Staff

David Brand
Account Executive
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David works to assist clients with employee benefits, individual life, disability and other life planning tools. His focus is to deliver an effective and consistent value to clients and represent their best interests with skill and integrity.

The Employee Benefit Solutions department of Valley Insurance Associates, Inc. strives to bring clients the finest carriers, plans and technology in order to help maximize the impact of their premium dollars. We can be an extension of your Human Resources Department, and relieve it of many of the day-to-day burdens of benefit management.

In David's Words
"I believe accurate information is the key component to managing benefit plan dollars. With our clients, we take a leading roll in the process of educating their employees in the ways to most effectively utilize their assets. When it all comes together everyone wins."

Anita Lind, CLU, CPIW
Account Executive
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Anita provides employers with long term solutions to manage their employee benefit costs. She focuses on quality coverage with a high level of service, as well as employer and employee education.

Anita is licensed in Life, Health, Property and Casualty. She has obtained the designation of CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) and CPIW (Certified Professional Insurance Women). She serves on the Development Committee of the Oshkosh Women's Fund. In addition, she is a council member at her church and part of the Mission Ministry Committee.

In Anita's Words
"One of the greatest expenses faced by today's business owner is providing a benefit package that will attract and retain quality employees. Therefore it is necessary that new and creative ideas are constantly brought to the table. It is also very important that the employees understand their coverage and appreciate the value it brings."

Marti Norton, CLTC
Account Executive
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Referrals Reflect Responsibility
Referrals are the mainstay of Marti's business. She becomes very well acquainted with her clients in the course of writing their homes, autos, insurance umbrellas, small businesses, individual health, life and long-term care insurance. Her sound values and personal interest in her customers build trust, and they enjoy telling their friends and neighbors about her expertise and the excellent products Marti represents.

Experience Counts
Marti earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from UW-Madison and was employed & volunteered in art related fields for 16 years before starting her position with an Independent Insurance Agency. Contributing to her community is very important as evidenced by Marti’s current position on the Mercy Health Foundation Board. She has volunteered on the grants and nominating committees and is now involved in sustainable funding initiatives.

In Marti's Words
"Health Insurance and Long-Term Care Insurance clients age 65 and older are my primary focus. Listening, simplifying the maze of available information and transferring the immense risk of this age group are a welcome challenge. I take the time necessary to guide people toward informed choices and deliver protective solutions. My experience and product knowledge helps position Valley Insurance Associates, Inc. as a valued destination."

John C. Swanson
Account Executive
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The Three C's
With more than 20 years of experience to stand on, John has earned a reputation for focusing on the three C's - Clients, Creativity and Cost-Effectiveness. As an Account Executive for VIA in the Benefit Solutions Department, he guides his business and individual clients to insurance solutions tailored just for them.

John specializes in group employee benefits and helps employers identify creative and cost-effective insurance solutions for:

• Individual and/or group coverage
• Fully-insured or self-funded coverage
• Health, life, dental and disability coverage
• Voluntary or worksite marketing insurance benefits

Experience Counts
John began his career in the insurance industry in 1982 after earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, with an emphasis in accounting and insurance, from U.W. Whitewater. Since then, he has put his experience and training to work to help employers in Wisconsin develop and implement financial solutions that meet their benefit needs.

In John's Words
"I've been a life-long Wisconsin resident and call the Fox Cities home for myself and my family. As a member of the Fox Cities Chamber Small Business Committee, the Wisconsin Health Underwriters Association and the National Health Underwriters Association, I enjoy helping employers of all sizes find the right solutions for their business and their employees."

Kerrie Gonnering
Account Manager
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Attention to Detail
Kerrie is a Benefit Solutions Account Manager at Valley Insurance Associates, Inc. Although she is a newcomer to the insurance industry, she has several years experience in Human Resources, Payroll, Accounting and Purchasing. This wide variety of expertise has given her numerous skills that now help her in assisting clients' benefits needs.

Being detail-oriented, she goes the extra step to ensure that her clients receive the best possible service. She does this in the timely and professional manner that they deserve.

In Kerrie's Words
"As a lifelong resident of the Fox Valley, I strive to exceed my clients' expectations with exceptional service. I believe that family is very important and enjoy going up north with my husband and three children and watching their sporting events. I am also active in my church and enjoy scrapbooking."

Loretta Wilhelm, GBA
Account Manager
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Getting Personal with Your Business
Loretta grew up in a large family from Lomira, Wisconsin. Like anyone who has ever grown up in a large family, she learned early on the art of relationship building and managing relationships. Today, as an Account Manager in Benefit Solutions for Valley Insurance Associates (VIA), she can bring her expertise to your business. Loretta can assist you in enhancing the relationships you have with your employees through the educated choices you make regarding benefit solutions.

Experience Counts
Loretta has spent most of her career focused on business to business relationships. As an Account Manager with expertise in Benefit Solutions, Loretta can partner with your business and provide valuable guidance in areas such as:

• Group Health and Life Insurance
• Section 125 Plans
• COBRA Administration and more

Loretta obtained the designation of Group Benefits Associate (GBA) through the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP). In addition, she is a National member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).

In Loretta's Words
"Businesses are a bit like a large family. Each family member has basic needs, yet beyond those basics are the attributes unique to each individual. Providing guidance on benefit solutions means getting to know your business on a very personal level and understanding exactly what it is you need."