Meet Our Team Beaverton

Whitney serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Columbia Insurance and Wealth Management, and as such, oversees all operations. Whitney understands the importance in protecting a business and its assets. She is passionate about educating her staff and clients on the various resources & programs available to them. While obtaining her undergraduate degree, Whitney became a co-franchisee with a major national brand and ultimately spent 4 years working for a Franchisor as part of their Marketing team. Whitney’s experience as both a franchisee and current insurance professional, allows her to connect, educate and relate to you from a businessowner’s perspective, thereby giving Columbia Insurance Group the insight and ability to build out the strongest and most cost-efficient Risk Management Strategy for each Franchisee. Whitney and her husband Mike have two children, Avery and Austin, and reside in Vancouver, Washington.

Jo Ellen has been in the insurance industry since 1967, with extensive knowledge in underwriting, Personal and Commercial Lines Insurance, and customer service. When Jo Ellen was with St. Paul Insurance company she was tasked with collecting data and making recommendations for program modifications, which ultimately lead to the creation of their PAK II personal lines package policy. She spearheaded teams which were sent out to provide training to resident staff on the new product. In 1990, Jo Ellen spent time with Nationwide Insurance working to develop a hiring and training model for customer service agents that was eventually adapted globally into the Nationwide Customer Service center. In her free time, Jo Ellen likes to go salmon fishing, spending time with her grandson, and cheering on the Portland Timbers!

Judy has lived in Oregon more than 30 years. She worked in the public school system before re-entering the insurance industry. She worked for Hammerstad Insurance in Eugene for 30 years, focusing on personal lines and claim customer service. As Hammerstad Insurance became Columbia Insurance Group, she continues in the same capacity. Judy has found it fascinating to witness the insurance industry evolve from a highly personal to a highly automated form of sales and service; she views each phone call as an opportunity to bring some of that personal service back to clients.

Kevin is known for his wittiness, laughter and wonderful sense of humor. He started in our Commercial Lines Department at the end of 2020 and has previously worked in our Personal Lines Department starting back in May 2015. He is fluent in Spanish, English and loves learning new languages to better connect with people. Growing up as an only child he knows how to work independently and get things done. He has been an integral part in the growth and success of our agency, so he has been presented our Columbia Insurance ‘Summit Award’ back to back years for Extraordinary Performance and Outstanding Leadership, which speaks volumes to the detail and care he takes in his work. He has 2 wonderful children that always keep him busy with extracurricular activities. Soccer is a passion of Kevin’s, so you can ask him about the last Timber’s match he went to or the last “futbol” match he played in and know that you will get a huge smile out of him! In his free time he loves to play the drums or practice learning a new instrument.

Having been born and raised in Vancouver, WA Kim is proud to be a lifelong Clark County resident. First licensed as an agent in 1995, Kim has enjoyed many years in insurance with some time out while raising her family. Kim greatly enjoys people and finds helping them navigate their insurance needs very rewarding. In her off time, Kim enjoys her family, the outdoors, and roller skating whenever possible!

Lena joined Columbia Insurance Group in 2011. She comes from an extensive 30+ year customer service background in the printing industry. Lena was born and raised in Battle Ground, WA and loves the laid-back lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest. She is a big golf fan and her biggest thrill to-date was attending the 2015 US Open at Chambers Bay in University Place, WA.

Macy has always had a natural passion for education. She received a bachelor’s degree in Instructional Foundations at Central Washington University along with a minor in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, and Non-Profit Administrative Management. Macy's enthusiasm for education and outlook on life has made her an integral part of the Columbia Insurance team! In her down time, Macy loves to play basketball and bake cupcakes. She also likes giraffes and spending time with her dog, Tucker the Great Dane.

Melissa is originally from the Pacific Island of Guam, but has lived the last 12 years in Vancouver WA. Being a personal lines producer in Guam and having over 25 years’ experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge in this field. Melissa enjoys traveling and spending time with family.

Mike Norcup is the Vice President of Business Development and a major shareholder of Columbia Insurance Group, where he partners with new and existing clients, helping them minimize risk and maximize long-term success. Mike believes in working with our clients to create enduring relationships and win-win scenarios. Mike has nearly 20 years in Banking and Franchising with roles in Training, Operations and Development. This understanding of the franchise business model provides Mike the ability to understand your needs, so you can focus on building your business why we help you protect it. Mike and his wife Whitney and their two children enjoy spending time being active and outdoors as much as the North West weather allows.