BUSINESS
LEADERSHIP TEAM

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Edwin C. Kellam, Jr.

Chairman of the Board / Risk Management Advisor

Edwin Kellam was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and raised in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. He is a graduate of the St. Christopher School in Richmond and the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg. After graduation from college, he served in the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Kellam is married to Connie Phillips, and they have 4 children and 9 grandchildren. He started his insurance career in an agency owned by three uncles. In 1984 he joined the George H. Ware Company, now known as Ware Insurance, and became the agency President in 1989 and its Chairman in 2007. Mr. Kellam holds advanced degrees in insurance and continues his education on an annual basis. His approach is risk management, and he works with businesses both throughout the United States and internationally. He is a past President of the Virginia Beach Rotary Club and a Paul Harris fellow. He has also served on numerous boards and is currently serving as a board member for both profit and non-profit organizations. When not at the office, he can be found working in his yard or browsing in an antique store.

Edwin C. Kellam, Jr.

Chairman of the Board / Risk Management Advisor

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Sidney S. Kellam, II

President / Life & Group Benefits Specialist

Sidney S. Kellam, II is a Virginia Beach native and a graduate of Norfolk Academy, ’96, and Hampden-Sydney College, ’00 where he earned his degree in history. After graduating from college, Sidney began his career in insurance as a property and casualty agent for Ware Insurance. To improve his business knowledge and skills, Sidney completed the Harford School of Insurance, Appalachian State’s Insurance Executive Program, Old Dominion University’s Executive Development Certificate Program, and the Lefcoe Leadership Program. In 2005 Sidney assumed the role of Director of Operations for Ware Insurance, and in 2010 he became President. Today, Sidney continues to serve as President of Ware Insurance and helps businesses design an attractive and competitive Benefits Program and Executive Package. Sidney keeps busy outside of work and volunteers his time serving on several Boards or Committees such as Portsmouth Schools Foundation, Covenant United Methodist Church Pastor Parish Relations Committee, Virginia Beach Vision, and his local Elks Lodge. Sidney spends his free time with his family, camping, hiking, and simply enjoying the outdoors.

Sidney S. Kellam, II

President / CFO

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Michael P. Kellam

Chief Operating Officer / Business Insurance Specialist

A lifelong Virginia Beach Michael Kellam graduated from The University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 2004 with a B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with an emphasis in Marine Science through partnerships with the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology and Keys Marine Lab in FL.  Upon graduation, he moved to Williamsburg VA, and worked at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, where he focused on native oyster re-establishment efforts and invasive species control. 

In 2006, he began his career at Ware Insurance as a risk manager and commercial insurance broker, with a focus in ultra-complicated and multi-faceted risk analysis.  He handles a broad range of industries, including but not limited to emerging technology, e-commerce, construction & contracting, manufacturing, and real estate management, within which he manages 162 clients spanning 49 States and over a dozen countries.   In 2021, Michael was appointed CEO of Ware Insurance, where he now provides corporate governance to the organization.

In addition to several insurance-specific designations, Michael is a certified OSHA instructor, with over 2,000 hours of formal training.  He deploys this expertise to identify corporate risks, which he seeks to eliminate or reduce through the implementation of written and operational controls.  What cannot be reduced or eliminated, he helps contractually transfer to third parties to isolate his clients’ liabilities to their sole gross negligence as possible.  Remaining liability is addressed through risk financing, self-insurance, and/or the development and implementation of insurance contracts. Michael specializes in the construction, industrial, distribution, and real estate industries. His designations include Construction Site Safety Technician, Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist, and Certified Workers Compensation Advisor. He is also a certified OSHA instructor, with over 800 hours of OSHA training under his belt, including competent personnel training in excavation and fall protection. He uses his unique training to identify, eliminate, reduce, and transfer operational exposures to help his clients achieve best-in-class status and more desirable risk to the insurance marketplace. 

