Meet the Team

Benton&Parker_Team
  • Born and raised in Atlanta, GA
  • BBA in Marketing from the University of Georgia
  • Founding partner, along with Frank Parker, of Benton and Parker Company in 1985
  • Resides in Gainesville, GA
  • Married to Dee Ann Carter Benton
  • Two children and four grand daughters!
  • Loves cars and sports car racing
  • Email me! david.benton@bentonandparker.com
  • 678-207-1105
  • Originally from Columbus, GA
  • B.A. in Risk Management from University of Georgia
  • Obtained CPCU designation in 1981
  • After 8 years in the industry, formed Benton & Parker Insurance in 1985
  • 1985 was a big year: While forming Benton & Parker, I also married my wife, Terri Smiley Parker
  • I have two sons: Curtis and Taylor
  • I enjoy long, moon lit walks on the beach with my trusty retriever
  • Email me! frank.parker@bentonandparker.com
  • 678-207-1107

  • Born in Columbus, Ohio, raised in Miami, FL
  • Have worked in the insurance industry for over 20 years, with focus on claims, marketing and customer service
  • First licensed for Insurance in Florida in 1993
  • Earned the Associate in Risk Management Designation in 1997, as a means of helping me understand the complex risks which insurance customers face and how the risks can be handled.
  • Relocated to Georgia in 2007 and transferred by Insurance License and joined Benton and Parker in 2013 and am CSR to Ken Burnette
  • Married with two grown children and four grand children
  • Besides hiking and walking with my dog Ruby, I enjoy volunteer work with Forsyth County Literacy Program and Forsyth County C E R T.
  • Email me! susie.arbelaez@bentonandparker.com
  • 678-207-1110

  • Originally from Oakwood, GA
  • Was an Honor graduate of Johnson Highschool
  • AS, Business from Gainesville College
  • Computer Science Major - UGA
  • Worked as a bookkeeper for a steel company from 1990-1996
  • Worked as an office manager for a linear technology company from 1996-1998
  • Joined Benton & Parker in August 1999 working as an accounting assistant.
  • Married and have two sons
  • Hobbies: I run a small farm with horses, goats, dogs and cats, volunteer with local Humane Society, do acrylic/oil painting & art design and enjoy antique cars/trucks
  • Email me! sharon.barnes@bentonandparker.com
  • 678-207-1583

  • Born in Houston, TX
  • Moved to Georgia in 1994
  • Started work in an office of a small-town hardware store my sophomore year of high school and stayed there for 14 years
  • Joined the Benton & Parker team in 2012
  • Received my Diploma in Business Administration Technology in 2012
  • Obtained my Property Casualty Insurance license in 2013
  • Received my Transportation Risk Specialist designation in 2016
  • In my spare time if I'm not volunteering in my community then I'll be camping, hiking, or backpacking with my husband and my dogs
  • Email me! stephanie.brooks@bentonandparker.com
  • 678-207-1580
  • Native of Gainesville, GA
  • Earned a BA in Risk Management and Insurance from the University of Georgia in 1985
  • Obtained my Certified Insurance Counselors designation in 1991
  • Began my insurance industry career in 1985, as an underwriter with Federated Mutual Insurance Company
  • Joined Benton & Parker in 1987
  • Married to Barbara; we have one son named Michael
  • Favorite hobbies: bow hunting whitetail deer in the Midwest, and riding horses with my wife
  • Email me! ken.burnette@bentonandparker.com
  • 678-207-1109
  • Born in Gainesville Georgia, lived in Jacksonville for approx, 2 years
  • Started working for Benton & Parker in 2006
  • Have always worked in Customer Service
  • Tries to treat my customers the way I would want to be treated
  • Love the outdoors and outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and fishing
  • Also love the Florida beaches and deep-sea fishing
  • Have 2 boys who went to the same school I graduated from
  • Hobbies are outdoor activities
  • Native of Spartanburg, SC and graduated from Boiling Springs High School
  • Earned an Associates Degree in Computer Programming from Spartanburg Community College
  • Joined Benton & Parker in September, 2002-working full time until February, 2006 and leaving to be a full-time mother
  • Re-joined Benton & Parker in July, 2008
  • Have been married to Greg since 2001, and we have a five-year-old son named Dylan and a three-year-old daughter named Allie
  • Enjoy camping and family vacations
  • Email me! kristin.franklin@bentonandparker.com
  • 864-233-5129
  • Originally from Winder, GA
  • Graduated from Winder Barrow High School and continued my education for 2 years at Gainesville College.
  • Worked in the banking industry for several years before changing over to insurance in 1992.
  • Started working for Benton and Parker in 1994
  • Obtained my Georgia Insurance Agent's license in 1997
  • Currently live in Flowery Branch GA. with my Husband Allen
  • Have two 11 year old twin daughters, Bailey and Kendall
  • Enjoy reading and camping with my family
  • Email me! jill.gravitt@bentonandparker.com
  • 678-207-1114

