Meet the Team | David Starns Agency Insurance Experts

The People Behind

David Starns Agencies

At David Starns Agencies, insurance isn’t just about policies — it’s about people. Our team of 21 dedicated professionals is here to provide the care, expertise, and personalized service you deserve. Get to know the faces who make protection simple and reliable.

David Starns

Agency Owner

Since founding his agency in 2017, David Starns has grown it into three thriving locations—Liberty, Kansas City, and Branson—offering auto, home, health, and financial products. His favorite part of the job is serving customers and being a supportive presence in the community. Originally from Maryland, David has a lifelong passion for baseball and has coached high school teams for years, a commitment that began when his sons were young. Outside of work, he enjoys balancing his professional dedication with his love for the game and family life.

Cecily Russom

Agency Manager

With over 20 years in customer service and more than 8 years in insurance, Cecily Russom values getting to know people personally while guiding them through their coverage needs. She enjoys fishing, boating, and cheering on her kids in softball, football, soccer, and archery. A true lake enthusiast, she and her family vacation at Table Rock Lake every year and keep traditions alive—like driving around to see Christmas lights and watching Hocus Pocus at Halloween and Home Alone at Christmas.

Cole Turley

Personal Financial Representative

With 20 years of insurance experience, Cole Turley serves as a Financial Representative focused on life and retirement planning. He finds it rewarding to help clients protect their families against life’s uncertainties and guide them toward meeting their retirement goals. Because insurance and investments can feel overwhelming, Cole takes pride in simplifying the process so clients feel informed and confident. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors—whether it’s hunting, camping, or boating with family and friends. He also loves watching college football, spending time with his family’s golden retriever, and even finds time to surf whenever he can.

Michael Poppe

Personal Financial Representative

For nearly three decades, Michael Poppe has dedicated his career to helping people accomplish their financial goals, from protecting their families to managing retirement assets that last a lifetime. A graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Financial Services, he finds his greatest satisfaction in guiding clients toward long-term security and peace of mind. Outside of work, Michael enjoys hunting and cooking, and life at home is full with his two German Shorthair Pointers, Diesel and Rigby, and his cat, Bonita. Though rooted in the Midwest, he shares a fun connection to Argentina, where his girlfriend lives. At heart, Michael remains a farm kid, having spent his summers growing up on the family farm.

Hannah Brown

Licensed Sales Agent-Account Manager Team Lead

Dedicated to helping clients feel confident in their coverage, Hannah Brown has three years of insurance experience and leads with a solution-based approach that ensures no questions go unanswered. Outside of work, she enjoys fishing, exploring new places around Kansas City, and spending time with her cat, Mila.

Lauren Smith

Licensed Sales Agent-Outside Sales Team Lead

With over 20 years in customer service and nearly six years on the team, Lauren Smith serves as Sales Manager and Trainer, leading the outside sales team and mentoring new hires. She enjoys getting to know clients personally to ensure their coverage truly reflects what’s most important to them, treating every interaction with the care she would give her own family. Outside of work, Lauren loves watching football, competing in fantasy football, swimming, hiking, and reading. Originally from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, she was also a competitive swimmer for 13 years. Her favorite local spot is Canoe Club in Lake Latowana.

Kendall Wright

Licensed Sales Agent/Account Manager

As an Account Manager, Kendall Wright serves as a trusted point of contact for both policyholders and prospective clients, providing reliable support, answering coverage questions, processing policy changes, and guiding new customers through personalized quote options. He values the respect and kindness he experiences from clients, which makes every interaction meaningful and rewarding. Outside of work, Kendall enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending quality time with his family. Life at home also includes his dog, Kanyon—a Blue Lacy who has no idea he’s actually a dog.

Tiffanie Stout

Licensed Sales Agent/Account Manager

Helping others has always been at the heart of what Tiffanie Stout does. With 20 years of experience in insurance and customer service, she takes pride in guiding clients with care and understanding. Her philosophy is simple—treat others the way you’d want to be treated. Outside of work, Tiffanie enjoys spending time with her family and her two dogs, Delta and Cash.

Venessa Pierson

Licensed Sales Agent/Account Manager

Drawing on 25 years of customer service and more than a year in insurance, Venessa Pierson helps clients navigate policies with clarity and care. She finds it rewarding to provide peace of mind during life’s important moments. When not working, she enjoys woodturning, 3D printing, laser engraving, and spending time outdoors fishing, hiking, or relaxing at the lake.

Holli Baer

Licensed Sales Agent/Account Manager

As an Account Manager and Licensed Insurance Agent, Holli Baer focuses on handling service calls, reconnecting with past clients, and building meaningful relationships that last. Though new to the insurance industry in 2025, she brings over five years of customer service experience that have shaped her strengths in listening, empathy, and consistent follow-through. Holli enjoys getting to know clients on a personal level and strives to make each interaction approachable and stress-free. Outside of work, family plays a central role in her life—she is one of eight siblings and credits her upbringing with shaping her values today. A passionate Kansas City Chiefs fan, Holli has proudly attended every playoff game over the past three years, including the frigid showdown against the Dolphins.

