Meet Our Team
A North Carolina native, Jackie hails from "Down East". His career in risk management began in 1987 as an agent, hired by Cloyce Anders to work for C.H. Stith, Inc. in New Bern, NC after serving our country as a US Navy Nuclear Operator. He served locally as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Pamlico County until moving to Raleigh in the late 90's. His vast leadership experience extends from his proudest moments as an Eagle Scout to serving as Chairman of the Board of Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC 2010-2011). He maintains his involvement in local, state, and national organizations in support of Emergency Service Organizations and the wellbeing and protection of those who serve. He has served as the Vice President of VFIS of NC since 1998 until becoming President of the organization in July of 2019.
- "My business/life philosophy is based on a verse in the Bible. "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." PHILIPPIANS 2:3-4"
Jackie F. Ireland, Jr., AAI
President,
Risk Advisor
After 18 years as an independent agent, Cloyce saw an opportunity to provide specialty services to those who sacrifice on a daily basis to keep our North Carolina communities safe. In 1984 he started VFIS of North Carolina , partnering with VFIS, Inc. out of York Pennsylvania, and has served as the President of the company until July of 2019. A product of humble beginnings rooted in his family's farm in Clinton, NC, Cloyce worked to expand his horizons, ultimately serving in national leadership roles within the insurance industry. Whether it was refereeing a high school basketball game or serving as the president of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (2002-2003), Cloyce demonstrated his passion for education and serving others. Cloyce shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to add to his more than 50 years of experience and leadership in the industry through his continued service as the Chairman of the Volunteer Safety Worker Compensation Fund of North Carolina.
Cloyce Anders
Consultant,
Risk Advisor
Pam brings more than 30 years of insurance and risk management experience to the VFIS of team. She began her career in insurance and risk management as a filing supervisor in 1985. Pam has worked in underwriting and account management in both commercial and personal lines prior to joining VFIS of North Carolina in 2010. Pam's service to the emergency service organizations of North Carolina comes with a personal understanding of what it means to serve a community as she also supports her husband, an active volunteer fire fighter, and her local volunteer fire department Ladies Auxiliary.
"Treat people the way you want to be treated and always remember, no matter how bad things may get, God NEVER gives us more than we can handle. Something good always comes out of it."
Pam Grimes,
CIC, DAE, AINS, CBIA
Account Manager,
Direct and Select Accounts
Sherry began her career in insurance and risk management in 1974 with Davis & Young, Inc of Charlotte, NC. Although she refers to Charlotte as her hometown, Raleigh has been her home since 1977. Sherry joined VFIS of North Carolina in 1992 and the rest is history. She has held various positions within the organization ranging from agent to operations manager and now serves as the agency lead for specialty benefits and broker relationships. Sherry remains involved within the industry, with prior leadership roles on the Eastern Agents committee and Events committee (2011-2016) for the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina. Sherry's passion is serving the North Carolina Emergency Responders!
"Know your customer and your product! Listen to the client and keep them informed of new products or services. Be accessible and responsive no matter the day or time, giving your clients peace of mind. Show respect and try your best to go the extra mile!"
Sherry Marshall
Account Executive,
Risk Advisor
Originally from Savannah, Georgia, Steven graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in economics. Steven has called North Carolina home since 1989 and joined our team in 2014 bringing both risk management and entrepreneurial experience and perspective to our general agency. Steven and his wife Kathy are proud parents of 3 and grandparents of 1. His passions outside the workplace are wrapped up in his family, traveling and following his beloved UGA Bulldogs.
"Our agency uses the same philosophy of business that I practice everyday. Helping people and treating people the way you wish to be treated."
Steven Odrezin, CLTC, CBIA
Risk Advisor,
Independent Agent
Matthew joined the VFIS of North Carolina team in July of 2019 after a career in the healthcare industry. His experience as a pharmacist clinician in emergency medicine and healthcare administration provides for a unique perspective within our relationships with emergency services organizations and within agency leadership. Matthew is a graduate of the University of Florida and Campbell University, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Based primarily out of eastern North Carolina, he provides support and risk management services to our ESO family and our brokered partnerships along the coastal counties.
