Vast Blue Culture

Our Team

Whether it’s business, personal or benefits solutions, the VAST team is ready to assist you with your needs. We will work together to decide what matters most – developing a customized plan to protect you, your family, your employees, and your business.

Click on a picture below to learn more about our team and for their contact information.

Leadership

Kelly Reed

CEO | CIC, LIC, PWCA

Kelly Reed

As a former quarterback and current father of four, I have been involved in competition & leadership roles . At VAST, I provide thought leadership and innovative business strategies that provide our clients a competitive advantage.

Rachel Johnson

COO | CCO | JD

Rachel Johnson

Out of the office you will see me spending time with my family, especially my husband and kids. At VAST, I help clients as the Chief Compliance Officer and I help our team as Chief Operating Officer.

Personal

Steve Hintsala

Personal Risk Manager

Steve Hintsala

At Home, my wife and I have three young children that keep us on our toes. In the summer you’ll most likely find me out on the golf course or on a baseball diamond. At VAST, I’m here to help our clients find solutions for all of their personal insurance needs.

Chris Barber

Account Manager

Chris Barber

At VAST I am an account manager helping customers manage the risks in their personal lives. I am here to help you understand your policies and how they keep your family protected. In my personal life you can find me coaching hockey, cheering my kids on at the soccer and football fields and watching their band concerts. When I’m not chasing my kids, spending time with my wife or working on my honey-do list I like to escape to a local stream and catch brookies or hunt grouse with my dog.

Janet Pinar

Account Administrator

Janet Pinar

I was born and raised in the Western Upper Peninsula and moved to Marquette to attend NMU and fell in love with the area, so I made it my home. Outside of work I enjoy time with my family and friends, tending to my flower and vegetable garden, walks with my dog, and kayaking. At VAST I am an Account Administrator for Personal Lines. I am happy to serve our clients with their day-to-day needs.

Torrin Grange

Personal Risk Manager

Torrin Grange

I was born and raised in the U.P. I grew up playing travel hockey and have played around Michigan and Canada. I graduated from Northern Michigan University and had interned with VAST during my senior year of college and the experience has been awesome. I was extremely happy to join the team full time upon graduation. When I am not in the office I am fishing/hunting/filming or editing video. I also enjoy all of the local activities around Marquette. I love the U.P. and Lake Superior.

Lucy Marana

Administrative Assistant II

Lucy Marana

I am lucky enough to have been born & raised in the U.P. I live in Marquette with my husband, Lee, & our dog, Raji. I enjoy spending time with them & my family & friends. I especially love music, golfing, being outside, and spending time at our camp in Big Bay, MI. During my 8-5, I work connecting callers to my VAST teammates who can help with their insurance needs.

Dawn Holsworth

Account Administrator

Dawn Holsworth

I grew up in Ishpeming and now reside in Negaunee with my husband and two daughters. Our girls take up a lot of our time, but it is so much fun to watch them enjoy their activities, whether it be basketball, softball or gymnastics. When I’m not with my family I enjoy getting together with friends. In the summertime you will find me in my backyard enjoying my firepit and listening to music. We also enjoy camping as much as we can. At VAST I am an Account Administrator on the personal insurance team, with over 20 years of customer service experience I enjoy assisting our clients with their day to day needs.

Matt Wuokko

Personal Risk Manager | CISR

Matt Wuokko

As a Personal Risk Manager at VAST, I work with clients to uncover, define, and provide solutions for their auto, home, and life insurance needs. Originally from Marquette and a graduate of Northern Michigan University, I feel blessed to be able to serve the community I grew up in. Outside of the office, I love spending time with family and friends while taking full advantage of all of the activities the U.P. has to offer.

Erin Berry

Administrative Assistant

Erin Berry

A Chicago girl at heart, Marquette is now where I call home. Outside of work you can find me doing what I love most - spending time with my family, reading a good book, watching a good film, or out exploring Marquette’s beautiful trails. At VAST, I work as an account administrator on the personal insurance team, focusing on building relationships with our clients.

