Employee Spotlight: Rachel Bristol Promoted to Client Manager

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

We are pleased to congratulate Rachel Bristol on her recent promotion from Assistant Client Manager to Client Manager.

Rachel recently celebrated her 5th anniversary with Rancho Mesa. Since her start in 2019 as a receptionist and Certician©, Rachel has made impressive career strides, moving up to Client Coordinator the following year.

Through her excellent dedication to her team, supporting client managers, she was then promoted to the Assistant Client Manager role in 2022, where she continued to excel and expand her responsibilities.
Throughout her career, Rachel has become our most accomplished client coordinator trainer, dedicating much of her time to training her new team members. In the past two years especially, Rachel has gained valuable experience assisting client managers while also maintaining her own book of clients, to prepare for her new role.

“I am thrilled about my promotion to the position of Client Manager. I look forward to being more hands-on with our clients and taking on new challenges,” Bristol said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to grow and learn.”

We are thankful for Rachel’s contributions to Rancho Mesa, and we are proud of her impressive career achievements.

Employee Spotlight: Ashley Hunter Earns CRIS Designation

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa Assistant Client Manager, Ashley Hunter, took a commendable step in her career recently by earning her CRIS designation.

The Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS®) certification is an educational program for insurance professionals that focuses on the insurance and risk management needs of construction projects and contractors. Those who complete the program prove a dedication to the industry and an expertise in construction insurance and risk management.

“I am glad I have the opportunity to continue to learn and grow within the insurance industry,” Hunter said. “Gaining my CRIS was a big accomplishment for me to complete through one of our busiest times.”

Ashley began her insurance career issuing certificates. She then gained bonding experience working in the Surety department, and has now moved to the Landscape Group managing her own accounts and providing support to the Client Manager.

Rancho Mesa is proud of Ashley’s career achievement and commitment to our team.

Employee Spotlight: Megan Lockhart Promoted to Marketing and Media Communications Specialist

Author, Alyssa Burley, Partner, Media Communications and Client Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa is excited to announce Megan Lockhart has been promoted to Marketing and Media Communications Specialist.

Megan joined Rancho Mesa in July 2021 as a Surety & Media Communications Assistant where she split her time between the Surety Group and the Media Communications and Client Services Group. After only a few months, she transitioned to the Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator role where she, most notably, assisted clients with the transition from the Risk Management Center to the SafetyOne™ mobile app and website. In September 2023, her role’s focus and title changed to Client Communications Coordinator where she has ultimately honed her strategic communications skills and stepped up to learn new skills when needed in a marketing and media communications capacity.

“I am honored and excited to step into this new role as Marketing and Media Communications Specialist,” Megan said. “I'm looking forward to taking on new responsibilities and initiative within our team!”

Rancho Mesa appreciates the dedication of its team members and is proud to watch them grow in their careers.

Involved in the Community: Rancho Mesa Sponsors Local Little League

Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa is proud to sponsor the Alpine American Little League season for the 2024 year.

Drew Garcia, Vice President of the Landscape Group has stepped in as coach for the team this season. Garcia, a former professional baseball player himself, is a proud example of our team using their skills to make a meaningful impact on youth lives.

We are grateful for the opportunity to give back to this valuable community.

Employee Spotlight: Brenda Khalil Named Client Technology Coordinator

Author, Alyssa Burley, Partner, Media Communications & Client Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa is excited to announce Brenda Khalil is now a Client Technology Coordinator in the Media Communications and Client Services Group.

After joining Rancho Mesa in November 2023 as a Client Coordinator, Brenda has shown her drive to learn new skills and expand her knowledge of the industry.

As a Client Technology Coordinator, she is now working with clients to implement Rancho Mesa’s RM365 HRAdvantage™ Portal and SafetyOne™ mobile app and website, along with administering the RM365 Advantage Safety Star™ Program.

“I am excited to embark on this new adventure in Client Services, as my desire to help others and be creative, backed by prior experience, will allow me to be a true contributing member of an already amazing team of people. I look forward to assisting our clients,” said Brenda.

Rancho Mesa is delighted to see Brenda growing her career within the Media Communications and Client Services Group.

Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Insurance Services Announces the Promotion of Kelsey McPherson to Senior Client Manager/Team Lead

Author, Harriet Berholtz, Marketing and Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa is excited to announce Kelsey McPherson has been promoted to Senior Client Manager/Team Lead for the agency’s Construction Group.

McPherson joined Rancho Mesa in 2018 as a Client Manager with experience working with clients from various industries, including construction. Over the last six years, she has specialized in the construction industry and worked to build her leadership skills. Through her dedication and drive, McPherson has shown that she is ready for her new role in the Construction Group.

“I am beyond grateful and excited to step into this new role and for the incredible journey with Rancho Mesa over the past six years,” said McPherson. “These years have provided substantial growth, learning and collaboration with an exceptional team. I look forward to building on our successes and continuing to contribute to the Rancho Mesa OneofOne® vision.”

McPherson is a role model, earning her Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) and Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations. These certifications underscore her commitment to professional development and her deep understanding of the industry.

This promotion to Senior Client Manager/Team Lead reflects Rancho Mesa’s commitment to recognize and foster talent within the agency. Her leadership and expertise have already made a significant impact, and Rancho Mesa is excited to see how she will continue to drive the agency’s success forward.

Employee Spotlight: David McCoy Moves to Client Coordinator

Author, Harriet Berholtz, Marketing and Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa is pleased to announce that David McCoy has taken a role as Client Coordinator in Rancho Mesa’s Landscape and Human Services Group.

For the last two years, David has worked at Rancho Mesa as a Surety Client Coordinator assisting the team with surety bonds.

In his new role, he will be working with the property and casualty Client Managers.

 “I'm excited for the opportunity to try something new and challenging. I'm hoping my past experience with surety will ease the transition.”

David is a San Diego native. In his free time, he enjoys taking his dog places, spending time with friends, and watching movies.

Employee Spotlight: Yvonne Gallagher Leads Landscape Service Group

Author, Harriet Berholtz, Marketing and Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Yvonne Gallagher, Senior Client Manager and Team Lead, started her insurance career right out of high school, thinking it would be a temporary job. However, after 20+ years in the industry, she has developed a highly successful insurance career.

Before joining Rancho Mesa, Yvonne entered the industry by typing certificates of insurance. She was quickly trained in both commercial and personal lines, and earned her Property & Casualty, and Life insurance licenses.

After many years working with a direct writer, Yvonne decided to move to an insurance brokerage as a Client Manager.

Yvonne then found a home at Rancho Mesa in 2016 as a Client Manager, before being promoted to Senior Client Manager in 2020, where she specializes in risk management for the landscape industry. In January 2024, Yvonne took on the role of Team Lead in addition to her other role, where she mentors others in her group and helps grow the landscape book of business.

“I absolutely love being a Client Manager but am really enjoying the challenges of my new Team Lead role.  It allows me to work closely with and mentor my incredible team” Yvonne said.

Originally from the East Coast, Yvonne lives in San Diego with her husband and two children. They enjoy bowling, camping, and taking trips to the desert and river.

Employee Spotlight: Welcome Client Manager Penelope Marquez

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa welcomes our newest Client Manager, Penelope Maquez.

Penelope brings over ten years of insurance experience, most recently working at an agency in Chula Vista, where she managed small business clients, including contractors, restaurants, and main street businesses. Her wide array of experience working across different industries will enhance the level of service that Rancho Mesa provides to its clients. 

Penelope was born and raised in San Diego, CA. She and her husband have one dog, Nox, and one cat, Noah. In her free time, she enjoys the company of family and friends, listening to audiobooks, and teaching Sunday school.

Rancho Mesa is excited to welcome Penelope to the team!

Employee Spotlight: Surety Group Welcomes Manuel Ovalle

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa is excited to welcome Manuel Ovalle as our new Surety Client Coordinator.

Manuel has 16 years of experience in various administrative roles, including the last nine years as a Records Control/Data Specialist. His extensive administrative background and skill set will transition nicely into his role with the Surety Group.

Manuel was born and raised in San Diego, CA. He enjoys spending time with his wife and their three boys, watching sports, movies, and going to the beach.

Rancho Mesa is thrilled to have Manuel as part of the team!