Meet Our Team

Drew has been with Western Insurance Associates since it’s inception. He previously worked for Hodgson and Associates. Drew and his team have accomplished a lot in 6 years. Drew served on Allstate’s National Advisory Board which he says was an incredible experience. His team also finished in the top 100 out of 10,000 Allstate Agents 3 times, an accomplishment that is not easy. Drew is excited about the opportunities that Western Insurance Associates has to offer. They are able to offer more products and options to their clients and have a vast potential to grow and expand their office and team.

Drew’s team members say that he brings energy and momentum to the insurance industry and that he has an ability to really listen to people and learn what is important to them. His clients say that he really listens to their concerns and gives them peace of mind by meeting their insurance needs.

Drew grew up in the small farming town of Dayton, WA. As a graduate of Dayton High School, he went on to earn his Business Management degree with a focus on leadership, from Whitworth University. Drew’s commitment to providing his community with prime service is expanded with his lifetime membership in the Leadership Spokane Legacy Society. He is a proud graduate of both Leadership Spokane and Leadership Coeur d’Alene. He has also obtained the highly respected Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) Designation from the National Alliance for Insurance Education as well as an Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS) Certification from the International Risk management Institute.

Drew enjoys volunteering in the community and has served on the Board of Directors for the Chase Youth Foundation. He is a lifetime member of the Waverly Masonic Lodge and is an El Katif Shriner. He says he works a lot and that his wife claims it is his hobby. Drew is married to his lovely wife, Emily, and they have two boys, Cameron and Kaden, who are the center of their universe. When Drew isn’t working, he and his family enjoy spending time at their family lake house and attending WSU football games.

Entrepreneurialism runs deep for Drew; he obtained his first business license when he was 10 years old for a baseball card shop.

Chris has immersed himself in becoming well-versed in a variety of insurance products, over the years with Western Insurance Associates. His expertise in personal lines such as Home and Auto, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance and supplemental benefits, allow him to provide quality service and meet client’s varying needs. Chris strives to be sure that every client is educated about their coverage options and he does his best to fit the coverage needs and does it right the first time. As a sales leader and Agency Manager, Chris has a deep appreciation for Western Insurance Associates and the full range of products and options they provide to help their clients in a variety of situations and to meet unique insurance needs.

Chris’s team describes him as energetic, genuine and hard-working. His clients say that Chris brings energy and knowledge to their interactions and that they know he has their best interests in mind. Chris says his main focus is to educate clients and be sure they fully understand their coverage needs.

As a transplant from Western Washington, growing up in Snohomish, Chris has made a home for himself in Spokane after graduating from Eastern Washington University. Chris, his amazing wife Kristen, and two young daughters, may often be seen at local sporting events and other functions supporting the community in Cheney and Spokane.

A little fun fact about Chris, he’s officiated multiple weddings this summer, so if you are in need of an ordained minister, he’s your guy for that too!

Christy has been a valued member of the Western Insurance team since 2017. She brings a strong foundation in Federal Crop Insurance from her prior experience as an Underwriter in Richland, Washington, where she gained in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the program. That background allows her to serve farmers effectively in risk management today.

At Western, Christy specializes in Multi-Peril Crop Insurance, Private Peril Products, and Whole Farm Revenue Protection. She is passionate about helping farmers protect their operations and takes pride in doing work that truly matters. Christy deeply cares about her clients and understands the critical role crop insurance plays in supporting American agriculture.

Her team members describe Christy as highly passionate, farmer-first, and a joy to work with thanks to her great sense of humor. Clients appreciate that she consistently prioritizes their needs, stays up-to-date on industry changes, and brings strong organizational skills to every interaction. Christy customizes each policy to fit the unique needs of each farm and takes the time to educate her clients so they fully understand how their coverage works. She treats her clients as partners, helping them make informed decisions based on what matters most to them.

Born and raised in the Tri-Cities, Christy enjoys returning home to spend time with family and friends. She now lives in Spokane and is grateful for the opportunity to serve the agricultural community here and for the relationships she has built. Outside of work, Christy enjoys podcasts focused on personal and professional development, quilting, making sourdough, enjoying a good old-fashioned, and staying active.