Cassie VanAbel

Team Leader Personal Lines | CIC, CISR

Cassie VanAbel

I am proud to call Marquette my home, even though I love any opportunity to get out and explore what the rest of the world has to offer. Outside of the office you may find me out hiking with my pup, hitting my yoga mat or boating on Lake Michigamme with my family. In the office, my focus is supporting our personal insurance team so we can provide our customers with top notch service.

Scott Reddinger

Senior Claims Specialist | CISR

Scott Reddinger

My name is Scott but my friends call me Shooter. In the office my focus is navigating our personal insurance clients through the claim process. Outside the office my focus is navigating the woods and water while hunting, fishing, and hiking with my wife and our dog.

Corey Hanycz

Personal Risk Manager | CISR

Corey Hanycz

As U.P. native you will find me doing all things outdoors, but my passion is tending 3rd base at Hurley Field and shanking golf balls on the course. During my 8-5 work week I am working diligently as your dedicated personal insurance account manager.

Austin Johnson

Account Administrator

Austin Johnson

I am an Account Administrator for the Personal Lines team here at VAST. The Upper Peninsula is where I was born and raised. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing the piano, listening to music, and playing basketball. Helping others is important to me and I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of this team.

Nicole Marshall

Account Manager

Nicole Marshall

I was born and raised in the UP and I am an NMU Alumni. Outside of work you can find me on the golf course, floating in a boat on the beautiful Lake Superior, or inside with a good book. In the office, I am working as an Account Manager for our personal lines team.

Business

Tom Cousineau

Advisor | CIC, LIC, PWCA

Tom Cousineau

Growing up in the Western U.P., I enjoyed hunting, fishing, basketball, & going to camp. I now get to share these passions with my wife & 2 boys. At VAST, I am a Risk Advisor for businesses throughout the Upper Peninsula & Northern Wisconsin.

Kelly Reed

CEO | CIC, LIC, PWCA

Kelly Reed

As a former quarterback and current father of four, I have been involved in competition & leadership roles . At VAST, I provide thought leadership and innovative business strategies that provide our clients a competitive advantage.

Scott Koski

Advisor | CAWC, CIC, CISR, MBA, SBCS

Scott Koski

You're likely to find me enjoying my winters on a rink and my summers on a golf course. At VAST, I leverage my MBA education and employment skills in management and strategic business operations to provide comprehensive risk management plans to current and future clients.

Jay Hillier

Advisor | CIC, PWCA

Jay Hillier

I am all about outdoor activities that end in “ing”; Fishing, Golfing, Hunting, Snowmobiling. At VAST, I have the best job in the world. I get to see how things are created by incredible businesses and provide solutions to protect every aspect of their dream.

Tanner Wagner

Advisor | AINS, API, CAWC

Tanner Wagner

I am a Marquette native, and am blessed to have such a great place to live and work to this day. When I am not on an adventure with my wife and kids, you may find me out for a run or a hike, or lacing up the skates to play some hockey, indoors or out! Here at VAST I am a commercial insurance Risk Advisor, helping our clients to protect what they work so hard to build, so they can focus on what they do best.

Chris Grigas

Client Executive | CISR ELITE

Chris Grigas

As a non-native Yooper [originally from Chicago], I am proud to call Marquette my home! Outside of work, you will find me spending time with my wife and sons; doing everything outside, from hiking and walking, to barbequing in my driveway. At VAST, you will find me working in the Business Solutions Division building excellent relationships with our clients.

Casey Holsworth

Commercial Internal Marketer | CISR ELITE

Casey Holsworth

Family is the center of everything for me so anytime I am not working you will find me spending time with my husband, our three beautiful daughters and our families. Summer time is my favorite as I enjoy stepping away from “life” and going on camping adventures. In the Professional Solutions Division here at VAST I work with our team and company partners to prepare, develop and present customized plans for our current and new clients.

John Balmat

Account Manager

John Balmat

As an account manager here at VAST, I focus on providing an excellent client experience by assisting with all the day to day needs of our clients, as well as their policy renewals. When I am not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my wife and three kids, getting outside in the UP, and supporting Liverpool FC.

