growing food, kettlebell training, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and most anything involving being outdoors.
Don Everett
Don became part of Athens Insurance after the purchase of Everett Insurance Agency in January 2017. He graduated in 1972 (BS) and 1974 (M Ed) from MTSU. He started his insurance career in 1977 with an Independent agency until opening Everett Insurance Agency in 2005. Don and his wife, Linda, reside in Lewisburg, TN where they enjoy all sports and the outdoors.
David Liggett
David Liggett joined Athens Insurance in June of 2018 and has over 15 years of experience as a producer of personal & commercial lines insurance. His prior role, before joining with Athens Insurance, was as the lead sales representative for the local State Farm office in Lewisburg, TN, where he focused on the writing and servicing of auto, home, life, & health insurance as well as being certified in banking to write vehicle loans, savings and checking accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit. Before deciding on a career in insurance, David attended Martin Methodist College for two years, where his focus was on Church Music. After returning home to Lewisburg, David graduated from Columbia State with an associate degree in science. David enjoys spending his free time with his boys and performing with his Folk/Americana band Good Medicine.
Jackson Guy
Jackson joined Athens Insurance in January of 2020. He graduated from Tennessee Tech University where he spent four years as a member of the Golden Eagle Football team as a quarterback. At Tennessee Tech, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education with emphases in history and political science. He served as Vice President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, which acts as a go-between for athletes and athletic administrators on a school and conference level. He and his wife Rachel live in Knoxville, TN and enjoy spending their free time outdoors, playing golf, watching sports, hunting, and staying active.
Seth Bohannon
Seth graduated from Cleveland State in 2006 with a business management degree. He then joined Liberty Mutual in 2007 as a producer in Chattanooga. In 2019 he joined Athens Insurance as a producer. Seth and his wife Jessica reside in Athens with their children. Seth enjoys spending time with family, helping on the family farm and sports.
Reed Noyes
Reed will graduate from the University of Tennessee in May of 2022 with a major in Marketing and a concentration in Entrepreneurship. He was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee and loves spending his time outdoors. Reed spent a majority of his time in Knoxville working landscaping, fishing for the University of Tennessee Bass Fishing team, and supporting the Volunteers. Reed joined the Athens Insurance team in the summer of 2021.
Landon Wilson
Landon attended Tennessee Tech University, where he earned his Bachelors of Science in Business Finance in 2023. After Graduation, he began his career here with us at Athens Insurance. Landon enjoys spending his free time by spending time with his friends & family, and golfing.Commercial Service Team
Phillip Johnston
Commercial Lines Marketing Agent
Phil joined Athens Insurance in 2010 as a commercial lines marketing manager after working with BB&T – Huffaker & Trimble for 8 years. Originally from Tampa, Florida, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Southern University in 2001. In 2008, he received his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. Phil and his wife, Hailey, currently reside in Ooltewah. They both enjoy outdoor activities such as golf, hiking and camping.
Melissa Bryson
Account Manager
Melissa began her career at Athens Insurance in 1996. She completed her Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) in 2005 and provides customer support for contractors, municipalities, utilities and school board systems, as well as a variety of others. Melissa holds an Associates of Science degree in Accounting from Cleveland State Community College. Melissa and her husband, Jason have two children. She enjoys time with her family and loves the open road on her motorcycle.
Kim Stewart
Account Manager
Kim joined Athens Insurance in 1998 and has worked as a commercial lines account manager since 1999. She completed her Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation in 2003. Kim specializes in mid to large size commercial accounts, including financial institutions and construction risks. Kim attended Cleveland State Community College and enjoys spending time with her family. She is actively involved in her church.
Angie Cabrera
Account Manager
Angie is originally from Miami, FL and moved to Fort Myers, FL for college studying Health Sciences. She began working full time as a commercial lines CSR at an agency in Florida and fell in love with it. She recently moved to East Tennessee in April 2019 and began working at Athens Insurance as a commercial Lines CSR in May 2019. She loves the family feeling here and her job. When she is not in the office, she enjoys hunting, fishing, photography, spending time with family and shopping locally.
Emily Wilhoit
Account Manager
Emily began her career in business at the age of 18 when she opened a local restaurant in downtown Athens. There she gained valuable experience in customer service. She joined our Athens Insurance Team as an account manager in the fall of 2013. Emily attends First Baptist Church of Athens, where she helps with the youth and teaches Sunday school for junior high girls. In her spare time she enjoys rock climbing with her husband Wes, playing tennis, boating, and cooking.
Chae Hart-Whitworth
Account Manager
Chae began her insurance experience in 1996, after residing in West Tennessee and attending the University of Tennessee at Martin. She moved back to her home town of Franklin, Tennessee, where she embarked on a twenty-two year career in Insurance that includes Insurance Administration, Risk Management, Account Executive, Claims Adjuster, and Physical Premium Auditor. She joined Athens Insurance in May 2018 as a Licensed Commercial and Personal Lines Account Manager in the Columbia, Tennessee branch office. Chae and her husband, Todd have one son. She enjoys watching her son play sports, meeting new people, spending time with family and friends, music, nature and travel. Australia, Scotland, and Tuscany, Italy are on her bucket list!
