And the 2023 Conference Award-winners Are:

and in November 2018, she relocated to the Edmond branch to further her career with the agency.

Krista’s expertise and knowledge have led her to become a producer for the agency’s Small Business Unit, specializing in oil and gas, small trucking, construction, and artisan contractor accounts. She firmly believes in leading by example and leading from any position. In 2019, Krista earned her CISR designation, and she is currently working toward obtaining her CIC designation.

Agent of the Year

Clayton Howell

Vice President at Rich & Cartmill, Inc.

Clayton Howell’s roots can be traced back to Edmond, where he spent his formative years and attended Edmond Memorial High School. He subsequently enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, graduating in 2006 with a BBA in entrepreneurship and venture management. Following his graduation, he embarked on an insurance career at Howell-Stone Inc., the agency his grandfather established in 1957.

In January 2018, Clayton transitioned to Rich & Cartmill, Inc., where he currently specializes in commercial insurance and bonds for the construction industry. He is an active member of numerous construction associations, reflecting his passion for the field. Clayton, along with his wife, Mary, and their two children, Betty and Coleman, call Edmond their home.

Krista serves on the Young Agents board, slated to become the chair of the Young Agents Committee for the 2023-2024 term. Her outstanding work was recognized when she was named the 2021 Big I Oklahoma “Agency Staff Member of the Year” and the recipient of the “Oklahoma NextGen Under 30” award in the finance category in 2022. Krista is an active member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Greater Oklahoma City, and she actively participates in the Edmond Chamber and Edmond Young Professionals networking events.

In her spare time, Krista enjoys spending time with her husband, Craig, and their son, Asher. She has a passion for music and has started a vinyl collection. Krista also loves singing on her karaoke app, which is one of her favorite pastimes.

Young Agent of the Year

Krista Kautz, CISR

Commercial Lines Producer at Berrong Insurance Agency

In mid-2016, Krista Kautz began her journey with Berrong Insurance in Weatherford as a data entry/processor. She quickly demonstrated her capabilities and was promoted to account manager later that year. Krista’s professional growth continued,

Agency Staff Member of the Year Deidre Stone

Director of Operations at Rich & Cartmill

A 1990 graduate of Oklahoma State University, with a degree in history and political science, Deidre Stone embarked on her insurance leadership career at Rich & Cartmill in 2001. Starting as the Commercial Lines manager, she worked her way up the ranks to become the director of operations, a position she has held since 2017. Deidre’s extensive experience and diverse roles at Rich & Cartmill have provided her with a unique perspective on the workings of an independent agency. This perspective has enabled her to lead with courage, knowledge and experience, positively impacting the agency’s staff, producers and clients.

2023 Award Winners

Deidre’s primary goal at Rich & Cartmill is to empower her team to love what they do and remain true to what matters most; family, friends and helping others. She and her husband, Rocky, are blessed with four children, Michel, Katie, Trace and Conner, and three granddaughters, Harper, Ava and Ivy Jo. The couple currently resides in Inola.

Underwriter of the Year Kyle Mathewson

Construction Underwriter at CNA Insurance

Kyle Matthewson is a construction underwriter for CNA Insurance Co., bringing six years of experience on the underwriting side of the insurance industry. His career began as a producer for Kysar Insurance Agency, a family-owned independent agency in Farmington, New Mexico, after graduating from New Mexico State University’s insurance program. Kyle moved to Oklahoma to start his underwriting career after the agency was acquired.

Kyle worked as a small-business program underwriter for Union Standard for five years. During this time, he gained valuable underwriting skills from seasoned professionals, learned the territory and built strong relationships. In the fall of 2021, Kyle joined CNA to work on larger construction accounts and further develop his underwriting skills. He enjoys working with agents, meeting new people and helping agents find solutions that meet their client’s needs.

Kyle has made Oklahoma his home and is actively involved in the market, industry events and agency functions.

Marketing Representative of the Year

Dana Johnson, CIC

Senior Territory Manager at Liberty Mutual Insurance

Dana Johnson has had an accomplished career in the insurance industry, having worked on both the agency and carrier side in various roles such as Excess Casualty Account executive and underwriter, Account Placement specialist and senior sales manager. With a true passion for people and exceptional problem-solving skills, she has consistently achieved optimal efficiency throughout her career. As a senior sales manager, she has had a positive impact on production year after year, managing nearly 200 agency locations in Oklahoma. In her current position as senior territory manager at Liberty Mutual Insurance, Dana successfully manages her territory and works closely with her agents to build out and implement strategies for a healthy and successful book of business. Dana enjoys spending time with her daughter, friends and family, hiking, and indulging in outdoor activities, especially near water.

Brokerage of the Year COMP Risk Management

COMP Risk Management, Inc, was founded in 1988 as a Managing General Agency specializing in mono-line workers’ compensation for the financial industry, with a focus on providing competitive markets to independent insurance agencies. Over the years, its appetite has expanded broadly,