Katie Stitt

Account Administrator

Katie Stitt

I grew up and currently live in west Michigan with my three children and husband. In my down time I enjoy camping with my family and working on home projects. I have three active children who enjoy art, music and soccer.At VAST I am part of the commercial lines service center, and feel blessed to be a part of the team!

Katrina Mattila

Account Manager | CAWC, CIC, CISR

Katrina Mattila

I am a marquette native who enjoys running and playing outside with my two boys. VAST allows me to have the best of both worlds! I work part time on our commercial insurance team helping customers find solutions to fit their unique needs.

Kerry Hongisto

Account Manager | CAWC, CIC, CISR

Kerry Hongisto

I love to spend time outdoors skiing, hiking, biking, and golfing – although you might want to watch out for my drive if you see me on the course! I also enjoy a great cup of coffee so you will often find me running in and out of the local shops for an Americano. At VAST, you’ll find me on the Commercial Insurance team helping our small business clients manage their risk.

Jessica Dale

Team Leader Commercial Lines | CAWC, CIC, CISR

Jessica Dale

Although I grew up downstate, I have had the privilege of calling the Upper Peninsula my home since 2006. Outside of the office, I spend as much time as possible with my husband and our busy, awesome three children. In addition to that, I enjoy outdoor sports, hiking, baking, and leather-craft in whatever time I can squeeze in. Here at VAST, I help with the training and education on our commercial team, and enjoy supporting the team in whatever way possible to help meet and exceed our client’s needs.

Jaime Sheldon

Account Administrator | CISR

Jaime Sheldon

Born and raised in beautiful Marquette, I am married and blessed with two amazing children. We enjoy boating, spending time at camp and watching our kids do what they love, playing hockey and dance. I am part of the commercial lines service center and am grateful to be part of such an amazing team here at VAST.

Cortney Ranta

Account Marketing | CIC, CISR

Cortney Ranta

I have two full-time jobs: one at home as a wife and mom to two beautiful daughters and the other at VAST helping our commercial team prepare, develop & present customized plans for business owners.

Mike Sadler

Advisor

Mike Sadler

As a coach and father of two boys, I enjoy helping people set goals and then watching them exceed their goals. In the Professional Solutions Division at VAST, my goal is to understand what is important to our clients and provide them with solutions that protect them through innovative and creative risk management strategies - so they can accomplish their business goals.

Tyler Schwartz

Account Manager

Tyler Schwartz

Originally born and raised in the Lower Peninsula, but I am now proud to call the Upper Peninsula home. I love spending time outdoors, mainly hunting and fishing especially with friends and family. Here at VAST, I am part of the Commercial team as well as the Professional Solutions Division, focusing on providing excellent service to clients.

Sarah Niemela

Account Manager

Sarah Niemela

Born and raised in Marquette, I am proud to call this my hometown. Outside of work you’ll find me with my husband and three beautiful daughters. We enjoy hiking and biking through the woods, fishing Lake Superior, the beach, playing in the snow and anywhere in between! And when mom needs a break, you’ll find me running or on the volleyball court. At VAST I am proud to be a part of the commercial team to help meet the needs of our amazing clients.

Cameron Leedle

Client Executive | CISR

Cameron Leedle

After nearly 30 years of living in Marquette, I recently transitioned to a virtual role through a move to Grand Rapids, MI. Outside of my time with VAST I'm an avid crossfitter and enjoy pursuing improvements in fitness. Despite my physical distance from the VAST office, I'm committed to delivering an exceptional experience for our clients in the Professional Solutions Division.

Alec Fruin

Account Manager | MBA

Alec Fruin

As a former college athlete, basketball brought me to Marquette for the first time – now I’m happy to call it home! Outside of work, you’ll find me working out, enjoying the outdoors, or spending time with friends. Here at VAST, I am a part of the Commercial Lines Team and Professional Solutions Division, working to understand the needs of our clients and provide them the best possible experience.

Adam Ely

Claims Specialist

Adam Ely

Growing up in the U.P. I love anything involving Lake Superior. Outside of the office, I coach high school basketball and with what little free time that leaves me, I spend being active myself. At VAST, I work as an Account Manager on the Commercial team, focusing on building relationships with our clients.

