Our Team
LEADERSHIP
Ryan Fournier
President
ryanf@fournierinsurance.com
“I grew up as the coach’s kid—and you can look at that two ways. Either ‘You have it easy,’ or ‘You have to prove yourself.’ I had that mindset, and I’ve always been a grinder.” Ryan was three years old when his father, Dick Fournier, started the business. “I learned how to answer the phone professionally.”
Growing up in a logging town, Ryan has deep respect for the risk and rigor of hard workers. He also relates to the fast-paced metropolitan lifestyle, bringing a balanced perspective to Fournier as its President.
Ryan attended Central Washington University, majoring in Sociology. After, he served as a commercial insurance underwriter at Safeco in Seattle, then joined the family firm.
“I’m a business owner, first and foremost. I want to support people in their growth, whether it’s an employee who comes to work for us or a client that partners with us,” he says.
Being responsive and accessible is incredibly important to Ryan and the firm. “When I look clients in the eye, they know we are making a commitment,” he says.
It’s not unusual to see Ryan walk around the office wearing ski gear. There’s a good chance he will cut out to hit the slopes during prime powder time. Ryan helps set the tone and guides the culture; its all about the team. “I don’t like the word, ‘boss,’” he says. “Here, we are comfortable with laughing at ourselves, and I don’t ever pretend to have all the right answers. I’m open to being challenged and we all learn together.”
Kendra Fournier, CIC, CRM
Chief Operating Office, Personal Insurance Leader
kendraf@fournierinsurance.com
“Strong work ethic is a major family value.” This ideology was instilled in Kendra her entire life as she watched both her mother and father work to establish the Fournier name within the community. Her father worked long hours building the business, while her mother was the backbone of Fournier running the household as well as her own career. Kendra’s own path was strongly influenced by her mother’s tenacity and father’s diligence.
At the age of 18, Kendra earned her insurance license and while attaining her degree in business from the University of Washington; she spent summers mastering various roles in and outside of the industry. Kendra’s vision for the agency and its abundant potential is part of her DNA. Her Foster admissions essay was centered on the steps she’d take to run the agency.
Following graduation, Kendra stepped out on her own with early aspirations to work in the fashion industry. After this endeavor and becoming a mother, she returned to her roots with a fresh perspective on business, a client-forward customer service mentality and the determination to put her plans for the agency into place.
Kendra found her passion was ultimately for the clients. “I love to take care of clients—it’s about people, getting to know them and approaching every conversation with a fresh perspective,” she says. “Our job is to listen.”
To position Fournier for growth, Kendra manages day-to-day operations of the agency creating an atmosphere of integrity, professionalism, and exceptional client service.
Following her mother’s lead, Kendra understands the importance for work/life balance. During off hours, Kendra’s wanderlust leads her to travel and experience new places. She loves being a mother and spending time with her family and is more than happy to be the “cab driver”. “We meet staff where they are with work/life balance,” she says. “We understand that they are juggling, too, and we really try to take care of them while fostering a supportive, forward-thinking culture.”
Tricia Taylor, CIC, AAI
Director, Commercial Insurance
triciat@fournierinsurance.com
“I love the commercial side of the business because it’s challenging, interesting and it’s like a puzzle, as you match up clients with what they need to mitigate risk.” Greeting challenges with a positive expectation for the outcome is Tricia’s forte, and her solution- forward management approach promotes a progressive environment where the commercial department is focused on helping people move ahead in their desired directions.
Tricia started at Fournier as an Account Manager until she was approached with an opportunity to work in the nonprofit sector, leaving the insurance industry. After establishing a self-sufficient program in the animal welfare sector, Tricia returned to Fournier as the department manager overseeing commercial lines. In her role, Tricia manages department operations, participates in strategic planning for the agency, assures that clients’ needs are met, in addition to continuously empowering those around her to meet their own goals. Tricia values the power of education and has worked diligently earning her the titles of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) as well as Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI).
