Team HAWK Advisers
Rand Wright
President
Rand has lived in the Roanoke area all of his life and is the President of HAWK Advisers. The most meaningful part of his career is problem solving and being able to travel around meeting new people and businesses. Having had the privilege of traveling to a variety of places, his favorite part of living in the Blue Ridge is being able to experience all four seasons and the beautiful views that surround this area.
Fun Facts:
- Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia
- Favorite Things: Golfing, camping with family and being outdoors.
- Hidden Talent: I can make fantastic guacamole.
- What song best describes your work ethic? Alabama, Roll On
Stephen Hamilton
Executive Vice President
Stephen was born and raised in the Star City and is the Executive Vice President of HAWK Advisers. The most meaningful part of his career is having the privilege of working with incredible people that challenge him every day. Stephen believes that knowledge is meant to be shared and he enjoys collaborating with others to find a solution. His favorite part of living in the Blue Ridge is residing in one of the most beautiful places on Earth—it is truly the best playground for anyone that enjoys being outside.
Fun Facts:
- Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia
- Favorite Things: Taking day trips with my family. We do not have to travel far to find a good trail, farmers market, or festival.
- Hidden Talent: I can play a mean drum solo on the back of my steering wheel.
- What song best describes your work ethic? I Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty
Faith Goyer
Account Manager
Faith has lived in Roanoke, Virginia her whole life. She joined the team at HAWK Advisers in 2014 as an Account Manager, where the most meaningful part of her work is being able to work with people from all over the United States. She enjoys being able to teach clients how to best protect their business and their customers in their facilities. Her favorite part of living in the Blue Ridge is the scenery and enjoying the outdoors.
Fun Facts:
- Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia
- Favorite Things: Spending time with my husband, sons and daughter!
- What song best describes your work ethic? Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship
- If you were a dog, what kind of dog would you be? A Golden Retriever. They are kind and friendly animals, but they can be fierce when they need to be.
Marie Morris
Account Manager
Marie has lived in Moneta, Virginia her whole life and still lives there currently. She joined the team at HAWK Advisers in 2003 as a Commercial Account Manager. The most meaningful part of her work is knowing that she is able to provide a service to clients that they truly need. Her favorite part of living in the Blue Ridge are the beautiful mountain views! The changing of seasons and all the activities we have available in the Blue Ridge are an added bonus to the view.
Fun Facts:
- Hometown: Moneta, Virginia
- Favorite Things: Reading, spending time with my husband, dining out and playing with my dog.
- If you were a dog, what kind of dog would you be? I would be a Maltese, but not just any Maltese, I would by my Maltese because he is spoiled!
Robert Lowery
Commercial Lines Manager
Robert has lived in Roanoke, Virginia for 35 years, but is originally from West Virginia. He joined the team at HAWK Advisers in 1990 and holds the position of Commercial Lines Manager. The most meaningful part of his work is interacting with customers and trying to make their experience the best. His favorite part of living in the Blue Ridge is being close to lots of family activities, the view of the mountains and the hometown feel here in the valley.
Fun Facts:
- Hometown: Beartown, West Virginia
- Favorite Things: Being with family, playing with my two grandsons, camping and working around the house and yard.
- What is your hidden talent? Part-time mechanic, more puzzle marker than mechanic, I like to take things apart and then put it back together.
- If you were a dog, what kind of dog would you be? St. Bernard. They are loyal, big, mostly friendly and will share with those in need.
Sheralyn Basham
Personal Risk Adviser
Sheralyn was born and raised in Botetourt, Virginia! She joined the team at HAWK Advisers in 2021 as a Personal Risk Adviser, where the most meaningful part of her position is educating our clients so they can make the best insurance decisions for their family. Her favorite thing about living in the Roanoke Valley is the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the James River, and the Blue Ridge Parkway!
Fun Facts:
- Hometown: Botetourt, Virginia
- Favorite Things: Kayaking on the James River with friends, horseback riding, online shopping, and spending time with my nieces and nephews!
- Hidden Talent: I can juggle, it’s kind of my party trick!
- What song best describes your work ethic? She Works Hard for the Money by Donna Summer
Susan Garrison
Claims & Commercial Lines Specialist
Susan is from Salem, Virginia where she currently resides today. Go Spartans! She joined the team at HAWK Advisers in 2018 as their Claims & Commercial Lines Specialist. The most meaningful part of her work is being there as a support to clients when they need it the most and being able to assist them with navigating the claims process. Her favorite part of living in the Blue Ridge is the spectacular mountain view any time of the year.
Fun Facts:
- Hometown: Salem, Virginia
- Favorite Things: Spending time with my family and friends, walking and playing with my two Boxers, cooking, photography and shopping.
- What song best describes your work ethic? Taking Care of Business
- What is your hidden talent? I sing really well…but only in the shower!!
James Simpson
Director of P&C Operations
James moved to Roanoke, Virginia in 2021! He joined the team at HAWK Advisers in 2022 as the Director of P&C Operations. The most meaningful part of his job is that it is client focused – he loves being able to help create new processes and procedures with our clients in mind! His favorite part of living in the Blue Ridge is the peace and quiet and the nightly sunsets from his front porch.