Michael is actively involved in several trade organizations including the AGC, ABC, Builders & Contractors Exchange, and the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance. After earning a biology degree from the University of Tennessee, Michael still enjoys spending time outdoors fishing, backpacking, and kayaking.  He now resides in Norfolk with a young son and daughter.

Michael P. Kellam

CEO / Business Insurance Specialist

COMMERCIAL LINES

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Phillip Quam

Business Insurance Specialist

Phil has worked in the insurance industry for over 42 years and specializes in marine and construction insurance. He was born and raised in the DC area but moved to Virginia Beach in 1972 where he started his career in insurance with Allstate. After a couple of years he moved to Henderson & Phillips where he was Vice President. Phil joined the Ware team in 1991 and has been an invaluable asset. When he isn’t at his desk he can be found working in his garden, fishing off the coast or photographing local wildlife. His pictures are incredible, and he has even been featured in the local newspaper.

Phillip Quam

Business Insurance Specialist

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Phil Quam, II

Business Insurance Specialist

A native of Virginia Beach, Phil Quam, II has a diverse background in education and community development. After earning a B.A. in English from East Carolina and a Master of Fine Arts degree in writing from Old Dominion University, Phil taught Literature and Composition at Old Dominion University from 2013-2015. He then spent four years traveling the world and teaching English with the United States Peace Corps., serving in Ukraine and the Republic of Georgia from 2016-2019, after spending a year in Indonesia with a private education company. However, he has always remained tethered to the insurance industry, as his father has been a commercial agent for over 40 years and with Ware Insurance since 1991. Phil joined Ware Insurance in August 2019 and looks forward to continuing his business education and building strong relationships with his clients. Away from work, Phil enjoys exercise, travel, live music, acoustic guitar, cooking, and coaching youth basketball in the area.

Phillip Quam, II

Business Insurance Specialist

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Lara Smith

Commercial Lines Operations Manager

Lara began her career in insurance in the spring of 2013 focusing on Commercial Lines coverages. She has earned her Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist designation, as well as her Certified Professional Insurance Agent and Certified Builders Insurance Agent designations. She just finished her Certified Workers Comp Advisor training and is currently working towards her Certified Insurance Counselor designation. Hard-working, compassionate, and detail-oriented, she has proven to be a great advocate for our staff and clients alike. When she is not baking treats to bring into the office, she likes to spend her time with her friends and family. A Norfolk native, you can typically find her trying out a new restaurant in town, taking in an art exhibition, or listening to live music. She may also be in her studio making art and music, out in the garden tending to her plants and admiring local wildlife or tucked away somewhere quiet with a good book.

 

Lara Smith

Account Executive / Commercial Lines Operations Manager

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Danielle Liddy

Senior Commercial Lines Account Manager

Danielle has worked in the insurance industry since 1999. She started out as a bookkeeper for an independent insurance agency in Maryland, worked for several years as a Personal Lines agent and then shifted her focus to Commercial Lines in 2005. Danielle has received three designations – Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA), Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS), and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS). As a Senior Account Manager, Danielle handles an extensive book of business that focuses on large and complex commercial accounts. When Danielle is not at work, you can find her at the ice rink or Lacrosse fields with her two boys & husband who are very active in sports.

Danielle Liddy

Senior Commercial Lines Account Manager

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Stacey Kearney

Commercial Lines Account Manager

Born and raised in Virginia Beach, Stacey began her career in the Insurance Industry in 1992 with a focus on Commercial Accounts. In 2017, she earned and currently holds the distinguished Certified Insurance Counselor designation (CIC) and holds two other designations - Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR), and Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR). She is currently working towards the Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designation. As a Senior Account Manager, Stacey manages complex and diverse Commercial Insurance programs for industries that include construction, Manufacturing,
Mercantile, Property Management, Service Sectors, Trucking, and Wholesale.. In addition to spending time with her husband, four daughters, and two grandsons, Stacey enjoys long walks with her dog Tucker and relaxing in the Outer
Banks.