Recognizing that the insurance industry is a level playing field where motivated individuals with a passion to help others win is one of the things Tricia enjoys most about the industry, “It’s about your collective knowledge and service,” Tricia says. Fournier’s inclusivity and diverse office is celebrated and creates an environment where all who share the vision feel welcome and thrive. “We practice our equality and family values everyday” two fundamentals that are important to Tricia.
When not in the office, Tricia can be found spending time with her family, hosting weekly family dinners, or powerboating around the Puget Sound with her rescue dogs on board. As an avid animal lover and problem solver, she will rescue any animal that may need assistance, including dogs or cats found outside the office building.
Gary E. Michael, Jr., PhD
Vice President, Employee Benefits
garym@fournierinsurance.com
Gary brings a unique lens to his work in Group Benefits at Fournier Insurance. He started his career working in R&D developing and vetting products in the healthcare service pipeline. He worked as a consultant where he was responsible for understanding what the uptake was for health plans and employee benefits. During the course of his career he has served in business, operations, and marketing roles. One thing that was missing.
“I had had quite a bit of success throughout my career, but I was always kind of told the same thing, Gary, you’ve got a good skill set. You’ve built some good groups, but what you’re really missing is that sales experience.”
Gary joined the Smith Agency where he honed his sales skills at retirement income planning and eventually opened his own agency.
He has known Ryan for over thirty years. They attended Central Washington University, played football together, and stayed in touch over the years. In Spring of 2022, Ryan asked Gary to join the leadership team to run the newly formed Employee Benefits department.
“I am honored and privileged because I know that Kendra and Ryan take their family name and the legacy of the business very seriously. It’s a great opportunity and I’m really excited to be here.”
Gary was born and raised in the Northwest, pursued his doctorate at University of Connecticut, followed by a successful career on the East Coast. He landed back in Washington with his family, which he’s willing to tell you, is the most important thing to him. He loves to fly fish and anything outdoors. He lives in Gig Harbor with his wife, three sons and two cats.
Alex Cook, CPA, CMA
Chief Financial Officer
alexc@fournierinsurance.com
Alex comes to Fournier as a seasoned, senior-level finance professional. Armed with industry experience within a larger insurance brokerage, he considers Fournier his opportunity to create and build the infrastructure to support the company’s current and ongoing growth.
Working with the team, his goal is to help steward that growth so that leadership is empowered to make informed resource allocation decisions and develop the operations necessary to continuously deliver on the brand promise.
Accounting and finance run in his blood. In addition to a degree in Finance as well as his CPA certification, Alex’s father was an accountant for over 40 years.
“I really respected my dad’s profession and especially his work ethic. It always seemed like an interesting path for me. The reasons that Fournier excited me was the culture that Ryan and Kendra have built as well as the ability to collaborate and innovate. I wanted that opportunity.”
Alex calls Seattle home where he enjoys seeing obscure bands, coffee, and camping. His daughter, Olive, wife, Emma, and terrier mix, Rocky keep him in good company.
TEAM
PAM BARCENA, CISR Elite
Personal Account Manager
pamb@fournierinsurance.com
Sensitive. Loyal. Friendly.
Jenny went to Disneyland for her 30th birthday and had a ball. Her first job was as a sandwich Maestro at Quiznos. She LOVES hockey-Toronto Maple Leafs, (Spirit is everything), exploring new food, and antiquing/thrifting. She has two rescue cats named Jude and Silvia.
Joan has two border collies named Scarlet and Deacon and a cat named Butternuts. One of her hobbies includes Dog Agility and Sheep Herding which may explain why people call her a crazy dog lady. She brings over 30 years of insurance expertise to her position.
Kelby’s first job was as a dockhand at Elliott Bay Marina. While working there, he met Larry Silverstein, owner of the World Trade Center & Sears Tower, when his boat “The Silver Salish” was being commissioned.
He loves a weekend getaway to LA to see shows at the Comedy Store and taking his grandma to bingo. He supports Kids Co., which is a nonprofit founded by his mother to provide before and afterschool care for preK-5th grade children in the greater Seattle area.
