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People

Our employees are a family who care for one another and our customers. Each is dedicated to serving the risk management needs of our customers and treating them with the care they deserve.

John Evans
Jeff Mathis
Tom Montgomery
Wendy Simpson
Donna Robinson
Ruby Keith
Stephanie Brannon
Many of us have served in the public sector, so we know you have enough to worry about watching out for the public good. We make sure that the coverage we create for you is ideally suited to your unique needs and we respect the importance of our relationship with you.”
Ruby KeithCustomer Service Representative
Ruby Keith

111 Hazel Path

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Hendersonville, TN 37075

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615.822.5454

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info@ngutn.com

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ngutn.com

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tnrmt.com

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John Evans

John Evans

President

John has been serving the risk management needs of local governments in some form or fashion since 1975. He founded NGU in 1999 after an accomplished 15-year career at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., where he held several leadership positions and was decorated with numerous achievement awards for producing and product innovation, including a banner year in 1997 when he was honored as the #1 producer in the entire nation. Maybe this success is why some of John’s competitors have cause for concern, we’re not sure. But his customers and employees sure seem to love and respect him and that’s what’s important to him. John is responsible for creating a culture at NGU where everybody loves to work here. They really do and it’s an uncommon thing to see. 

John also has a history of serving in the public sector, having been elected as mayor of Clinton, Arkansas, at the age of 21, a position he held from 1975-1978, then as councilman for the City of North Little Rock from 1985-1989. John also ran for the Arkansas state legislature in 1990. This public service gives him the unique perspective that helps him understand the public sector and government entities unlike most. 

“I want each of my clients and employees to get the absolute best there is to offer and know exactly what to expect,” says John. “I want them to feel comfortable in their relationship with me and this company and know that their decision to work with NGU is the best decision they have ever made. I want them to know that I am always here when they need help. I love to see someone walk into my office or life with a look of despair and see them leave with a smile on their face, motivated to tackle the world.” 

Not shy about his beliefs in the proper role of government and personal responsibility, John uses his time, influence, and resources to affect the political process at the local, state, and federal level. He regularly supports candidates and causes that share his belief in limited government and individual liberties. When John is not working, he enjoys quiet time alone for introspection and self-evaluation, which he does in many ways like riding a lawnmower or working with any piece of machinery that doesn’t talk back to him. You might also find him sitting on a backhoe digging tree stumps or bush hogging on his farm, woodworking, rebuilding an engine for a friend’s car or welding together a boat dock that he designed and built from scratch. We know it’s weird that this kind of stuff is fun and relaxing to him, but it is. 

John was born and raised in Clinton, Arkansas, where his father was a state trooper, and his grandfather was a grass and cattle farmer. He gained a healthy respect for law and order from his father, but he spent most of his free time with his grandfather learning on the farm. John came to Tennessee in 1994 after the pool program he started for the state’s schools began to grow so much, he needed to be here to oversee its operations and growth. And he’s loved it here ever since. 

Connect With John: 
jevans@ngutn.com 
p: 615.822.5454 ext. 107 
f: 615.824.1980 

Jeff Mathis

Jeff Mathis

Chief Financial Officer

Jeff has been with NGU Risk Management and Safety Engineering & Claims Management since John Evans founded the companies. He was an actuary in his prior life and actually served as the actuary for the Tennessee Risk Management Trust at one point in his career. He was also a founding partner in an actuarial consulting company. Jeff joined John at NGU pretty much from day one, fulfilling the finance function for the company.

Jeff is known for speaking multiple languages, but not like Mandarin or Portuguese. No, Jeff speaks actuary, auditing, accounting, IT systems, insurance and corporate. It’s no wonder he’s so well versed; he’s been working in the insurance industry since 1984. He has a knack for plowing through numbers and data then being able to translate that into information that someone can understand and act on.

“I love the team that we have assembled here!”, says Jeff. “It is a blast to come to work every day with these great folks.  I enjoy digging into the numbers and doing those unseen tasks that make it all work that drive most folks crazy.”

