Harold (Hal) W. Wells, IV is Co-President and CEO of Wells Insurance, a NC-headquartered 4th generation independent agency, providing risk management and innovative insurance solutions in ways that blend traditional service with cutting-edge technology.

As CEO, Hal is focused on organizational growth while actively participating in a number of professional and educational organizations. Currently, Hal serves on the Board of Trustees for Cape Fear Academy, is on the Board of Directors for the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, and is Board Chairman for the UNCW Swain Center, as well as a member of the Executive Advisory Board for the UNCW Cameron School of Business.

He has previously served on the National Board of The Council of Employee Benefit Executives (CEBE), which is part of The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers (CIAB). Also, Hal was a member of Aflac’s National Broker Advisory Board. With a BS in Managerial Economics from Hampden-Sydney College and an MBA from University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Prior to joining Wells Insurance, he spent several years in Atlanta, GA working for The Travelers.

He resides in Wilmington, NC, with his wife Meredith and their three children Liza, William, and Chesson.

Steve Wells is Co-President and COO of Wells Insurance, a NC headquartered 4th Generation Independent Agency, providing risk management and innovative insurance solutions in a way that blends traditional services with cutting-edge technology.

As the COO, Steve is focused on the operational aspect of the Agency to ensure that policies and procedures stay lean and streamlined while being robust enough to service our clients. Steve is also the acting Sales Manager of Wells Insurance and enjoys working with the sales staff in any capacity needed to aid both in their success and client’s success.

He serves his professional community through his active participation in the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers, Assurex Global Partnership and various Insurance Company Advisory Boards.

Steve serves his personal community through his past service with Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center Foundation, and his current service with both the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation and SEAHEC.

Steve received his BS degree in Economics from Hampden Sydney College in Virginia and In his spare time, enjoys inshore fishing and flying. He lives in Wilmington with His Wife, Helen, and two Children, Jane and Rob.

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Anne Kinley brings over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, having joined Wells Insurance in 2007. Her work spans a diverse range of industries, with a strong focus on public entities, aviation, large property portfolios, and nonprofit organizations.

Anne plays a key role in Wells’ Public Entity Practice Group, providing tailored insurance solutions to municipalities and government-affiliated clients. She also manages the agency’s aviation accounts, drawing on her deep technical knowledge to address the unique risks of that sector.

In addition, Anne handles complex property exposures, including large-scale portfolios for homeowners’ associations and property management firms, as well as mission-driven nonprofits requiring specialized liability and property coverage.

Known for her attention to detail, client-first approach, and ability to navigate complex insurance placements, Anne is a trusted partner to clients with multifaceted coverage needs.

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Carolina Willis is an Account Executive for the Employee Benefits Division of Wells Insurance. Carolina graduated with her Masters in Business Administration from Ashford University in 2012. Prior to moving to the Carolinas in 2007, she resided in Texas, where she began her insurance career with United American in 2002, soon after her graduation from Texas A&M University.
 
Carolina has worked in a variety of different sectors of the health and life insurance industry as an agent as well as a sales manager, and has acquired many regional and national sales awards. After several years in a managerial capacity with Liberty National Insurance Company, she accepted a position in the higher education industry as a Financial Aid Coordinator and was quickly promoted to Director of Finance. She later returned to the insurance industry as a career agent at Transamerica Agency Network.
 
Since joining the Employee Benefits Division of the Wells Insurance team, Carolina has assisted employers in several types of industries, align benefit strategies with company’s goals and objectives.

Carolina enjoys vacationing in Florida and Brazil where she still has family and long time friends. She currently resides in Wilmington with her husband and her daughters, Clarissa and Mia.

Chris Burkauskas is an Account Executive on the Commercial Team at Wells Insurance. He was born and raised in the Midwest and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA in Communications.

Chris has a diverse range of experience within the insurance world, with a career spanning nearly a decade as a national agent working with customers across the country in over 40 states. Chris specializes in moving and storage, cleaning and restoration, as well as construction and hospitality industries locally and nationally.

In his spare time, he enjoys life on the coast as well as working within his community for multiple non-profits and volunteer associations. On the weekends, you’ll find Chris in Carolina Beach where he lives with his two daughters, Clara and Allie.

Chris Miller brings over 50 years of experience in the insurance industry and has been a valued member of the Wells Insurance team since 2010. She is widely respected for her in-depth knowledge of the claims process and her ability to advocate effectively on behalf of clients.

