Company Staff

CHARLESTON OFFICE

MANAGEMENT TEAM

	David Gilston Chariman of the Board Extension 3011 dgilston@dgilston.com After attending the University of South Carolina in the late 1950's, David began his insurance career with Combined Insurance Companies of Chicago (today's AON Corporation). In 1962, with little more than a dream and a positive mental attitude inspired by W. Clement Stone, David founded the David M. Gilston Insurance Agency, Inc. Over the years, David has made a significant impact on his colleagues by inspiring them to achieve their goals. Today, the Gilston Agency is one of the state's largest health insurance marketing and support organizations. David's commitment to providing the best possible service to agents and their clients is the cornerstone of the Gilston Agency's success. David is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters.
	Tom Swayne, CLU, FLMI, RHU, REBC, CASL President Extension 3012 tswayne@dgilston.com Tom is a 1975 University of South Carolina graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Insurance and Economic Security. Tom began his insurance career with Equity Life as Vice President of Claims. In 1978, Tom joined the David M. Gilston Insurance Agency, Inc., in the capacity of Sales Manager. Under his direction, the agency grew and has been the #1 agency in the state for BlueCross BlueShield of SC for the past 24 years for individual and small group business. Tom possesses his LA&H license and is a South Carolina Department of Insurance sanctioned Certified Instructor for continuing education and teaches courses throughout the state promoting professionalism of the insurance community in South Carolina. He is an active member of several leading health and life insurance organizations including: National Association of Health Underwriters, the South Carolina Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, and the Charleston Association of Life Underwriters. He served as a representative for the Lowcountry Association of Health Underwriters on the Well Region of Charleston Steering Committee. Tom is also a member of the Agents' Advisory Council for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of SC and Carolina Care Plan. He is a current member of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of SC's President's Honor Council.
	Julie Poncar, RHU Assistant Vice President of Agency Sales Extension 3065 jponcar@dgilston.com In 1981, Julie received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the College of Charleston, and her career started in the insurance field when she became licensed with the state for life, accident, and health in 1985. Julie began working in Charleston with Companion Health Care as a Group Marketing Representative and then moved to a position with Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, where she was responsible for developing business relationships with agents across the coastal region of South Carolina. She later worked with UnitedHealthcare, Physicians Health Plan and transitioned into working with Carolina Care Plan under the same capacity. Julie joined the David M. Gilston Insurance Agency, Inc. in 2003 as the Marketing Director where she actively recruited new brokers and worked with them in developing new business prospects. Currently serving as the Assistant Vice President of Agency Sales, she supervises the Group and Individual Sales Departments and also assists brokers with the sales and enrollment processes. Julie is a Certified Instructor by the South Carolina Department of Insurance. Community involvement plays a very important role in Julie's career as she is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters, the Past President of the Lowcountry Association of Health Underwriters, and served on the State board for the South Carolina Association of Health Underwriters. From 1998 to 2001, Julie received the prestigious honor of being a part of the Million Dollar Round Table for NAHU. In 2002, Julie received the Distinguished Service Award from LAHU and in 2003, received her Registered Health Underwriter designation from the American College. She is actively involved in her church and also chaired the Women of the Word conference held in Charleston in 2008.
