Our Team
Adrienne started her career in the insurance industry in 1997 when she joined TAGA.
She began as a Receptionist and worked as a Policy Tech and Underwriting Assistant before her current role as a Commercial Ag Products Underwriter. Adrienne started her career in the insurance industry in 1997 when she joined TAGA.
Adrienne is a third generation Austinite, graduated from Anderson High School and attended Southwest Texas (Texas State) in San Marcos with a focus in Speech Communications. Her main focus outside of the office is her husband and two children. They often enjoy the outdoors as a family, especially the lake during the summer, where her parents reside. She combines a large amount of product knowledge and a cheerful disposition to give her agents the best service possible.
Alisha started her both career in insurance and with TAGA in 2003. Since that time she has gained a great deal of experience in a variety of positions. She has worked as a Policy Tech for Auto and General Liability. For Pollution, she was both a Policy Tech and an Underwriter Assistant. In Farm and Ranch, she worked as an Underwriter Assistant and is now an Underwriter. She works diligently to provide her customers what they need in a timely manner.
She enjoys spending free time with family and friends.
Amanda started her career in insurance when she joined TAGA in 2002. She incorporates listening and being helpful into everything she does, from helping customers to fellow TAGA employees.
Her hobbies are beading, shopping, doing anything outdoors and walking her two border collies, Harley & Chloe.
Anita began her insurance career in 1978 with State Farm Insurance Company in their Regional Office. During Anita’s four-year tenure, she gained a solid technical background and experience working in a company environment.
Anita joined the Retail Agency force in 1981. While spending 10 years in the agency field, she marketed and serviced both Personal and Commercial Lines Accounts.
In 1991, Anita went to work for a prominent managing general agency where she became the Personal Lines Supervisor and expanded the Personal Lines department into a full line of Agriculture Products as well as other Personal Lines Products. The Product Lines include Farm & Ranch Owners, Farm Fire, Commercial Farm Auto, Commercial General Liability, Animal Mortality, Personal and Commercial Umbrella, as well as Inland Marine for more than five Carriers.
In April 1997, Anita joined a group of insurance associates by forming Tejas American General Agency (TAGA). Anita has a vast knowledge on various products as she is responsible for rate development, setting up underwriting guidelines with carriers and making State Filings on their behalf. In April, 1997, Anita joined with her four partners to form Tejas American General Agency (TAGA). She manages the Specialty department which includes Agribusiness, Pollution program and Professional Liability.
Anita is a member of AAIP, FIWT, and PLUS, she holds a CIC designation and is currently working toward her Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist.
In 1997 Bart and four colleagues formed TAGA with a strong desire to deliver superior customer service to Independent Insurance Agents in Texas while making an underwriting profit for their Carriers. TAGA has experienced rapid growth due largely to the TAGA team that Bart and his colleagues have assembled. Taking an active role in the company, he leads the Commercial Lines, Accounting, Human Resources, and Marketing Teams helping them to achieve the TAGA Difference.
Prior to forming TAGA, he was Vice President of Operations and Partner with another MGA in the Austin area. Previously, Bart worked for both an independent insurance agency and a major insurance company in various Sales and Underwriting capacities after graduating from Louisiana State University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management and Administration.
Current Industry Affiliations include the Texas Surplus Lines Association (TSLA), the Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA), The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM ),the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas ( IIAT), and the Federation of Insurance Women of Texas (FIWT) . In 2022, he was appointed by the Insurance Commissioner to serve a 3 year term on the Surplus Lines Stamping Office of Texas (SLTX ).
Celebrating over 40 years of marriage, he and his wife, Cindi, have 3 sons, 6 grandchildren, a Great Dane and a Golden Doodle. They enjoy traveling, spending time with family, and camping.
Ben started with TAGA in 2001 and helps customers on a daily basis as Communications Coordinator and assisting with claims. He knows that helping people in a timely manner is important to good customer service.
Ben graduated from CentennialHigh School in Bakersfield, CA. He’s been married for eight years and has two dogs, which he takes on exploring adventures in state parks
Charity began her career in the insurance industry in 1996 as a Policy Technician. She joined the TAGA team in 2000 as a Transportation Underwriter Assistant and now works as a Transportation and Garage Underwriter quoting new and renewal business. She feels that responding quickly and professionally to a customer’s requests and understanding their needs is very important.