Her background includes:
Extensive property & casualty claims servicing experience, working closely with risk managers, contractors, and business owners.
Leadership roles in both Claims and Commercial Insurance divisions, offering a well-rounded perspective on complex insurance programs.
As Claims Advocate, Chris serves as:

A dedicated liaison between the client and insurance carriers.
Your claims guide and partner, ensuring the process stays on track, concerns are addressed promptly, and resolutions are achieved efficiently.
Her decades of hands-on experience and client-focused approach make her an integral part of Wells Insurance’s commitment to delivering responsive, results-driven claims service.

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Chrystie Frazier is an Account Executive focused on sales of personal lines insurance coverage. She graduated in 2000 from UNC Wilmington with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accountancy. She began her insurance career with Wells Insurance in 2009, took a brief leave as a Home Mortgage Consultant in 2013, and returned to Wells in 2014 when she realized she wanted to focus on what she enjoyed best – helping people stay protected.

Chrystie has developed a solid foundation in personal lines insurance offering Homeowner’s, Auto, Wind/Hail, Flood and Personal Liability coverages. Her client base consists of real estate agents, mortgage bankers, financial advisors, auto dealerships and new home builders.

She enjoys volleyball, surfing and biking and resides in Wilmington with her husband Jason, and twin daughters.

Doreen Gaines has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, specializing in commercial coverage for a diverse range of clients. She began her career in Personal Lines in 1982 before transitioning to Commercial Insurance in 2001.
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Since joining Wells Insurance in 2022, Doreen has managed accounts across multiple industries, including golf courses, HOAs, roofing, HVAC, landscaping, restoration, home healthcare, and RV campgrounds/resorts. She holds several professional designations, including CISR Elite (Certified Insurance Service Representative), CRIS (Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist), CBIA (Certified Builders Insurance Agent), and CAWC (Certified Authority on Workers Compensation), demonstrating her deep experience and knowledge in risk management and specialized coverage solutions.

Doug has been in the insurance industry since 1987 and joined Wells in 2015. During this time, he has worked to advance his knowledge and obtained both his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Builders Insurance Agent (CBIA) designations.

Doug has been engaged as a company underwriter, company underwriting manager, managing general agency underwriter, agency producer, and an account manager. In addition, he has experience working with specialty, niche program business including non-profit and health care organizations, on a nationwide basis.

As your Executive Client Advisor, Doug will be the point person for any day to day needs on your accounts with Wells.

Greg Gibson has been a licensed life and health insurance agent since 1986. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 1985 with a degree in Sociology.
 
In 1986 Greg started his career in employee benefits working as a group sales representative for Jefferson Pilot Life Insurance Company. After three years, he went to work for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina in the same capacity, and in 1992 was promoted to sales manager. He earned the designation of Certified Healthcare Consultant from the National Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and Purdue University.

In 1996 Greg left BCBSNC and joined the employee benefits department at Harold W. Wells & Son, Inc. in Wilmington, North Carolina. He is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters and a past member of Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Broker Advisory Council. Greg works with a select group of employers through a unique proprietary process to help them attract and retain employees.

He and his wife Hope reside in Hampstead, N.C., and have two children.

Irving (Irv) brings more than 30 years of employee benefits consulting, underwriting and brokerage experience to Wells Insurance. He previously ran the group benefit consulting practice at one of the largest consulting firms in the nation as well as serving as CEO and Managing Director for The Sorin Group LLC. He was also the Managing Director for the Group Underwriting Division of The Prudential Insurance Company in their Northeastern home office.

He is well versed in all aspects of employer sponsored plans whether fully insured, level funding, or self-insured, and brings a business consultant’s approach to solving the ever-changing needs of today’s employers.

Irv served on the advisory board for two insurance carriers and has served as Chairman for the Healthcare Committee for the City of Raleigh.
 
He attended Brown University and has lived in Raleigh, NC with his wife since 1986 and has three accomplished children who live and travel all over the world.

Jared Cranford is a native to North Carolina, and a graduate of UNCW. After spending several years as an importer in supply chain logistics based out of central NC, he moved back to Wilmington and into the insurance profession.

His focus is in leading and guiding the agency's sales team, overseeing personal lines of coverage, and managing personal lines carrier relations across the agency.

He believes in maintaining a healthy work/life balance and spends much of his free time on the water and under its surface along with his three children.

Jason Riley is an Account Executive on the Commercial Team at Wells Insurance. He was born and raised in Maryland and graduated from Salisbury University on the eastern shore of MD with a BS in Business Admin.

Jason moved to Wilmington in 2000, starting his career in the insurance industry in 2006. With a passion for the water and the lifestyle around it, he now specializes in Commercial and Recreational Marine insurance.

