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

Vice President
  Underwriting and Operations
 

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Thomas Hollinger

Thomas Hollinger

Vice President
  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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Britt Kral

Assistant Vice President
General Aviation
 
 

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Kate Rouker

Senior Underwriter
  General Aviation
 

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Bill Stinson

William Stinson

CSP, ARM-P, OHST, CIT Manager, Risk Control & Alaska Strategic Development

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Steve DiSerio

Senior Underwriter
  General Aviation

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Nick Umali Aviation Underwriter

Nick Umali

Underwriter
  General Aviation
 

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Gail Melton

Gail Melton

Controller

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Deborah Stafford

Deborah Stafford

Underwriting Assistant

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Sharon Woods

Underwriting Associate
  General Aviation

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Sharon Meeds

Internal Premium Auditor


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› 941.953.5390 › info@beaconais.com
› 2201 Cantu Court, Suite 200 
› Sarasota, FL 34232

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.

Thomas Hollinger
Vice President General Aviation

With 25+ years specializing in aviation insurance, Thomas has had proven success in building and leading underwriting units as well as experience in sales and servicing as a broker.  

A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a B.S. in Aerospace Studies and minors in Aviation Safety and Aviation Business, he began his career in underwriting aviation insurance focusing on Corporate/Industrial Aid and Commercial risks and soon became the product manager to launch a personal aircraft underwriting unit for the company. Culminating his keen skills at process automation, technology and people management with underwriting discipline at his core, his career progressed, taking  on roles of high responsibility at AIG, Old Republic Aerospace and Assured Partners (AP Aerospace). In his most recent role as Managing Director of Elevon Aviation Insurance Solutions (AP Aerospace division), he built and managed an underwriting unit that included his leading design and development of a web-based aviation insurance underwriting policy admin system.

Thomas is also a Commercial, Multi-engine and Instrument-rated pilot and has owned and operated multiple aircraft. He also holds a Georgia Insurance License for Property & Casualty. 

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.

Britt Kral
Assistant Vice President 

Britt has been working in Aviation Insurance for over 14 years. She started on the agency side working in Chicago, Illinois where she grew up.  

She was recruited by an Aviation underwriting insurance carrier after four years on the agency side and continued her career for ten years with them, before joining the Beacon Aviation team. 

Britt is an active member of the Aviation Insurance Association. She has served on the Education Committee for four years, staying educated on market trends that apply directly to her underwriting skills. 

Britt has been able to live all over the country and currently resides in Salt Lake City, UT with her husband, two sons and two dogs.  

She is an avid equestrian and tennis player as well as competitive runner. Most recently completing the Dead Horse Race in Moab, Utah. 

Kate Rouker
Senior Aviation Underwriter

Kate Rouker has been working in Aviation Finance and Insurance for over 22 years. She has been based in Los Angeles and Chicago, and has worked with brokers in the Northeast, Southwest and everywhere in between.

Kate maintains her Illinois Property & Casualty Broker’s License, first earned in California in 2006.

Kate currently lives in the western suburbs of Chicago where she grew up. She completed her B.A. and M.A. at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in Communication.

In her free time, Kate enjoys reading and traveling. Two lifetime goals are to complete Stephen King’s cannon and to visit all 63 U.S. National Parks. Her interest in aviation stems from her obsession with meteorology.

William F. Stinson, CSP, ARM-P, OHST, CIT
Manager, Risk Control & Alaska Strategic Development

William is an experienced Risk Management, Emergency Management, Safety, Industrial Hygiene, and Insurance professional with over 35 years of experience. He studied Aviation Management at Auburn University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and a Master of Science degree in Safety Engineering. William’s background includes managing Part 135 operations in medical helicopter programs and serving as a flight paramedic and safety officer for helicopter and fixed-wing air ambulances in three states. 

An avid aircraft owner and a pilot who enjoys exploring the vast Alaska wilderness by air, William holds Certified Safety Professional, Associate in Risk Management, Occupational Health & Safety Technologist, and Certified Instructional Trainer designations.

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. 

Nick Umali
Aviation Underwriter

Nick Umali started his Aviation career when he chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy. He was part of the first graduating class and went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management at Walla Walla University. During his time in college, Nick became a Certified Flight Instructor with Multi-Engine Commercial and Instrument Ratings. He began flight instructing with the FLT Academy.  

Nick incorporated his love of flight with becoming an Aviation Underwriter before joining Beacon Aviation Insurance.  

Nick is an avid aviation enthusiast and enjoys all types of flying, including gliders and seaplanes. In his own words, “If I’m not in the air, I’m usually outdoors exploring the vast wilderness in my overlanding Tacoma”. 

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.

Deborah Stafford
Underwriting Assistant

Deborah is an experienced Administrative Professional with 30+ years of experience working in various industries. Her background includes Philanthropy Operations, Facilities Team Lead, Administrative Assistance, Project Coordination and Client Services. At Beacon, Deborah serves as an administrative and client advocate support representative.

Deborah earned her B.S. in Business Administration from Lane College, an HBCU in Jackson, TN. Throughout her career, she has received Front Line Leadership, Leadership through Quality, Ethics in the Workplace and Diversity in the Workplace training.

Deborah enjoys reading, writing poetry and creating art.

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”.

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.