About Telcom
TELCOM STAFF
Robin A. Anderson
Account Executive
Direct/Fax: (360) 882-6524 Cell: (360) 513-9790 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 E-mail: RAA@TelcomInsGrp.comRobin has been in the insurance industry for more than 13 years, working in both the independent and captive markets. She and her husband David have 6 daughters who have blessed them with 14 grandchildren. Her hobbies include showing, training, & riding horses with youngest daughter. She also enjoys riding ATVs and the outdoors in her spare time.
Marilyn A. Blake, AU, CRM
Chief Operating Officer & Corporate Secretary
Direct: (301) 220-1085 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 extension 1085 Cell: (240) 475-4021 E-mail: MAB@TelcomInsGrp.comShe has a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Development. But, since they refuse to pay her to be the “Telcom Cruise Director”, she concentrates her efforts in the areas of risk management, corporate operations, Board and Shareholder administration, human resources, benefits, social events, and meetings/seminar planning. She directs Telcom Risk Management, which focuses on all claims, safety issues, education, training, risk management assessments, and loss control programs. She serves as editor for all Telcom publications. On a personal level, her favorite things other than the Cowboys—specifically Troy Aikman, are her spoiled bichon dogs—Bella and Frosty, her nieces and nephews (this fun-Aunt thing is the way to go), and the “tiny condo” in Myrtle Beach.
Alyssa N. Elliott
Account Executive
Direct & Cell: (443) 866-0302 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 E-mail: ANE@TelcomInsGrp.com Alyssa is an Account Executive and her territory is the East Coast, as well as Alabama, Mississippi, and West Virginia. She is a Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania graduate, who majored in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing. She is an avid runner who has completed various long distance races. When she is not working or running, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, especially her nephew and niece. She loves cooking, especially trying a new recipe that she finds on Pinterest. Alyssa is a huge sports fan, with her favorite teams being the Eagles and the Yankees. Not only does she enjoy watching sports, she loves to play them as well. As most of the other staff members at Telcom, she is an animal lover as well and has a German Shepard named Aria.
Peter J. Elliott, CPCU
President & Chief Executive Officer
Direct: (301) 220-1086 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 extension 1086 Cell: (301) 785-6424 E-mail: PJE@TelcomInsGrp.com As the CEO of the Company, Pete directs all aspects of Company operations and is ultimately responsible for finance, underwriting, risk management, and corporate functions. He maintains all regulatory partner and vendor relationships. He is responsible for the overall management of the Underwriting/Field Account Executives and development and maintenance of the insurance programs. He is often asked to speak and write on insurance matters for both the telecommunications and insurance industries. He also manages the insurance and risk management needs many of the NTCA members. He has two children that light up his life: Alex and Julianne. When not engaged with his family, he enjoys playing golf, doing anything that involves baseball (even coaching Little League), football (including some coaching for the local Warhawk team) or simply just being outside. He really believes that business and pleasure can mix on the golf course…call him and ask him to test that theory.
Julie A. Gogel
Director of Account Executives
Direct/Cell: (812) 660-0326 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 extension 1057 E-mail: JAG@TelcomInsGrp.comJulie is our IN resident, living close to Santa Claus…not the actual one, but the small town in IN. In addition to her own territories, she manages all of the Account Executives who “are the face of the organization” in the field. She brings with her a wealth of telecommunications experience. Julie and her husband, Jan, have two daughters, Kyla and Madison. Her favorite activities are watching her daughters play softball, spending time with family and friends, watching sports – “Colts & Yankees”, and reading…and maybe a puppy too.
James “Jim” Hummingbird
Account Executive
Direct & Cell: (972) 821-1626 E-mail: JimH@TelcomInsGrp.comJim is originally from Oklahoma and moved to Texas in 1979. He has been working in Commercial Insurance for more than twelve years. He lives in Rockwall, TX with his wife Laurie and has 2 daughters. His oldest daughter, Jordan, is currently playing water polo on Azusa Pacific University Women’s team while youngest daughter, Janelle, is swimming for both high school and club. When not at work, you can find Jim at local swim meets or water polo games. He is an assistant coach for the nation’s only all home school high school water polo team.
Janice Y. Johnson, ACSR, AU
Compliance Coordinator
Direct: (301) 220-3205 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 extension 3205 E-mail: JYJ@TelcomInsGrp.comJanice focuses much of her day on RTIC regulatory compliance. She is also the key contact for maintaining our agency management system of customer data. Janice, who has a few grandbabies, is the only girl in her house; her husband and sons reap the rewards of two of her hobbies—baking and gardening. FYI: If she ever offers you some of her pound cake, make sure you take a BIG piece. In her free time, she also enjoys reading mystery novels.