Stacey Kearney

             Senior Commercial Lines Account Manager

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Tara Frederick

Claims Advocate

 

Tara is originally from the Asheville NC area but has been a Virginian since 1996. She earned a BA degree from UNC Wilmington in 1995 and earned an MBA from Saint Leo University in 2013. Tara has been in insurance since 2008 and specializes in Claims Management (and is a self-proclaimed Claims Nerd).  Tara holds several designations – Legal Principles Claims Specialist (LPCS), Certified Workers Compensation Advisor (CWCA), Small Business Coverage Specialist (SBCS) and Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA).  She is currently pursuing a second Claims Law designation from American Education Institute, Casualty Claims Law Associate (CCLA).  Her goal is to earn to the prestigious Senior Claims Law Associate (SCLA) designation. Tara has two adult sons and a very spoiled German Shepherd named Tala (she rules the house).  Tara lives in Chesapeake with her husband and enjoys going on adventures in their RV, fishing and riding motorcycles.

Tara Frederick

Claims Advocate

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Chelsea Zelie

Select Accounts Manager

Chelsea has worked in the insurance industry since 2015. She started out with an independent insurance agency in Chesapeake, Virginia and worked for several years as a Personal and Commercial lines agent and account manager. Chelsea received her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation in 2019 and is looking forward to continuing her insurance education by obtaining additional certifications. Outside of the office, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her husband and both of their families.

Chelsea Zelie

Select Accounts Manager

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Janis Aldridge

Select Accounts Manager

Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia.  I have been licensed since 1996.  Familiar with personal and commercial coverage, with my main focus on writing Commercial Lines. Works directly with the insurance carriers on new business placements and marketing for current clients. My favorite pass time is jet-skiing, camping and fishing in the summer, and snowboarding in the winter with my husband and three kids.

 

Janis Aldridge

Commercial Lines Account Manager

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Brooke Downs

Commercial Lines Account Manager

Brooke was Born and raised in Jacksonville, North Carolina. She has been in the insurance industry since the fall of 2015, with a focus on Commercial Lines. She is a Commercial Lines Account Manager working closely with the insurance carriers, and producers, and assisting clients with their insurance needs. When she is not working with her talented team here at Ware, she spends her time with her Husband and Daughter fishing, going to soccer tournaments, or playing outdoors with their Labrador Retriever named Benelli.

Brooke Downs

Commercial Lines Account Manager 

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Matthew Krogh

Business Insurance Specialist

Matthew Krogh grew up in Onancock, Virginia, and graduated from Nandua High School in 2000.  He also has a master’s degree in history from Virginia Tech.  He serves as a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist at Ware Insurance and is a member of Churchland Lodge #276, A.F. & A.M. and.  He lives in Portsmouth, Virginia with his family including two children, Stirling and Georgiana.  When he is not selling insurance he spends his time harvesting oysters, hiking, kayaking, and reenacting various periods from the American Revolution to World War II. 

Matthew Krogh

Business Insurance Specialist

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Shelley Ziller

Commercial Lines Technician

 

Shelley Ziller

Commercial Lines Technician

BONDS

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Michelle Rowell              

Bond Account Manager

Moving from Missouri in 2007, Michelle currently resides in Virginia Beach with her husband and three children. She was brought on board in the fall of 2020 to assist Grey in the Bonds Department. Since then, she has earned her Property and Casualty Insurance License and has started signing Probate Bonds in Hampton Roads. Great attention to detail and a decent sense of humor makes her a valuable asset to the company. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys hanging out at the beach, taking her paddleboard out, family bike rides, and reading.

 

Michelle Rowell

Bond Account Manager

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Regina Lowe

Bond Account Manager

Regina has lived in Hampton Roads all her life.  When she started her job at Ware Insurance she was in the Personal Lines department. She has been with Ware Insurance since 1981.  In 2022 she moved to the Bond Department to work alongside Grey and Michelle with their Bond Clients.  She and her husband have 2 children and 5 grandchildren. They love traveling, especially on cruises and to sporting events for their 2 grandsons. Regina has 2 granddaughters starting college in the fall at Virginia Tech and Longwood, and her youngest granddaughter is now 10 months old, all of whom she is very proud.

