People

Executive Team

Ryan Wilkerson

President & Chief Executive Officer

Ryan was born and raised in Kansas City. After graduating from the University of Kansas with bachelor’s degrees in political science and communications, he joined the family business in 1999 as a sales executive.

In 2004, he succeeded his father, Bill Wilkerson, as President and CEO, becoming the third generation Wilkerson to direct the agency founded by his grandfather, Ralph Wilkerson. Under Ryan’s leadership, Haas & Wilkerson continues to grow and focuses on the development of new niche insurance programs and always delivers excellent customer service. Ryan is a regular attendee and speaker at amusement and agricultural fair industry conferences.

Ryan is an active participant of the Young Presidents’ Organization International and the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers. He serves on the nonprofit board of the American Royal Association and is engaged philanthropically throughout Kansas City. He’s been recognized as a NextGen Leader in the KC Business Journal and has been included in the 40 Under Forty and KC Rainmakers in Ingram’s magazine. Today, he resides in Mission Hills, Kansas, with his wife, Christina, and two children, Mallory and Garrett.

Casey Williamson

Chief Financial Officer

Casey Williamson joined Haas & Wilkerson in 2022 as Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for providing financial and operational leadership to the agency. Her daily responsibilities include oversight of the agency’s finance, human resources, information technology, and client service teams. In addition, Casey is a thought leader for the strategic direction of the agency. She believes in using transparency, accountability, and collaboration to build high-performing teams and drive organizational greatness.

Casey is a seasoned leader who started her career in public accounting and moved through various financial and operational roles at Lockton Companies, leading into her current CFO position. Her specialty areas include finance, operations, project management, process improvement, and strategic planning and implementation. She has experience in creating and turning around teams, building financial metrics for measuring performance, implementing process improvements to create efficiencies, and developing growth strategies.

Casey was born, raised, and still lives in Kansas City. She graduated from Truman State University with a degree in accounting and ultimately became a certified public accountant. She serves as an advisory board member for WIN for KC. When not at work, she spends time with her husband, Rusty, and two daughters, Kennedy and Kaily.

Leadership

Jamie Creek, AIT

Director, Information Technologies and Facilities

Jamie’s professional experience spans more than thirty years and a variety of sectors, with more than twenty years dedicated to serving the insurance industry. In 2022, he joined Haas & Wilkerson to support the agency as it continues to invest in and grow their technology solutions. As director of information technologies and facilities, Jamie is responsible for the transformation, strategy, adoption, and operations of all information technology and facilities systems and programs.

Jamie has a bachelor’s degree in business operations and an associate in information technology (AIT) from the Insurance Institute of America. He has an ITIL v3.0 Foundations certification and received a certified help desk manager (CHDM) credential from HDI.

Jamie lives in the Kansas City metro area, and he enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, and two sons, Brady and Cole.

Doug Flora

Director, Program Sales & Development

Doug primarily focuses on sales management, strategic program development, and growth of the program division, which is comprised of numerous amusements and entertainment verticals.

In over twenty-five years with the agency, Doug has cultivated industry experience and knowledge, gaining recognition as a leader in insurance and risk management for the amusements and entertainment industries and speaking regularly at regional and national meetings. He has also served on the board for AIMS International, which promotes safety and education to the amusement industry. Prior to joining Haas & Wilkerson, Doug served as a producer for Welsch, Flatness & Lutz, where he used his experience in the roller-skating industry to develop a national insurance program for roller rinks. Doug graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in consumer economics.

Doug lives in Kansas City with his wife, Dana. He has two adult children, Bryce and Reagan. Doug lives an active lifestyle and enjoys mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, and all things watersports. Doug and Dana are proud and active members of their church, Country Club Christian Church.

Lillian Francis, AU, CRM, CIC, CISR

Director, Underwriting

Lillian has spent more than twenty years with Haas & Wilkerson in both service and underwriting roles. Today, she is responsible for the leadership, strategy, vitality, and management of the agency’s program underwriting division. She believes that successful underwriting is based on knowledge and relationships, and her goal as a leader is to foster balance between the needs of the program carriers and of Haas & Wilkerson’s clients.

Lillian holds several professional designations, including associate in underwriting (AU), certified risk manager (CRM), certified insurance counselor (CIC), and certified insurance service representative (CISR).

Lillian grew up in Tampa, Florida, and then headed to the Midwest to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Illinois. She currently lives in Riverside, Missouri, with her husband (Eric) and son (Eli), and she enjoys spending time with her older children (Jeremy and Jessica) and traveling as much as possible. Lillian serves as treasurer on the board of directors for City in Motion Dance Theater and has taught dance classes at their school for more than two decades. She also rings in the handbell choir at Platte Woods United Methodist Church and dances with the St. Augustine’s Liturgical Dancers.

Paige Guffey, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Director, Human Resources & Administration

Paige’s experience spans more than fifteen years, cultivating broad knowledge and skills in the many functional responsibilities of human resources. In 2016, Paige joined Haas & Wilkerson to revitalize and elevate human resources as the agency continues to grow. In her role, she is responsible for the strategy, delivery, and operations of all human resources and administration programs. Paige has a deep passion for fostering a culture that drives growth and engagement, fueled by pride, empathy, and connection.

Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Paige earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Kansas and a master of business administration from Baker University. She holds the senior professional in human resources (SPHR) certification and the SHRM senior certified professional (SHRM-SCP) credential. She resides in Kansas City, Missouri, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Josh, and two daughters, Reese and Kirra.

Kent Sanders

Director, Claims & Risk Management

Kent has spent his entire career working in commercial insurance, first on the carrier side, then joining Haas & Wilkerson in 2000 to form a claims and risk management unit dedicated to serving the amusement industry. This division is nationally recognized as the claims, litigation, and risk management authority and service provider to the amusement industry.

Kent’s experience extends to fairs, festivals, carnivals, fun centers, rodeo events, trampoline parks, and water attractions. He regularly presents on safety and amusement topics at seminars, association events, and trade shows across the country. He is certified by the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials and the Amusement Industry Manufacturers & Suppliers. Kent is also a member of the International Amusement & Leisure Defense Association and personally directs high-profile litigation across the nation. Kent works with clients to establish and maintain the highest standards of care to ensure enjoyable and safe entertainment opportunities for all patrons.

Kent was raised in a career Marine family, living in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and across the United States. He earned a dual degree in human resources and public administration at University of Kansas and his MBA at Baker University. He has since earned SCLA, ARM, NAARSO, AIMS, AFO, and IATP inspector designations. In his off time, he likes to travel and hike with his wife, Karen, and enjoys making kombucha and custom knives.

Tandra Stacer, CIC

Managing Director, Commercial Insurance Division

Tandra has more than twenty years of insurance industry experience and has been part of the Haas & Wilkerson team since 2012, having served as an account executive and as the director of client services. As the managing director, Tandra oversees sales, marketing, service, and operations, with a focus on enhancing the division’s sales growth, client retention, and carrier relationships.

Tandra holds a certified insurance counselor (CIC) designation and a business management degree from Maryville University of Saint Louis. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and is an active supporter of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City, sharing her time as a Big with her Little, Gabby, and serving as a board member. She also volunteers her time at Wayside Waifs, hanging out with her fur friends. She resides in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, with her husband (Brad), daughter (Allie), and two dogs (Louis and Chloe).

Cheri Stivers

Director, Finance & Accounting

Cheri has nearly forty years of accounting experience, starting in public accounting and then as a senior accountant and controller in the print manufacturing world. She joined Haas & Wilkerson as controller in 2006 and currently leads an accounting team of four, working closely with them to provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers and, ultimately, to provide accurate and timely financial results.

Cheri enjoys the challenge of creating processes that streamline responsibilities and create accountability, and she works hard to empower those around her so they can reach their full potential.

Born and raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Cheri earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting/computer science and business administration from Dana College in Blair, Nebraska. She is an active member of FEI Kansas City, where she connects with fellow finance and accounting professionals. She resides in Overland Park, Kansas, with her husband, Walt. She enjoys spending time with her three children and their significant others: Sam (and Paige) in Dallas, Tom (and Carolyn) in Colorado Springs, and Emily (and Nicole) in Prairie Village.

Advisors & Consultants

Branden Banks

Producer

Branden Banks has years of insurance experience and holds a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) designation as a producer in Haas & Wilkerson’s Commercial Division. He is active in business development, focusing on insurance in construction, manufacturing, and financial institutions. Branden is an active participant in several associations, including the Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, Associated Contractors of Kansas, Associated Contractors of Missouri, Kansas Contractors Association, Surety Association of Kansas City, The Builders Association, and The Heavy Constructors Association. He manages the only approved insurance provider program for the Independent Bankers of Colorado. Outside of work, he serves on the operations committee for The First Tee of Greater Kansas City, coaches youth basketball and baseball, and has served in a variety of capacities within his church. Branden attended Southwestern College and graduated with degrees in Sports Management and Computer Science. He is married to his wife, Mandy, and they have two boys, Mason and Everett.

Chase Cowley

Producer

Chase Cowley is a dedicated and client-centric insurance producer specializing in Specialty Programs. As an adept problem solver, he collaborates closely with clients to identify their specific concerns and goals, and designs tailored insurance programs that offer optimal coverage and peace of mind. Through strategic partnerships with underwriters and industry experts, he ensures that his clients receive the most relevant and up-to-date coverage options available.

Prior to working in insurance, Chase spent years in the healthcare industry working with providers to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and cutting-edge healthcare technology. He graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in applied business and technology. Today, he is a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and enjoys golfing, watching sports, and spending time with his wife, Sarah.

