Names to Know: Meet the new professionals on the Seacoast
Trio of talent joins Avery Insurance
PORTSMOUTH — Avery Insurance Agency, a fourth-generation, family-owned, independent insurance agency located in New Hampshire, recently hired three skilled insurance professionals: Heather Shields-Fox, Steven McAvoy, and Stephanie Valpey.
With 20-plus years of experience in all areas of insurance, Shields-Fox joins Avery as a Senior Commercial Risk Specialist. She started her career as a corporate trainer for a health insurance company and eventually moved to commercial insurance. She is currently a licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent in New Hampshire, Maine, and Louisiana. In 2021, Shields-Fox moved from North Conway to Madbury, N.H., where she lives with her daughter.
McAvoy comes to Avery with his Property and Casualty License in five New England states—New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Maine. He will work as an inside sales manager, support account management duties for the personal lines division, and deliver educational seminars to clients. Prior to joining Avery, McAvoy worked at a national insurance carrier as a sales agent and member of the top-selling personal lines team in the nation. Originally from Easton, Massachusetts, he and his wife, Erica, and their two young daughters just recently relocated to North Hampton, N.H. He’s elated to be working in the community he lives in and serving his neighbors.
Valpey has come to Avery as a Service Specialist and will provide assistance on new business and service Avery commercial clients with endorsements, renewals, and certificates. Valpey will be training to become a licensed agent by the end of 2023. Before joining the firm, Valpey explored a wide variety of industries as an account manager in customer-facing roles where she cultivated client relationships. Valpey is an outside enthusiast who lives in Tuftonboro.
“We continue to build a top-notch team to serve our clients and communities,” said Tod O’Dowd, President, of Avery Insurance. “We look forward to seeing these talented professionals advocate and advise on the best insurance solutions for individuals and businesses alike.” Avery Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency with more than thirty employees. Avery Insurance provides complete asset protection by providing customized insurance solutions. To learn more about Avery’s approach, please visit www.AveryAgency.com
NH Tech Alliance welcomes six new Board Members for 2023
MANCHESTER — The New Hampshire Tech Alliance has announced the appointment of six new members to its Board of Directors. Marc Eichenberger, Jennifer Joyce, Julie Lenzer, Scott Merrick, EJ Ponto and Peter Richard were elected by the membership after a voting process that followed the Alliance’s annual Tech Social in May. The Alliance membership also approved electing two current board members to a second board term, Nathan Pascarella of Hypertherm and Marlana Trombley of Orbit Group. Each member began serving a three-year term June 1. Board members from the Seacoast area include:
Marc Eichenberger is the AVP, Chief Business Development and Innovation Officer at UNHInnovation, where he oversees the commercialization of UNH's intellectual property and the development of strategic partnerships with industry, with a focus on engaging NH businesses. With over 25 years of experience in IP commercialization, venture and operations, Marc has helped scale several tech companies and has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the industry.
Scott Merrick is a Principal and Co-Founder at Darby Field Advisors, a government relations and business development firm. With over 25 years of experience in government affairs and public policy, Scott has extensive connections and expertise in navigating the political landscape. He has held senior staffing positions in the U.S. Senate and supported successful presidential campaigns in Senior Advisor roles. Scott also served as Vice President of Business Development for Athenium Analytics, a technology company based in Dover, N.H., where he helped achieve historic growth in the company’s insurance practice.
"We are thrilled to welcome these talented individuals to our board of directors. Their extensive experience and diverse perspectives will be invaluable in guiding the NH Tech Alliance's mission to support and promote innovation in New Hampshire,” said Julie Demers, Executive Director. “With this new board slate, we look forward to forging even stronger strategic partnerships with entities that share our commitment to advancing technology and fostering economic growth in the Granite State."
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Names to Know: Meet the new professionals on the Seacoast