  • Although I wasn’t born there, West Virginia is the place that I call ‘home’.  And yes, I am proud to be a coal miner’s daughter.
  • Primarily worked in advertising until obtaining my insurance agent license in 2004.
  • Between 2004 & 2012, I was employed with insurance agencies in North Carolina and West Virginia.
  • Finally found my ‘work home’ with Benton & Parker Co. in 2012 as a CSR in the Gainesville, Ga office. Moved to Alabama in 2014 and am currently enjoying being CSR for Bonnie Twitchell, a producer in our Greenville, SC office.
  • Email me! pam.howard@bentonandparker.com
  • 864-404-4164

  • Gainesville, GA native
  • Graduated Gainesville High in 2012 (with a 10 month old)
  • Attended Lanier Tech and Gwinnett Tech from 2011-2017
  • Started working at B&P for a 2 day conversion assignment in 2015
  • Spent first 2 years as assistant CSR
  • P&C GA license obtained April 2017
  • Spare time consist of my horseback riding, modeling, dance classes and spending time with my son
  • Email me! kylen.jackson@bentonandparker.com
  • 678-207-1106

  • Born and raised in Florida.
  • Served in the US Navy.
  • Have been in trucking insurance as an underwriter and agent for over 20 years.
  • Enjoy good food, movies, muscle cars, being outside as much as possible, and weightlifting.
  • By far my favorite thing in the world though is my family. I have an amazing wife, and three equally amazing kids.
  • Email me! robert.johnson@bentonandparker.com
  • 770-604-1827
  • Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia-a true "Georgia Peach"
  • Started in the insurance industry in 1971, as a file clerk with Security Insurance Group
  • Owned H&K Insurance Services with my dad for 13 years-Specializing in Transportation Insurance
  • Joined Benton & Parker in January, 1994
  • My husband Ray and I have three children: Brian, Stefanie, and Christopher-the youngest has a career in the insurance industry
  • When I'm not in the office, I can be found either on a cruise, or at the beach with a good book
  • Email me! cindy.latta@bentonandparker.com
  • 678-207-1112
  • Originally from Mt. Pleasant, SC
  • Attended Wando High School before obtaining B.S. in Biology/Premedical studies from Furman University
  • Upon graduating, decided to pursue interests outside of my field of study-and began working for Canal Insurance Company for several years as an underwriter before joining Benton & Parker
  • Married to Laura Lane since April, 2008 and happily resides in Greenville, South Carolina-along with our two dogs, Bailey and Stella
  • Enjoys fly fishing, hunting, and traveling
  • Email me! thomas.louie@bentonandparker.com
  • 864-404-4165
  • Graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983 with an insurance/risk management degree
  • Have been in the insurance industry for 27 years covering casualty underwriting, marketing, production, and agency ownership
  • Joined Benton & Parker in 2004 and now leads the North Carolina office
  • Married to Martha for 27 years, and have two sons-Drew, 22, and David, 20-and daughter Mattie, 15
  • Enjoy hiking, tennis, and most sports
  • Email me! andy.newson@bentonandparker.com
  • 704-815-3580

  • Born and raised in Duluth, GA just outside of Atlanta
  • Attended Augusta State University where he played Baseball for 4 years and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration
  • Has been involved in the transportation insurance industry since 2013 that took him from SaltLake city, Utah to Houston, Texas and now Greenville, SC
  • Chased his then girlfriend, now wife Jessica Parker, out to Salt Lake City, Utah and have been happily married since October of 2015 with their two dogs Knowshon & Tripp
  • Enjoys Golfing, baseball, Georgia football, and skiing
  • Email me! curtis.parker@bentonandparker.com
  • 864-233-2911
  • Born in GA and my family traveled worldwide with Air Force father.
  • I began my insurance career in Birmingham, AL as Commercial Underwriting Assistant working for Aetna C&S and Insurance Co of North America for 11 years.
  • Worked at three independent agencies from 1976 – 1990 as commercial CSR and agency accounting and began agency IT systems management, training, and support in about 1985.
  • Relocated to GA in 1990 and started working for Benton & Parker as office manager including agency accounting. A few years ago Frank & David gave me the title of V.P. of Operations.
  • Obtained P&C Agent license in 1977 and L&H license in 1988.
  • I have three sons, six grand children, and two great grandsons.
  • Email me! nancy.phillips@bentonandparker.com
  • 678-207-1119

  • Born and raised in Gainesville, GA
  • Graduated from North Hall High School in 2002
  • Worked in the real estate industry for 13 yrs
  • Started working for Benton & Parker in 2019
  • Obtained my Georgia P&C license in August of 2020
  • Single mother of 2 beautiful children whom I adore!
  • In my spare time, I love to read, hanging out with family & friends, camping & swimming
  • Email me! casey.posten@bentonandparker.com
  • 678-207-1586
  • Born and raised in Alpharetta/Cumming, GA
  • Graduated Forsyth Central in 2002
  • Received my certificate and diploma from Lanier Technical College in Business Administrative
  • Started working in the insurance field in 2004
  • Received my P & C License in 2009
  • Started working for Benton and Parker 2013
  • When I’m not working, I enjoy road trips, mountains, and hiking
  • I have a son named Jerry and a four legged dog named Brooklyn
  • Email me! amanda.roper@bentonandparker.com
  • 678-207-1113

