Staff Biographies
Joseph F. Sullivan, Sr.
President
Joe has more than 43 years experience in the insurance industry. He has helped shape the industry by being a part of, and holding key offices in many local and national professional insurance organizations. Joe graduated from The Citadel in 1967. After serving in the US Army from 1967-1969, he began his career in insurance at Aetna Life and Casualty in 1969. From 1972 to 1974 he worked with a local Greenville agency and in 1974, he formed Sullivan Company, Inc. After twenty successful years of serving clients throughout the southeast, Sullivan Company merged with the international firm Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. In January 2000, he re-established "Sullivan Company, LLC" in order to better serve the upstate South Carolina and southeastern US area from Greenville, South Carolina. Joe has committed himself and his company to providing clients the right insurance coverage, plus all the quality and professional services to back it up …and to do it with a personal touch that is so needed in business today.
Contact: jsullivan@sullivanins.com - 864.213.4421
Albert Hyndshaw, CPCU, ARM, CWCA
Executive Vice President
Albert's career in the insurance business spans more than 41 years. After receiving a BS of Business Administration from Thiel College, he began his career in insurance in 1970 with Aetna Life and Casualty. His tenure with Aetna saw him progressing through leadership in several departments, including auditing, underwriting, marketing and management responsibilities. Albert brought his high level of professional expertise to the Sullivan Company in 1981 and shortly thereafter established the Underwriting and Marketing Departments. He earned his ARM designation in 1999. Albert is very active in several professional societies, including the Greenville Chapter of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters for which he now serves as director.
Contact: ahyndshaw@sullivanins.com - 864.213.4422
Clare Thompson, CPIA, CISR, CPIW
Account Manager – Personal Lines
Clare has over 8 years experience in the insurance industry. After graduating from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC, she joined Sullivan Company in 2001. In 2005, Clare left to pursue her masters in education from Converse College in Spartanburg, SC. After completing her masters she taught elementary for several years. In 2007, Clare returned to Sullivan Company as a Personal Lines Account Manager. She is a licensed P&C agent and is currently pursuing her CISR designation. In 2009, Clare was awarded the Insurance Professionals of South Carolina Rookie of the Year Award.
Contact: cthompson@sullivanins.com - 864.678.5564
Dimples Howell, CPIA, CISR, AIAM, CPIW
Account Manager – Commercial Lines
Dimples began her career in insurance in 1975. Over her extensive career she worked for Ohio Casualty, State Auto, BB&T/CIC Insurance Services and the James Agency. Dimples is currently pursuing her AAI (Associate in Insurance) and her CISR (Certified Insurance Representative). She is actively involved in several volunteer opportunities within her church.
Contact: dhowell@sullivanins.com - 864.678.5561
Harry Morris
Producer - Commercial Lines
After teaching high school and serving in the US Air Force, Harry entered the insurance business in 1965 with Aetna Life & Casualty in Columbia, SC. He is a graduate of Columbia International University and attended USC for graduate work. In 1970, he left Aetna to join the ranks of independent insurance agents. He was the president of the insurance division of Grier & Company and served in that capacity until the firm was acquired by Riedman Insurance. In March 2003 he and the owners of Sullivan Company LLC established Union Insurance Agency in Union, SC. The agency was sold in 2005 and Harry began working for Sullivan Company in Greenville, SC. He has served on many civic and volunteer boards in Spartanburg. He is a member of the Downtown Rotary Club of Spartanburg and served as president from 1997-1998. He is a graduate of Leadership Spartanburg. Harry served on the board of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of SC and was awarded the coveted Agent of the Year for SC Award in 1979. He teaches Sunday school at his church and has served as the music director for more than 20 years.
Contact: hmorris@sullivanins.com - 864.597.9351
Heena Shah
Accounting Specialist
Heena joined Sullivan Company in 2009 as Accounting Specialist. Heena graduated form North Carolina State University in 1990 with a BA in Business Management and in 1991 with a BA in Accounting. Prior to joining Sullivan Company she worked in Accounting in various other industries.
Contact: hshah@sullivanins.com - 864.678.5553
Jay Terry, CLCS
Producer - Commercial and Personal Lines
After graduating from the University of South Carolina in 2000, Jay worked as a commercial producer for Palmer and Cay of SC, LLC and Wachovia Insurance Services. Jay returned to his native Greenville in 2007 to continue his insurance career by operating his own agency before merging with Sullivan Company in early 2011. Jay is involved in several local charities including United Way and March of Dimes.
Contact: jterry@sullivanins.com - 864.213.4426
Jennifer S. Hincapie, CIC, CRM, CWCA
Vice President/ Producer - Commercial Lines
Prior to joining Sullivan Company, Jennifer spent several years as a commercial lines underwriter working for The Hartford. Since joining Sullivan Company, she has served as account manager in the real estate division then was promoted to Producer in charge of new sales and Vice President. Jennifer is a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class XXX, was named one of Greenville's Best and Brightest and is involved with many civic organizations and serves on several local boards.
