William ‘Bill’ Thomas CID, Chairman of the Board William M. Thomas, known to his clients as “Bill,” began his career with TIS in 1965 just after graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Banking and Insurance. Bill’s unrivaled work ethic, leadership, and business strategy helped grow TIS from just 3 employees to 150 employees strong today. With a passion for both insurance and people, Bill served as a multi-line insurance agent working with both businesses and individuals to provide all lines of insurance and risk management services.
W. Morgan Thomas Jr. Corporate President William M. Thomas, Jr., known as “Morgan” to his clients is the Corporate President of TIS. The third generation of his family, Morgan joined TIS in 1990 following his graduation from the University of Tennessee. His experience includes designing customized personal insurance plans for high net worth individuals, implementing cost-effective group benefit plans for employers of all sizes, and delivering Risk Management solutions for a variety of industries. Morgan has also served on the Board of the Episcopal School and works closely with many other non-profits to ensure their insurance programs include the key coverage necessary.
Donald B. Wake, CPCU Chief Executive Officer Don joined TIS in February 2012 as Corporate Director of Marketing and Vice President of the Commercial Insurance Division after developing vast expertise in insurance program reviews and risk management consultation. His insurance career began in 1983 as a Commercial Lines Underwriter before he joined Marsh USA in 1987. While there, he gained invaluable experience promoting through the roles of Managing Director, Client Executive, Office Head and Vice President of Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC’s Knoxville operation. Don holds a B.S. degree in insurance from the University of Tennessee. He is actively involved in his work and his community. He is currently serving on the boards of several organizations including Chief Executive Officer of the TIS Board of Directors and a member of Executive Committee for the Knoxville-Metropolitan Drug Commission. He is also Past President of the Great Smoky Mountain Chapter of CPCU, Past President of the Insurors of Knoxville, Past President of the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tennessee Valley, Inc., and Past Board Member of the West Knoxville Sertoma.
Kimberly M. Wilson Chief Financial Officer Kimberly M. Wilson is the TIS Chief Financial Officer. Kim joined TIS in 1987 as Controller and was promoted to C.F.O. in 1996. Before TIS, Kim worked as an accountant with a local firm in Knoxville. Additionally Kim is credentialed with the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation. She is also a 1984 graduate of the University of Tennessee and obtained her Certified Public Accountant certification in 1990.
Benjamin Kelly President, Employee Benefits Benjamin (Ben) Kelly joined TIS in 1990 immediately after graduating with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. He began as a broker within the Employee Benefits Division before being promoted to President of the 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.
Raymond “Bunny” L. Oakes, III President Emeritus, Construction Division Our Construction Division President Emeritus 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, and in 1983, Bunny was hired by Sedgwick James to begin working exclusively within the construction industry. Bunny joined TIS in 1991 and established our Construction Division at that time. He 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.