Northern California REGIONAL OFFICE
The Northern California region encompasses 48 counties and stretches from the California-Oregon border south to Monterey, Kings, Tulare, and Inyo counties in Central California. The staff assists brokers with client presentations and group enrollments as well as underwriting, compliance, and day-to-day account management issues.
Matt Leslie
Regional Vice President
Working with sales and enrollment professionals across the diverse region, Matt provides expert training on Word & Brown’s broad portfolio, while also helping employers understand changing insurance and health care regulations.
A California native, Matt entered the health insurance industry in 2012. He has been an RVP since 2019. Matt is active in the Northern California Employee Benefits Council and a member of SVAHU.
PHONE:800.255.9673 x6414
EMAIL:mleslie@wordandbrown.com
Leadership
Partnering with RVP Matt Leslie in leading the Northern California region are two longtime insurance professionals: Jan Mesa and Jim Pippins.
Jan has 20+ years of experience at Word & Brown and is a former RVP. She coaches brokers to nurture their sales and leadership skills, while also recruiting brokers to expand sales and service in the Sacramento area.
Jim manages Inside Sales Representatives across the region and helps brokers develop winning strategies to increase production. He works with regional colleagues to ensure a one-team approach to service and achievement of quarterly and annual sales initiatives.
Jan has 20+ years of experience at Word & Brown and is a former RVP. She coaches brokers to nurture their sales and leadership skills, while also recruiting brokers to expand sales and service in the Sacramento area.
Jim manages Inside Sales Representatives across the region and helps brokers develop winning strategies to increase production. He works with regional colleagues to ensure a one-team approach to service and achievement of quarterly and annual sales initiatives.
Regional Sales Managers
Your Regional Sales Manager is available whenever you need assistance from Word & Brown. Your RSM works every day across your region to help ensure your success. Whether your focus is Small Group, Large Group, or a combination, your RSM is committed to providing client service, sales, and enrollment support.
Inside Sales Representatives
The Inside Sales Representative quotes, sells, and services Small Group- and Large Group-related products for a specific block of brokers. This position is responsible for new business sales and renewal retention, following up on outstanding quotes, and handling carrier expectations. The person in this role is also your “go to” in facilitating a speedy Underwriting review process.
Kay Beranek
Senior Inside Sales Representative
Courtney Branich
Inside Sales Representative
Enrollment SPecialists
You can count on our Enrollment Specialists to make presentations on your behalf, alongside you, by phone, or online via webinar — it’s your choice. They'll cover all of the basics (like plan benefits, worksheets, and added perks), whether it’s an initial open enrollment or a renewal meeting. They'll pre-scrub your cases to ensure smooth sailing through Underwriting.
Sales SUpport
Our sales support team members can help schedule enrollment meetings, build personalized enrollment kits and quotes, and generate a worksheet for a new hire on an in-force group.