Charity graduated from Leander High School and attended Austin Community College. She is married with two children. She loves animals and has lots of pets; two Chihuahuas, two cats, a cockatiel, a turtle and a bearded dragon. She enjoys spending time with the family and playing catch in the backyard
Corrie started with TAGA in 2010 as an Agri Products Policy Tech, and has since become an Underwriting Assitant for Agri and Commerical Ag products.
Prior to that, she gained a great deal of knowledge of the Agriculture industry by working in the wholesale manufacturing side, as well as studying Agricultural Economics and Agri Business at New Mexico State University. She strives to make her customers know they’re cared for and keep them in the loop. She knows that we’ve all had that feeling that the person on the other side of the phone/counter/email doesn’t really care about the problem and that good customer service really just comes down to treating others how you’d want to be treated.
Outside of work, Corrie spends her time with her daughter, Bailey
Crystal started with TAGA in July 2012, continually demonstrating her helpful and courteous customer service style since then.
She grew up and went to school in Leander, where she met her best friend and husband. Crystal has been married for 9 years and has two wonderful sons. In her free time, Crystal can often be found at one of her son’s baseball games or outdoors
Danielle started both her career in insurance and with TAGA in 2015, and has learned, and is continuing to learn, so much. She started as a Farm & Ranch Policy Tech and has since then moved up to a Farm & Ranch Associate Underwriter – an underwriter in training. She helps her customers to the best of her ability and if she can’t, she’ll go out of her way to find someone who can. Her free time, or rather, her time away from work, is 100% spent making memories with her little girl, and she cherishes that time with her every day
TAGA’s IT Support Specialist, Danny began with TAGA in October 2003. He completed IT Tech school in 2001 with A+, Net+, MCP certifications and is currently working on his MCSE
Dawn started with TAGA in June 2013. She first began working in the insurance industry in 2000 with independent agents in her home town of Corpus Christi. Since then Dawn has gained a well-rounded understanding of the industry by working as a receptionist, assistant account manager, producer and underwriting assistant.
When she is not at TAGA, Dawn enjoys spending her time with her family & friends
Debbie started with TAGA in 1999 and has over 14 years of experience in a variety of positions from certificates issuance to underwriting. At TAGA, she has been an Underwriter Assistant for General Liability and Property and an Underwriter for Farm and Ranch. She is currently an Underwriter for Professional Lines and Pollution. She makes communication a foundation of her customer service strategy. She knows the importance of talking with her customers to make sure all of their needs are met.
Debbie is very active with the Austin Association of Insurance Professionals. In her spare time she enjoys outdoor activities like gardening, as well as cooking. She also enjoys playing Texas Hold Em’ with friends. Debbie’s husband is a retired police officer, and she has one son and a grandson she adores. She loves people, so she loves what she does for a living. In keeping with that, she feels that if everyone can make a difference if they try, sometimes it requires a little work, but it’s always worth it in the end
Donayne started with TAGA in January 2013 as a Policy Technician. She believes the best reward possible is to make others happy by helping them achieve their goals. A native Texan, Donayne is married with three grown children who have proudly given her their left-behind cats and a couple of “grand-dogs.”
Janet started with TAGA in 2006, beginning as a policy tech in our Farm & Ranch department. She then moved to Commercial lines as a policy tech before being promoted to UA. In each of these roles, Janet’s passion for her work and customers has been evident. Originally from England, Janet has lived in the USA for 35 years. She lives with her husband and a menagerie of pets in Leander, Texas. Together they enjoy riding their Harley and can be found on any given week-end out riding in the hill country, especially to the Blue Bonnet Café!
Janet started with TAGA on June 7, 2018. She works a commercial lines policy tech. Prior to starting with TAGA, she worked in insurance over 20 years ago doing day care and carnival insurance. In her free time, she likes to take pictures and do art/crafts projects.
Jaylee officially started with TAGA in November of 2018 as a policy tech. Prior to that she worked in the insurance field as customer service specialist.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time painting and playing guitar.
Judy started with TAGA in 2014 in the Farm and Ranch Department as an Underwriting Assistant. She also worked in Commercial Lines as a Policy Tech before returning to the Farm and Ranch Department as an Underwriting Assistant. Prior to working for TAGA she worked for Farmers Insurance Group 28 years in both Personal Lines and Commercial Lines. She works diligently to provide her customers what they need in a timely manner.
During her free time she likes to go hiking and spend time with friends and family.
