Meet Our Team

At Business Insurers of the Carolinas, we've built our team with individuals who have the highest standards for client communication and servicing. No matter who you interact with at Business Insurers of the Carolinas, you'll have the best experience possible.

Get Familiar With The Business Insurers of the Carolinas Team

Keith Pearsall

CIC
Principal

Bio To follow

Meet Keith

Laura Bridges

CISR - Pet Services
Manager

As Pet Services Manager, I bring 25 years of experience at Business Insurers of the Carolinas, where I oversee an outstanding team of insurance professionals dedicated to serving the pet services industry. I began my career in the insurance industry on the company side in 1996 before transitioning to the agency side in 2000.

In 2016, I earned the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation, further strengthening my expertise and commitment to providing knowledgeable, specialized service to clients.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time on the water, whether at the lake or the beach. I also enjoy hiking with my husband and our loving dog, Remi.

Meet Laura

Sharmen Scott

Customer Service
Manager

Hello, my name is Sharmen Scott, and I am a licensed insurance agent with over 25 years of experience in customer service. I take the time to walk clients through their options, answer questions, and make sure they feel confident in their coverage. My goal is to be someone you can count on for straightforward answers, reliable support, and responsive service whenever it’s needed. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my dog, Ollie, who is a big part of my life.

Meet Sharmen

Sherrie Newcom

Customer Service / Account Manager

I've spent the last 13 years as an Insurance Agent dedicated to the pet service industry, a field that perfectly merges my work with my love for animals. Because I share my clients' passion for pets, I truly understand the unique challenges they face and why standard coverage isn't enough. My goal is to protect the Insureds business by ensuring they have the right coverage they need. When I'm not reviewing policies, I'm likely out enjoying the company of my own furry animals, Noodle, Charlie, and Clyde.

Meet Sherrie

Valerie Brett

Customer Service / Account
Manager

Valerie is a Licensed Insurance Agent with over 10 years of experience helping clients navigate their insurance needs. She specializes in providing personalized coverage solutions and guiding clients through claims processes with clarity and care. Outside of work, Valerie enjoys spending time in nature, photography, and being with her family and pets.

Meet Valerie

Thomas Williamson

VP Sales

I specialize in helping pet care professionals protect their businesses with tailored insurance solutions. With a strong understanding of the unique risks in the pet industry, I focus on building coverage programs that actually fit how my clients operate. My goal is to make insurance simple, clear, and reliable so business owners can focus on what they do best. I take pride in being a responsive, knowledgeable resource for my clients every step of the way. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time on the golf course, out on the water or with my family dog Cubby.

Meet Thomas

Lorin Holder

Customer Service/ Account Manager

Lorin Holder enjoys being an insurance professional with Business Insurers of the Carolinas Pet Department. She is a North Carolina native. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, kayaking, and camping. Her and her husband are proud Paw-rents to their cat Penelope.

Meet Lorin

Baylee Patten

Accounting

Baylee Patten has handled accounting and administrative duties for 4+ years. She enjoys working in a highly collaborative setting. In her free time, she likes to be outside.

Meet Baylee

Keith Pearsall

CIC
Principal

Bio To follow

Meet Keith

Crystal Perry

Commercial Account
Manager

My name is Crystal Perry and I am a Commercial Lines Account Manager. I grew up in Cary, NC and graduated from NCSU. I have over 20 years experience in the insurance industry. I enjoy spending time in nature, listening to music and I have a huge compassion for animals.

Meet Crystal

Diane Nadeau

Commercial Account
Manager

Bio To follow

Meet Diane

Dan Bunders

Commercial Account
Manager

Dan Bunders loves living in Wilmington NC with beloved wife Bonnie and one daughter Lillie. Enjoys spending time at the beach with the family catching the occasional wave and soaking up the sunshine. Also always looking for a little time to play some golf after being sure to protect the risks of our clients with personalized coverage solutions.