Darin Crisman

Producer & Trust Administrator

Darin Crisman is an Agency Sales Professional and Self-Insurance Trust Administrator at Haas & Wilkerson. Darin joined the agency in 1993 as a workers’ compensation loss control consultant. In 2000, his role expanded to include administration of the Missouri Wood Industry Insurance Trust self-insured workers’ compensation pool, including the implementation and monitoring of underwriting, marketing and performance objectives, facilitation of state regulatory compliance, oversight of service company activities, and personalized responses to customers’ needs and inquiries. In 2010, his role expanded to lead Specialty Program Insurors (SPI), which provides solutions for the unique needs of the Rodeo, Equine, and Livestock industries. Darin was born in Decatur, Illinois, raised in Buffalo, Missouri, and now resides in Kansas City, Missouri, with his wife and two sons. He’s a graduate of Central Missouri State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Safety Engineering. Darin is a licensed property and causality agent, Missouri Certified Safety Consultant, and a member of American Society of Safety Engineers.

Bradford Doolittle

Producer

Bradford Doolittle has more than 10 years of insurance industry experience and is a Producer in the Amusements Insurance Division. In addition to his day-to-day sales responsibilities, he is active within the team, developing new programs for the agency. Working with all types of amusement industries, Bradford has developed a well-rounded knowledge of service and safety, allowing him to best serve his clients. Bradford enjoys being a part of his community and serving as a volunteer fireman. Prior to his professional career, Bradford received a football scholarship to Jamestown College in North Dakota, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in 2006.

Andy Lucas

Producer

Andy Lucas is president of G. A. Lucas, Inc., and is affiliated with Haas & Wilkerson. As a producer at Haas & Wilkerson since January 2009, Andy, along with his brother, Joe Lucas, is responsible for sales and serving their nationwide book of business. Andy has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry focusing on medium to large clients that have multi-state exposures. Andy and his team pride themselves on the excellent, comprehensive service they provide to all their clients. Born and raised in the Kansas City area, Andy attended Bishop Miege High School and Kansas State University. Andy is married and has two very active children and one goofy black lab. When he is not at one of the kid’s practices or games, he likes to get out on his mountain bike and enjoy some of the best single tracks the area has to offer.

Joe Lucas

Producer

Joe Lucas has been a producer with Haas & Wilkerson since 2009, and is proud to work with the same agency where his father George Lucas worked, dating back to the 1970s. Working as a team alongside his brother, Andy Lucas, the duo has more than 50 years of combined experience in the insurance industry. This team diligently services their longstanding existing accounts while also developing new business. They have written large commercial accounts all across the country. Joe concentrates mainly on commercial business insurance and is able to offer his clientele knowledge in personal lines coverages, as well as life and health insurance. Joe was born and raised in Prairie Village, Kansas, and happily resides there today with his wife, Katie, and their children. Now that his days of coaching and attending youth sports games are behind him, Joe can be found regularly on area tennis courts located throughout the city during the evenings and weekends.

Tim O’Donnell

Producer

Tim O’Donnell started with Haas & Wilkerson in 2008 as a producer in the commercial insurance division, and was quickly moved onto the production team for its amusement programs. Today, he manages the western region of the United States, with a focus on the amusement industry, specifically carnivals, waterparks, amusement parks, family entertainment centers and trampoline parks. Tim is also responsible for managing the World Waterpark Association insurance program. He is very active in the industry, participating in multiple educational and development conferences each year. He is a graduate of the University of Kansas. He has competed in and finished five Ironman Triathlons and multiple marathons. Tim is married and a proud father to one daughter and one son.

Christina Ramirez

Producer

Christina is a licensed insurance professional with more than twenty years of experience specializing in personal lines, commercial lines, and production. Since joining Haas & Wilkerson, Christina has worked in both the amusement and recreation programs as an account manager and a producer. This unique professional experience has made Christina a coverage specialist who truly understands the unique needs and challenges facing her clients. When not at work, Christina enjoys time with her husband, Mike, and their three boys. She volunteers at her childrens’ schools and within her community. Being a boy mom, Christina enjoys the outdoors and is ready to cook a fulfilling meal whenever they gather at the family table.

Alex Schultz

Producer

Alex Schultz is an amusement producer who brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic insight to the world of risk management. With a solid foundation in journalism and strategic communications from the University of Kansas, as well as a validated producer status, he strives to find insurance solutions that put his clients in the best possible position to stay protected while growing their business.

Outside the professional sphere, Alex treasures quality time spent with friends and family, recognizing the importance of strong relationships in both personal and business success. He is also a fantasy football fanatic and spends most fall weekends watching college football on Saturdays and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs on Sundays.

Andrew Vandepopulier

Producer

Andrew is a producer in the Specialty Programs division at Haas & Wilkerson with over a decade of insurance experience. With his background in claims and sales, Andrew supports clients representing fairs, festivals, rodeos, and other special events around the country, helping to build great programs and mitigate large exposures. He serves on committees and boards to facilitate the continued expansion of strong risk management practices. He’s an active participant in the IAFE Young Professionals Initiative, as well as an annual contributor to fair and festival speakers’ panels. Andrew also serves as the sponsorship chair for the American Royal Rodeo committee and assists with the annual rodeo. He’s completed the Institute of Fair Management through the IAFE and is wrapping up his CFE through the IFEA. Andrew graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a degree in Business Education. He played three years of college baseball at Maple Woods Community College and Truman State, and continues to be active in all outdoor sports.