Lenia A. Johnson
Account Manager
Direct: (240) 297-4645 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 extension 4645 E-mail: LAJ@TelcomInsGrp.comLenia has worked in the insurance industry since 2007 in various roles: selling and servicing health insurance policies, claims, life insurance, personal lines and commercial lines insurance. Originally from New Jersey, she now resides in Southern Anne Arundel county with her husband, Anthony, daughter, Victoria, and son, Tristan. When she is not at a PTA function, the dance studio, or the soccer field, she enjoys entertaining and fun with family and friends, as well as, reading, watching tv and movies, sports and is active in her local church. Lenia is passionate about assisting and educating her clients while analyzing policy coverage to ensure the best service and protection.
Brian T. Jordan
Underwriter
Direct: (240) 297-5131 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 extension 5131 E-mail: BTJ@TelcomInsGrp.comBrian Jordan has been working in the insurance industry since 1984 when he started at Hanover Insurance Company in Piscataway, New Jersey as a policy checker. After graduating from Kean University in Union, New Jersey he became a Personal Lines Underwriter. He has worked on both the agency, broker and carrier side of the industry. Outside of work, he enjoys playing ping pong and taking cruises with his wife, Robin and son, Brandon. He is extremely passionate about the Dallas Cowboys and his 2012 Black Camaro, Black Betty.
Mark D. King, CPA, CGMA
Chief Financial Officer
Direct: (301) 220-3209 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 extension 3209 Cell: (443) 629-8914 E-mail: MDK@TelcomInsGrp.comMark is a member of the Telcom management team, accountable for financial operations and the ongoing development and monitoring of control systems designed to preserve company assets and report accurate results. After graduating from Towson University, he spent 19 years in public accounting with a focus on the insurance industry. Prior to joining Telcom he served as the Chief Financial Officer for a $150 million property and casualty insurance company primarily offering commercial coverages. He is an avid golfer and Baltimore Ravens fan. His son keeps them busy with soccer practices and games.
Sally J. Martin, CISR
Account Manager
Direct: (301) 220-1080 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 extension 1080 E-mail: SJM@TelcomInsGrp.comSally is an Account Manager at Telcom Insurance Group. She is a native Marylander and has worked in the insurance industry for over 30 years. She enjoys live music, British drama, theatre, history and travel. Sally is a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Kirk, her son, Andrew, and daughter, Katie (when they are home from college) and a spoiled little Beagle-Dachshund mix named Princess. Sally & Kirk, also participate on a local trivia team.
Rebecca “Beckie” W. Menard, AU, CISR
Claims Specialist
Direct: (301) 220-1081 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 extension 1081 E-mail: BWM@TelcomInsGrp.comBeckie previously worked ten years in the Underwriting department but has now moved into the Claims department. She too is a front-line claims advocate for all of our policyholders. In her time away from the Telcom office, Beckie keeps busy with her husband, three children, and granddaughter. Her interests include: bowling, golfing, gardening, reading and being an avid football fan (Baltimore Raven’s Purple Friday works well with our Friday casual days). When she’s not participating or watching sports, she loves to travel and spends most weekends with friends and family at the beach.
Kimberly “Kim” K. Powell, CIC, CISR, CIIP
Business Development Manager
Direct: (316) 239-6113 Cell: (316) 633-0062 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 extension 1081 E-mail: KKP@TelcomInsGrp.comKim has been in the insurance industry for more than 30 years. She is a member of the Society of Certified Insurance Service Representatives and Certified Insurance Counselors of Austin, Texas. She is also a member of the International Association of Insurance Professionals, the Wichita Area Insurance Professionals, and Epsilon Sigma Alpha – Chi Epsilon. She and her husband, Ward, have three daughters, three son-in- laws and three grandchildren. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, traveling, and golfing.
Heather M. Pugh
Controller
Direct: (240) 297-1635 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 extension 1635 E-mail: HMP@TelcomInsGrp.comHeather lives in Ellicott City, MD with her husband and cat, Jonas. She attended University of Connecticut for her undergraduate degree and Towson University for her master’s degree. Heather has experience in public accounting and private industry accounting. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, visiting with friends and family, yoga, going to concerts and catching up her favorite TV shows.
Theresa L. Punsalan
Account Manager
Cell: (703) 380-8743 E-mail: TLP@TelcomInsGrp.comTheresa has over 20 years experience selling and servicing all lines of commercial business insurance; most recently in the fields of international, technology, and specialty programs. When not working, she takes care of 2 children (Bryce and Olivia), 3 if you include the family dog (Brutus) from their home in Charlotte NC. The week is filled with school and outside activities and there is always something to do on the weekend with local fun events. She enjoys Zumba herself and loves to catch a few minutes of reading when possible.
Craig S. Rapp, CSM, EHSMS, LCR
Risk Manager
Direct/Cell: (903)424-7453 E-mail: CSR@TelcomInsGrp.comCraig brings 20+ years of loss control/risk management/safety training experience many of which are in the rural telecom industry. He will help us with on-site inspections and training, monthly train-the-trainer safety topics, and coordinate some webinars for our policyholders. In addition to doing these kinds of things, he’ll continue to run his safety training business, Utilicom Safety, for those of you all who either don’t have the on-staff resources to do so yourselves or like to have another voice/an expert to help with your specific training needs. He spends his free time with his wife and two kids, when he gets them home from college, and being active at Church.