Christy has served on the Spokane Ag Show Board since 2018 and is a proud member of AgForestry Class 46 — "best class ever."

Matt has always been a part of the farming community; he grew up working on his family wheat farm in Rosalia. He went on to attend Washington State University and earned an Agricultural and Food Systems Degree. While attending college, Matt was an intern at a Crop Insurance Company, which sparked his already growing interest in working with farmers. After college, he began working in crop insurance processing and managing crop insurance accounts, which helped him transition from working in the field to working in the office. Matt began working for Western Insurance in 2018 specializing in Federal Crop Insurance, pursuing a career where he could mitigate potential risk for hard-working farmers in his community.

Matt’s team members describe him has dependable and consistent. He provides high-quality customer service to his clients and is persistent in finding a policy that is best for them. His clients describe him as being efficient, dependable, and loyal. He is a positive resource, providing clients and co-workers with his knowledge of the industry and thoughtfully answering questions.

Matt is married to his incredible wife Sara. He has two step-daughters and has a baby on the way. He loves spending time with his family going to the lake or working on the family farm. Growing up in, Matt values the small community and actively contributes his time as the President of the Rosalia Volunteer Firefighters Association and a Council Member on the Rosalia City Council.

Fun fact about Matt: He has been to Europe and hopes to travel there again soon!

Tawnya joined the Western Insurance team in 2017 after several years focused on raising three children. Living in a small town has given her a unique perspective in understanding her clients’ needs. She specializes in Personal Lines Property and Casualty, in addition to farm insurance. Tawnya enjoys fostering relationships with local families and farmers to educate and aid in regards to appropriate levels of insurance.

Tawnya’s team members describe her as being helpful and hardworking for her clients. She is always willing to put the time in to get things done well. Her clients describe her being efficient and thorough. She adds value to her community as the Vice President of The Liberty Community Education Foundation, an organization that supports the education of students in the Liberty School district in Spangle.

Tawnya loves spending time with her family. She is married to a hardworking farmer and they have three children. She enjoys gardening and spending time on Lake Coeur d’Alene. She also owns a fitness studio in Fairfield and teaches fitness classes there a few times a week.

Little known fact about Tawnya: She is a junior high basketball coach!

Mandi started at Western Insurance in 2019 after gaining customer service skills managing a farm and feed retail store for twelve years. As a Property and Casualty Agent, Western Insurance has been a place where Mandi can cultivate great relationships and provide a world-class experience for her clients, always working hard to help them understand the different aspects of their policy. Mandi’s vision for her role is more than selling products, but helping individuals make the right decision for them and their business.

Mandi’s team members describe her as being upbeat, enthusiastic, and always willing to learn. She is driven and willing to jump in and take on any task no matter the difficulty. Although she hasn’t been at Western for long, she is an extremely hard worker and is eager to learn from her peers. She enjoys the challenge of finding the policies that fit each client’s unique needs.

Mandi grew up in Troy, Idaho. She attended the University of Idaho, graduating with a BS in Agricultural Economics with a minor in business, which has helped her during her time at Western Insurance. She loves to be outside spending time with her husband and three boys. She is active in the community as the Treasurer for the Liberty Youth Football League, the Youth Boys Basketball Coordinator, and a National FFA member.

Dino has been working for Western Insurance since 2018 specializing in personal lines insurance. He enjoys the working environment at Western and the relationships he has been able to build with his co-workers and clients. Starting a career in insurance has been an accomplishment for him, both personally and professionally, by challenging him and creating opportunities for growth. He appreciates the daily task of helping his clients find the best fit for their policies.

Dino’s team members describe him as genuine and helpful. He prioritizes the team’s success and will do anything to help his co-workers accomplish their goals. His clients say his service is excellent and he is very attentive to their needs. He takes the time to get to know his clients by creating genuine relationships with them so he is able to create custom policies based on their needs.