If Jackie’s friends gave her a title, it would be ‘crazy fly angler’. She is an avid fly fisherman, climber and baker. Her first job was as a copy editor for a public relations firm. In addition to two grown children, she is mom to a Malamute named Arya.
JENNIFER CASTEEL, MBA
Accounting Manager
jenniferc@fournierinsurance.com
Easygoing. Supportive. Kind.
Jennifer likes watching movies, going to concerts, and spending time with her grandkids. She loves visiting other countries (England was a favorite!) to see landmarks that you only see in pictures.
PAULA CARPINE, TRIP
Senior Account Manager
paulac@fournierinsurance.com
Conscientious. Focused. Humorous.
Paula likes trips back to England to visit family and friends and of course, she has English Labs! She enjoys walking and hiking and has been called a sassy lassie.
DEONNA CECCARELLI, CISR
Personal Associate
deonnac@fournierinsurance.com
Loyal. Understanding. Direct.
Friends call her a savvy shopper. She likes anything active, especially outdoors-hiking, running, exercising, you name it. Deonna donates regularly to the Animal Rescue and has a 10 year-old, 40# Staffordshire Bull Terrier who thinks he’s a lap dog.
KRYSTAL EDWARDS
Commercial Account Manager
krystale@fournierinsurance.com
Creative. Adventurous. Resourceful.
In addition to his experience as a paper boy and mowing lawns, Chris brings over 25 years of industry knowledge to Fournier. He loves boating and golfing. His favorite vacation was scuba diving with his dad.
Michelle enjoys reading, photography and watching films but spends most of her time playing with her two young sons. She volunteers at the local food bank organizing and distributing staples to families in need. Her favorite trip was her honeymoon, a cruise through the Caribbean that also included a trip to Universal Studios and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. She was awed at how realistic everything was!
MERCEDES HARRIS
Personal Account Manager
mercedesh@fournierinsurance.com
Determined. Passionate. Creative
Mercedes loves all things outdoors. She’s a former barrel racer turned mom who loves to fix up her farmhouse. Spending time with her daughter is most important. Mercedes’ border Collie deserves his own bio. He puts up with anything. You should see him in a princess dress.
His hobbies include camping, woodworking, and being outnumbered 4-1 women to man at home. He has two dogs that his daughters wanted. He is a facilitator of Real men’s Curriculum at the Christian Men’s Network.
Kimberly enjoys hiking, camping and spending time with family. She volunteers at Children’s Church and past youth ministries, Students with a Testimony. Her first job was as a dental assistant. She counts two Lynx Point cats named Jaxson and Jun as well as a dog named Nala as part of the family.
LINDA JAMES, CISR, CIC
Personal Account Executive
lindaj@fournierinsurance.com
Hard-working. Dependable. Funny.
GENIA KACEY-MCKNIGHT, CIC
Senior Account Manager
geniam@fournierinsurance.com
Determined. Adventurous. Passionate.
Genia is an ultra-runner (50M, 100k, & 100M). She likes tough trails and the longer the better. She has so many pets, she calls it a zoo that always includes at least one French Bull Dog. One of her favorite vacations was Kauai where she ran the Napali Coast and slept on the beach.
CARMEN LAMPMAN
Commercial Account Manager
carmenl@fournierinsurance.com
Thoughtful. Compassionate. Intuitive.
Carmen is deeply involved with Peace Community Center on Hilltop, which offers support services for homelessness and affordable housing. Art is her jam – graphic art, watercolors, and murals. Her first job was as a dishwasher at the Franke Tobey Jones Home. She admits to being irrationally afraid of elderly folks and that she had no idea who the residents were. She worked there for over two years. Not only did she overcome her fear, now she LOVES senior citizens.
CHRISTINE MADEN
Commercial Account Manager
christinem@fournierinsurance.
Friendly. Kind. Dependable.
Christine loves spending time with the grandkids, watching football, and binge watching her
favorite shows. Her first job was at United Pacific Insurance/Reliance doing policy assembly.
