Meet The Team

Our power comes from our people. Rich in the intellectual capital necessary to support the businesses and families we serve, they are the core of everything we do. Our associates put their extensive industry knowledge to work every day, digging deep to understand your business, your challenges, and your risk profile. We believe in business segmentation, ongoing education, and the pursuit of both personal and professional goals.

Simply stated, we believe that empowered employees best serve our clients.

The Difference Makers

Melody Barnes

Melody Barnes

Senior Client Associate

Betty Becraft

Betty Becraft

Accounting Associate
Sheri Bond

Sheri Bond

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Trey Braithwaite

Trey Braithwaite

Associate

Zack Brandau

Zack Brandau

President

Solach Burch

Solach Burch

Client Associate

Diandra Carpenter

Diandra Carpenter

Director of Business Development & Marketing

Danica Crapse

Danica Crapse

Client Associate

Michele Curtis

Michele Curtis

Client Associate

Natalie Davidson

Natalie Davidson

Client Associate

Private Client Practice

Lina Domanski

Lina Domanski

Client Associate

Jenny Gobin

Jenny Gobin

Technical Client Associate

Elizabeth Hawse

Elizabeth Hawse

Director of Marketing & Communications

Catherine Duncan

Catherine Duncan

Client Associate

Tracy Minnich

Tracy Minnich

Technical Client Associate

Jessica Mueller

Jessica Mueller

Client Associate

Christie Nichols

Christie Nichols

Director of Client Experience

Kim Powis

Kim Powis

Client Associate Assistant

Kirstie Reich

Kirstie Reich

Client Associate Assistant
Stephanie Roughley

Stephanie Roughley

Client Associate Assistant
Will Russell

Will Russell

Vice President

Roxanne Sayre

Roxanne Sayre

Director of Finance

Judy Thow

Judy Thow

Senior Client Associate
Private Client Practice

Cammie Trapp

Cammie Trapp

Private Client Manager

Scot Creech

Scot Creech

President Emeritus,
CREECH INSURANCE

Community & Philanthropy

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Affiliations

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Melody Barnes

Melody Barnes

SENIOR Client Associate

Melody Barnes serves as Senior Client Associate at Core Assurance Partners. Melody is responsible for enhancing client relationships and interacting with clients to resolve day-to-day needs and perform account analysis.

 

Melody began her insurance career in 2006 at a local independent agency in the personal insurance sector. After a few years of honing her skills, Melody transitioned to the commercial insurance side, where she now specializes in the placement of Construction, Real Estate, and Hospitality accounts. Melody is committed to fully understanding the businesses she serves and building lasting professional relationships.

 

Melody earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from George Mason University and maintains a Virginia Property and Casualty license.

 

Melody is a lifelong resident of Virginia Beach, VA. In addition to spending time with her family and friends, Melody enjoys living an active lifestyle and serving the community in various philanthropic efforts.

Email me
(757) 965-8907
(757) 434-2427
Betty Becraft

Betty Becraft

Accounting Associate

Betty Becraft serves as Accounting Associate at Core Assurance Partners. In her role, she works with the firm’s carrier partners for client billings and commissions. She also has the important task of reconciling receivables and payables.

 

Betty began working with E. L. Creech in 1983 as their bookkeeper. Prior to her employment with Creech, she worked for Holiday Inn across various locations, including Chicago, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk. Betty’s more than 40 years of experience working with the Hampton Roads Community makes her an invaluable asset to the team.

 

Betty has maintained a Virginia Property and Casualty license since 1984.

 

Betty has been a resident of Virginia Beach, VA since 1974. She has been married to her husband for 45 years and has two children and three grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and the warm and sunny weather of the Tidewater area.

Email me
(757) 340-7117
Sheri Bond

Sheri Bond

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Sheri Bond serves as Executive Administrative Assistant for Core Assurance Partners. Sheri is responsible for administration, communications, and information/technology systems throughout Core Assurance offices.