When he’s not working, Jeff will be found with his kids and grandkids participating in their activities and staying very active in leadership positions with his church as a deacon. He loves going to TPAC musicals as much as he enjoys singing in the church choir with his wife of 37 years where they both also play the handbells. Always trying to put his financial skills to good use, he is the treasurer at his church and can provide financial training if needed.. He even does tax-prep work during tax season at a tax office owned by friends at church to stay current with tax laws.

A Tennessee native, Jeff grew up in nearby Gallatin. With the exception of three years spent in Texas, he has spent his life in Middle Tennessee, including his college years spent at MTSU in Murfreesboro.

Connect With Jeff:
jmathis@ngutn.com
p: 615.822.5454 ext. 108
f: 615.824.1980 

Tom Montgomery

Tom Montgomery

V.P. of Operations

Tom Montgomery is the Vice President of Operations at NGU Risk Management and Safety Engineering & Claims Management, where he oversees the provision of premier claims and loss control services. With a profound 42 years of insurance experience, Tom’s career is marked by a deep-seated expertise in claims, management, and client relations. His professional journey commenced as a claims adjuster, evolving through supervisory and middle management positions, where he has been instrumental in fraud detection and managing major property losses. Under his leadership, sales and marketing efforts for both new business and renewals have flourished, reflecting his comprehensive oversight and strategic acumen. 

Armed with a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University, Tom’s academic credentials are further enhanced by esteemed industry designations such as CPCU and AIC. He is fervently committed to ensuring policyholders and members receive the utmost level of service and attention, a commitment that has cemented his status as a trusted advisor and problem-solver. Renowned for his ‘get things done’ attitude, he fosters a supportive work environment that motivates his staff to excel and advance in their careers. Outside the office, Tom’s passions are as grounding as they are diverse. He cherishes time spent fishing, being with his grandchildren, traveling with his wife, and tending to his yard and small farm, embodying the balance between professional dedication and personal fulfillment.

Connect With Tom:
tmontgomery@ngutn.com
p: 615.822.5454 ext. 118
f: 615.824.1980 

Wendy Simpson

Wendy Simpson

Customer Service Representative

Wendy Simpson is a distinguished Customer Service Representative with nearly forty years of dedicated service in the insurance sector. Her tenure in the industry is a testament to her depth of knowledge and commitment to addressing client inquiries with expertise and care. Wendy’s long-standing relationships with clients, some spanning three decades, underscore her passion for service and client satisfaction. Her reputation for handling coverage and billing questions is complemented by a personal dedication to client welfare, making her a cherished and trusted member of the NGU Risk Management team.

At NGU, Wendy’s enthusiasm for embracing the complexities of the insurance field aligns with the company’s values of dedication and challenge. She is renowned for her ability to navigate the industry’s ever-evolving landscape with zeal and proficiency. Beyond her professional life, Wendy’s personal interests are as robust and varied as her career. She is an avid gardener, DIY enthusiast, and devoted pet owner, balancing her time between improving her home environment and ensuring a loving, organized household. Wendy’s multifaceted personality and professional acumen make her an invaluable asset to both the company and its clientele.

Connect With Wendy:  
wsimpson@ngutn.com 
p: 615.822.5454 ext. 103 
f: 615.824.1980 

Donna Robinson

Donna Robinson

Customer Service Representative

Donna Robinson is a seasoned Customer Service Representative at Next Generation Underwriters, bringing with her a rich tapestry of experience and education. A steadfast learner, Donna began her academic journey at Volunteer State Community College, where she was a member of Alpha Eta Gamma and later distinguished herself by graduating with distinction from Indiana University with a major in education. Transitioning from an early career in teaching, she entered the insurance industry, where she has made significant strides for over four decades. 