Kelly has been with TAGA since 2002 and is an Underwriter for the Farm & Ranch department. She combines extensive product knowledge with prompt response time to provide the best service possible.
She is originally from Corpus Christi but now lives with her husband in Round Rock, TX.
Lauren started her career in the insurance industry in 2007 as a Receptionist and Assistant Account Administrator for a retail agency in El Paso. She joined TAGA in 2009 as a Policy Tech and puts her philosophy of following through and keeping her word to work for our customers.
Lauren graduated from Franklin High School in El Paso and then went to Texas State University, where she received a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies and a minor in Mass Communication. Lauren has enjoyed being both a participant and counselor at Camp Champions in Marble Falls. She also enjoyed working in the Alcohol & Drug Resource Center at Texas State University while completing her degree.
Linda came to TAGA in 2008 with over 30 years experience in the insurance industry. As a Property and Causalty Underwriter Assistant, she strives to service our agents’ requests in a timely manner and to always maintain a positive attitude.
Linda attended school at Travis High School and Austin Community College, in Austin, TX. Her hobbies include: reading, walking, working on projects around the house and going to see her son play baseball at Mary Hardin Baylor University. She has three sons, ages 28, 25, and 22. She also has two dogs, both schnauzers.
Lisa has been with TAGA since its founding in 1997. She began her insurance career on the retail side, then moved over to MGAs before coming to TAGA. At TAGA, she has been an Underwriter for Auto, as well as Property & Casualty, and is now the Brokerage Underwriter. She feels that communication is the most important aspect of good customer service.
She graduated from Minden High School in Minden, Nebraska and received her degree from a nearby business college. Her hobbies are camping, boating and reading books.
Lisa started with TAGA in 2005. Since that time, she’s gained a great deal of experience in a variety of positions and departments. She’s worked extensively in the Workers Compensation and Property and Casualty departments as a Policy Tech and Underwriting Assistant, and is now an Associate Underwriter for the Preferred Market Department. She knows that having a positive attitude is key to providing good customer service.
Lisa received her Bachelor’s from the University of Texas at Austin in Economics, with a minor in Business Administration. She is currently pursuing her CIC designation. Outside of work, she spends time with her family, her husband, her son and daughter. She’s a big Longhorn fan and looks forward to football season every year. “Hook em’ Horns!!”
Michelle came to TAGA in 2008 as an Underwriter with 22 years experience in the insurance industry. She feels that a key component of excellent customer is to always work to strengthen relationships.
She graduated from Bastrop High School and she spends her spare time with her family and children, a 17 year old daughter and 12 year old son. They also have a dog, a Great Pyrenees, in their family
Nan began her career in the Insurance industry in 1978 with State Farm as a “sew to file” file clerk. During her 10 years with “the farm” she moved up the ranks to an Underwriting Assistant and gained a solid technical background in the auto insurance industry. Later on in 1988, she became an Auto Underwriter for Arkansas and Louisiana with Viking Insurance.
In 1995 Nan joined the Retail Agency force, and began a career as an Insurance Agent. In doing so, she has obtained a great deal of knowledge of all Personal Insurance and is always looking for more ways to better serve her customers. Nan prides herself in offering superior customer service with every client.
In November 2014, she joined the Group at Chisholm Trail Financial and became the Insurance Advisor, for Personal & Commercial Insurance. She handles the customer’s insurance needs, by quoting their current coverage, and advising them on the limits needed to adequately cover them for any loss that may occur. She educates them on the different coverages available. She joined TAGA in 2021.
Nan is a true “Austinite”, born and raised. She graduated from Lanier High School, attended TSTI in Waco, TX and loves her Texas Longhorns. She has four grandchildren…Taylor, Chance, Madison and Grant that keep her busy. And last, her 4-legged fur-babies… Sweet Pea, Lexi and Jake. She loves spending time with family and friends, and watching Texas Longhorn football.
Patty has been in the insurance industry for over a decade and has been with TAGA since 2001. During this time, she has done her best to ensure her customers receive a quick turn-around time.
She attended Round Rock High School and afterwards spent two years as a court reporter. In her spare time, she loves reading, writing and music. She has a 12 year daughter and 2 dogs, a boxer named Forrest and a Boston terrier named Jenny. During the holiday season, she makes blankets for a children’s organization for kids in crisis.
Patty began her career with TAGA in July 2000 and has been a member of the Workers Compensation ever since. She has recently begun underwriting preferred business. Patty has a young son named Devin. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors and shopping.