	Faith Reynolds, RHU Assistant Vice President of Columbia Operations Extension 3005 freynolds@dgilston.com Faith graduated from Columbia College with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Affiars, and received an Associate in Science from Midlands Technical College. Several opportunities within the human resources field were taken, with emphasis in professional recruiting, employee benefits/compensation, corporate communications, wellness programs, and staff training. In 1992, Faith parlayed that experience and became self-employed to provide recruiting and training services for small businesses. A year later, she obtained a SC Life, Accident & Health license and entered the employee benefits arena selling worksite products for Colonial Life to her established accounts and others. Faith affiliated with the Gilston Agency in 1995 as an independent broker to expand into sales and service with a full range of insurance products. Her insurance agency, First Source Benefits, LLC, was created in January 1996 and she received the Registered Health Underwriter insurance designation from the American College in 1999. Faith merged First Source Benefits with the Gilston Agency in 2000 to open a Columbia Sales office, and currently serves as the Assistant Vice President of Operations in this location. Throughout her career, Faith has been active in the Columbia community as a board member of the Better Business Bureau and the YWCA. She served as president of the Carolina Business and Professional Women's Club and the Rotary Club of St. Andrews. Faith is also a graduate of Leadership Lexington County. Professional memberships include, the National Association of Health Underwriters, the SC Association of Health Underwriters (state membership chairperson 2007-2009 and recipient of the State Distinguished Service Award), the Columbia Association of Health Underwriters, and the SC Small Employer Insurer Reinsurance Program (board member). Faith uses her sales, management and operational skills and experience to further the agency's mission and promote business development in the Midlands, Upstate and Pee Dee areas.
	Karen McCray, FLMI, ACS, AIAA Assistant Vice President of Operations Extension 3026 kmccray@dgilston.com After graduating from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1987, Karen's career began with the Gilston Agency as an assistant in the Payroll Deduction Department. She then transitioned into the life, disability and individual health markets. Karen then became the Commission Coordinator, which entailed processing and paying commissions as well as the bookkeeping functions for the agency. In 1998 Karen was promoted to the Assistant Vice President of Personnel and again in 2008 as Assistant VP of Operations. Her current position includes supervising the payment of agent commissions, processing employee payroll, overseeing bookkeeping, the agency's finances and day-to-day operations.
	Sam Gilston, HIA, FLMI Director of Information Systems Extension 3030 sgilston@dgilston.com Sam holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Maryland and began his career with the Gilston Agency in 1995. His initial position was with the Individual Health Insurance Department. Sam then transitioned into the Senior Markets Division and later held a position in the Small Group Service Department. Throughout his tenure at the Gilston Agency, Sam became extremely knowledgeable of the computer systems and currently is the Director of Information Systems for the Charleston and Columbia offices. His responsibilities include overseeing network operation systems, implementing software, evaluating hardware, ensuring HIPAA compliance, and conducting research initiatives. Sam has been a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters since 1997 and holds his LA&H license with the state.
	Melanie Jackson Director of Human Resources Extension 3043 mjackson@dgilston.com Melanie received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from the College of Charleston and her Master of Arts Degree in Management and Human Resources from Webster University. She joined the David M. Gilston Insurance Agency, Inc. as Director of Human Resources in 2007. Several of her responsibilities include recruiting and staffing, performance management, employee orientation, and development and training. Melanie is also an adjunct instructor at the College of Charleston. She was recently recognized as a Forty Under 40 recipient and has volunteered with Guardian ad Litem (GAL) for the State of South Carolina since 1998.