 

Sheri has been in the insurance industry for more than 30 years, beginning her career in claims and continuing in commercial insurance. Sheri serves as a Certified Public Notary.

 

Sheri is a resident of Virginia Beach, VA. She is a California native and enjoys living near the beach. Sheri enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Email me
(757) 965-8911
Trey Braithwaite

Trey Braithwaite

Associate

Trey Braithwaite serves as Associate at Core Assurance Partners. He is responsible for business development and cultivating long-term strategic client relationships.

Trey utilizes his more than 23 years of business experience, 12 years in the insurance industry, to develop and place innovative insurance solutions for middle to large market companies, addressing complex domestic and international exposures. Prior to Core Assurance, Trey was Vice President of a national firm, heading up the Hampton Roads office where he was responsible for all aspects of developing business and maintaining client relationships. He is well respected in the marketplace and is committed to being innovative and client-centric. Trey’s clients have ranged from large real estate operations, global distributors, construction, complex government contractors, and maritime-related risks.

Trey is a graduate of Old Dominion University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude, in Management.

Trey is a resident of Virginia Beach, VA. He has served on the Boards of the Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council, Princess Anne Country Club, and the Virginia Beach Assembly and is involved in other valuable community initiatives such as diabetes research, autism support, and disadvantaged adults & youths.
Email me
(757) 965-8905
(757) 615-9916
Zack Brandau

Zack Brandau

President

Zack Brandau is President of Core Assurance Partners. Zack leads the daily operations of the firm and is responsible for strategic growth initiatives and overseeing client relationships.

Zack has been in the insurance business for more than 15 years and is respected throughout the industry for his real estate related insurance and risk management expertise. He has served clients throughout the U.S. and globally in the design and implementation of complex insurance and risk management programs. Prior to founding Core Assurance in 2017, Zack was Senior Vice President with a national brokerage where he co-chaired the company’s National Real Estate Practice. He has been recognized for his sales success and leadership; achieving local, regional and national awards for new client growth and retention. Zack is an innovative and forward-thinking leader committed to service excellence, transparency and advocacy for all Core Assurance clients. Under his leadership, the firm has realized exceptional organic growth and market presence.

Zack is a graduate of George Mason University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Marketing.

Zack is a native of the Tidewater area and now lives in Virginia Beach with his wife and three children. He currently serves on the board of The Virginia Gentlemen Foundation and is active in the numerous events they host annually to raise awareness for their cause. Zack is a member of the Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club and is a lifelong car enthusiast.

Email me
(757) 965-8902
(757) 837-8111
Solach Burch

Solach Burch

Client Associate

Solach Burch serves as Client Associate at Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for enhancing client relationships, interacting with clients to resolve day-to-day needs, and performing account analysis.

 

Solach has been in the insurance business for more than 28 years. Beginning with an independent agency in Hawaii, she learned about the industry and made her way to Hampton Roads. Her insurance acumen and organizational skills ensure exceptional client service. Solach has earned the respect and admiration of her peers, insurance companies, and clients for her integrity and dedication to service excellence.

 

Solach holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Information Systems from the University of Nebraska and a Master of Science in Management from Florida Tech. She has also earned the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) and the Certified Marine Insurance Professional (CMIP) designation from the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.

 

Solach is a resident of Suffolk, VA. She enjoys biking long distances, hiking in the mountains, and running to maintain her energetic personality.

Email me
(757) 441-9359
(757) 292-6769
Diandra Carpenter

Diandra Carpenter

Director of Business Development & Marketing

Diandra “D” Carpenter serves as Director of Business Development & Marketing for Core Assurance Partners. In her role, she primarily facilitates the marketing of new business, oversight of insurance carrier relationships, and analysis of book performance to meet the agency’s growth goals.

