Beacon Aviation Insurance Services Logo

Who We Are

beacon-aviation-insurance-BizJetEstablished in 2008 and based in Sarasota, Florida, Beacon Aviation Insurance Services, an Amynta Company, offers insurance coverage to the general aviation industry. We work with a multitude of agents and brokers nationwide. 

Our experience and expertise in specialized coverage and risk management solutions extends to a full range of general aviation businesses: Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), Maintenance Repair and Overhaul operations (MROs), Municipal Airports, Airline Services, Aviation Manufacturers and Suppliers, Charter Operators, Flight Schools, and Corporate/Industrial Aid.

Beacon Aviation Insurance doesn’t believe in a “one-size fits all” when it comes to insurance and risks management programs. 

Beacon focuses solely on the aviation industry. In fact, many of our employees are active or former pilots and aviation professionals. That’s why we have curated solutions to meet the unique needs of the aviation industry. 

OUR TEAM

Bennett Goldblum

Bennett Goldblum

CPCU, AU-M, CAIP, CFII
President
 

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Erin McManus

Erin McManus

Senior Vice President
  Underwriting and Operations
 

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Britt Kral

AVP
Non-Commercial Aviation Underwriting Manager
General Aviation
 
 

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John Antonich

AVP
  General Aviation
 
 

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Jamie Stern

Jamie Stern

Director
Business Development
 
 

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Michael Lumpkin

Director
  Aviation Workers' Compensation
 
 

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Chelsea Jackson

Chelsea Jackson

Senior Underwriter
 Aviation Workers' Compensation
 
 

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Kate Bustin

Senior Underwriter
Aviation Workers' Compensation
 
 

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Kenneth Vass

Senior Underwriter
  Aviation Workers' Compensation
 

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Jeremy Corbin

Senior Underwriter
General Aviation

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Steve DiSerio

Senior Underwriter
  General Aviation

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Cindy Hoskins

Senior Underwriter
  General Aviation

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Tailei Stevens

Underwriter
General Aviation

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Trae Luker

Underwriter
General Aviation

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Sharon Woods

Underwriting Associate
  General Aviation

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Gail Melton

Gail Melton

Controller

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Sharon Meeds

Internal Premium Auditor

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Bennett G. Goldblum CPCU, AU-M, CAIP
President

Bennett leads Beacon’s underwriting team and enjoys using his background and knowledge in aviation and insurance to work with our clients to deliver tailored insurance and risk management solutions. 

Bennett earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and holds the Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in Commercial Underwriting-Management (AU-M) and Certified Aviation Insurance Professional (CAIP) designations as well as FAA Commercial Pilot SEL, MEL, SES, Instrument and Certified Flight Instructor, CFII, MEI licenses, with over 4,000 logged flight hours. 

Prior to joining Beacon, Bennett held a variety of roles in the general aviation industry, including flight instructor, corporate pilot and Operations Manager for aircraft management companies and FBOs. 

Bennett and his wife are avid outdoors enthusiasts and enjoy flying, cycling, camping, hiking and kayaking during their free time as well as supporting local arts and education programs.

Erin McManus
Vice President Underwriting and Operations

Erin began her insurance career over a decade ago and has experience in various departments, where she developed important fundamental knowledge of the Aviation Insurance Industry. During this time, underwriting Workers Compensation risks for the aviation industry has been her primary focus. 

At Beacon, Erin has created valuable resources to bring a high level of underwriting skill within the organization and champions a proactive approach toward the tremendous growth in Beacon’s book of business. 

Erin is an active member of the Aviation Insurance Association Education Committee. In that capacity, she has committed to providing members of the AIA community with insights, current insurance trends and coverage information. 

Erin is dedicated to continuing her knowledge and improving her skillsets. She is currently completing her Associate in Underwriting through The Institutes.

Britt Kral
Assistant Vice President 

Britt has over 15 years of experience in Aviation Insurance. She began her career on the agency side in her hometown of Chicago, Illinois, before being recruited by an aviation underwriting carrier where she found her first home as an underwriter. She spent the next decade there, deepening her expertise before joining the team at Beacon Aviation.

Britt is an active member of the Aviation Insurance Association and currently serves as Chair of the Education Committee.

Embracing the mountains and an active outdoor lifestyle, Britt now resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband, two sons, and their dog, Frank.

Outside of work, Britt is a passionate alpinist. In 2024, she summited over 32 peaks and reached an altitude of more than 17,000 feet in Ecuador—without the aid of supplemental oxygen or altitude medication. This accomplishment places her among less than 1% of the global population to reach such heights under those conditions. She continues to push her limits, pursuing higher altitudes, more technical climbs, and building her skills in ice climbing and high-altitude mountaineering.

