Newfront announces key Texas hires

Newfront announces key Texas hires | Insurance Business America

Insurance News

Newfront announces key Texas hires

New VPs are the latest in a string of additions to the brokerage’s growing roster

Insurance News

By
Ryan Smith

San Francisco-based insurance brokerage Newfront has bolstered its Texas presence with two key hires in Austin.

Todd Burns (pictured above left) has joined Newfront as senior vice president and Austin market leader, while Lee Sheppard (pictured above right) has joined the company as associate vice president.

“Todd and Lee bring exceptional value to our team and to Austin, which is one of the fastest-developing areas in the country,” said Matt Summers, Newfront’s regional managing director for the South. “They also have significant experience working with venture capital firms – a sector that is transforming the market.”

Burns has more than two decades of experience in insurance and risk management. Prior to joining Newfront, he held roles at BKCW Insurance, Willis, and Allstate. Burns holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Tech as well as a Certificate of Financial Planning. He has been awarded the Construction Risk Specialist (CRIS) and Certified Workers’ Compensation Advisor designations.

Sheppard has 10 years of industry experience. He has served as an underwriter, an account executive at Willis, and an independent agent. Sheppard holds a degree in risk management and insurance from the University of Georgia. He has been awarded the CRIS designation and has completed the Certified Insurance Counselor Program.

Burns and Sheppard are the latest additions to Newfront’s growing roster. In August, the brokerage announced the appointments of David Schawe as market leader for Ohio and Kentucky and Jessica Graves as maritime leader for the Pacific Northwest.

Have something to say about this story? Let us know in the comments below.