On the weekends, Jason can be found spending time with his wife and their two children.

Jeff Steele is an experienced Account Executive at Wells Insurance’s Myrtle Beach office, bringing over three decades of expertise in insurance and risk management. A graduate of Youngstown State University, Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1985 before launching his insurance career in 1991.
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Throughout his career, Jeff has held key roles at national and regional insurance brokerage firms, as well as at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. He has also operated as an independent insurance consultant for one of the nation’s oldest and most respected insurance and risk management consulting firms.

Jeff’s expertise spans both traditional insurance and alternative risk transfer solutions, including captive insurance, retrospectively rated, and large deductible programs. His diverse client portfolio includes prominent golf and country clubs, transportation and logistics firms, construction companies, and hospitality businesses. Additionally, he has provided insurance and risk management consulting for organizations in healthcare, banking, and public sectors, including municipalities and school districts.

A lifelong learner and industry leader, Jeff earned his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation in 2002 from the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research and his Certified Authority on Workers Compensation (CAWC) designation in 2014.

With a depth of experience, specialized industry knowledge, and a commitment to tailored risk solutions, Jeff is dedicated to helping clients protect their assets and navigate the complexities of today’s insurance landscape.
He and his wife, Susan, live in Myrtle Beach with their three children.

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John Blackwell has been in the insurance business since 1998; he offers experience and perspective in all facets of life insurance and group health insurance coverage. He started his career in Atlanta with John Hancock where he was the recipient of several national insurance awards. John joined Wells Insurance in 2002 after making the decision to move back to his beloved home state of North Carolina.

Outside of work, John is an avid competitive golfer. He was on the golf team at Wofford College (1996) and continues to excel in state and national amateur tournaments.

John is also quite proud of his family, which is made up of his wife Eliza and three beautiful children Walter, Ali and Taylor.

John Blackwell has been in the insurance business since 1998; he offers experience and perspective in all facets of life insurance and group health insurance coverage. He started his career in Atlanta with John Hancock where he was the recipient of several national insurance awards. John joined Wells Insurance in 2002 after making the decision to move back to his beloved home state of North Carolina. Outside of work, John is an avid competitive golfer. He was on the golf team at Wofford College (1996) and continues to excel in state and national amateur tournaments. John is also quite proud of his family, which is made up of his wife Eliza and three beautiful children Walter, Ali and Taylor.

Jon Leeper is an Account Executive with the Employee Benefits Division of Wells Insurance. He grew up in Iowa and is a graduate of Buena Vista University. Upon graduation, he began his business career in commercial banking in Greensboro, NC.

In 1995 Jon joined Penn Western Benefits, Inc., a Third-Party Administrator of Group Health Plans, as Director of Business Development. He led the company’s growth and worked closely with employers on all phases of plan operation. Jon was a proponent of several strategies that resulted in improved care for members and saved money for both members and employers. He was the VP of Sales and Service for ACS Benefit Services after the sale of Penn Western to ACS.

Jon’s areas of focus include Self-funded Plan Operation, Compliance, Direct Primary Care, Reference-Based Pricing, Direct Provider Contracting, On-site and Near-site Employer Clinics, and Diabetes Prevention and other focused health programs that benefit members and employers. He works with employers of all sizes, focusing on understanding and solving employers’ problems in all benefit areas.

Jon resides in Greensboro, NC with his wife. They have two grown children.

Jorge Peña is an Account Executive on the Personal Lines Team at Wells Insurance.

Jorge has strong experience in various facets of personal insurance with Wells, starting as an Account Manager, and quickly being promoted into his current role as an Account Executive, able to help clients both locally and nationally with their insurance needs. Jorge is bilingual, able to assist clients in both English and Spanish, and his focus is on providing an exemplary customer experience.

In his spare time, he enjoys sports and life on the Wilmington coast where he lives with his daughters Ingram and Eliotte.

Kristian Kelly is a Commercial Lines Account Executive at Wells Insurance, where she partners with businesses to assess risk, design tailored coverage strategies, and build lasting client relationships. She brings nearly 30 years of experience, having grown up working in her family’s independent insurance agency and later serving as a licensed producer across both personal and commercial lines. Licensed in Property & Casualty as well as Life & Health, she offers broad expertise and a practical, client-focused approach.

In addition to her insurance career, Kristian has owned and operated several businesses, giving her a strong entrepreneurial perspective and an understanding of the challenges business owners face. This blend of insurance expertise, business leadership, and a relationship-first mindset allows her to deliver both strategic guidance and hands-on support to the organizations she serves. At Wells, she carries forward the agency’s client-first culture, bringing dedication and responsiveness to every relationship.