Contact: jhincapie@sullivanins.com - 864.213.4424
Jennifer Mason, CISR, CWCA
Quality Manager - Commercial Lines
Jennifer Mason has over 8 years experience in the insurance industry. She joined Sullivan Company in August 2006. Jennifer is a graduate of Michigan State University with a BS in Zoology. Prior to joining Sullivan Company, she was an underwriter for Auto-Owners Insurance Company, working in both Michigan and Georgia. Jennifer is licensed for P&C in South Carolina.
Contact: jmason@sullivanins.com - 864.678.5565
Jo Ann Case, CIC, CAS, CWCA
Marketing Manager - Commercial Lines
Jo Ann began her career in insurance in 1981 after she earned her Associate Degree in Marketing from Greenville Technical College. Prior to joining Sullivan Company in 1987, she was an underwriter at Canal Insurance Company and a Customer Service Representative at a local family owned agency. In 2000, Jo Ann was named Account Executive for Sullivan's national habitational book of business and is also our Marketing Manager. She earned her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation in 1993. In 2006, she obtained her Certified Apartment Supplier (CAS) designation through the National Apartment Association and is currently pursuing her Certified Risk Manager designation (CRM). She is a recent graduate of Leadership Greenville. Jo Ann is actively involved in local and international volunteer opportunities.
Contact: jcase@sullivanins.com - 864.213.4428
Joey Sullivan, CLCS, CBIA, CAS, CWCA
Producer - Commercial Lines
Joe Sullivan, Jr. graduated from The Citadel in 1995 with a BA in Business Administration. Prior to joining Sullivan, Joe held sales positions with Washington Specialty Metals, Ryerson-Tull and Extruded Metals. Joe is licensed in Property and Casualty and joined Sullivan in 2004. He recently received his CBIA designation. Throughout his business career Joe is involved with many charitable and civic organi'zations including, the Boy Scouts of America, the Roper Mountain Science Center, Meals on Wheels, the Palmetto Peloton Project and The United Way. He is currently in The Greenville Chamber's Leadership Class 38.
Contact: joeysullivan@sullivanins.com - 864.678.5554
Judy McBrearty, AIC, CPIW
Claims Manager
Judy has worked in the insurance industry since 1980. Her claims career began with Safeco as a multi-line adjuster. Prior to joining Sullivan Company, she worked with Gallagher-Sullivan in the claims department and was with Marsh for 25 years claims supervisor and claims manager. Judy worked with national clients, as well as training their employees on safety procedures. Judy's expertise includes reviewing loss run data for trending, processing flows for claims management, assisting with larger more complex claims, claim reserving and file reveiws/audits of carrier performance. She is past president of the Piedmont Claims Association, South Carolina Claims Association and Claims Managers Association of South Carolina. She is involved in several local and community non-profit organizations.
Contact: jmcbrearty@sullivanins.com - 864.213.4433
Julie Head, CISR, CPIW, CPIA, CWCA
Marketing Assistant - Commercial Lines
Julie joined Sullivan Company LLC in 2002. Prior to joining Sullivan Company, Julie was with Direct General Insurance where she was in sales. She graduated from Blue Ridge High School in 1998. She holds a Property and Casualty license as well as her Life and Health license. Julie has obtained her CISR, CPIW, CPIA and CWCA desinations. She is currently pursuing her CIC designation.
Contact: jhead@sullivanins.com - 864.213.4431
Kay Canaan
Producer - Employee Benefits
Kay earned her B.A. from Olivet College and enjoyed a three year teaching career while she continued her graduate studies. After relocating to South Carolina in 1980, she began her career in insurance specializing in Employee Benefits. She is a Registered Representative with New England Securities, and has achieved her Series 6, 63, and 65 designations. Prior to joining the Sullivan Co., LLC, in 2005, she maintained her own agency in Gaffney, SC, for over twenty years. She is active in many community activities including serving on the Board and playing with the Spartanburg Community Band and Rutherford Little Symphony. She is very involved with several non-profit ministries such as Miracle Hill Ministries and the Boys and Girls Club.
Contact: kcanaan@sullivanins.com - 864.678.5558
Marie Jones, CPIA, CISR, CPIW
Account Manager - Personal Lines
Marie is a licensed insurance agent with 14 years experience in the industry. She began her career with Allstate in 1998 and was there until she relocated to Myrtle Beach in 2006. While living on the coast, she worked with an independent agent in Surfside Beach until she returned to the upstate in October 2007. In December 2007, she joined Sullivan Company and has since earned her CPIA and CISR designations.