Dino was born in Goldendale, WA and moved to Spokane, WA at a young age. He went on to attend Eastern Washington University and obtained a degree in Visual Communication Design with a double minor in art and computer science. He got married to his wife, Rachael, in 2019 and has a son named Kingston and a daughter name Gianna. He loves working in the yard and coaching soccer for the 90+ Project soccer club.

Fun fact about Dino: He has 14 nieces and nephews!

Gail came on board at Western Insurance in November 2019, after working in law offices as a legal administrative assistant. She earned her Associates degree in Medical and Legal Administration at the Walla Walla Community College Clarkston branch. With a greater understanding of the legalities and needs for insurance, Gail serves her clients with the long term effects of coverage in mind.

Gail is proud to be a part of the well-connected team environment at Western where she continues to learn something new all the time. Her coworkers and clients describe her as friendly, helpful, and always with a genuine smile. Gail specializes in personal insurance, and enjoys going the extra mile to get her clients the information they need.

Although born in Post Falls, Idaho, Gail has lived in the LC Valley most of her life. She spends her spare time with her children, and grandson. When she’s not with her family, you can find her volunteering as the President of the 4-H Leaders Council for Asotin County or riding her 750 Honda Shadow Spirit motorcycle with her fiancé, when weather allows!

Ben Lyman is the Operations Manager at Western Insurance, bringing more than 15 years of experience across commercial insurance and carrier-side business development. His background gives him a broad, strategic view of the insurance industry and a deep appreciation for how strong leadership, efficient operations, and aligned teams directly impact client outcomes.

In his role, Ben focuses on building systems, processes, and a culture that empower people to do their best work. He works closely with teams across the organization to ensure Western Insurance consistently lives its mission, to be so positive, ethical, and caring that clients, colleagues, and communities know we have done our best to leave them better off. Ben is especially passionate about servant leadership, accountability, and creating clarity so teams can operate with confidence and purpose.

Ben believes that great organizations are built on trust, transparency, and people who genuinely care about one another. He takes pride in supporting team members, removing obstacles, and helping Western Insurance grow in a way that stays true to its values.

Outside of work, Ben’s greatest joy is his family. He and his wife, Sarah, are raising their two sons, Jack and Harvey. Together, they enjoy the lakes and outdoor lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest. When he finds time for himself, Ben enjoys getting out on the golf course.

Randy joined the Western Insurance team In May of 2020 after working in the insurance industry locally for 34 years at what he describes as two “wonderful” agencies. Randy feels very fortunate to be working with Western after the acquisition of the agency he was working for.

Insurance is in Randy’s blood. At just 9 years old, Randy’s family moved from Connecticut to Spokane after his father received a promotion and was transferred to Spokane with Aetna Life and Casualty in 1971. After graduating from Mead High School in 1980, Randy obtained a BA in Communications from Washington State University (GO COUGS!) and eagerly hopped right into the insurance business. Randy has always enjoyed helping people understand their insurance policies, working with them closely and building long term relationships, in and out of the industry.

Randy specializes in personal insurance, auto, and homeowners and renters, but also has commercial experience. Randy seeks to bring awareness to what an important “cog in the wheel” the insurance business is and how vitally important the industry and products are to the well being of people and their families, as well as to the economy as a whole.

An avid golfer, Randy carries an 11 handicap and plays in many local golf tournaments in and around Spokane. Randy says if you become a customer of Western and play the game to any degree (he doesn’t judge, he actually enjoys teaching) then you may have to take an occasional appointment to the course. On Randy, of course!

Sharon is glad to be the newest member of the Western Insurance team but don’t let her short time here fool you - she’s been in the insurance industry for 41 years. Sharon has experience working with contractors, agriculture based businesses, and specialized small businesses. Throughout her insurance career, Sharon also personally owned a couple of businesses and farm acreage which provides further background into several industries including construction, trucking, and farming.