 

D has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, working in client servicing, production, and marketing. Prior to joining Core Assurance, she was the Marketing Leader and Executive Client Advisor for a national insurance brokerage, providing consultative review and program placement. D is often called upon to review, strategize, and resolve challenging and complicated Insurance programs for new and existing clients. Her goal is to foster and deliver an exceptional experience for Core Assurance clients, partners, and colleagues.

 

D is a resident of Virginia Beach, VA, and spends her free time active in her local church, volunteering, and enjoying new culinary experiences with her family and friends.

Email me
(757) 324-3479
(757) 641-5892
Danica Crapse

Danica Crapse

Client Associate

Danica Crapse serves as Client Associate for Core Assurance Partners. In this role, she is responsible for enhancing client relationships, interacting with clients to resolve day-to-day needs, and performing account analysis while providing a differentiated service experience.

 

Danica has been in the insurance industry for 15 years. She began her insurance career in Northern Virginia, learning the complexities of commercial insurance. Before returning to the Hampton Roads area, Danica gained experience in international coverages for NGOs and non-profits in the DC Metro area. While the majority of her career has focused on client experience, in her last position, Danica served in a leadership role for a local agency’s commercial service department.

 

Danica graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. She maintains a Virginia Property and Casualty license and has earned the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) and the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) professional designation.

 

Danica is a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and resides in Chesapeake with her husband and two dogs. In addition to spending time with family and friends, she enjoys crafting, hiking local trails, volunteering, and escaping to the mountains whenever possible.

Email me
(757) 340-2540
(757) 892-4015
Michele Curtis

Michele Curtis

Client Associate

Michele Curtis serves as Client Associate at Core Assurance Partners. Michele is responsible for enhancing client relationships and interacting with clients to resolve day-to-day needs, perform account analysis, and is committed to exceptional customer service.

 

Michele has worked in the insurance industry for more than 30 years, beginning her career with a top insurance company in the Northern Virginia area, where she held various commercial insurance positions in the claims department and as a commercial underwriter. She relocated to Hampton Roads in 2004 and transitioned to the agency side of the business, working for a handful of local large insurance brokers. She has developed and maintained relationships with multiple insurance companies, enabling her to provide clients with outstanding products and services.

 

Michele maintains a Virginia Property and Casualty License and has earned the Associate in Insurance Account Management (AIAM) professional designation.

 

Michele is a resident of Chesapeake, VA. In addition to spending time with her husband, family, and friends, she enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, long walks with her dog, gardening, and arts and crafts. She is active in the local Porsche Club of America, where she enjoys volunteering in events to benefit the local community. Michele is very active in her local church and also volunteers with several other organizations close to her heart.

Email me
(757) 965-8910
(703) 819-7336
Natalie Davidson

Natalie Davidson

Client Associate

Private Client Practice

Natalie Davidson serves as Client Associate for Core Assurance Partners. In this role, she is responsible for enhancing client relationships, interacting with clients to resolve day-to-day needs, and performing account analysis for clients in our Private Client Practice.

 

Natalie has been in the insurance industry for 10 years. She began her insurance career at a local independent insurance agency.

 

Natalie graduated from Old Dominion University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She maintains a Virginia Property and Casualty license as well as a Virginia Life & Annuities license.

 

Natalie is a long-time resident of Virginia Beach, VA, though originally from Buffalo, NY. She enjoys time with her husband, two children, and dog, spending most days outside. She can usually be found boating, fishing, or by the pool.

Email me
(757) 217-4593
Lina Domanski

Lina Domanski

Client Associate

Lina Domanski serves as Client Associate at Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for the small business accounts by interacting with clients to resolve day-to-day needs and perform account analysis.

 

Lina has been with Core Assurance Partners for over four years, and has the pleasure of working with many local small businesses and getting to know them beyond the policy.

 

Lina resides in Virginia Beach, VA, with her husband and son. In addition to spending time with family and friends, she enjoys traveling and discovering new music.