Fun Facts:
- Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
- Favorite Things: Spending time with my wife and playing with our Yorkie. I also enjoy our church activities and watching sports – either live or on TV.
- Hidden Talent: I can throw food very high in the air and catch it in my mouth!
- What song best describes your work ethic? Whistle While You Work
Hannah John
Commercial Risk Adviser
Hannah was born and raised in Botetourt County, Virginia and joined the team at HAWK Advisers in April of 2019. The most meaningful part of her role as a Commercial Risk Adviser is being able to develop relationships with business owners and local community members. Her favorite part of living in the Blue Ridge is being surrounded by the mountains and the astonishing views they bring year-round.
Fun Facts:
- Hometown: Botetourt County, Virginia
- Favorite Things: Traveling with my husband, cheering on the Hokies and shopping, of course!
- Hidden Talent: On my drive home from work, I turn my car into a Pop2k concert!
- What song best describes your work ethic? Hall of Fame by The Script
Meredith Jamison
Accounting & HR Administrator
Meredith was born and raised in Salem, Virginia! She joined the team at HAWK Advisers in 2021 as an Accounting & Administrative Assistant, where the most meaningful part of her position is helping the agency run efficiently and effectively! Her favorite part of living in the Blue Ridge are the mountains, she tries to soak in the views each and every day!
Fun Facts:
- Hometown: Salem, Virginia
- Favorite Things: Spending time with her husband & two daughters, spending time with friends, designing with her Cricut, photography, trying out new dinner recipes and snuggling with her boxer, Cash!
- Hidden Talent: My investigative skills!
- What song best describes your work ethic? Count On Me by Bruno Mars
- If you were a dog, what kind of dog would you be? A boxer – because they are determined, loyal, protective, energetic, friendly and goofy.
Gary McDaniel
Director of Employee Benefit Operations
Gary is a lifetime resident of Roanoke, Virginia! He joined our team in 2022 as the Director of Employee Benefit Operations. The most meaningful part of his work is being able to help people and solve problems. Employee benefits can be very confusing and he enjoys being able to make the complex as simple as possible for our clients and their employees. His favorite part about living in the Blue Ridge is the change of seasons – just as you start getting tired of one season, a new one begins!
Fun Facts:
- Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia
- Favorite Things: I love to start my day off at the gym at 5AM! I also enjoy spending time with my family
- Hidden Talent: Lawn aficionado – I take great pride in keeping my yard up to par!
Lisa Quesenberry
Personal Lines Account Manager
Lisa was born and raised in Salem, Virginia! She joined the team at HAWK Advisers in 2021 as a Personal Lines Account Manager, where the most meaningful part of her work is the ability to learn and acquire knowledge. The saying “learn something new every day” is a certainty in insurance, especially with the knowledgeable team at HAWK Advisers. She loves being able to apply the insurance knowledge she acquires towards helping our personal lines customers!
Fun Facts:
- Hometown: Salem, Virginia
- Favorite Things: I love CrossFit. Time at the gym always makes a bad day better and a good day great. I also enjoy golf, reading, music and crafts like crochet and cross stitch. I take advantage of every opportunity to spend time with my kids.
- Hidden Talent: Photography! I enjoy taking day trips to small towns and going on scenic drives – always with my camera in hand.
- What song best describes your work ethic? Work Hard, Play Harder by Gretchen Wilson
Matthew Lowe
Account Manager
Matthew Lowe was born and raised in Abingdon, Virginia! He joined our team at HAWK Advisers in 2022 as a Commercial Lines Account Manager. The most meaningful part of his work is being able to help our clients protect and grow their business. His favorite part about living in the Blue Ridge is all of the hiking, biking and camping trails available in the region.
Fun Facts:
- Hometown: Abingdon, Virginia
- Favorite Things: Camping, hiking and spending time with my family.
- What song best describes your work ethic? Forty Hour Week (For a Livin’) by Alabama
- If you were a dog, what kind of dog would you be? A bulldog – they are fun, loving and enjoy taking naps!
Charlotte Roderick
Community Engagement and Marketing Associate
Charlotte was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia! She joined the team at HAWK Advisers in 2023 as the Community Engagement and Marketing Associate. The most meaningful part of her work is being able to connect HAWK with its clientele and help create long-lasting relationships with people in the community. Her favorite part of living in the Blue Ridge is the beautiful views, especially from up on Mill Mountain!
Fun Facts:
- Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia
- Favorite Things: Being with friends and loved ones, playing volleyball, reading, and drawing
- Hidden Talent: I’m a distance runner! I love to see how far I can go, either outside or on the treadmill!
- If you were a dog, what kind of dog would you be? A collie – because they enjoy being active and like to be social!
- What song best describes your work ethic? Stronger by Kanye West
Michelle Johnson
Commercial Lines Manager
Michelle has lived in the Roanoke Valley since the summer of 2007. She is originally from Washington State, and she lived in Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Tennessee before moving to Virginia. Her insurance career started on the carrier side with Personal Lines back in 2008 and moved to Commercial Lines in 2012, before joining HAWK Advisers on January 17, 2023. Her favorite part of living in the Roanoke Valley is the scenery, the seasons, and the small town feel while having many activities and options to do with her family.
Fun Fact:
- She is married with two daughters and wait for it….8 cats!
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