Sharon can’t imagine doing anything other than insurance - she says there’s just too much to learn. She is excited to now be a part of the Western family, describing her new team as energetic, with a great work ethic, and very customer service driven. When it comes to her clients, Sharon has high expectations of herself, striving to always communicate with professionalism and in a timely manner.

Born in Felixstowe, England, Sharon has a desire to see the world and experience all it as to offer. After attending college at the Walla Walla Community College Clarkston branch, her adventurous spirit led her to travel to 14 different countries and every single state in the U.S. When she’s not serving her clients, you can find Sharon volunteering with several local organizations in Pomeroy, spending time with her family, or doing anything outdoors; snowmobiling, camping, fishing, ATV/UTV rides, and boating. If it takes gas and oil she probably owns it and uses it regularly!

Fun fact about Sharon: she was a state champion pool player in the 80’s. Took two teams to Las Vegas for nationals.

A new addition to the Western team in the summer of 2020, Tehran is committed to treating her clients like her own family; with compassion for unique circumstances, she goes above and beyond to ensure each customer understands their policies, is protected, listened to, and confident she’ll be there to help when it counts.

Tehran found her calling in the insurance industry as she learned about coverages and realized insurance is simply showing her clients how to “prepare for the worst but hope for the best” - a concept she has proudly lived by her whole life. Specializing in auto, home, recreational lines, and umbrella, Tehran’s clients describe her as knowledgable, funny, and quick to go to bat for them when required.

The winner of the Safeco SOAR (Safeco Outstanding Agent Recognition) award in 2018 for the northwest region. In 2021 Tehran received the Travelers STAR (Superior Travelers Agent Recognition) which is given to only one Agent per Territory who exemplifies excellence. This recognition comes as no surprise for those who work with Tehran. With a history in the restaurant industry, she has practiced patience, hard work, hospitality, and attention to detail and translated these skills to her insurance client relationships.

Tehran was born in Chewelah, WA, and raised in Blaine. She came back to her roots in 2007 and made her home in Spokane with her husband, Scott, and three children. When she’s not serving her Western clients, you can find her golfing with her husband (in a different state every year), boating and camping with family, volunteering at the food bank, or baking all kinds of cookies, cakes, and cake pops for friends and family.

Joe joined Western Insurance in the Summer of 2021 with a background in accounting working with businesses on their tax returns and financial statement audits. Joe is excited to incorporate his experience working with Business Owners into his role at Western Insurance where he focuses on Commercial Insurance. Joe really enjoys the culture at Western Insurance that he describes as everyone working together to leave our customers better off than before.

Born in Modesto, CA Joe’s family re-located to Post Falls, ID when he was 2 so it’s no surprise some of his favorite activities are spending time in the outdoors, Jeeping in the mountains of North Idaho and hunting. He is a great golfer as well and a little known fact about Joe is he used to caddie at the Coeur d’Alene Resort so feel free to ask him for golf advice.

Coming soon...

With 48 years of experience as a licensed insurance agent, Melissa Sauter serves as a Licensed Agent in the Hayden office, where she brings unmatched expertise and genuine passion to her clients and colleagues. She holds both the ACSR (Accredited Customer Service Representative) and CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative) designations and teaches these courses as an instructor through the IIABC. Melissa is also a Notary Public and has been recognized with numerous industry awards, including the Safeco SOAR Award, the Travelers STAR Award, a Certificate of Achievement for Commercial Lines, and Western Insurance’s own Community Service Award.

Melissa is driven by her love for helping clients find the right insurance solutions, products that meet their needs, fit their budgets, and are explained in plain, understandable language. She values growing with her clients and their families, supporting them through claims, milestones, and life changes. With 25 years in her previous role and 18 years at Western Insurance, she has built lifelong relationships rooted in trust, compassion, and service.

Outside of work, Melissa finds joy in gardening, reading, arts and crafts, and spending each day with her husband of 36 years. She’s run her own gardening business, The Garden Gals and Jeff, for more than 22 years, because, as she likes to say, “We dig our job.” Creative at heart, she also transforms sentimental costume jewelry into beautiful bejeweled memory boxes. Melissa is active in her church community, serving on the women’s ministry team, first impressions team, and as both a life group facilitator and facilitator trainer. She and her husband share their home with two sweet cats, and she is known for her unshakably joyful outlook. When people ask Jeff if she’s always this happy, he likes to reply, “No, she has to sleep at some point.”