Email me
(757) 340-4855
(757) 615-5812
Jenny Gobin

Jennifer Gobin

Technical Client Associate

Jennifer Gobin serves as Technical Client Associate for Core Assurance Partners, working in both our Commercial and Private Client Practices. She is responsible for managing technical aspects of accounts and providing expertise and collaborative support to colleagues.

 

Jenny has been in the professional services industry for five years following a career switch from the sports industry. Currently located in Italy as a military spouse, Jenny previously spent several years in operations for a financial firm in Hampton Roads after starting her career working in college athletics, where she was a member of an NCAA National Championship winning program.

 

Jenny maintains a Property and Casualty insurance license in the state of Virginia. She is an alumna of the University of Connecticut, where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Sport Management and Educational Leadership.

 

Jenny is a resident of Naples, Italy, and enjoys traveling with her family, trail running, and hiking with her friends and beloved golden retriever. She also enjoys being active and involved in the community by playing and coaching ultimate frisbee.

Email me
(757) 217-4592
(860) 748-2336
Elizabeth Hawse

Elizabeth Hawse

Director of Marketing & Communications

Elizabeth Hawse serves as Director of Marketing and Communications at Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for the development and execution of the firm’s overall marketing strategy, branding, advertising, public relations, and internal and external communications. Elizabeth has been instrumental in crafting the company’s story and shaping the brand message, including the creation, promotion, and trademark protection of Core Assurance’s most identifiable brand distinctions, Beyond the Policy® and CORE24®.

 

Elizabeth has been in the insurance industry for 15 years, beginning her career as a surety account manager and later transitioning to a business development role in the Washington DC Metro area. Prior to joining Core Assurance, Elizabeth was a regional marketing manager for a national broker, responsible for the promotion of risk management and surety in the Mid-Atlantic region. Her marketing team was responsible for the consolidation of 11 legacy insurance agencies into one cohesive brand. While in that position, Elizabeth was appointed as the firm’s sole marketing liaison for both the National Construction Practice and National Surety Council.

 

Elizabeth earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Elizabeth is a member of the American Marketing Association and holds their Professional Certified Marketer (PCM®) designation. She has also earned the Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) designation.

 

Elizabeth is a resident of Alexandria, VA, where she lives with her husband and two children. In her free time, she enjoys pilates and gardening and is an avid enthusiast of art and all things design.

Email me
(757) 965-8904
(540) 429-6331
Catherine Duncan

Catherine Duncan

Client Associate

Catherine Duncan serves as Client Associate at Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for enhancing client relationships, interacting with clients to resolve day-to-day needs, and performing account analysis.

 

Catherine has been in the insurance industry for more than 35 years. She began her career with a Reinsurance Company in Toronto, Canada, before relocating to the Hampton Roads area. She then worked for a local agency where she held various commercial insurance positions, including claims and service.

 

Catherine maintains a Property and Casualty license in the state of Virginia.

 

Catherine is a resident of Virginia Beach, VA. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, gardening, and the outdoors.

Email me
(757) 340-2543
Tracy Minnich

Tracy Minnich

Technical Client Associate

Tracy Minnich serves as Technical Client Associate at Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for providing expertise and collaborative support to Client Associates in our Business Insurance division.

 

Tracy has been in the insurance industry for more than 30 years. She began her career with a local insurance agency in Chesapeake, VA, and later worked for a regional agency in Virginia Beach. In her roles, Tracy has held various commercial insurance positions, including Commercial Lines Manager and new business marketing.

 

Tracy maintains a Property and Casualty insurance license in the state of Virginia. She has also achieved the Associate in Supervisory Management (AISM), Associate in Account Management (AIAM), and Certified Builders Insurance Associate (CBIA) designations.

 

Tracy is a resident of Virginia Beach. She enjoys cruising to tropical climates, spending time with her family, and supporting her favorite philanthropy, Southeastern Virginia Golden Retriever Rescue, Education and Training (SEVA).

