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Meet Our Staff

As our client, you will have a team of highly qualified professionals working for you to provide you with the best coverage for you, your family, or your business.  Building a long-lasting relationship with our clients is our number one priority.

Derek Taylor

President

Derek joined the agency in January of 2018. Prior to joining the Starr Team, Derek spent 7 years serving as a Senior District Sales Manager for the Erie Insurance Group. Throughout his career, Derek has put an emphasis on professional development and has obtained the following insurance designations; CIC, CLU, and CPCU. Derek holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management with a Concentration in Marketing from Mount Saint Mary’s University where he played on the Men’s Division 1 Tennis Team. Derek is actively involved in our community serving on several non-profit boards in addition to his day to day responsibilities of overseeing the agency operation.

Jennifer Davidson-Ott

Commercial Lines Customer Service Agent

I joined the Starr family in March of 2017 after being in customer service for over 10 years. I quickly realized after a few months of being here that I wanted to be involved with the commercial lines side of the industry. I am currently licensed in Property & Casualty as well as Life. Recently, I completed my CISR designation and have started to work towards the CIC designation. In my free time I enjoy taking my Jeep offroading with my husband and 2 dogs, going to baseball & softball games, watching college football (ROLL TIDE) and spending time with my family and friends. I believe working in the insurance industry is my calling as I am always learning new things and conquering challenges, leaving me feeling fulfilled at days end.

Lekha Patel

Lekha Patel

Commercial & Life Producer

I started my professional career in banking working at several local community banks. I learned quickly that strength is in helping others and finding solutions to fit their needs. I joined Starr Insurance in June 2017 as a Commercial Lines Producer. I hope to build long term relationships with clients by building trust, acting in their best interest, and providing consistent and excellent service. Call or text today!

Michelle McNew

Michelle McNew

Commercial Lines Customer Service Agent

I became part of the Starr team in 2004 after obtaining my property & casualty insurance license and have enjoyed providing excellent service as a member of the commercial team. My goal has always been to provide each customer with a strong, confident understanding of the insurance coverages they have. In order to provide the best insurance knowledge for clients, I have worked to continue my education by earning the Certified Insurance Service Representatives (2005), Certified Insurance Counselor (2015), and Certified Professional Insurance Agent (2023) designations. Furthering my education has allowed me to provide clients with the confidence they need to make informed decisions on protecting their businesses. One of the most exciting highlights of my career here at Starr Insurance was earning the Erie Insurance Quality Customer Service Agent of the Year Award in 2017. I look forward to each new day and appreciate the opportunity to serve our clients & work with a team that truly cares about providing the best possible experience!

Mindy Johnson

Mindy Johnston

Claims Manager

I currently do the majority of the claims handling and processing for the agency. I am usually helping customers deal with very difficult circumstances during an auto or homeowner loss. I enjoy making sure their claim is handled quickly and fairly!

Roger Watson

P&C, Life, Health & Disability Agent

Helping people protect their dreams and reach their goals is what gets me up in the morning. We all have financial dreams and my role is to help you achieve your dreams. The foundation of a financial dream is based on time and money and I want to help you maximize your time and your money to achieve that dream.

Perhaps you are interested in developing a complex estate plan or just trying to find affordable health insurance for your family. Maybe you’re interested in how a particular type of insurance works or how best to invest in your future today. I will be glad to help – please feel free to give me a call.

Tammy Kennedy

Personal Lines Customer Service Agent

I started in the insurance industry in 1992. I am currently working exclusively in Personal Lines, but I am also licensed to sell Life and Health Insurance.

I enjoy the personal relationships I have with my customers. I want to make sure all our customers receive quality service, and know they can count on the team at Starr Insurance to provide for all their Insurance needs.

Teria Kaspar

Commercial Lines Customer Service Agent

Teria came to Starr Insurance in 2004 with 7 years of experience and has proven to be an excellent addition to our company… “Insurance can be a complicated subject for people to understand. I have been in the insurance business for over 25 years and what I like most is being able to help people understand their coverage needs and what our policies do to help protect them. Having them leave my office with a little more knowledge is what makes my job worth it.

Working here at the Starr Agency has been great for me. We have a great and friendly staff who work together to make sure that our clients needs are met and that is what matters the most in this business.

Todd Shoemaker

Todd Shoemaker

Commercial/Personal/Life Producer

I have over 24 years of Insurance experience all over the US. What I like most about the insurance business is educating clients and fulfilling a vital role in covering the things that are most important to them. In 2020 I was awarded the first ever “Producer of the Year” in the 95 years Erie Insurance has been in business. The highest compliment I can receive is the referral of friends and family. Please contact me for all of your insurance needs.

Jasmine Turner

Jasmine Hershberger

Receptionist

Jasmine joined the Starr team in 2018. She holds a Bachelor of the Arts Degree in International Studies from Millersville University of Pennsylvania Jasmine studied Spanish and Cultural Anthropology and she still enjoys learning more about the Spanish-speaking community. She hopes this will bring more cultural understanding to the Starr team. Her work background includes customer service and education. She enjoys traveling, serving at church and assisting others.

Megan Mull

Personal Lines Agent

I joined the Starr family in June 2019 and brought with me over 15 years of customer service experience. I currently hold my Property& Casualty License and look forward to adding more. I am excited to learn and grow while helping our customers with their insurance. In my spare time you will find me spending time with my husband, 3 children, and 2 dogs.

Sal Pontillo

Personal Lines Customer Service Agent

I currently have my Property & Casualty and Life & Health licenses. I am a part of the Personal Lines Team and bring 4 years of customer service experience in a call center environment. In my spare time I like to spend time with my wife and dog Maddox.

Megan Brandt

Commercial Service Agent

After working 20 years in the medical field, I wanted to pursue a different career path in which I would still be able to help people, but in a different capacity. So, I decided that joining Starr Insurance in October of 2023 would be a great fit. Insurance offered a new possibility for me to help many more people and I am excited to be part of a team who makes a difference. I am please to help assist in any business needs the community has and look forward to working with you and your business. I currently hold my Property and Casualty License and I look forward to adding more licenses in the future. In my free time, I enjoy going to the movies, different events and traveling with my husband and daughter. At home we enjoy playing games and cuddling with our two dogs (Poppy and Cooper).

Dannielle Kranz

Customer Service Agent

I started my career journey in the United States Air Force as a Medic and fell in love with the career field. After leaving active duty I continued in the Medical Field for 10 years. I knew that I wanted to grow as a person so when the opportunity to join Starr Insurance presented itself, I jumped at the idea. This career allows me to still reach people in a positive way and allows me to do what I most enjoy, which is help people be happy and live their best lives. I believe that first and foremost, great customer service can make a bad situation better, and I always make sure every individual feels valued. Outside of work I enjoy spending my time with my two children and our dogs.

Sarah Baum

Customer Service Agent

I joined the Starr team in April 2021. I graduated from Shippensburg University with a degree in finance and completed my internship here at Starr before becoming a full-time employee. I am currently licensed in Property & Casualty and Life, Accident and Health insurance. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with family and friends.