AGENCY OPERATIONS

	Amber Williams, HIA Sales Representative Extension 3050 awilliams@dgilston.com Amber graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree from the University of South Carolina. She joined the Gilston Agency in 2006 as the agency Sales Representative for the Coastal area. Amber serves as the contact for new and experienced agents who are interested in working with the agency. She provides sales support through licensing agents, training agents on individual products, and answering questions about carriers and products the agency represents. Amber has been a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters since 2006 and has served on two local boards as the Membership Chair and Retention Chair. She is also actively involved in her church, East Cooper Baptist.
	Angie Canady Individual Life and Disability Specialist Extension 3010 acanady@dgilston.com Angie joined the Gilston Agency in 1982 and has worked in Medicare Supplement Sales, Individual Life Sales, Small Group Service, Individual Health Sales and Small Group Sales during her tenure. She is currently the Individual Life and Disability Specialist providing carrier information, assistance with quoting, new business submission and status. Angie attended Trident Technical College as well as MUSC. She received her LA&H license with the state and successfully completed LOMA Fundamentals of Life Insurance and HIAA Individual Health Insurance courses. Angie also greets you by telephone and in person at the Charleston office.
	Peyton Wright Agent Commission Coordinator Extension 3027 pwright@dgilston.com Peyton joined the Gilston agency in 2001 as the Agent Commission Coordinator. She pays monthly agent commissions for BlueCross BlueShield of SC, BlueChoice HealthPlan, InStil Health as well as other carriers affiliated with the agency.
	Kimberly Smith, HIA, RHU Director of Marketing Extension 3025 ksmith@dgilston.com Kimberly graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from The University of Georgia in 2002. She began working for the Gilston Agency in 2004 as a Sales Representative in the Coastal area. Kimberly was promoted in 2008 to Director of Marketing and currently oversees advertising, creation and distribution of marketing pieces, philanthropies, Newsflash, and company events. She has been a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters since 2005 and served on the Lowcountry board from 2005-2006 as the Membership Chair and 2006-2007 as the Retention Chair. Kimberly is dually licensed with the state for LA&H and P&C and is a Certified Instructor for continuing education classes. She is also a member of Saint Michael's Episcopal church.
	Tricia Fisher Specialty Products Sales Representative Extension 3052 tfisher@dgilston.com Tricia graduated in 1982 from Robert Morris College (Pittsburgh,PA) with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Immediately upon graduation, Tricia began her career in group health insurance with MetLife Insurance. Tricia was with MetLife for 16 years through the MetraHealth and United HealthCare transitions. During those 16 years, Tricia's roles included: Member Services, Senior Claims Approver, Provider Contracting and Client Administrator for National Accounts. In 1998 Tricia was recruited to join a start-up health plan, UPMC Health Plan in which she did network contracting and product development. In 2001, Tricia moved to Charleston, SC where she worked in physician billing (Physician Support Systems) and as a carrier representative for WellPath. Tricia joined the Gilston Agency in 2009 as Specialty Product Sales Representative. Tricia is responsible for educating and assisting agents on specialty products, such as short-term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, etc. Tricia is also a member of NAHU and has served as Public Liaison for two years with LAHU. In addition, she received the Distinguished Service Award in 2008.
	Liz Lewis Administrative Assistant Extension 3022 llewis@dgilston.com Liz joined the Gilston Agency in 2009 and provides assistance for the Management Team and Marketing Department.

INDIVIDUAL SALES DEPARTMENT

	Tammy Meree Individual Sales Support Specialist Extension 3033 tmeree@dgilston.com Tammy joined the Gilston Agency in 2006 and currently serves as an Individual Sales Support Specialist. Several of her responsibilities include advising agents on a case-by-case basis which carrier would be best for their client, researching medical conditions and prescription drugs as a part of the pre-screening process, reviewing applications before submission and notifying agents if additional information is needed for submission, checking status on a daily basis during the underwriting process and sending status letters to the agent, issuing Short Term policies, resolving billing problems, and contacting the carrier to see if a policy can be reinstated-due to non-payment.
	Jenny Lindon Individual Sales Support Specialist Extension 3023 jlindon@dgilston.com Jenny joined the Gilston Agency in 2008 and currently serves as an Individual Sales Support Specialist. Several of her responsibilities include advising agents on a case-by-case basis which carrier would be best for their client, researching medical conditions and prescription drugs as a part of the pre-screening process, reviewing applications before submission and notifying agents if additional information is needed for submission, checking status on a daily basis during the underwriting process and sending status letters to the agent, issuing Short Term policies, resolving billing problems, and contacting the carrier to see if a policy can be reinstated-due to non-payment.
	Kathleen Carson, HIA, MHP, HCAFA, PAHM, RHU Individual Sales Support Specialist Extension 3024 ccarson@dgilston.com Cathy has worked with the Gilston Agency since 1983 and served in several capacities during her tenure. She currently runs the Senior Markets area, including Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug Plans and LTC. Cathy was a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters and a Past President of the Lowcountry Chapter. She also possesses her state license for LA&H.