"The golden rule can be applied to every facet of your life. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Sincerity in the service of others has and will always be the basis of how I strive to develop both personal and professional relationships."
Matthew Nolin, MS, PharmD
Risk Advisor,
Independent Agent
Denise joined the team in 1994 and has over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry. As a native North Carolinian hailing from Clayton, NC, Denise has a passion for serving North Carolina's Emergency Responders and the agents that serve them locally throughout the state. Denise is a graduate of Johnston Community College. She also supports other community organizations, highlighted by her participation with the Purple Stride for pancreatic cancer campaign.
"I strive to provide service professionally, accurately, timely, and in a friendly manner."
Denise Post, CISR
Account Manager,
Brokered Accounts
Melanie joined the team in 2018 bringing with her over 13 years of experience in the insurance industry. She is a native of central North Carolina and a graduate of Wake Tech Community College. When not in the office, Melanie enjoys all that our state offers from the mountains to the beaches.
Melanie Rand, CISR, AAI
Account Manager
Originally from Hudson Valley, NY, Amy is proud to call Raleigh and VFIS of North Carolina home since 2004. Along with serving our extensive network of emergency service organizations and brokers across the state, Amy is a supermom of 3 and is also involved in local ministries. Her family supports and participates with Community of Hope, Child Evangelism Fellowship of NC, and Horses for Hope. She is a graduate of Newburgh Free Academy with a focus on Business Education.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, not for human masters. - Colossians 3:23."
Amy Schmidt, CISR, CISR Elite
Account Manager,
Brokered Accounts
Nathan has been part of the VFIS of North Carolina team since 2018 and serves as the primary account manager for benefits products. Nathan holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications from the Hussman School of Media and Journalism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Originally from Winston-Salem, he now calls Raleigh home. His passions include photography and the great outdoors. Nathan also supports Habitat for Humanity and the SPCA of Wake County.
"Your reputation is your integrity. In every instance, demonstrate that you value the trust an insured places in you."
Nathan Switzer
Account Manager,
Benefits
Greg joined the VFIS of North Carolina team in 2019 after 12 years of management experience in various industries. He is a graduate of Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. Greg is a proud father of three and spends most of his free time traveling with his family or participating in the ministries of his local church. He works daily to provide operational support within the agency to afford our incredible staff the opportunity to provide efficient and excellent service.
"I have always had a service mindset, not only just doing the minimum, but going above and beyond what is asked of me."
Greg Conley
Operations
Jeff Cash, CFO, has over 43 years in the fire service and is the retired City Manager/Fire Chief of the City of Cherryville, NC, his hometown. Currently, Jeff is President of Bucket Brigade Consulting, LLC and is employed part-time at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Jeff joined the VFIS of North Carolina team as training coordinator in 2022. He serves on the Executive Committee (Secretary-Treasurer) of the National Volunteer Fire Council as North Carolina’s Director. Chief Cash is a previous member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Board of Directors. He also serves as a principal committee member of NFPA 1021 and a Board member of the IAFC-Safety Health & Survival Section (NVFC Liaison)
Chief Cash is a highly decorated leader in the fire service both in North Carolina and nationally. He has been an active fire instructor since 1982 and has spoken or taught in 36 states.
His passions outside of the fire service begins and ends with faith and family. He and his wife have two adult sons, both who serve in the fire service. Jeff has been involved with Little League Baseball for over 30 years, including serving on the Little League Baseball International Presidents Advisory Board. He is an avid history buff; he is a re-enactor portraying soldiers during the Revolutionary War and Civil War. He serves as his group’s Chaplain. He loves NASCAR racing and he and wife attend as many races as possible! They are volunteers at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC. Jeff and Cynthia are members of First Baptist Church in Cherryville.
Jeff Cash
Training Coordinator