John Antonich
AVP General Aviation

John Antonich has been working in the aviation insurance realm for over 30 years.  John graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in Aeronautical Science and holds a commercial pilot’s license with an instrument rating. 

After graduation, John accepted a position with American Eagle Group, Inc. in Dallas Texas where he ultimately became an Underwriter.  During his tenure, John has had an underwriting capacity at Phoenix Aviation Managers, Inc. (ORA), Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty as well as QBE.  In addition to Underwriting, John has held various management roles including a Global Business Analyst position.

A Montana native, John returned to his home state in 2021 and resides in Helena (state capital).  John spends his summers at a family lake home in Northwest Montana where he enjoys the outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and maintaining the property.

Jamie Stern
Director of Business Development

With over 25 years in the Insurance Industry, Jamie is a veteran in Business Development and Insurance Sales and Marketing. Her background includes field Sales & Marketing, National Claims Risk Management, Product Training, Proprietary Business Systems Training as well as Call Center and Customer Relationship Management in both the Commercial and Personal lines sectors. Jamie achieved her CIC designation early in her career and continues to put emphasis on education. 

Jamie was born into a ranching family in Texas. She enjoys the water and the exciting culture in her new home of Sarasota, Florida.

Michael Lumpkin
Director of Aviation Workers' Compensation

Michael Lumpkin has specialized in Aviation Insurance since 1997. 

He graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Risk Management/Insurance. Michael began his career in the Aviation Insurance industry when accepting an underwriting position with SafeAir Underwriters, then a Safeco MGA for Property & Casualty coverages for aviation related businesses.  

After working in both the Workers’ Compensation and Special Risk departments at AIG Aviation, Michael transitioned to the broker side with Aviation Insurance Services of Utah providing support for large and complex accounts.  

With 2 daughters and a son on the way, Michael and his family moved from Utah back to the Atlanta area for a position as a General Aviation underwriter for QBE Aviation.  Michael later transitioned over to the Workers’ Compensation department and served in various roles, including head of the department.

Michael enjoys spending time with his family and when he has time enjoys hiking, playing disc golf and discovering new craft beers.  Michael is also active in his church and can be found helping often with the children’s and youth programs.

Chelsea Jackson
Senior Aviation Underwriter

Chelsea is a Florida State University graduate and has been in the insurance world since 2016.

She started in P&C and finally was able to incorporate her love of aviation with her insurance knowledge when she joined Beacon in 2018. Prior to that, Chelsea was a sales and marketing manager for a large hospitality group with locations all over the US. She is currently in the process of obtaining her CPCU designation.

Chelsea is the proud mom of a new baby girl and two large fur babies. She enjoys reading mysteries, boating, fishing and traveling with her family.

Kate Bustin

Senior Aviation Underwriter

Kate is a George Mason University graduate and she is a proud member of the softball team and active alumni. She has been in the insurance world since 2013.

Kate was located in Midwest for most of her career working for both large and small regional P&C carriers. She has a strong WC background in the construction space.

Now located in Ocala, FL area, she is a proud mom to three fur babies. Kate enjoys traveling, dog parks on the weekends, and Yankees baseball games.

Kenneth Vass
Senior Underwriter

Ken Vass has been working in the Workers’ Compensation industry for over 30 years.

He got his start in workers’ compensation as an Underwriter and Program Manager with the Risk Management Planning Group.

From there, he held various roles throughout his career with much of that being in the program business segment where he oversaw programs within a variety of industries.

Spending 20 years living in Rhode Island, Ken now lives in Efland, North Carolina with his wife and dog. One of his two boys lives in Colorado where his first grandson resides. His younger son made the decision to stay in Rhode Island. In his down time, Ken enjoys cooking/grilling, woodworking, and brewing beer.

Jeremy Corbin
Senior Underwriter
General Aviation

Experienced Aviation Underwriter. Adept at evaluating aircraft, pilot, and aviation-related factors to determine coverage eligibility. Proven track record of ensuring profitability while maintaining high-quality customer service.

Steve Diserio
Senior Aviation Underwriter

Steve DiSerio is a seasoned Aviation Underwriter with over a decade of experience in the industry. Steve has been responsible for underwriting aviation exposures for hull and liability coverage, including light aircraft, rotor wing, and small to medium-sized jets. He also handled aviation commercial general liability, including flight schools, flying clubs, Fixed Base Operators and airports.  

In addition to his extensive Insurance Underwriting experience, Steve worked as an FBO Manager and as a Commercial Lines Policy Analyst. He holds a B.A. in Communications from Marist College, with a minor in Fine Art/Photography.