Phylllis came to TAGA in 2008 as a Commercial Lines Underwriter. Prior to that, she has spent several years in the insurance industry. She works hard to respond to her customers’ inquiries quickly.
She attended W. T. White High School and Richland Junior College. She enjoys being outdoors and spending time with friends and family.
Richard combined his experience with four insurance associates to form Tejas American. Until recently he was a Commercial Lines Underwriter. Now Richard is currently managing the TAGA Premium Finance Company. He is also responsible for handling claims at TAGA.
Richard worked with a managing general agency starting in 1992 as Personal Lines Manager. During his two-year venture, he set the stage and put the agency on the map as one of the premier farm and ranch insurance writers in the state of Texas.
In March 1994, Richard was promoted to Underwriting Manager for all lines. Under his leadership, Austin Surplus Lines continued to grow and experience its greatest year ever in 1996. Richard held this position until March of 1997.
Richard’s responsibilities included underwriting results and production commitments for all lines. He worked closely with the Administrative Manager and individual department managers under his direction to provide extraordinary service for customers while producing a profit for his companies and the agency.
Prior to the agency field, Richard spent seven years in the oil and gas industry in the position of Insurance and Contracts Manager. He held this position for five years at Bearden Drilling Company and for two years at Burns Drilling Company. Preceding his work in the oil industry, Richard spent six years with Crum and Forster Insurance Company. While at C & F, he held positions that included marketing responsibilities and supervision of one of the largest farm and ranch insurance departments in the state of Texas.
Richard received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Texas Tech University. Since college, he has completed course work in Insurance Principles, CPCU and holds his CIC designation.
Richard is married to Julie and has 2 daughters, Casey and Randi.
Rob joined TAGA in 2008 with over 15 years experience in various financial services industries, primarily in Banking and Mortgage. He has worked on the operations and lending side, as well as spent a lot of time in marketing, advertising and public relations roles. His approach to customer service is to listen to the customer’s needs and work with them to provide the best solution possible.
He enjoys spending time with his family and spare time outdoors, going camping, hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing.
Stephanie has been with TAGA since 2000 and has been deeply involved in accounting since that time. She has been responsible for Accounts Receivable/Payable, Cancellations, and Premium Financing during her time here. She makes it her top priority to respond to customer inquiries in a timely manner.
She attended Lanier High School and Austin Community College and focused on Accounting. She enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Susie started with TAGA in 2009 with over eight years experience in commercial insurance. As an Underwriter Assistant, she does her best to meet her internal and external customers’ needs. She is a member of the Austin Association of Insurance Professionals.
Susie holds an Associates Degree from Austin Community College in General Studies with a focus in Quality. In her spare time she enjoys travelingwith her husband, photography, making cards and volunteer work with Austin Care Van, a mobile immunization clinic. Susie and her husband have been married 17 years. They have a rescued dog “Belle” who is 12 years old. Susie says, “I’m not sure if we rescued her or if she rescued us!”
An Underwriting Assistant for the Commercial Lines department, Theresa started with TAGA in 2010. Having over 20 years of experience, Theresa has been in the E&S Insurance Industry since 1981. She constantly works to ensure that our producers and their staff get taken care of promptly and with the utmost care.
Theresa has been married for 28 years with two sons, ages 25 and 20. Her family enjoys traveling and attending music festivals, specifically Jazz music festivals.
It is with great personal sadness, we must tell you that Vivian, our beloved friend and coworker, lost her battle with cancer.
Vivian was an integral part of TAGA for over 20 years. She was an energetic, fun, hard worker and a wonderful person. We will all miss her greatly.
Vivian learned last year that she was ill and wanted to keep her life as normal as possible and wanted the details to remain private. She was determined to continue to take care of her customers and to contribute in a positive way. And she was very determined to get better.
Here is the link to Fayette Memorial Funeral Home with information about Vivian’s Visitation, Rosary, and Funeral Mass. https://www.fayettememorialfuneralhome.com/obituary/Vivian-Escalante
Bio
Vivian has been in the insurance industry for over 13 years. She’s been an Underwriter with TAGA since 2001. She knows that being a nice, friendly person that has knowledge of their job is essential to good customer service.
One of her favorite hobbies is cake decorating. She has four children, ages six, four, three, twelve-months and one cat in the family. She is also active with the Girl Scouts.