Contact: mjones@sullivanins.com - 864.213.4438
Mary Ann Kiriakides, CPA, CPIA
Controller
Mary Ann graduated Cum Laude from Appalachian State University and has over 32 years experience in accounting. She received her CPA designation in 1983. Prior to joining Sullivan Company in 2007 as company Controller, she spent 20 years as Executive Accounting Coordinator with Atlas Food Systems & Services, Inc. Most recently, Mary Ann was the Controller for Rosenfeld-Einstein & Associates. She is a volunteer with Greenville Hospital Systems and Open Arms Hospice, a ministry of Bon Secours St. Francis Health System.
Contact: mkiriakides@sullivanins.com - 864.213.4436
Michael A. Beas
Producer - Commercial Lines
Mike Beas graduated Salutatorian from Nova Southeastern University with degrees in business adminstration and business management and a minor in marketing. He started his career in the telecom industry and worked for Lucent Techonologies and Avaya Communications. Prior to joining Sullivan Company, Mike worked as a Sales Representative for Liberty Mutual where he was trained and graduated from the Liberty Mutual Risk Management Academy. In 2008, he was promoted to Marketing Manager for Large Accounts servicing clients in North and South Carolina.
Contact: mbeas@sullivanins.com - 864.213.4437
Michelle Filler, CISR, CIC, CEBS
Account Manager - Employee Benefits
Michelle has more than 20 years experience in the insurance industry. In addition to being a licensed Property & Casualty, Accident & Health and Life insurance agent, she has also earned and maintains her CISR, CIC, and CEBS designations. Prior to joining the Sullivan Company in 2006, Michelle was with The Reschini Group in Indiana, PA.
Contact: mfiller@sullivanins.com - 864.678.5559
Pat Thompson, CPIW, CISR, CPIA
Producer - Personal Lines
Pat has been in the insurance business for more than 39 years. She attended Furman University and has an Associate Degree in Business from Greenville Technical College. Prior to joining Sullivan Company Pat was an Account Executive for Rosenfeld Einstein Insurance. Pat joined Sullivan in 1993 in the Personal Lines department. Pat has obtained CPIW, CPIA and CISR designations and is currently working on her CIC designation. She is licensed in property, casualty, life and health.
Contact: pthompson@sullivanins.com - 864.213.4427
Sandy McCreight
Administrative Assistant
Sandra has been with Sullivan Company since January 1983. Prior to joining Sullivan, she was a Customer Service Representative for Spector Redball Freight Lines. Her current duties include purchasing, licensing, accounts receivable, word processing and various office services.
Contact: smccreight@sullivanins.com - 864.678.5553
Sara Rafferty, AAI
Account Manager - Commercial Lines
Sara Rafferty has over 38 years experience in the insurance industry. Sara earned an Associate Degree in Marketing and Business Management in 1983. Prior to joining Sullivan Company, Sara worked with Burns & Wilcox, Inc. in the Commercial Brokerage Division underwriting and marketing large commercial accounts. In 1994, she joined PC&L Agency as a Commercial Large Accounts Manager. Sara joined Sullivan Company in 2002 as a large accounts manager.
Contact: srafferty@sullivanins.com - 864.213.4435
Stephen Piper, CIC, CISR
Producer – Personal Lines
Stephen has over 12 years experience in the insurance industry. Stephen joined the Sullivan Company in January 2000. He graduated with a BS in Business Administration from North Greenville University in 1998. Soon after, Stephen began his career in the insurance industry as sales agent with Liberty Life in Greenville. He is dually licensed in Life, Accident & Health and Property & Casualty in South Carolina. Stephen is also a SC licensed broker. He is a graduate of Leadership Greenville class XXXIII (Blue Team).
Contact: spiper@sullivanins.com - 864.213.4430
Susan Sullivan, CISR, CPIA
General Manager
Susan has over 19 years experience in customer service management in insurance and related industries. She graduated from Meredith College in 1989 with a BA in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration. Prior to becoming a member of the Sullivan team, Susan was the Director of Customer Relations for Healthsource South Carolina in Charleston. From 1998-2000, she was with Orion Auto in Charleston, S.C., as the Operations Quality and Training Manager. She joined Sullivan Company as General Manager in 2000 to direct human resources, agency operations, marketing and advertising. Susan is involved with many volunteer and civic organizations including the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Buncombe Street United Methodist Church, The American Cancer Society and Hands on Greenville. Susan is a graduate of Leadership Charleston and Leadership Greenville and was named one of Greenville Magazine's Best and Brightest in 2002.
Contact: ssullivan@sullivanins.com - 864.213.4432
Suzanne Reid
Account Manager - Commercial Lines
Since 1989, Suzanne has worked in customer service, both in the financial and insurance industries. She is licensed in Property and Casualty and has completed INS 21, 22 and 23. Suzanne joined Sullivan Company in 2004. Prior to joining Sullivan Company, she worked as the office manager and personal/commercial lines CSR for The Cornerstone Agency. Suzanne moved to South Carolina from Georgia where she attended Bainbridge College in the Business Administration program. She is currently pursuing her CIC designation.
Contact: sreid@sullivanins.com - 864.678.5570