Category: Uncategorized

Please welcome Gabriela Figueroa as the newest Loss Control Consultant to our Fresno Loss Control Department.

Gaby brings with her an air of fresh enthusiasm as she embarks on this new journey in the insurance industry.  She has a passion for road trips, easy hikes, cooking, and is a self-proclaimed foodie.  Gaby confesses her travel itineraries often weave in all things food-related.   When not working, Gaby puts her Notary skills to good use by helping the community with document notarization. 

Welcome Gaby to D&D!

Good morning everyone.

I am pleased to announce the promotion of Rene Sanchez to Vice President of P&C Marketing. In this capacity, he will be responsible for managing the P&C marketing team and utilizing his extensive experience in the overall restructuring of the commercial marketing department.

Rene will be replacing Dirk Seltzer, who will be assuming a new role in the marketing department focused on difficult risk placements. We thank Dirk for his dedication to our Agency and for his work to build the marketing department over the last two decades. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Dirk in his new role.

Please join me in congratulating Rene on his promotion.

-Matt DeFendis

Good morning,

Sharing few updates…

We added a new member to the Personal Lines team back on March 13, 2023.  Her name is Ronica Mireles and she is based out of our Lodi office part-time and remote part-time.  For the folks in Fresno, if you didn’t get a chance to say “hi” when she was in Fresno, she will be back to the office to continue her training and education.  Please take some time and extend a warm welcome.

With the addition of Ronica, we’re also making some changes to the “Back-up Pairings”. 

• Lynda Castillo (Fresno) will now be paired with Valerie Arteaga (Oxnard/SLO)
• Vivian Gallegos (Bakersfield) will now be paired with Kathy Devine Streich (Taft)

You will note, Anita will continue to backup Shannon and we’re adding in Ronica.  Anita White has been asked and accepted a leadership role in the Personal Lines department as Team Leader, which includes onboarding/mentoring Ronica.

Special “THANK YOU” to Anita.  Without her support, kindness, generosity, and unlimited amount of patience, I could not do what I need to do.

Also, thank you to ALL OF YOU for all your support and managing the growing pains.  A lot has been accomplished with much more to be done but very happy to say we have a blueprint. 

With gratitude,

Sue S. Long
Vice President of Personal Lines/Chief Operating Officer

Last week Executives from Blue Shield were here to recognize D&D as their top Medicare Producer for Northern California. This is a great honor and we want to recognize Catherine Lumsden and Linda Hoang-Chao for their tireless work in this area. Thank you very much ladies for your incredible work. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Thank you.

Matthew DeFendis

The D&D team is wishing you all a happy, safe, and festive holiday with your loved ones. We are grateful for your trust, loyalty, and friendship🎄

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!