Fun Facts About Melissa

• Took a photography class from a National Geographic photographer
• Won a ribbon at the Idaho State Fair for her scones
• Grew up behind the scenes of the rodeo circuit, with her father announcing at the National Finals
• Scored in the top 1% on the SAT for spatial relations

Melissa brings heart, humor, and a lifetime of knowledge to every client she serves—and she finds joy in every single day.

Marie Sieben is a Personal Lines Agent with 30 years of experience specializing in Property, Casualty, and Life insurance. With a career built on expertise and service, Marie is known for her dedication to her clients and her ability to guide them through important insurance decisions with clarity and confidence.

Her commitment to exceptional service earned her the 2024 Osprey Excellence in Service Award, a recognition of her consistent effort to go above and beyond for those she serves. Marie prides herself on being a trusted advisor, someone clients can rely on for sound insurance guidance, honest answers, and steadfast support. She works hard to build strong, lasting relationships so clients know they’re in capable hands whenever a concern arises.

Outside the office, Marie enjoys camping and spending time outdoors, embracing the peace and adventure that comes with being in nature. She also has a fun and unexpected passion for classic muscle cars.

A unique piece of her history? Marie once served in her church’s Clown Ministry, bringing joy and comfort to residents in the Children’s Crisis Center, rest homes, and the burn unit at Phoenix Hospital. Her clown name was “Mo,” short for Mo Ree, a playful twist that still brings a smile.

Donna is a licensed insurance agent who plays a vital role in supporting clients with their day-to-day insurance needs. Known for her reliability, care, and attention to detail, she is committed to making insurance feel approachable and manageable for the people she serves. Donna takes great pride in providing exceptional customer service and works hard to ensure every client feels heard, supported, and confident in their coverage decisions.

She feels incredibly blessed to be part of the Western Insurance family and values the strong sense of teamwork and shared purpose that defines the organization. For Donna, insurance is more than policies and paperwork, it’s about building trust, protecting what matters most, and being there for clients when they need guidance the most.

Outside of work, Donna is a proud mother to her two children, Amanda and Andrew, and is grateful to live close to much of her immediate family. She enjoys spending time outdoors camping, fishing, and hiking, as well as quieter moments reading or sewing. Most of all, she treasures quality time with friends and family and brings that same warmth and care into her relationships with clients.

Coming soon...

Coming soon...

Coming soon...

Coming soon...

Coming soon...

Coming soon...

Chris Taylor is a full-time licensed Sales Producer at Western Insurance Associates, where he brings a genuine passion for helping people feel confident in their coverage. Chris takes pride in connecting with clients on a personal level, adapting to what matters most to them rather than giving a one size fits all explanation.

Chris genuinely loves what he does, and it shows. He takes time with each account, listens closely, and works with the goal of always leaving people better off. The agency’s commitment to better coverage at a better price is something he lives out in every conversation.

Away from work, Chris is happiest outdoors. He enjoys being on the water fishing, going camping, spending lake days, and spending quality time with his wife.

Fun fact: Chris and his wife share their home with a St. Bernard named Bandit and three cats named Saint, Binx, and Juniper, which definitely keeps life interesting.

Born and raised in Spokane, I bring nearly two decades of experience in personal lines insurance, having worked in the industry since 2006. I joined Western Insurance in 2024, and while I didn’t even know crop insurance existed before coming on board, I’ve embraced the opportunity to learn something new every day.

I consider myself an expert in personal lines products and pride myself on providing attentive, dependable service. What I love most about working at Western Insurance is the freedom to truly take of clients, backed by a team that is supportive, valued, and genuinely the cream of the crop.

