Starkweather & Shepley Opens Office in Virginia Beach Led by Marine Veteran Christopher Burns

Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage Inc. (S&S) has opened a new Virginia Beach, VA location led by Christopher Burns, Senior Vice President and National Marine Practice Group Leader. Christopher will focus on managing the marine insurance team and expanding the commercial and recreational marine insurance brand on a regional level, with a specialization in placing tactical cargo and high valued coastal property. Christopher stated, “I am honored for the opportunity to join this established team. My hope is to help grow the marine team and be an ongoing and valued asset to the organization.” “We are excited to have Christopher join our team. He has been a leader in the marine insurance space, and can help our organization grow and evolve,” stated Larry Keefe, Chairman and CEO. Christopher has worked in the marine insurance industry for over 20 years, holding positions such as General Manager at Brown & Brown, and CEO of the Regional Office at USI Insurance in Norfolk, Virginia. He is a graduate of Old Dominion University, maintains his 50 ton commercial captain’s license, and lives in Virginia Beach with his wife and two children. About Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage, Inc. Established in 1879, Starkweather & Shepley is presently the largest independent agency in Rhode Island and the 61st largest Insurance brokerage firm in the U.S. Starkweather & Shepley, held in Trust since 1935, insures the firm will remain privately-held in perpetuity, providing certainty to clients and associates alike. The firm provides commercial and personal insurance, health and employee benefits, surety bonding and risk management services. These services are provided nationally and internationally, through its partnership with Assurex Global. Headquartered in East Providence, RI, Starkweather has additional branch offices in Bristol, Pawcatuck and Shelton, CT; Westwood, Sturbridge, Sagamore Beach and Martha’s Vineyard, MA: Palm Beach Gardens and Ft. Myers, FL; Virginia Beach, VA. For Further Information: Stefan Petrella, SPetrella@starshep.com Director of Corporate Communication & Media