Regina Lowe

Bond Account Manager

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Grey Glover Jr.

Construction Bond Specialist

Grey is our resident Contract & Commercial Bond specialist and devotes 100% of his time to the surety needs of our clients.  Grey started his surety career in 2014 and has been an invaluable asset to his clients and our agency.  He is a member of most of the construction associations in our area and devotes as much additional time as he can to advising other members and associations on the surety aspects of the construction industry. Grey has built a strong network of surety underwriters and has been successful in finding solutions for customers of all sizes and financial conditions. When he is not setting the surety world on fire, he is also a husband and father to an amazing family, a contest-winning Toastmaster, an accomplished musician, average golfer, and per Linda Tallinger, he’s “a godsend to Ware Insurance”.

 

Grey A. Glover, Jr.

Construction Bond Specialist

PERSONAL LINES

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Cathy McCreary

Personal Lines Account Manager

Cathy is a nave of Virginia, born and raised in Portsmouth. She has worked in the insurance industry as a licensed personal lines agent since 1983, starting her career with a direct writer, and then moving to Ware Insurance in 2002. She enjoys every aspect of her job, and treasurers the relationships with her clients, many of whom are now her friends! She loves spending me with her son in Virginia Beach and her daughter in Atlanta, hiking in the mountains, being at the beach, gardening, getting together with family and friends and reading. She has 5 adorable grand dogs.

Cathy McCreary

Personal Lines Account Manager

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Cindy Church

Personal Lines Coverage Specialist

Cindy began her Personal Lines insurance career in 1998 at USAA.  Quickly learning and adding small claims, and new hire training to her skills.  She transitioned to an independent agency and increased her knowledge of insurance and management. Cindy's dedication to her clients and their insurance needs has led her to develop long-lasting relationships, representing multi-generational clients.  She has earned designations in Associate in Insurance Account Management and Certified Professional Insurance Agent. 

Cindy Church

Personal Lines Sales/Account Manager

WARE SUPPORT

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Susan Wilson

Executive Support / Reception

A Virginia Beach native, Susan has been with Ware Insurance for almost 9 years.  Before coming to work for us, Susan was a client of Ware for 17 years after she bought their home. Before working for Ware, Susan was a stay-at-home mom to her two children and worked in the hotel industry.  At Ware, Susan is our Receptionist/ Executive Assistant. She loves being the first point of contact for existing and potential clients when they walk through our front door or call us on the phone.  In her spare time, Susan enjoys going to the beach, bike riding, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Susan Hall

Executive Support / Reception

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Linda Tallinger

Director of Agency Operations

Born in Norfolk, Linda has lived in Coastal Virginia all her life. She began her career in the insurance business in 1981 where she worked at Travelers Insurance Company. She has been focused on Commercial Lines Insurance throughout her career and has also worked as an Insurance Agency IT Engineer. Linda obtained her Accredited Customer Service Representative designation, Associate in Insurance Account Management, and is currently studying for an Associate in Insurance Data Analytics. She enjoys working with the agencies employees and helping then find solutions for better workflows. On the weekends you can find her spending time with her 3 grandchildren, with her husband in their art studio working on glass projects and operating one of her church’s 3 cameras for their online live video stream.

Linda Tallinger

Director of Agency Operations

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Kimmy DiLeone

Accounting Assistant

Kimmy is an actual local treasure as she has been a lifelong inhabitant of the Great Bridge community in Chesapeake. Working in accounting has been a new adventure for her but fueled by good vibes only (and the local water) she's an asset to the team by bringing that "it's all good" southern charm and encouragement to her team. When she's not working on numbers and spread sheets, she enjoys weightlifting and going to K-pop concerts around the country. Her bias in Korean pop super group BTS is Jungkook. She lives in Chesapeake with her son and best friend Mr. Buddy.

Kimmy DiLeone

Accounting Technician