Alison Neumann

Account Manager | CAM, CISR

Alison Neumann

Although a downstate native, I have always gravitated toward all things Marquette offers outdoor lovers, such as alpine and cross country skiing, hiking, backpacking, biking, and rock climbing. My husband and I are NMU alums and we live in Harvey with our dog, cats, chickens, and extensive garden. At VAST I work as an Account Manager on the commercial team with a focus on surety bonding and large corporate accounts.

Tracy Bennett

Account Administrator

Tracy Bennett

Marquette is my birthplace and the best place to enjoy all the activities my family loves. My husband, three boys and I are avid mountain bikers, skiers, hikers and beach goers. In additional free time, you will find me traveling to soccer or hockey tournaments, winning at Euchre and walking my large and loveable Aussie named Ozzy. Here at VAST, I am an Account Administrator on the commercial insurance team.

Jane Wanberg

Account Manager | CISR ELITE

Jane Wanberg

I’m a homegrown Yooper who loves family time and the outdoors. At VAST, I’m a commercial lines account manager who loves to guide and help protect our business partners.

Benefits

Jay Hillier

Advisor | CIC, PWCA

Jay Hillier

I am all about outdoor activities that end in “ing”; Fishing, Golfing, Hunting, Snowmobiling. At VAST, I have the best job in the world. I get to see how things are created by incredible businesses and provide solutions to protect every aspect of their dream.

Tom Snow

Advisor | AHIC

Tom Snow

A native of Calumet, MI. I spend my free time with my family, and really enjoy fitness, food and fishing. At VAST, I am an Advisor on our Employee Benefit and Life Insurance teams working with employers to develop plans to manage the ever changing needs of their workforce.

Heather Mosher

Advisor | AHIC, CISR

Heather Mosher

I like to get my hands dirty – whether that’s cleaning up after my sons, volunteering for a Kiwanis event or crafting my next DIY project. At VAST, I spend my time as an Advisor on the Benefits Insurance Team helping my clients to manage their group health insurance plans.

Shelby Anderson

Senior Account Manager

Shelby Anderson

I’m a Yooper and NMU alum (Go Cats!). In my spare time I love to craft, golf, travel and most importantly, spend time with family and friends. At VAST, I am an account manager on our benefits team.

Shawn Clement

Individual Life & Medical Risk Manager | CAM, CISR

Shawn Clement

I was born and raised in the U.P. Outside of work I can be found in the woods or on the water. I enjoy trying to golf, and spending time with my family and friends. As a Risk Manager at VAST, I enjoy developing relationships with our customers and providing them with the best possible service for their life and medical insurance needs.

Amy Higbie

Account Manager

Amy Higbie

I am a Marquette native who loves the outdoors. Outside of the office you will find me with my husband and children at the ice rink or soccer and baseball fields. In my free time I enjoy, hiking, skiing, and being on the lake with friends and family. At VAST, I am an Account Manager on the Individual Medical Team.

Barb Hellman

Account Manager

Barb Hellman

Born and raised here in Marquette, one of my favorite things to do is be anywhere near the water. I have two children who keep me busy. We are fans of most sports, and like to attend sporting events. We enjoy being outside and spending time with family and friends. Here at VAST, I am an Account Manger on the benefits team supporting our clients in managing their employee benefit needs.

Colleen Posey

Internal Marketing Coordinator

Colleen Posey

A Chicago girl at heart, Marquette is where I’ve called home for over ten years. Outside of work you will find me doing what I love most, spending time with my husband and two beautiful children. Whether it be by foot, bike, or ski’s, we love to get out and explore Marquette’s beautiful trails. At VAST you will find me on the benefits team helping our team prepare, develop, and present customized plans for our clients.

Jeremy Peacock

Advisor

Jeremy Peacock

Escanaba is where I call home. Outside of the office you will find me spending time with my wife and kids out at camp, traveling or coaching baseball and basketball. At VAST I am an Advisor on our Employee Benefits team focusing on Voluntary Benefits.

Faith Austin

Account Administrator

Faith Austin

I was raised in the UP and graduated from Ferris State University with a degree in Risk Management and Insurance. Here at VAST I work with the Benefits team as an Account Administrator. Outside of work you will find me knitting, exploring the outdoors, or enjoying local breweries.

