Directors & Officers

 

William M. Thomas – Corporate President

Our Corporate President is William M. (“Bill”) Thomas who began his career at TIS following his graduation from the University of Tennessee in 1964 with a degree in Banking and Insurance. When Bill joined TIS, the Company employed just 3 employees. Since that time, Bill has provided the leadership, both in business strategy and work ethic, to build the modern day TIS. Bill has throughout his career served as a multi-line agent working with businesses and individuals to provide all lines of insurance and risk management services.

Robert C. Eldridge, Jr. – President, Commercial Insurance Division

Our Commercial Insurance Division President is Robert C. (“Bob”) Eldridge, Jr. who began his career at TIS in 1968. Following his graduation from the University of Tennessee in 1964 with a degree in Business, Bob entered the Air Force where he served as a Captain until 1968 at which time he joined TIS. Bob continues to be active as a multi-line agent and has served on numerous carrier advisory boards and is active in the community having served on the boards of several non-profit organizations and as the Co-Chairman of the Dogwood Arts Festival.

Raymond L. Oakes, III – President, Construction Division

Our Construction Division President is Raymond L. (“Bunny”) Oakes, III. Following his graduation from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Business in 1976, Bunny went to work for First American National Bank as a loan officer. He left First American in 1980 to begin his insurance career with Corroon & Black. In 1983, Bunny left Corron & Black for Sedgwick James where he began working exclusively with the construction industry. Bunny joined TIS in 1991 and established our Construction Division at that time. Bunny is very active in various construction trade associations, has served as the President of the Insurors of Tennessee, and has held leadership positions with many community organizations including the Boys & Girls Club and the Civitan Club.

Edward B. Sims – President, Healthcare Services

Our Healthcare Services President is Edward B. (“Ed”) Sims. Ed began his insurance career in 1978 in a sales capacity with Robert M. Sims Company, later becoming Vice President, then purchasing the agency in 1987. After doubling in size, the Sims Company merged with TIS in 1994. Shortly thereafter, Ed established our Healthcare Services Division. He holds the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation and is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in Business in 1981.

C. Taylor Preston – Vice-President, Healthcare Services

Our Vice-President of Healthcare Services is C. Taylor Preston. Following his graduation from the University of Georgia with a degree in Risk Management in 1989, Taylor began his career with Travelers Insurance Company. In 1996, he left Travelers to work with TIS in our Healthcare Services Division.

W. Morgan Thomas, Jr.- Vice President, Custom Commercial Agent

W. “Morgan” Thomas, Jr. serves as an agent in our Custom Commercial Division.  Morgan joined TIS in 1990 following his graduation from the University of Tennessee.

Benjamin Kelly - Vice President, Employee Benefits Division

Benjamin (Ben) Kelly received a degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee in 1990 and immediately began his career as a broker in our Employee Benefits Division. Ben has been recognized by several insurance carriers for high performance and is endorsed by the local business coalition for his commitment to creating value for his clients.

Kimberly M. Wilson – Chief Financial Officer

Our Chief Financial Officer is Kimberly M. Wilson. Kim received a degree in Accounting from the University of Tennessee in 1984 and thereafter practiced accounting with a public accounting firm located in Knoxville. Kim joined TIS in 1987 as our controller and received her CPA in 1990. She was promoted to C.F.O. in 1996. In addition, Kim has earned the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (“CPCU”) designation.

Marsha S. Peters - Chief Operating Officer

Our Chief Operating Officer is Marsha S. Peters. Marsha joined Robert M. Sims Company in 1985 as a customer service representative later acting as office manager. She worked for TIS from 1994 when Robert M. Sims Company merged with TIS until 1996. In 1996 she received a degree from the University of Tennessee in Computer Science and left TIS to pursue a position in information technology. She returned in 2000 as Director of Workflows, utilizing her knowledge of commercial insurance plus her experience in technology. She was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2001.

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