Get to know the Board of Directors

Chris founded Heidrick & Company Insurance and Risk Management Services in 2009 and currently serves as the agency principal. Chris holds an Associate in National Flood Insurance designation and is frequently called upon to advise clients, colleagues, and local, regional, state, and federal organizations regarding private flood insurance and all aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

 

Chris has held leadership positions within the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA) and various community and industry organizations. He was a member of FAIA’s Board of Directors and chaired the FAIA Member Services (FMS) Board of Directors, FAIA’s Finance Committee, and FAIA’s Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy Council. In the industry and community, he has chaired both the Flood Insurance Producer’s National Committee (FIPNC) and the IIABA’s Flood Insurance Subcommittee. Chris has also served as chair of the Sanibel-Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, vice chair of the Sanibel Planning Commission, president of the Kiwanis Club of Sanibel-Captiva Islands, and a member of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands Board of Directors.

 

Chris earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Pennsylvania State University. He resides on Sanibel Island with his wife, Lisa, and has two adult children, Sarah and Jack. Chris enjoys golf, travel, and rooting for Penn State football. 

Vincent Stazzone is the president of Williams and Stazzone Insurance Agency, Inc. (W&S). He has helped guide this second-generation family business for the past fifteen years as the chief executive officer. Vincent joined W&S in 1997 after graduating from the University of Central Florida with a degree in business management and a focus on finance. In addition to leading W&S, Vincent was recently named president of the Gulf Region for Highstreet Insurance Partners. He co-owns Space Coast Insurance Agency, LLC, which he founded in 2005 with his lifelong friend.

 

Vincent has held leadership positions for the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA), which have been fulfilling for him both professionally and personally. He has been FAIA’s vice chair and chair of the Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy Council, a member of the FAIA Board of Directors, and a member of the FAIA Member Services (FMS) Board of Directors. Vincent also served on FAIA’s Finance Committee.

 

Brian Chapman, Jr., is the founder of Chapman Insurance Group, which was established in 2009 and has five locations serving communities across Southwest Florida. Under Brian’s leadership, the agency has become a trusted name in personal and commercial insurance.

 

Brian previously served on FAIA’s Board of Directors and continues to be actively engaged in the organization. His ongoing involvement reflects a strong commitment to advancing the Independent Agency System and shaping the future of the industry. 

 

Dan joined ThompsonBaker in 1991 as a commercial lines account executive. He became a partner in the firm in 2002 and works with major commercial clients.  However, he focuses primarily on association business.

 

Dan is a graduate of Jacksonville University and holds licenses in Property & Casualty, Life, Health, and Annuities as well as Surplus Lines insurance. He has also earned a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation.  Dan is certified by the Department of Business & Professional Regulations (DBPR) as a continuing education instructor for community association managers.

 

He is active in the community, having served on various local boards: Boy Scouts of America, Rotary Club of St. Augustine (past president), and the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce (past chairman).  Dan has also been active at the state level, having served as past chairman for the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA Board of Directors), along with FAIA’s Legislative Committee, and the Agent/Agency Issues Committee, just to name a few. 

 

Karen brings over three decades of hands-on experience and leadership to the insurance industry. As president and commercial lines manager of her family-owned agency, Karen’s deep roots in the business have instilled in her a profound commitment to clients, carrier partners, and the Largo community. Since joining the agency full-time after graduating from Clearwater High School in 1986, she has worked in nearly every department, building a comprehensive understanding of agency operations and a proven ability to lead with insight and integrity.

 

Licensed since 1991, Karen firmly believes in the power of education, industry engagement, and innovation. She remains actively involved with the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA), where she contributes to the advancement of the insurance industry through committee work, advocacy, and mentoring new agents. Her leadership also extends to the local business community through her service on the Executive Board of Directors for the Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce. 

 

Karen’s professional approach is grounded in relationship-building, teamwork, and going the extra mile to support others, a mindset that continues to shape her career and influence those

around her. 

 

Outside of the office, Karen values time with her family above all. She and her husband, Jeff, are the proud parents of three children, Zack, Matt, and Michaela, who continue to inspire them with their energy and diverse interests. Karen cherishes the strong bonds they share, not only with their children but also with their growing families. Spending time together outdoors and enjoying all that Florida has to offer remains at the heart of their family life. Recently, Karen has joyfully stepped into the role of a grandparent, a new chapter that has added even more meaning and happiness to her life.

 

Born in a small ranching and railroad town, Rod’s professional journey reflects a blend of dedication, adaptability, and leadership across diverse industries. A committed U.S. Army veteran, Brian developed a solid foundation in discipline and problem-solving that would carry him throughout his career.

 

Following his military service, Rod embarked on a distinguished career as an Air Traffic Controller at Denver Center. This experience honed his skills in managing complex systems and high-pressure situations, a hallmark of his professional approach. In the 1980s, seeking new challenges, Rod transitioned to the hospitality industry as a restaurant owner. During this period, he gained valuable entrepreneurial experience and an in-depth understanding of business operations, customer service, and team management.

 

Moving to Florida, he shifted his focus to property appraising, where his keen eye for detail and strong analytical skills allowed him to excel in property evaluation. This experience led him to a role in mortgage banking, further expanding his expertise in financial services. In 2001, Rod became CEO of RCS Specialties. His leadership was instrumental in expanding the company’s reach in Florida, and he successfully navigated the organization through a competitive, changing market. Since 2011, Rod has owned Gulf Harbor Insurance, where he continues to drive business growth and success. With decades of experience across various sectors, he has developed a unique skill set, blending strategic thinking with operational efficiency.

 

Richard "Trey" Sinclair graduated from Florida State University with a degree in finance and began his insurance career in 2009 after a brief stint in banking. In 2018, he became president and owner of Wells Insurance Agency, located in his hometown of Macclenny, FL. 

 

Trey is a dedicated community leader. He served as president of the Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club of Baker County. His involvement in the community led him to establish Better Baker, a nonprofit organization that promotes children's literacy. His work has also earned him Kiwanian of the Year, Young Agent of the Year, and Future Florida Insurance Leader.