Tell us about your family, interests, hobbies, etc.

I am very fortunate to be a part of a close-knit family―my parents, Jim and Gwen, and my two brothers, Stuart and Daniel. Although I see myself as an independent and unique individual, I am an identical twin! 

I was born and raised in Charlottesville and have always called it home. My mother is a pathologist for the University of Virginia and my father has had a multi-faceted involvement in several bakeries over the years. My passions include living a healthy and active lifestyle, enjoying the outdoors, as well as keeping a keen eye on the financial sector markets. Above all, my proudest role is watching my nephew, Wesley James, grow into an incredibly vivacious young man. This gives me the most joy.  

What is your professional background and how it has led you to working in environmental insurance?

I received a BA from Mary Baldwin, with a focus on sustainable business and investments. While developing my scholastic abilities, I found ideals that emphasize profit not as the only measure of success, but also people and the planet. Through this concentration I believe we can have a positive impact on those directly in our lives, and also indirectly through the community and beyond. I have found a company with matching ideals in BHA, with integrity standing out as a focal point.

Since joining Beacon Hill Associates in the early part of 2016, I have learned how exciting it is to truly feel like I am part of a team and that I am making a difference.  I have the pleasure of working with people that inspire me daily. My coworkers are talented, driven, dedicated, innovative, and ambitious. Everyone's focus is on what's truly important, the needs of the company and the agents/clients we serve.

What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career?

There are many important lessons that have helped mold my character as I move forward. Most notably, learning how to interact and treat people with equality and emotional intelligence, while understanding that perspective diversity leads to competitive advantages in our work environment. I believe these lessons are the cornerstone of all successes in life, not only in business.

If you had to choose one word to describe the most important motivator to be a leader in your career, what would it be and why? What are you doing specifically at Beacon Hill to help you achieve this?

Positivity. I believe that being more positive in your behavior and language makes room for far greater success, satisfaction, and reward in your life. Positivity enables clearer focus on a solution rather than the problem. Being flexible, as well as keeping an open-mind, while looking for the best in every opportunity, allows me to achieve this mentality while helping in any role necessary to accomplish the goal at hand.