SMALL GROUP SALES DEPARTMENT

	Laura Shealy, HIA, LTCP, RHU Manager of Small Group Sales Extension 3202 lshealy@dgilston.com Laura graduated with a BS degree from the College of Charleston. In 2001 Laura joined the Gilston Agency and has held positions in the Individual Department, Service Department and Senior Markets Division. She currently serves as the Manager of Small Group Sales and her primary responsibilities include assisting agents with the renewal process, rate relief negotiation and changing carriers. Laura is a Certified Instructor for continuing education with the state and also possesses her LA&H license. She has been a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters since 2005 and currently serves as the Media Relations chair for the Lowcountry Chapter. Laura was also a 2007 member of the Darkness to Light gala committee.
	Susan Vecchione, ACS, AIAA Senior Group & Ancillary Sales Support Specialist Extension 3019 svecchione@dgilston.com Susan joined the Gilston Agency in 1993 and is the Senior Group Sales Support Specialist. She assists agents with new business for small groups by quoting, scrubbing, and tracking the cases through underwriting. Susan also provides answers to questions regarding quote selection, product differences, and network strengths.
	Nancy Traynor Group & Ancillary Sales Support Specialist Extension 3035 ntraynor@dgilston.com Nancy graduated from the University of North Texas Denton with a BBA in Marketing. She joined the Gilston Agency in 2008 as a Group Sales Support Specialist after working with a Wealth Management Firm with experience in life brokerage. Several of her responsibilities include assisting agents in the initial small group sales process by quoting, scrubbing, and tracking the cases through underwriting. Nancy holds her LA&H license with the state. She is involved in a women's volunteer outreach organization called The Point which supports various local causes such as outreach to orphanages, fund raising for breast cancer research and other projects related to women's issues.
	Kim Lewis Group Sales Administrator Extension 3036 klewis@dgilston.com Kim joined the Individual Department of the Gilston Agency in 2002 and later transitioned to the Small Group Department as the Group Sales Administrator. Several of her responsibilities include running small group quotes and processing agent licensing.

LARGE GROUP SALES DEPARTMENT

Kelly Watson Large Group Sales Support Specialist Extension 3015 kwatson@dgilston.com Kelly joined the Gilston Agency in 2002 as a Large Group Sales Support Specialist. Several of her responsibilities include obtaining large group proposals and preparing comparison spreadsheets for agents. Kelly also assists with large group renewals and has her LA&H license with the state.

COLUMBIA SALES OFFICE

AGENCY OPERATIONS

Lindsay Boineau Sales Representative Extension 3003 lboineau@dgilston.com Lindsay graduated from The University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a double major in Marketing and Insurance and Risk Management. While attending USC, Lindsay received the SCAHU Insurance Scholarship, the Life Scholarship, and was selected as a Marketing Scholar in the fall of 2003. After graduation, Lindsay became an Employee Benefits Account Manager and was later promoted to an Employee Benefits Producer and successfully sold small group cases with multiple carriers. She currently holds her LA&H license with the state. Lindsay joined the Gilston Agency in 2008 as a Sales Representative and currently works the Midlands and Upstate areas. She is available to assist with sales support including carrier and product selection, employer presentations, enrollments, and renewals. Lindsay is also the contact for new and experienced agents for personalized training on small group or individual products.

Sharon Finley Administrative Support Specialist Extension 3001 sfinley@dgilston.com Sharon joined the Gilston Agency in 2008 and brings with her 20 years of insurance experience. Several of her responsibilities include welcoming visitors, directing telephone calls, assisting the individual department, and overseeing general office administration.

INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENT

Natalia Calderon Individual Sales Support Specialist Extension 3002 ncalderon@dgilston.com Natalia joined the Gilston Agency in 2008 and currently serves as an Individual Sales Support Specialist. Several of her responsibilities include advising agents on which carrier would be best for their client, researching medical conditions and prescription drugs, notifying agents if additional information is needed, submitting applications to the carriers, sending updates to agents while application is being underwritten, and sending status letters to the agents once the underwriter has made a final decision. Natalia assists with service issues including, resolving issues in billing, claims, appeals, reinstatements, cancellations, and benefit clarification. She also processes appointment paperwork for agents.

