Coastal Underwriters is driven to find the best insurance for our clients and their interests. It starts with a dedicated group of experienced professionals working together to meet the goals set by our clients. Meet our team.
Mike Herring
President and Account Executive
Phone Ext:102
With over thirty years’ experience, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the insurance industry to the agency. Mike has sold and serviced all lines of insurance but has found great success specializing in commercial insurance, including placing national franchise accounts such as Popeyes and Hardee’s. A Brunswick native and long-time resident of St. Simons Island, Mike is very familiar with the local real estate market and understands its coastal insurance challenges. Mike enjoys playing golf and spending time outdoors.
Mike Herring, President and Account Executive
Sanjay Bhakta, Account Executive
Sanjay Bhakta
Account Executive
Phone Ext:105
Sanjay came to the United States from India, where he was a practicing physician. His original intention was to continue his education, but he ended up in the hospitality business, eventually owning and operating eight hotels as well as working at Primerica as a life insurance agent. Now at Coastal Underwriters, he currently owns and operates five hotels in addition to helping clients with their insurance needs. As a business owner he truly understands the particular concerns of his commercial clients. He is involved in Shree RamKabir Bhakta Samaj of USA, an Indian-American philanthropic and cultural society that raises money for scholarships and charitable causes. Sanjay enjoys spending time with his wife, his four children, and friends and also enjoys reading and playing volleyball and tennis.
Ray West
Account Executive
Phone Ext:104
A native of Brunswick, Ray brings more than thirty-five years of experience in the insurance industry to Coastal Underwriters, including as an executive at Marsh & McLennan, Inc., where he assisted with the placement of corporations such as Delta Air Lines, Georgia-Pacific, and Coca-Cola. His diverse experience features an emphasis on insurance programs for specialized commercial businesses from fast food restaurants to commercial fishing vessels and marinas to some of the most recognized names in business. Ray enjoys cheering on his Georgia Bulldogs and spending time with his wife, Donna, and daughter, Sally.
Ray West, Account Executive
Rebecca Lovett, Account Executive and Accounting Representative
Rebecca Lovett
Account Executive and Accounting Representative
Phone Ext:103
Rebecca has been working in the insurance industry since 1957, including for one agency for forty-two years before joining Coastal Underwriters in 2005. She has completed multiple courses and earned the designation of Certified Professional Insurance Woman. She has served as state president of the Georgia Federation of Business & Professional Women, trustee of the Rosebud McCormick Foundation, and charter member of the Coastal Georgia Insurance Professionals and the Brunswick Business & Professional Women as well as served on several boards including Hospice of the Golden Isles, Alzheimer’s of Glynn/Brunswick, and Blythe Island Regional Park Board. Rebecca has been married for fifty-three years and has two children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way.
Haresh Patel
Account Executive
Phone Ext:106
Also a native of India, Haresh came to the United States during high school and graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in computer science. After starting out at AT&T in software development, he began working in hotel management and now owns five hotels. It was his personal experience purchasing insurance for his own hotel properties that led him to a career in insurance. His particular specialty is insurance solutions for properties ranging from small bed and breakfasts to hotels with 400+ rooms. His favorite activities include spending time with his wife, two sons, and friends and playing volleyball.
Haresh Patel, Account Executive
Kelli Echols, Account Executive
Kelli Echols
Account Executive
Phone Ext:109
Kelli has been serving clients in the insurance industry since 2006. A graduate of Georgia Southern University, Kelli loves working in the insurance industry as an agent and takes pride in always offering her clients the best in “good ole fashion” customer service. She lives in Patterson, Georgia, with her husband and daughter, where she enjoys being active at Patterson Baptist Church and spending time outdoors with her family fishing, biking, and enjoying the beach.
Jeri Faircloth
Customer Service Representative
Phone Ext:101
Jeri started her career in property and casualty insurance in 1980 and joined Coastal Underwriters in April of 2013. A Brunswick native, she graduated from Brunswick College with an associate’s degree in business. Jeri loves spending time with her husband, son, daughter, and grandson as well as her silky terrier Splinter and four grandpups. Jeri is a sports enthusiast—especially softball and football—and serves as a volunteer for local organizations as well as being active in her church, St. Francis Xavier School, and the Florida State Booster Club.
Jeri Faircloth, Customer Service Representative