Karen Bruce

Account Manager

Karen Bruce

I was born and raised in the U.P. and after several years away am thrilled to be back and call Marquette home. Outside of the office I love spending time with my husband and two amazing kids and supporting them in their activities. I also enjoy running, reading, and cooking. Here at VAST I am an Account Manager on the benefits team.

Molly Starr

Individual Life & Medical Risk Manager

Molly Starr

Here at VAST, I am a Risk Manager on the individual medical team. When I am not in the office, I enjoy hiking, running, biking, skiing, and anything else that will land me in the middle of the woods-regardless of season. I also enjoy spending time with the small zoo I have created at home, and supporting my favorite football squad-Liverpool.

Jared Myers

Claims Advocate

Jared Myers

Grew up in the lower peninsula, moved to Marquette in 2012 after spending 8 years active duty in the Navy. I love spending time with my wife and 2 dachshunds in the great outdoors. I have nearly 2 decades worth of experience in navigating the health care industry and as your claims advocate, I’m committed and determined to help you solve your claim issues and provide insight on how you can maximize your benefits.

Haily Morris

Account Manager

Haily Morris

I am an Upper Peninsula native and am happy to still call this place home. At VAST I am a Benefits Account Manager and in this role I provide support to our clients and my co-workers on the benefits team. Outside of work I enjoy reading, baking, spending time with my husband, friends & family, and playing with my two cattle dogs. I also enjoy volunteering for our local animal shelter and crafting with my local 4-H club!

Administration

Kelly Schultz

Controller | CISR

Kelly Schultz

I was born and raised in the U.P. Summer is my favorite time of the year and I try to enjoy the sunshine every chance I get! I love to camp, hike, run and workout. Living a healthy lifestyle and eating well are very important to me. In my spare time you will probably find me at a softball field watching my daughter play softball or spending quality time with my family. At VAST, you will find me crunching numbers, making sure we are checked and balanced, while delivering accurate results

Christie White

Sales Leader | CISR ELITE

Christie White

Outside of the office you will find me enjoying Lake Superior or cheering for my alma mater, the Michigan State Spartans. As the Sales Leader, I work with our experienced sales team to navigate our clients through the world of insurance and risk management.

Jennifer Duvall

Senior Administrative Assistant | API, CISR

Jennifer Duvall

I was born and raised in Gladstone, Michigan and moved to the big city of Marquette when I met my husband. My hobbies outside of VAST are getting any kind of physical activity that I can. I love to walk (any type of weather!) and ride my bike either by myself or with my husband and two sons. I also spend a lot of time in the bleachers cheering on my sons in their love of sports. At VAST, I am the Director of First Impression. It’s my job to find out your need and get you connected to the right person. I also assist the personal lines team as an Account Administrator. I have been a licensed agent and have worked for VAST for over 30 years.

Cindy Johnson

Business Process Analyst

Cindy Johnson

My life outside of VAST revolves around the comfort of my animals! I have 7 horses, 2 dogs & 2 cats. I do anything I can to be sure they are happy! (Oh and my husband too). At VAST , I get to play with computers and find solutions to make our employees as efficient as possible thru the use of Technology.

Beth Swanson

Human Resources | PHR, SHRM-CP

Beth Swanson

Outside of work I enjoy biking, hiking, and spending time with my dogs and cats. At VAST, I assist with the hiring and on-boarding of new employees, as well as supporting the VAST team with their payroll and benefit needs.

Kennan Marana

Business Development Coordinator

Kennan Marana

I am a Negaunee native and graduate of NMU. Outside of the office you can find me practicing my new favorite hobby - golf, spending time with family and friends, or just enjoying all the great things the U.P. has to offer. At VAST I am the Business Development Coordinator, I work closely with the CEO and sales team and manage outside marketing.

Kim Franti

Accounting Associate

Kim Franti

During the summer I love spending time at the lake at my family's resort. At VAST I work behind the scenes with our accounting team.

The enrollment period for 2023 individual and family health plans ended on January 15. Please contact us to determine if you qualify for a special enrollment period.

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