Meet Dan

Courtney Hertel

Commercial Account
Manager

Hi, I’m Courtney Hertel. I am a Commercial Lines Account Manager with previous experience in Personal Lines and Underwriting. Prior to my insurance days, I worked in several other industries, but insurance is my calling. I enjoy the day-to-day interactions with my clients and finding solutions to their insurance needs. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to concerts, and exploring new destinations.

Meet Courtney

Peggy Curasi

Personal Lines Account
Manager

I am Peggy Curasi, personal lines account manager with Business Insurers for over 40 years. There is something new to learn in insurance all the time. I especially enjoy working with and helping my clients with their insurance matters. Contact me at pcurasi@business-insurers.com

Meet Peggy

Alyssa Digman

Personal Lines Account
Manager

Hi, I'm Alyssa Digman! I work as a Personal and Commercial Lines Account Manager and love learning something new in the insurance world every day. Whether I'm helping clients with big or small needs or supporting my teammates, I'm happy to be part of the BIC family. Outside of work, you'll usually find me enjoying the outdoors, staying active, or trying out new recipes. I look forward to serving you and helping you protect what matters.

Meet Alyssa

Kim Suddarth

Personal Lines Account
Manager

I'm Kim Sudderth, and I'm a Personal Line Account Manager. Prior to joining the BIC family, I worked at DHNT for many years. I enjoy building strong relationships, along with helping our clients with their insurance needs. During my time away, I enjoy relaxing at the pool or beach and watching football. I look forward working with you.

Meet Kim

Carla Mancuso

Personal Lines Account
Manager

Hi, I am Carla Mancuso! I work as a Personal Lines Account Manager, and this is my 28th year in the insurance business. I always take great pleasure in finding the right coverage for the needs of my clients and their families, I guess that is why I have stuck it out for so long. Here at our BIC family, we support one another, so we have you covered. In my home life I am a wife, mother of one son and I have 4 grandchildren. I love cooking (Since I am Cajun) and I love the mountains of NC; I try to see them every chance I get. I am looking forward to seeing you soon and finding the right coverage for you and your family's needs!

Meet Carla

Miles Parker

Producer

Miles is a risk management professional based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with experience in the field since 2014. He distinguishes himself through a highly personalized, client-specific approach. By taking the time to deeply understand each client's unique risks, goals, and circumstances, he delivers strategic, customized solutions that evolve with their needs.

Outside of work, Miles enjoys spending time with his wife, Katherine, traveling whenever possible, and playing golf. He is also a passionate supporter of all things Tar Heels. Go Heels!

Meet Miles

Jerry Teague

Producer

Bio To follow

Meet Jerry

Jim Huckabee

Producer

James, “Jim”, Huckabee III, is a Durham, NC native and a longtime business and community leader whose service spans numerous civic, charitable, and professional organizations. In 1987, he co founded DHNT Insurance with two partners, guiding the agency from its local beginnings into one of the region’s most respected independent insurance firms. Under his leadership, DHNT became known for its strong client relationships, community involvement, and commitment to excellence.

In addition to his local impact, Huckabee has contributed nationally to the insurance industry through his service on multiple agent advisory boards for leading insurance companies across the country. His insight and experience helped strengthen agency-carrier partnerships and support industry innovation.

After more than three decades of leadership and growth, he and his partner sold DHNT insurance to Business Insured in December 2018. His career reflects a lifetime dedicated to both his hometown of Durham and the broader insurance profession.

Meet Jim

Eileen Rennie

Claims Manager

Eileen Rennie has been with BIC for over ten years.
A former claim adjuster for many years, Eileen manages multi-line claims with a specialty in workers' compensation.

Eileen oversees numerous claim issues such as - appropriate medical treatment, thorough investigations, return-to-work plans, denied and litigated cases, HR-related issues, settlement negotiations, creative resolution ideas, and overall cost containment.

These efforts have directly benefited (or directly benefit) our clients with reduced insurance premiums, and improved work comp experience modifiers.

Meet Eileen