Steve has a commercial pilot’s license and an instrument rating from the FAA. Steve currently serves on the Airport Advisory Board at the Leadville Lake County Airport in Colorado. Deeply invested in the world of aviation, Steve is an active member of the local aviation community. 

 Steve resides in Colorado with his wife and two dogs. Steve is an accomplished outdoors enthusiast, with a passion for skiing, biking, and all things active. With extensive experience exploring the natural world, he brings a deep appreciation for the value of physical activity and the great outdoors to his work. 

Cindy Hoskins
Senior Underwriter
General Aviation

Cindy Hoskins has been in the Aviation Insurance industry for 47 years. 

She spent the last 40 years of her career with an aviation underwriting company start up in 1983 and managed the Dallas Light Aircraft Division.  She held the title of Vice-president when she retired January 2023.  After 18 months of retirement, Cindy made the choice to return to aviation insurance as an Underwriter for Beacon on part time basis.

Cindy enjoys volunteer work for a non-profit organization for adults with disabilities.  She is on the board for the organization and recently helped raise over $25,000 for the non-profit organization.    

Cindy was born in Grapevine, Texas and has stayed local to Grapevine her entire life.  Her daughter is a 3rd generation graduate of Grapevine High School.

She enjoys cooking and attending various outings with her daughter who is a member of the non-profit organization.

She also enjoys travel! 

Tailei Stevens
General Aviation Underwriter

Tailei is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia State University, where she focused her studies on hospitality and tourism. Her aviation insurance career began on the agency side, where she learned the fundamentals of the industry and developed a strong foundation in client service. During this time, she also flew as a part-time flight attendant, gaining firsthand insight into commercial aviation and further fueling her passion for the industry.

Tailei later transitioned into underwriting, a role that has allowed her to combine her analytical skills with her love of aviation and client-focused solutions. Since making the switch, she has embraced the challenges and opportunities of underwriting and continues to grow her expertise in the non-commercial field.

Outside of work, Tailei is passionate about traveling and event planning. She is also an avid follower of true crime, enjoying the investigative and analytical aspects that mirror her professional curiosity and attention to detail.

Trae Luker
Underwriter
General Aviation

Trae is an aviation insurance professional with a passion for the industry and a foundation built on service and leadership. A graduate of Auburn University, Trae earned a B.S. in Aviation Management with a minor in Business Administration, combining his interest in aviation with a strong understanding of business operation and strategy.

While pursuing his degree, Trae served as a certified firefighter for the City of Auburn, gaining invaluable experience in teamwork, quick decision making, and community service.

In 2023, Trae began his underwriting career, focusing on light aviation risks allowing him to build a nuanced understanding of the aviation insurance market, from policy structure and risk assessment to client relationships. Committed to growing his expertise and contributing to the advancement of safe, sustainable aviation practices within the industry.

Outside the office, Trae is an avid golfer and skier who enjoys spending time outdoors whenever possible.

Sharon Woods
Aviation Underwriting Associate

Sharon Woods has been working in the Insurance industry for 17 years.

Her experience is in various lines of business from Auto Claims, Agent Licensing/Compliance to Catastrophe Modeling.

She moved into Aviation insurance 7 years ago. Sharon was recruited as an Aviation Underwriting Assistant and in less than 2 years, promoted into a Supervisor role. 

Sharon says “Over the past 7 years I’ve been highly intrigued by the Aviation industry and looking forward to my continued growth!”

In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering with non-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Genesis Women’s Shelter Outreach and others. She also enjoys “bowling & spending time glamming up friends/family as a Licensed Cosmetologist”.

Gail Melton
Controller

Gail is an integral part of our team at Beacon. She is the Controller and provides fantastic service to all our brokers. 

Gail earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of South Florida and has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. For fun, Gail loves to garden and is an avid reader.

Sharon Meeds
Internal Premium Auditor

Sharon Meeds has been a Senior Premium Auditor for 18 years.

She has a lengthy background in Accounting and operated her own small business accounting service as well.

Sharon enjoys several hobbies including –  gardening, sewing, quilting, cooking, reading and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.

Sharon looks forward to meeting and working with all our Partner Aviation Brokers and Insureds.

Aviation General Liability

Beacon Aviation offers this coverage to protect you and your business if a third party is injured on your property or by your actions.

These policies are necessary because most commercial general liability policies will not cover aviation-related exposures.

Hull & Liability

Beacon Aviation offers this insurance to protect firms that use planes and other aircraft for business purposes. Aircraft aren’t covered under standard liability policies.

Aircraft Hull covers physical damage to an aircraft. 

Aircraft liability includes coverage for Bodily Injury/death to passengers, other than passengers and third party property damage.