GROUP SALES DEPARTMENT

Greg Sasine, MHP, RHU, REBC Group Sales Support Specialist Extension 3014 gsasine@dgilston.com Greg graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He joined the Gilston Agency in 2006 as a Sales Representative and is currently a Group Sales Support Specialist. He assists agents with proposals, alternative solutions and concepts, seeks rate relief, and negotiates with a carrier as necessary to ensure you retain the business. Greg also has an extensive knowledge of Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA). He can provide customized HRA proposals and guide agents through the proposal presentation. Greg has been a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters since 2006 and has served on the Columbia and Piedmont local boards as well as the State board. He possesses the LA&H state license and is a certified instructor of continuing education.

GROUP SERVICE DEPARTMENT

	Pam Shober, HIA, ACS, AIAA Account Service Representative Extension 3031 pshober@dgilston.com Pam has been employed with the Gilston Agency since 1990 and currently works in the Group Service Department. Pam's primary responsibilities include assisting with billing problems, processing claims correctly, adding and deleting employees from groups, answering benefit questions and making sure HRA requests are submitted in a timely manner. Her role requires effective communication with plan administrators, providers, insurance carriers and representatives, agents, as well as members to resolve problems in an effective manner. Pam attended the College of Charleston, volunteers with the John Ancrum SPCA and is a member of St. John The Beloved Catholic Church in Summerville.
	Kim Neptune Account Service Representative Extension 3038 kneptune@dgilston.com Kim joined the Gilston Agency in 2008 as an Account Service Representative for small group and has 20 years of experience in servicing group insurance. Her responsibilities include assisting with new enrollees, processing terminations, answering billing questions, providing rate information, answering claim questions, and submitting HRA requests. Kims role requires effective communication with plan administrators, providers, insurance carriers and representatives, agents, as well as members to resolve problems in an effective manner.
	Stacey Commodore Account Service Representative Extension 3045 scommodore@dgilston.com Stacey is a graduate from the University of South Carolina. She joined the Gilston Agency in 2008 as an Account Service Representative for small groups after working with PAI for 10 years. Stacey's primary responsibilities include assisting with billing problems, processing claims correctly, adding and deleting employees from groups, answering benefit questions and making sure HRA requests are submitted in a timely manner. Her role requires effective communication with plan administrators, providers, insurance carriers and representatives, agents, as well as members to resolve problems in an effective manner. Stacey is an avid USC football fan.
	Renna Geitz Account Service Representative Extension 3047 rgeitz@dgilston.com Renna joined the Gilston Agency in 2007 as an Account Service Representative for large groups and brings 22 years of experience to the agency. She is responsible for online enrollments, claim resolution, benefit administration, and billing issues. Rennas role requires effective communication with plan administrators, providers, insurance carriers and representatives, agents, as well as members to resolve problems in an effective manner.
	Janet Gant-Russell Membership Coordinator Extension 3067 jgant-russell@dgilston.com Janet joined the Gilston Agency in 2005 and is currently the Membership Coordinator in the Group Service Department. She processes the member additions and deletions and ensures this occurs in a timely fashion.
	Anita Payton Account Service Representative Extension 3053 apayton@dgilston.com Anita joined the Gilston Agency in 2008 as an Account Service Representative for small groups and brings 25 years of customer experience to the agency. Her responsibilities include assisting with new enrollees, processing terminations, answering billing questions, providing rate information, answering claim questions, and submitting HRA requests. Anitas role requires effective communication with plan administrators, providers, insurance carriers and representatives, agents, as well as members to resolve problems in an effective manner.
	Brandy Atkins Account Service Representative Extension 3054 batkins@dgilston.com Brandy joined the Gilston Agency in 2008 as an Account Service Representative for small group. Her responsibilities include assisting with new enrollees, processing terminations, answering billing questions, providing rate information, answering claim questions, and submitting HRA requests. Brandys role requires effective communication with plan administrators, providers, insurance carriers and representatives, agents, as well as members to resolve problems in an effective manner.