Clients often describe me as someone who goes above and beyond—with a smile—and my teammates know me as a resourceful, always-willing-to-help team player. I got my start in insurance by chance, answering phones part-time for an Allstate agent, and quickly discovered a passion for helping people navigate important decisions with confidence.

Outside of work, I’ve been married to my ride-or-die for 27 years and am the proud parent of two sons who make me laugh every day. I love cooking for others, spending time with family, and cheering on the Seahawks as a die-hard fan. Go Hawks!

With a 48-year career in the insurance industry, I am proudly guiding the smooth transition and consolidation of Walla Walla Insurance into Western Insurance Associates as I sunset my professional journey. In this role, I support our new team members in reaching their full potential and enjoy serving as an ambassador for Western Insurance, ensuring our long-standing clients continue to receive the exceptional service they deserve.

With a 48-year career in the insurance industry, I am proudly guiding the smooth transition and consolidation of Walla Walla Insurance into Western Insurance Associates as I sunset my professional journey. In this role, I support our new team members in reaching their full potential and enjoy serving as an ambassador for Western Insurance, ensuring our long-standing clients continue to receive the exceptional service they deserve.

Throughout my career, I’ve helped customers navigate complex challenges and significant life changes, including relocating my entire practice from Southern California to Walla Walla, Washington. My passion has always been helping individuals and families find the right insurance solutions to safeguard their financial well-being.

Outside the office, life has shifted toward quieter adventures. I’ve traded in horses and motorcycles for safer travels, a good book, and scenic hikes in the Wallowas.

And a fun fact that not many know: I’m a descendant of Charlemagne, King of the Franks. Bam!

Coming soon...

Jake Holling is a Crop Insurance Agent with over two decades of experience in the local agriculture industry. Before transitioning into crop insurance, Jake spent more than 20 years serving farmers as a community bank loan officer, giving him a deep understanding of the financial realities, operational challenges, and risks farmers face. His background allows him to help clients navigate unfamiliar territory with confidence.

Jake is passionate about helping clients protect their businesses from the unpredictable nature of agriculture. He focuses on guiding clients through solutions that mitigate inconsistent cash flows brought on by volatile commodity markets and ever-changing weather conditions.

Outside of work, Jake enjoys nearly any kind of farm-related activity. He and his kids operate a small hobby farm where they raise alfalfa, and he also loves fishing and spending time at the lake.

A fun fact about Jake: during a hunting trip in Florida, he once caught a 7-foot alligator.

Coming soon...

Coming soon...

Coming soon...

Every great story has a few twists, and mine is no different. I met my wife, Angela, back in college. In what I now call my “bone-head decision,” I broke up with her, but life has a way of bringing the right people back together. Years later, we reconnected, and today we’ve been happily married for over a decade. Together, we’re raising two wonderful kids, Olivia and Maverick, who remind me daily of what truly matters.

I’m also a licensed minister and a twin, roles that have taught me the importance of listening, empathy, and community, qualities I bring into my work every day.

Before finding my calling in insurance, I worked across a wide range of industries: banking, guest services, water mitigation and restoration, aerospace machining, and more. Each experience gave me a unique perspective on people’s needs and the importance of protecting what they value most.

Now, as a personal lines insurance agent, I help families and individuals safeguard their homes, cars, and futures. My goal isn’t just to provide coverage, it’s to build trust, offer guidance, and ensure peace of mind when life throws its curveballs.

When I’m not working with clients, you’ll probably find me cheering on the Mariners or Seahawks, sharing laughs with my family, serving at church, or connecting with my community.

Insurance may be about policies and paperwork, but for me, it’s really about people, their stories, their dreams, and their security.

Tiffany McManaway is a member of Western’s Proactive team, specializing in policy renewals. Despite being in the insurance industry for less than a year, she has consistently exceeded expectations through her dedication, hard work, and commitment to ensuring clients are left better off than before.

Outside of her professional role, Tiffany enjoys playing video games, spending time with family and friends, and caring for her beloved cat. After living the first twenty years of her life in Orlando, Florida, she spent a year in Phoenix, Arizona, before settling in Spokane, Washington, where she proudly calls home