Michael Broadway is a Commercial Lines Client Advisor at Wells Insurance, where he supports businesses with policy servicing, claims coordination, and ongoing coverage strategy. He joined Wells in August 2025 and brings seven years of experience in commercial insurance, with a background spanning policy servicing, claims, and client advisory roles. Michael has worked with a diverse range of accounts - from homeowners associations to contractors and other middle-market businesses - providing practical guidance and responsive support.

A former infantryman in the United States Marine Corps, Michael brings discipline, accountability, and a service-oriented mindset to his work. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Computational Science from Liberty University. He is passionate about helping business owners protect the livelihoods they have worked hard to build and takes pride in building strong, trusted relationships with the clients he serves.

Rachel Fuentes is the Director of the Employee Benefits division of Wells Insurance. Prior to coming to Wells, she worked at HUB International Gulf South in New Orleans, LA for 7 years, and prior to that, 10 years with Cigna. She loves getting out and meeting with clients – especially employee meetings.

She has worked with all size groups whether self-funded, fully insured, or level funded, helping our Employer Clients navigate the new healthcare laws, compliance concerns, monthly reporting, and cost containment strategies.

Randy Reeves is a Senior Account Executive with over 15 years of experience, providing Risk Management and Commercial Insurance services for Public Entity, Construction, Manufacturing, Chemical Processing, Health & Human Services, and High Tech industries.

His broad background includes over 39 years of experience in sales, operations, manufacturing, and risk management for both domestic and international companies. Ranging from Westinghouse Electric as a manufacturing engineer to President of Interroll Corporation (a Swiss based company). He has developed the understanding and skills necessary for business development, strategic formulation, Risk Management programs, and financial analysis to maximize profitability and help lower total costs.

Randy’s experience is built around hands-on involvement with professional, civic, and volunteer involvement. He knows how to mitigate risk issues through employee and company policy, process improvement, and employee involvement. These skills give him the ability to understand the specific needs of his clients and to provide a level of knowledge that is unique to the risk management industry. Industry training in multiple sectors has allowed Mr. Reeves to become a trusted advisor for his clients and provide a broad range of support and advice.

Randy lives in Wilmington, North Carolina with his wife Brenda and their two sons, Brandon and Kyle.

Sam McClure is an Account Executive with the Employee Benefits Division of Wells Insurance. Sam was born in Charlotte, NC and grew up in Laurinburg and Washington, NC. Sam is a graduate of St. Leo University where he earned his BA while on active duty in the US Navy. He also attended Clemson University, and Troy University pursuing his Masters.

In 1994 Sam started his Employee Benefits career as a service representative with Jefferson-Pilot Life. He also worked as a sales representative with Great-West Life. After working on the insurance company side, Sam then transitioned to the brokerage arena. He worked for Wachovia Insurance Services, First Charter Insurance Services, and First Citizens Insurance Services.

Sam’s areas of focus includes traditional funding, self-funding, worksite, as well as helping employers navigate the complexities of service, compliance, and technology components.

Sam resides in Chapel Hill, NC with his wife Emily. They have 4 children, 2 grandchildren, and 6 pets.

Samantha Maynor started her sales career in Chicago, Illinois where she worked as a Real Estate Agent for over 8 years.

In 2010, Samantha relocated to the Wilmington, NC area and built a personal training and CrossFit business for 7 years.
 
In 2017, licensed in P&C and Life & Health, Samantha joined Wells Insurance as an Assistant Account Manager where her energy and focus helped her quickly transition into an Account Executive role in 2018.
 
Samantha lives in Southport, NC, and graduated from UNCW with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology. In her free time she enjoys doing anything fitness related, spending time with her horses, her husband, and 4 children.

Sandy Wyrick has been with Wells Insurance since 2007. Serving as a Full-time Claims Advocate for our clients, Sandy works directly with employers and employees to process, report, and follow through on claims, as a liaison between the client and the insurance carrier .

Prior to joining the team at Wells Insurance, Sandy spent 16 years with United Healthcare. She has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry with an extensive knowledge of the field; including claims processing, customer service, and account management.

Steve Sims graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Health & Physical Education. He was a teacher and coach while he worked towards his Master’s Degree in Administration.