Tisa A. Smith
Underwriting/Marketing Technician
Direct: (301) 220-1083 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 extension 1083 E-mail: TAS@TelcomInsGrp.comTisa joined the Telcom team in 2004, coming with more than 15 years of insurance experience. She is also responsible for doing all of the Rating for Rural Trust Insurance Company. She likes to, read, take long walks, exercise, and watch basketball—whenever possible. While the kids still keep us very busy. Her son has become proficient in cake decorating & her daughter loves volunteering at the animal shelter. She enjoys puppies which is amazing since she was running for her life from the smallest animals. Our house has become a puppy rescue spot most weeks with anywhere from 1-4 pups at a time. So as they grow, it leaves more time for her & her husband to plan trips, work in the yard and other honey do projects she can come up with.
Todd N. Travis, AU
Senior Account Manager
Direct: (301) 220-3207 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 extension 3207 E-mail: TNT@TelcomInsGrp.comTodd has over 20 years of insurance experience. He is a graduate of Thiel College in NW Pennsylvania with a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Economics. It is also where he met his wife, Zee. Is there a lighthouse on the East Coast that Todd, his wife, Zee, and their dogs haven’t seen and taken a picture of? Not likely. They have also visited a good amount of lights on the Great Lakes, some in Canada and as far away as Scotland. When they are not tracking down lighthouses, Todd, Zee, and their dogs, Zoey & Shiloh, work in conjunction with the Montgomery County Humane Society fostering dogs and have found forever homes for 5 lucky dogs to date. Todd loves all sports, especially volleyball and was an avid player on several area teams before the ankles and knees informed him recently that he would be better off watching rather than playing. Todd is a huge Buffett, that’s Jimmy Buffett, fan and has attended close to a hundred shows over the years, and as a member of the Chesapeake Parrot Head Club, has participated in many community and charitable events. Ask him about his Show Hat that he wears to the concerts—it’s about 10 pounds of pure fun and has two lighthouses that even light up. His office area is decorated in a nautical theme with lighthouses, palm trees, flamingos, assorted flags and sharks.
Lana Von Blon
Accounting Assistant & Office Manager
Direct: (301) 220-1084 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 extension 1084 E-mail: LVB@TelcomInsGrp.comLana’s primary duties include working with the Accounting team to ensure the accounts payable and receivables are all accounted for. She also handles bank reconciliations, general ledger accounts, expense reports, deposits, and monthly closing timelines. She is also our Office Manager. Her hobbies are hiking, traveling, and baking. Lana is a huge foodie and enjoys trying new restaurants and foods. She’s also a fan of DC sports teams, especially the Redskins and the Nationals. She has an Australian Shepherd, named Sydney, who, along with her rescued kitty, have turned her into a crazy animal lover…as are most of us here at Telcom. She also enjoys hanging out with her friends and spending as much time with her 3 siblings.
Roberta J. Wells
Underwriter
Direct: (301) 220-3201 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 extension 3201 E-mail: RJW@TelcomInsGrp.comRoberta is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Business Administration, and has over 30 years of commercial insurance underwriting experience. She is also a licensed MD producer, and has worked for both Fortune 500 major carriers, as well as smaller regional companies, in various Senior Commercial Lines/Marketing positions. Roberta is a native New Englander, but most of her young adult years were spent moving with her family to Pennsylvania, Upstate New York, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Roberta currently lives in Columbia, Howard County, MD and has one daughter, Anna Marie, who has now left the nest and moved permanently to Charleston, SC after graduating from University of South Carolina in 2012. Both mom and daughter are avid fans of the USC Gamecocks, and the hometown Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, and enjoy watching every game they can! Gardening, travel, and long walks on the beach are also favorite pastimes. Roberta enjoys spending as much time as possible visiting her daughter and going to Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach or Isle of Palms on the South Carolina coastline where the weather is always gorgeous and the hotel at her daughter’s apartment is free!
Shelly E. Zak
Assistant Underwriting Manager
Direct: (301) 220-3206 Toll Free: (800) 222-4664 extension 3206 E-mail: SEZ@TelcomInsGrp.comShelly helps manage the Underwriters and Account Managers. Her primary duties include underwriting file audits, policy checking and issuance, working with Underwriting Management to see that the policy administration system that serves the clients is up to date with the correct forms and rates, tracking of regulatory reporting and assisting with various underwriting functions. Her hobbies are sailing, curling, reading and traveling…. while drinking hot tea. Shelly has two cats and enjoys spending time with her friends and family, often traveling to Michigan to visit. Works with UW management that the policy admin system that serves the clients is up to date with the correct forms and rates.
