Shepherd & Associates offers comprehensive employee benefits and insurance solutions to Bay Area businesses, non-profits, and the public sector. Our high-touch service model was founded on the values of integrity and honesty too often missing in the insurance industry. This model was designed to ensure that every client and employee receives the same high quality of service.
Ron Shepherd
Founder and Treasurer
Ron has managed Shepherd & Associates since its founding in 1994 until 2018. His background includes founder and Chief Operating Officer of an insurance services company that was one of INC’s 500 fastest growing companies each year it was eligible; officer positions in organizations that specialized in insurance program development, implementation, and management; and 10 years in public accounting with a ‘Big 4’ accounting firm. Ron holds both a Fire & Casualty and Life license.
Luke Mazzanti
Account Executive
Manager Employee Benefits
Luke is the Manager of the Employee Benefits Department at Shepherd & Associates and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Benefits Team. He joined the company in 2021 as an Account Manager with Willis Towers Watson. With 10+ years in the insurance industry, both on the broker and carrier side of the business, Luke brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise to the team. His goal is to help organizations build strategic plans, solve for benefits solutions, and work to contain the rising costs of healthcare. Working diligently with the benefits team, he aims to help them reach new heights and continue providing the high level of excellent service the team is known for.
Luke graduated from San Jose State University in 2012, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree, while also competing on the Division 1 Men’s Baseball Team. He holds a current Accident-Health and Life-Only Insurance License.
Naomi Bliven
Account Executive
Naomi is an Account Executive with Shepherd & Associates. Prior to joining the firm in 2011, Naomi spent 15 years with State Farm as an agent for all lines of personal and commercial insurance. She is an expert in benefit technology and handles client proposals, account management, new and renewal policies, and more. Naomi also manages personal line accounts, including auto, home, and umbrella policies. Naomi holds a Health, Life and Property Casualty license.
Chris Shepherd
President
Chris is the President of Shepherd & Associates and responsible for day-to-day management of the firm. He joined Shepherd & Associates in November of 2004 after spending eight years as a Senior Client Manager, AVP with two large international insurance brokers. Chris has worked with clients ranging from small to large multi-state corporations. He provides a proactive and transparent approach when assisting his clients with their property/casualty insurance needs. Chris is an experienced consultant in a wide array of industries including technology, professional services, and non-profits. Chris enjoys learning about a company’s risks and prides himself in finding the most comprehensive and cost-effective insurance solutions.
Chris received his B.S. in Management with an emphasis in Finance from Santa Clara University. He holds a Fire & Casualty license as well as an Accident-Health license.
Christopher D. Shepherd
Principal
Pam Wess
Account Executive
Pam is a Commercial Lines Account Executive. She joined Shepherd & Associates in February of 2013 after more than 20 years as a client manager for various regional brokerage firms and claims representative for personal and commercial lines for several insurance carriers. Pam holds a Property & Casualty and a Life & Health license. She has a strong focus on customer service and her continuing education.
Stephanie Hamel
Account Coordinator
Stephanie is an Account Coordinator with Shepherd & Associates. She joined the firm in February 2022 and will be responsible for administrative duties and project management processes. Stephanie will handle benefits administration for medical, dental, vision, and life insurances among other employee benefit policies.
Shepherd & Associates believes in old-school customer service and the convenience of today’s technology. Our high-touch service model was founded on the values of integrity and honesty too often missing in the insurance industry. We make it our mission to ensure that every client and employee receives the same quality of service, regardless of company size.
We work tirelessly to ensure our clients are comfortable throughout the entire insurance placement process. With access to over 100 insurance companies, we have the relationships and experience to provide knowledgeable, ethical, and cost-effective insurance services.