Email me
(757) 965-8903
(757) 621-0333
Jessica Mueller

Jessica Mueller

Client Associate

Jessica Mueller serves as Client Associate at Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for enhancing client relationships and interacting with clients to resolve day-to-day needs and perform account analysis.

 

Jessica has worked in the insurance industry for 24 years. In that time, she has developed and maintained relationships with top insurance companies, enabling her to provide clients with outstanding products and services.

 

Jessica earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Old Dominion University.

 

Jessica is a resident of Virginia Beach, VA. In addition to spending time with family and friends, she enjoys shopping for antiques and working in her garden.

Email me
(757) 340-1173
Christie Nichols

Christie Nichols

Director of Client Experience

With a passion for delivering a differentiated client experience, Christie Nichols plays a pivotal role in shaping the agency’s commitment to excellence by serving as Director of Client Experience at Core Assurance Partners. Christie is responsible for overseeing the strategic development of the Service Team while providing consultative coverage analysis and designing and implementing insurance programs for our Commercial Lines clients.

 

Christie is not only a leader but a dedicated advocate for clients. She is at the forefront of enhancing the overall client journey and leads with transparency, empathy, and efficiency.

 

With a background in Real Estate, Construction, and Hospitality risks, Christie has honed her skills in understanding client needs and tailoring solutions that go beyond expectations. She believes in building lasting partnerships by truly understanding and addressing each client’s unique needs.

 

Beyond the office, Christie is known for her approachable personality, interests in domestic and international travel, hiking, and exceptional food experiences. She is a Virginia Beach, VA, native but now resides in Austin, TX. She is an advocate of regular exercise and supports the local initiatives of arts, music, and locally produced food.

Email me
(757) 965-8906
(757) 615-3821
Kim Powis

Kim Powis

Client Associate Associate

Kim Powis serves as Client Associate Assistant for Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for assisting the firm’s Client Associates with daily service needs to ensure client expectations are exceeded.

Kim has more than 35 years of experience in the insurance industry. She began her career with a national insurance carrier before transitioning to a local agency. There, she held various positions in the personal insurance, commercial insurance, and accounting departments before joining Creech Insurance in 1998.

Kim has earned the Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR) designation and maintains a Virginia Property and Casualty License.

Kim is a resident of Virginia Beach, VA. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, and being active outdoors.
Email me
(757) 340-6350
Kirstie Reich

Kirstie Reich

Client Associate Assistant

Kirstie Reich serves as Client Associate Assistant for Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for assisting the firm’s Client Associates with daily service needs to ensure that client expectations are exceeded.

 

Kirstie has been in the insurance industry for four years. She began her insurance career in the personal lines department at a local independent agency in Virginia Beach.

 

Kirstie graduated from Old Dominion University, where she earned a degree in Fashion Merchandising. She maintains a Virginia Property and Casualty license.

 

Kirstie is a resident of Virginia Beach, VA. In her free time, you can find her on the beach with her Chocolate Lab, snowboarding on the mountain, or camping in the Shenandoah National Park.

Email me
(757) 242-7064
Stephanie Roughley

Stephanie Roughley

Client Associate Assistant

Stephanie Roughley serves as Client Associate Assistant for Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for assisting the firm’s Client Associates with daily service needs to ensure that client expectations are exceeded.


Stephanie has been in the insurance industry for nine years. She began her insurance career as a personal lines agent with a national insurance carrier before transitioning to a local agency. She is now pursuing a career in commercial lines at Core Assurance.


Stephanie is a resident of Virginia Beach, VA. She is one of four insurance agents in her immediate family. She enjoys time with her family, friends, German Shepherd, and two cats. Her hobbies include reading, collecting books, baking, and sewing bandanas for her dog.

Email me
757-965-8908
Will Russell

Will Russell

Vice President

Will Russell serves as Vice President at Core Assurance Partners. He is responsible for business development and strategic client relationships. Will serves his current clientele while also developing new partnerships and creative solutions for the firm, notably in the maritime, construction, and real estate industries.