Sarah Deal

Licensed Sales Agent/Account Manager

Since joining the industry in July 2025, Sarah Deal has worked as an Account Manager and Commercial Specialist, helping clients better understand their policies with a kind and approachable style. She enjoys building connections and guiding people through the parts of insurance that can often feel overwhelming. Outside of work, Sarah loves bowling, dining at Fuji Japanese Steakhouse, and celebrating family traditions like Christmas cookie parties. A fun fact about her—she grew up with five brothers and two sisters.

Rachel Lysakowski

Licensed Sales Agent

With 11 years of experience in customer service and insurance, Rachel Lysakowski helps customers set up new policies while making the process smooth and supportive. She loves watching her daughter swim, spending time with her young son, and caring for her American Bully, Scar—a Halloween baby who just turned one.

Britany Bice

Licensed Sales Agent

With two years in insurance and more than a decade in customer service, Britany Bice is passionate about protecting people’s financial security. She takes time to educate clients on their risks and advises them on the right coverage to fit their needs. Outside of work, she enjoys boating, spending time in the Ozarks surrounded by lakes and scenery, and admits to one surprising fact—she’s actually scared of fish.

Jacob Milhon

Licensed Sales Agent

Jacob Milhon enjoys working with clients by helping them better understand their insurance and the value it provides. He takes time to carefully break down policies, explaining them in clear, simple terms so clients feel confident in their coverage. At home, Jacob enjoys life with his two dogs, Daisy and Scully.

Gabrielle Gonzales

Licensed Sales Agent

For nearly four years, Gabrielle Gonzales has built her career helping clients review coverage options and secure the best protection and value. She finds it especially rewarding to hear about customers’ past insurance challenges and provide a level of support that goes above and beyond their expectations. Outside of work, Gabrielle loves being outdoors—whether she’s hiking new trails or camping under the stars, she’s always fueled by fresh air and sunshine.

Erendida Amador

Licensed Sales Agent

With over six years of experience in the insurance industry, Erendida Amador specializes in outside sales and helping clients find the right coverage to protect what matters most. She’s passionate about building lasting relationships, providing personalized solutions, and making sure every client clearly understands their policies. Her goal is to make the insurance process simple, transparent, and stress-free. Originally from Chicago, Erendida enjoys spending her free time with her small chihuahua, Caufi—named after her favorite drink, coffee.

Kenneth Brown

Licensed Sales Agent

Kenneth Brown is a Licensed Sales Professional who began his career in the insurance industry in 2025. He specializes in personal property coverage and takes pride in helping clients save money while securing the protection they need. Outside of work, Kenneth has a few fun facts that make his story unique—he has triplet brothers and once had the incredible experience of driving a Naval ship.

Nikki Morin

Licensed Sales Agent

As a Licensed P&C Sales Producer, Nikki Morin connects with new and existing leads to provide tailored insurance quotes that fit each client’s needs. She has two years of experience in insurance and takes pride in delivering exceptional service while building positive relationships with clients. Outside of work, Nikki enjoys spending time with her daughter, getting their nails done, and watching their favorite Netflix shows together.

Matthew Bateman

Licensed Sales Agent

Building personal connections is what Matthew Bateman enjoys most in his role. He takes the time to understand each client’s goals and ensures they’re protected in the moments that matter most. Outside of work, he’s passionate about duck hunting and training in MMA.

Ryan Cordova

Licensed Sales Agent

With 20 years of customer service experience, Ryan Cordova brings a relationship-first approach to helping clients with their insurance needs. He enjoys educating people and providing support that makes a lasting impact. Outside of work, Ryan practices jiu-jitsu, loves visiting Red Door, and stays busy with his two dogs, one cat, and three kids. A former two-sport college athlete and professional fighter for seven years, he brings the same dedication and discipline to his work and life.

Kristin Young

Billing Specialist

Bringing over 10 years of customer service experience and several years in insurance, Kristin Young handles billing and property inspections with care and attention to detail. She loves cooking, family game or movie nights on Fridays, and stays busy at home with her two daughters, a baby boy on the way, two dogs, and two gerbils.

More Than a Team — A Family

At David Starns Agencies, our strength comes from the people behind the policies. With 21 dedicated professionals working together, we’re more than just coworkers — we’re a family committed to protecting yours. Every call we answer, every policy we customize, and every claim we guide is fueled by our shared mission: to give you peace of mind with service you can trust.

Count Me In ➜

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do you showcase your team?

We believe insurance is about people, not just policies. Sharing our team helps you get to know the professionals who are here to protect what matters most to you.

Q: Who will I work with when I become a client?

You’ll have a dedicated account manager, but our entire team is available to support you whenever needed.

Q: How experienced is your staff?

Our team brings years of combined experience in insurance and customer service, ensuring you receive knowledgeable and reliable guidance.

Q: What do your team members enjoy most about helping clients?

Each of us finds fulfillment in building relationships and providing peace of mind by making insurance simple and stress-free.

Q: How can I contact a specific team member?

You can reach out through our main office line or email, and we’ll connect you directly with the right person to assist you.

Q: Do you have bilingual team members?

Yes, we strive to make insurance accessible and may have bilingual staff available to better serve you.

We provide reliable and flexible life insurance solutions designed to give you peace of mind. We help secure your family’s future—so you can focus on what truly matters.