Reba Mangrum
Account Manager
Reba has been a licensed agent serving Lewisburg since 1969. She has a grown daughter and son and seven grandchildren. She has been an employee of Athens Insurance since January 2017.
Darlene Freeman
Claims Manager
Darlene, a Texas native and Cleveland State Community College graduate, joined Athens Insurance and became the Claims Manager in 2018. Her responsibilities include reporting both personal and commercial claims on behalf of the clients. Darlene works with the client and assists in completing all required information for the state as well as the insurance company. She also monitors the claim until its resolution. Darlene and her husband, Geoffrey, live in Athens and have six children—the last two are twins born in 2016. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and watching a variety of films and documentaries. During the school year, Darlene can often be found at a variety of school sport activities, and, during the summer, she can be spotted at minor league baseball games.
Aloysius Ufere
Gray DeBord
Employee Benefits Service Team
Brandy Roderick
Senior Account Manager
Brandy joined Athens Insurance at the age of 17 working part-time while in high school and attending college at Cleveland State Community College, where she obtained her Associates of Science Degree. She specializes in working with mid and large size groups in marketing, enrollments and service. Brandy has exceptional organizational skills and organizes our annual health and wellness fair for our local clients and seminars for all clients. Brandy and her husband, Lance have two children and enjoy family time on the weekends.
Brandon Shell
Account Manager
Brandon attended the University of Tennessee, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Sport Management and Business. During his time at the University of Tennessee, he spent three years working in football operations. He continued his educational career at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, where he received his Master’s in Business Administration. Brandon joined our team in April 2013 and handles our individual life and health, small groups, and Medicare Supplement accounts. Brandon and his wife, Leanne, reside in Athens and have one daughter. He enjoys sports, cool weather, and spending time with family and friends.
Kelsie Ervin
Account Manager
Kelsie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Tennessee Wesleyan College. After graduating from college, she continued working at Greeks Bearing Gifts where she gained valuable customer service experience. She joined Athens Insurance in February, 2016. She is a member of Athens Church of Christ. Kelsie enjoys creating art projects, shopping, and spending time with her husband David and family.
Michelle Burns
Account Manager
Michelle joined Athens Insurance in February 2016 and works with individual life & health, small groups, and Medicare supplemental accounts. She began her business career locally in 1995 as an office manager with a temp service. Since then she has worked for different local physicians handling duties of front desk, insurance billing, and data processing. Michelle is an active member of Union McMinn Baptist Church. She enjoys watching her daughter play basketball, meeting new people, shopping, and spending time with family & friends.
Gladys Roberts
Account Manager
Gladys is originally from New York City and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. She left her 14 year career as a clinical pharmacist to become a full-time mom until her daughter’s High School graduation. Hiking and traveling are among the activities she enjoys with her husband. After living in many cities in the southern U.S., they have happily chosen Athens, Tennessee as their permanent home. She joined the health benefits department of Athens Insurance in 2021.
Personal Lines Staff
Linda Green
Account Manager
Linda is a local resident and a graduate from McMinn County High. She has worked in insurance for over 7 years and has been with Athens Insurance for 3 years. She has a secretarial degree. Linda has two children and they enjoy doing outdoor activities together.
Amber Robinson
Personal Lines Marketing Rep.
Amber began her career at Athens Insurance in 2002 working as a Commercial Lines producer for 5 years and transitioned into Personal Lines. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University. She attained the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation in 2005. She has been actively involved in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Athens-McMinn Family YMCA, serving as a team leader for the McMinn County Relay for Life and serving on the McMinn County Election Commission. Amber and her husband, Todd, have one child. She enjoys spending time with family, running, reading and baking.
Kathryn Richardson
Account Manager
Kathryn attended Tennessee Wesleyan University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. She joined Athens insurance in August 2018. Kathryn and her husband, Hunter, have two children and reside in Athens. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and exercising.
Andrew Freeman
Andrew attended the University of West Florida where he received a bachelor's degree in Communications in 2019, he joined Athens Insurance in June of 2021. Andrew is also a football coach at McMinn County High here in Athens.
Shelbi Harris
Robert Gregg
Tania Gomez
Codey McNeill
Agency Staff Members
Mary Ann Penley
Mary Ann joined the insurance industry in 2002 with The Insurance Agency of McMinn County. She began working for Athens Insurance in August of 2005. She has worked with personal and commercial accounts. Mary Ann’s pleasant voice and attitude make our customers feel welcomed to our office and appreciated as customers. Mary Ann and her husband, Ron, reside in Athens. They have two children and four grandchildren.
Ben Bright
Ben comes to Athens Insurance after working at the McMinn County Courthouse. He is a 2009 graduate of McMinn County High School and a 2013 graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan College. He graduated from TWC with a degree in Business Administration.
Jeremiah Pemberton
Jeremiah joined the Athens Insurance team as an intern in 2015. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Tennessee Wesleyan College in May of 2016 he joined the team full time in the bookkeeping department. Jeremiah enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends and family.