Once he received his master’s, he began his insurance career with Pilot Life Insurance Company’s Group Health division. Steve worked with several insurance companies, before working with The Piedmont Administrators (P.A.). While there, Steve focused on North Carolina’s largest companies, assisting them with their self-funded Group Health Plans. Steve remained at P.A. until the company was sold to BB&T & MedCost Benefits Services, respectively. He then joined Wells Insurance’s Group Health department in 2005. With 35 years in the insurance business, Steve is a valuable resource for his clients.

Steve is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters, and served as President of the Triad Chapter in Greensboro, N.C.

Tony Pagrabs is a Senior Account Executive at Wells Insurance. He graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, majoring in Finance. He began his career with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, and has held positions with both national and regional insurance brokerage firms. Tony has developed a focus in a wide variety of industries. His client base consists of prominent businesses in retail, warehousing, and manufacturing. He has extensive experience in the moving and storage industry, and through his background in working with franchises, understands their unique relationship and risk management concerns. Tony has earned the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation from the Insurance Institute of America, as well as a Certified Claims Analyst designation through The American Moving & Storage Association. He is past board member of the Ohio Association of Movers and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County.

Victoria "Tori" Gillott, SPHR brings over 40 years of experience in benefits, human resources, and business management to her role as an Executive Client Advisor at Wells Insurance, which she joined in October 2024. Prior to joining Wells, Tori served as Principal and Senior Client Executive at OneDigital Insurance, a position she held from 2014. Before that, Tori served as President and CEO of Forrester & Associates Insurance Agency from 2003, where she developed extensive expertise in employee benefits, HR, business strategy, and leadership. Her earlier career includes 24 years as a Benefits Administrator and Legal Recruiter/HR professional with the Raleigh office of Hunton & Williams, an international law firm.

Tori holds a Certificate in Human Resources from Duke University and is a nationally certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the Human Resources Certification Institute. She is also certified with the National Association of Health Underwriters in Wellness Programs and was a certified fitness instructor for many years. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including Woman Extraordinaire by Triangle Business Leader, Healthiest Company and CEO by the American Institute of Healthcare and Fitness, and Business of the Year by the Chatham Chamber of Commerce. She is licensed in Life and Health, as well as Property and Casualty, in North Carolina.

Outside of work, Tori enjoys target practice with her husband, Tony—an experienced former Special Operations Airborne Ranger and professional gun instructor—on their private range. She cherishes time with their five grandchildren and her Quarterhorse, Rose. A lifelong equestrian enthusiast, Tori is committed to giving back to horses as a Certified Masterson Method Practitioner in Integrated Equine Performance Body Work and as a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist.

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Will Plummer is an Employee Benefits and Life Account Executive who came onboard at Wells Insurance in 2021. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2013 with a degree in organizational management.
 
Will began his career in the healthcare industry in 2013 as an Account Executive for a national laboratory, servicing the clinical needs of local physicians and physician groups in the Raleigh area. He was promoted in 2018 to a specialty role where he focused on prenatal genetic screening for women’s health physicians and hospital systems in Eastern NC.
 
Will left laboratory sales behind in 2020 and joined the Employee Benefits and Life Insurance department at Wells Insurance. He consults with employers to develop and implement employee benefit programs designed to attract and retain quality employees. He also works with individuals to secure the financial security of their families.
 
Will lives in Wilmington, NC with his wife Dana, son Charlie, and his 2 labs, Lady and Emma Jane. He enjoys living at the beach and cheering on his Tar Heels.

Zach Sinclair is an Account Executive for Wells Insurance providing Risk Management, Professional Liability, and Commercial Insurance services for Physicians, Hospitals, LTC, and Home Health and Hospice in 15 states. His background includes over 25 years of experience in insurance and risk management for Healthcare Entities.

He has developed a unique understanding of the risks facing the healthcare industry of today and the foresight to project the emerging risks of tomorrow. He spent time as a broker of Medical Liability Insurance at Keane Insurance Group, now HILB. During that time Keane Insurance Group introduced Missouri Physicians Mutual to the state and grew the carrier to the largest Physicians Medical Liability carrier in Missouri before it was sold. After that he moved to NC and worked as a business development executive for two of the largest Medical Liability Insurers in the nation.

Zach’s healthcare experience is built around years working closely with healthcare administrators, risk managers, attorneys, and providers. His unique view of the industry developed through observed in-office patient engagement, in-patient/out-patient surgeries, settlement negotiations, courtroom litigations, and 20 years focused on healthcare risks. This has given him the insight to mitigate risk issues through policy, process improvement, and employee involvement. He understands the needs of his clients and provides a level of knowledge that is extremely beneficial to the risk management industry.
Zach currently resides in Leland NC. He is married to Kate and has two super star athletes for sons, Alek and Baron.