Her career in insurance took root at Metropolitan Insurance Company, after which she expanded her expertise at Podiatry Insurance Company of America and later at PENCO and Willis, managing accounts across several states. Donna’s commitment to professional growth is evident in her progression from Assistant Underwriter to CSR Supervisor and AMS Representative at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Her tenure at Next Generation Underwriters since 2001 is marked by a dedication to excellence and client service. Notably, Donna has earned a Certificate in General Insurance and an Associate in Underwriting, and has been fully licensed in the State of Tennessee since 1982, including as a Resident Surplus Lines Agent. Her extensive background and leadership in customer service make her an invaluable asset to the NGU team and its clients.

Connect With Donna: 
drobinson@ngutn.com 
p: 615.822.5454 ext. 110 
f: 615.824.1980 

Ruby Keith

Ruby Keith

Customer Service Representative

Ruby joined NGU in early 2012 when she was referred to the company by a retiring NGU employee who was helping find her replacement. When Ruby interviewed for the job, it felt like a perfect fit for her, having worked in the insurance business for 25 years serving very similar clients. NGU agreed that Ruby was the perfect addition to the company, and she was promptly hired. She obtained her insurance agent’s license in 2005. 

Ruby prides herself on her ability to work with people, making sure she tends to their needs and effectively resolves issues they have encountered with compassion and professionalism. It’s not just customers who appreciate Ruby’s style, it’s her teammates as well. Her reputation for being trusted by colleagues is something she is proud of and works hard to achieve. She is the consummate team player, always supporting others and staying in constant communication to ensure that issues are resolved quickly and appropriately. 

”My clients will compliment me on the way I handle their needs in a timely, courteous manner,” says Ruby. “If I do not have the answer, I won’t stop until I find the answer for them. What drives me and so many of us is the fact that when we’re not working, we’re customers too. We know what it’s like to not be respected as a customer, so it motivates me to make sure my customers feel valued, understood, and cared for.” 

When she’s not busy making clients happy, Ruby likes to give of her time by helping to fundraise for the Ronald McDonald House and participating in walks for various other charities such as the American Cancer Society, Autism Speaks, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. 

Ruby grew up in Old Hickory, Tennessee, a suburb east of Nashville. Most of her family is in the Nashville area so she considers it home and plans to always be here. With such a large family, as one of 7 children, she often finds herself going to plays, concerts and other functions with her grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She also enjoys vacationing with them during the summers. (This explains why she’s such a people person.) 

Ruby hopes to be remembered as someone people can count on if they need a friend or encouragement, someone who can cheer others up when they are down.  Professionally, she wants to be thought of as someone who always works hard and keeps a positive attitude about any project that she takes on. NGU is lucky to have her. 

Connect With Ruby: 
rkeith@ngutn.com 
p: 615.822.5454 ext. 104 
f: 615.824.1980 

Stephanie Brannon

Stephanie Brannon

Stephanie Brannon is an integral part of the NGU team, where she excels in customer service, answering coverage inquiries, addressing billing issues, and ensuring client satisfaction. With over a decade of experience in the insurance industry, Stephanie’s career began as an insurance adjuster at The General. There, she honed her skills in managing both property and injury claims for six years. Her proficiency led her to Travelers Insurance Company, where she served clients as a customer service agent for five years. Stephanie’s qualifications are bolstered by a P&C insurance license and a comprehensive history of holding an adjuster license across multiple states. 

Known for her passion for helping others, Stephanie takes pride in meeting and exceeding client needs, a testament to her dedication to the field of insurance. Outside the professional realm, she engages in a unique hobby of competing in Audio Car competitions nationwide, showcasing her competitive spirit and love for community. When not indulging in her love for high-fidelity audio or the virtual challenges of video games, Stephanie enjoys the tranquility of birdwatching, nurturing her plants, and cherishing time with her friends and family. Her diverse interests and commitment to her work make her a valued and multifaceted member of the NGU family. 

Connect With Stephanie:
sbrannon@ngutn.com
p: 615.822.5454
f: 615.824.1980