Prior to joining Core Assurance, Will worked as a risk advisor for a regional insurance broker. He has worked in Italy and London, building key relationships and knowledge geared towards the future of the maritime insurance industry.

Will is a graduate of Hampden Sydney College, where he received his Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, in Economics. He currently holds a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLSC) designation and is currently working towards a Certified Marine Insurance Professional (CMIP) designation. Will completed the Cincinnati Insurance School New Producer Program as first in his class. He is the Chairman of the Future Leaders of the Virginia Maritime Association and has been instrumental in the design and implementation of the Maritime Leadership Certificate Program. Will graduated from the inaugural class of the 2-year Maritime Leadership Certificate Program in 2021.

Will is a resident of Virginia Beach, VA. When he is not with his wife and two daughters, he can be found enjoying the outdoors. His pastimes include boating, surfing, hunting, and golf. Will is involved in numerous local organizations and believes in giving back to the community he serves. He serves on the Future Generations Board of Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters and the boards of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic and the Virginia Gentlemen Foundation.

Email me
(757) 441-9358
(757) 617-2340
Roxanne Sayre

Roxanne Sayre

Director of Finance

Roxanne Sayre serves as the Director of Finance for Core Assurance Partners. Roxanne handles all Accounting and Human Resource responsibilities within the agency as well as assists with any operational needs as they arise.


Roxanne began her career at a large public accounting firm, gaining knowledge on how publicly traded companies operate. She then transitioned out of public accounting and has been in the insurance industry for 17 years. Prior to joining Core Assurance Partners, Roxanne led the financial operations team for a national insurance brokerage firm regionally.


Roxanne is a graduate of Western Michigan University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. She maintains a Virginia Property & Casualty Insurance License.

 

Roxanne lives in the Harrisonburg, VA, metro area. She is a Detroit, MI, native who loves living near the mountains. Roxanne and her husband like spending as much time as possible outdoors, traveling abroad and experiencing new and different cultures.

Email me
(757) 441-9357
(248) 217-5852
Judy Thow

Judy Thow

SENIOR CLIENT ASSOCIATE
PRIVATE CLIENT PRACTICE

Judy Thow serves as Senior Client Associate at Core Assurance Partners in the Private Client Practice. She has been in the insurance industry for over 35 years in various positions.

 

Judy is responsible for and committed to providing her clients with insurance solutions and guidance, as well as analyzing their insurance programs. She enjoys these tasks, along with building strong professional relationships with her clients and associates.

 

Judy has earned the Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR) designation and maintains a Virginia Property and Casualty License.

 

Judy is originally from Lynchburg, VA, and has been a resident of Virginia Beach for more than 40 years. In addition to spending time with her husband, two children, and friends, she enjoys spending her free time kayaking, crafting, and hiking locally as well as in the Virginia mountains.

Email me
(757) 340-2773
(757) 581-3652
Cammie Trapp

Cammie Trapp

PRIVATE CLIENT MANAGER

Cammie Trapp serves as the Private Client Manager for Core Assurance Partners. She is responsible for further developing the Private Client Practice, initial and ongoing training of the Private Client Team, and delivering a differentiated service experience for our clients.

 

With a tenure in the insurance industry of over 20 years, Cammie obtained her Virginia Property & Casualty Insurance License within months of graduating high school and holds a real estate license in the state of Virginia, adding to her expertise in the Hampton Roads residential market.

 

Cammie is a native resident of Virginia Beach, VA. She enjoys spending time with her son and husband, designing holiday light displays to raise funds for a local charity organization, and entertaining friends and family.

Email me
(757) 340-2778
Scot Creech

Scot Creech

PRESIDENT EMERITUS, CREECH INSURANCE
Email me
(757) 340-6353
(757) 403-2600
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