She became an expert in tri-folding paper and stuffing envelopes for mail. It was before
computers or email. That was the start of her insurance career.
Mandy is known as the one you can always count on. She loves taking road trips and will visit the beach ANY time of year. She has two dogs, two cats and chickens. So far, her favorite vacation was a trip to San Diego to see her son graduate from boot camp to become a Marine.
While friends and family call John Chief cleaner and organizer, in his spare time, he really is the Crew Chief for the LIG Pro-Trans-Am Corvette racing team. His favorite trip was to Cary, NC for the Men’s NCAA Soccer Challenge Cup to cheer on his son and teammates for the National Championship.
CINDY RAMSEY, AAI, CISC, CRIS, CCIP
Commercial Account Executive
cindyr@fournierinsurance.com
Caring. Dedicated. A little crazy.
Cindy is a self-proclaimed sports fanatic. She loves boating, fishing and spending time with family. Her friends and family call her Spreadsheet Queen. Her favorite vacation spot is Lake Chelan. She supports United Way of Pierce County.
AMANDA RUSH, CISR
Commercial Account Manager
amandar@fournierinsurance.com
Analytical. Compassionate. Authentic.
Amanda loves outdoor adventures in the PNW, ATVs in the dunes or gold panning near the river. Her toddler is her all-time favorite hobby. At home with her are Goosie, a Senegal Parrot and two dogs, Lady and Xena plus the chickens which stay outdoors.
LAURIE SMITH, CIC, ACSR
Personal Account Manager
lauries@fournierinsurance.com
Happy. Loyal. Helpful.
Laurie enjoys spending time with family on their 7 acres on the North River, gardening, and canning.
Cats, Sassy & Danner keep her company as well as grand dogs, Hank, Luka & Archie. Her favorite vacation was a road trip with her husband to visit Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devil’s Tower, and Deadwood with a stop at Yellowstone on the way home.
Cathy is an exercise enthusiast who loves running, circuit training, pilates, and hiking, as well as cooking. She is everyone’s favorite Auntie in her family. She is an animal lover with wonderful dog named Lucy and two cats Boy-O and Missy.
Phil brings over 40 years of industry experience to the conversation. He is a better than average dancer and cook (his beautiful wife will open a cookbook and say, “make me this”). His first job was when he was in the fifth grade, mowing and edging for 50 cents a lawn.
JESSICA SUPPES
Commercial Insurance Account Associate
jessicas@fournierinsurance.com
Reliable. Organized. Driven
Jessica loves to indulge in calligraphy when she is not spending time with her husband and two young children. Her first job was at Hot Dog on a Stick where the uniform, especially the hat, left much to be desired. And despite her husband getting food poisoning, their honeymoon in London and Paris remains one of her favorite vacations.
TINITA THOMAS, CISR
Personal Account Manager & Team Lead
tinitat@fournierinsurance.com
Perfectionist. Extra. Supportive.
Tinita is a girls soccer coach for both a middle school and high school team. Her friends call her the life of the party. Her first job was at Hollywood Video, way back when we used VCRs. VEGAS BABY is her thing-once a year to celebrate her anniversary, to gamble and for the delicious margaritas.
WHITNEY THOMPSON, PLCS
Personal Account Manager
whitneyt@fournierinsurance.com
Inquisitive. Determined. Learning.
Whitney volunteers with the Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital Festival of Trees every year as a mini-tree designer. She is passionate about providing support and resources to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. In her first job, as a cook, another person on staff named Whitney Thompson got her paycheck. Yes, really two people with that name at one company.
JESSICA VOIE
Personal Insurance Account Associate
jessicav@fournierinsurance.com
Compassionate. Thorough. Fun.
Jessica’s first job was at McDonald’s during her senior year of high school where she gained a lot of insight in the customer service industry. She loves Las Vegas, but her favorite vacation spot is San Diego because the weather there is amazing and the beaches and sunsets are beautiful! Should Fournier ever open an office there, she would be the first to volunteer. Jessica is an advocate for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and loves spending her free time with her nieces and nephews.