  • Attended Florida State University (BA International Relations & History) and Pepperdine University (MA Education)
  • Selected for membership in "Kappa Delta Pi" an Honor Society in Awards/Education.
  • Transportation Experience: 1980 - 2011
  • Owner "TRANS S.C.A.T. Services" (Consulting for trucking & bus companies, including being an independent contractor for "J.J. Keller"); Safety / Compliance Director for two trucking companies; Director of Training for a Trucking Company; Executive Director of National Safety Council Chapter; and School System Safety Director.
  • Volunteer work includes: President, International Association of Safety Council Executives (105 Chapters); President, Florida Association of DUI Programs; President, Florida Association of National Safety Council Chapters; Chairman, National Safety Council Training Committee; and Director, Institute of Safety Council Administration.
  • Presentations: "DOT Compliance Review". Twenty - four presentations to the members of the Florida, Illinois, and Tennessee Trucking Associations.
  • Services Offered:
    • Training (Compliance Review, Hours of Service, Hazardous Materials)
    • Auditing ("Mock Compliance Review", Driver's Records of Duty Status)
  • Email me! transscat@yahoo.com
  • 229-560-2698
  • Grew up an Army brat, lived and traveled many places. Charlotte is the longest I’ve lived anywhere!
  • Graduated from St. Petersburg HS in 1993.
  • Received my BSBA in Management at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, FL.
  • In 1998 married, moved to Charlotte and started a family soon after.
  • My husband, Tucker, and I have two sons, Alex and Carter.
  • Enjoy reading, camping, traveling, outdoor activities
  • Email me! kristin.schenck@bentonandparker.com
  • 704-815-3583

  • Born in Miami, FL and moved to Clearwater, FL in 1995 (FL Native)
  • Began working in insurance on the Insured side specifically Risk Management since 2006 and moved to the Insurance Agency side in 2014.
  • I am a Licensed P & C Insurance Agent as well as a Licensed P & C claims Adjuster
  • Obtained my Certified Insurance Service Representative Designation in 2016
  • Love the outdoors: hiking, fishing, zip lining, shooting and I coach little league soccer when I am not watching my daughter advance in Karate
  • Have 2 children, boy and girl and they are the highlight of my life
  • Email me! brandy.schweiger@bentonandparker.com
  • 678-503-5536
  • Graduated from Pickens High School
  • Licensed in Insurance since 1996
  • Specializing in Commercial Transportation since 1998
  • Joined the Benton & Parker team in July 1998
  • Married since 1991 to Danny and have 2 sons, Jared & Kendall
  • Dog Mom to Jasper (Chocolate Lab) & Prue (Boston Terrier) & Cat Mom to Bastian
  • Love to travel (abroad and locally), camping, hanging with my dogs, hiking, reading, & spending time with family & friends
  • Email me! krystal.slowe@bentonandparker.com
  • 864-404-4167
  • Native of Cumming, GA
  • Graduated from South Forsyth High School in 1992
  • Spent a year at Piedmont College followed by 2 years at Gainesville College
  • Started working for Benton & Parker part-time while still in college
  • In 1993 I became a full-time employee as a receptionist--and was gradually trained to become an assistant CSR
  • In 1997, I began working as a full-time CSR for Ken Burnette
  • In 2010, I became an agent writing business in GA, NC, SC, TN and VA
  • I also work regularly in our remote offices as needed for training issues as they arise
  • Obtained my Georgia Insurance Agent license in 1997
  • Currently live in Lumpkin County, GA.
  • I spend most of my spare time spoiling my nephews, camping and boating with friends.
  • Email me! shelley.stone@bentonandparker.com
  • 678-207-1100
  • Born and raised in Lula, GA
  • Graduated from East Hall High School in 1992 and attended Gainesville College
  • Worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance from 1996 to 2009
  • Worked as a Data programmer from 2011-2012
  • Started with Benton and Parker in 2012
  • Married to Tracy, have 2 children, Connor and Abby
  • Email me! tonya.tompkins@bentonandparker.com
  • 678-801-8884
  • Born in Gainesville, GA
  • Graduated from Lanier Technical College with a Degree in Marketing, and certifications in Advertisement and Business Management.
  • In my free time, I enjoy trout fishing, cooking on my smoker
  • Married to my High School sweetheart.
  • I have two awesome kids. Both boys.
  • Email me! jerry.turpen@bentonandparker.com
  • 678-801-8896
  • Bonnie has been in the insurance business for 38 years, 33 of the years in the transportation field. She has been with Benton and Parker since November 1995. Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bonnie has been in the Carolinas for the past 37 years and makes her home in Greenville SC.
  • When she is not working, you can find Bonnie with her husband Mike on the lake fishing or at a dog show with her two Golden Retrievers, Pella and Clovey, competing in obedience competitions
  • Email me!: bonnie.twitchell@bentonandparker.com
  • 864-404-4166