Meet Our Staff

Todd Dyson is President of Clay and Land Insurance, Inc. He began his employment with Clay & Land in 1989 and became President and majority stockholder in 2016. Dyson has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance and employee benefits industry. His strong benefits background encompasses Health and Welfare Benefits, Life Insurance, Disability, Dental, and Worksite benefits. He specializes in providing cost-effective solutions for mid-size employers. Todd has consistently earned top sales awards and designations throughout his tenure in the insurance industry. Todd is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, and Professional Insurance Agents of Tennessee. He currently serves on numerous Insurance company advisory boards and consults with many companies in the insurance industry. Todd is an avid golfer and plays in many local amateur events. He has been a member of Colonial Country Club since 2002 and serves on the Memphis Golf Association’s board of Directors.

Jeff joined Louis Clay in 1982 after working 7 years at Michael Insurance Agency. Jeff grew his business gaining knowledge in all aspects of commercial and personal exposures. He has been married to Barbara for over 25 years and is the proud father of Anna and Sara Michael. Jeff enjoys tennis, fly fishing, and hunting in his free time.

Mike Henry began his career in the insurance industry in 1982. He previously served as Vice President of a national brokerage firm – Hilb, Rogal & Hamilton (HRH). In 1994, he was a partner of a Memphis insurance agency and served as President. In 2004, he formed a new company Great South Corporation where he was President & CEO. In 2007, Clay & Land acquired Great South Corporation. Mr. Henry currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Construction Division. His experience includes construction risk, loss control, environmental risk issues, and surety. He has been a member of the ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors, AGC (Associated General Contractors), and NASBP (National Surety Bond Producers). Mike was the past President of the Insurors of Memphis and in 2000 was awarded the Memphis Business Journal Award for the Top 40 Young Businessmen on the Mid South. Mike volunteers with the Shelby County Sheriff Department- Emergency Services Search & Rescue as an Advance Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT).

Stan Addison has 30 years in the employee benefits industry. He specializes in the design and implementation of Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) plans. Stan has served on the Broker Advisory for Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, Humana and United Healthcare. Stan has been a sponsor for TAMCAR, TNGFOA and other municipal associations. In his free time, Stan enjoys bow hunting and is an avid runner.

John Curry has been in the insurance industry since 1980, first as an underwriter with the Home Insurance Company and then on the agency side since the mid-80s. He holds a license for property and casualty and specializes in larger commercial accounts. He has the highest designation in the property and casualty side of the business CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter) and has held the designation since his early 30s. John has experience in almost all areas of the insurance industry, such as risk management, underwriting, consulting, management, and as a producer. A native of Alabama, he graduated from the University of Memphis with a major in International Business. John is married with three children and his hobbies include sports such as running, biking, and basketball. Over the years, he has taught many sports teams such as basketball and soccer. He has also taught Sunday school and heads up a prison ministry team at his church.

Addie Davis started her career in insurance in 2018 at State Farm. She joined Clay and Land in 2020 as a commercial insurance account manager. She has recently changed her role in the agency as a Producer specializing in Trucking and Commercial Insurance. She is licensed in Property, Casualty, and Life & Health and has also achieved the Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) designation. Addie resides in Covington, TN and her hobbies include photography, travel, and spending time with family and friends.

Al Hollingsworth was the owner of the George Holley Insurance Agency for 20 years. In 2002, the George Holley Insurance Agency was purchased by Clay & Land. Al was the president of the Professional Insurance Agents of Tennessee in 1981. He is a graduate of the University of Memphis and enjoys attending all football and basketball games to this day.

Alan joined the team at Clay & Land in January 2010 with 33 years of experience as an agent. He received his BBA from Memphis State University in 1978 as an Insurance Major. His focus with Clay & Land is Commercial Insurance for locally owned businesses but enjoys helping clients with their personal lines coverage as well. Alan holds licenses for property, casualty, and life and health and is a second generation in the Insurance industry, having joined his father in the business in 1977. He is a native of Memphis and resides in the east Memphis area. Alan has been married to his wife Cathy for 41 years and they have two grown sons and two grandchildren. His favorite sports are golf and Tennis but loves watching Pro football on Sundays. In his spare time, Alan enjoys participating in Living History events and serves as a volunteer board member of several non-profit organizations. As a cradle Episcopalian, he and his wife attend the Church of the Holy Communion in east Memphis. Alan is also a member and past President of the Business Network International (BNI) Chapter In The Loop.

Alan joined Clay & Land in 2020, he began his financial services career with the Capital Financial Group in November of 2012 and has previously worked for Pinnacle Trust Company and State Farm. He currently holds licenses in Property & Casualty as well as Life & Health. His areas of expertise include both commercial and personal lines. Alan is a graduate of Delta State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He has a wife, Stacy, and two sons, Blake and Luke. Whenever Alan is away from the office he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and being outdoors.

Brad joined Clay & Land in 2021 after he began his insurance career with State Farm. Prior to working in insurance Brad worked for Campus Outreach for 6 years. He currently holds licenses in Property & Casualty as well as Life & Health specializing in Personal and Commercial Lines. Brad is a native of Jonesboro, AR and played football at the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State as well as being a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. His hobbies include playing golf, snow skiing, CrossFit, spending time with his daughter, family & friends, and watching Dallas Cowboy and Arkansas football games. He and his wife Megan reside in East Memphis and are members of Eastside Community Church, they have two daughters, Elliotte Grace and Merritt Maxine.

Christy Janes joined Clay & Land in 2013 in the life & health department, and has been in the insurance industry since 2006. She is licensed to sell property, casualty, life, and health insurance, but is an expert in helping individuals with their life & health insurance needs including Medicare, Obamacare, long term care, life, and disability products. Christy resides in Bartlett with her husband, Alex, and they have two daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys making jewelry, reading, and spending time with her family.

Dana began working in the insurance industry in 1985 while in high school for a managing general agency. At the age of 19 she began working as a Commercial CSR for Mid-South Insurance office, Inc. in 2001 she became an underwriter for Insurance Placement Center until they were sold. Dana joined Clay and Land as a Commercial Lines Account Manager and has recently returned in 2018 as a Producer. She specializes in restaurants and contractors. Dana is a member of Holy Rosary Church where she serves on the Pastoral Council and is the wedding coordinator. She loves to travel around on cruises and spend time in Louisiana with her family.

Dan started in the insurance industry in 2011 with New York Life in Jackson, MS. Since moving to Memphis in 2014, he has transitioned to the Property & Casualty side of the industry, focusing primarily on commercial accounts. In 2019, he achieved the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation. Dan is a native of Mississippi, and both he and his wife Virginia-a Memphis native-are Mississippi State graduates. His hobbies include playing basketball & golf, spending time with family & friends, and attending State football games. Dan & Virginia are members of Second Presbyterian Church, and they have three sons, Rives, Henry, and Hart.

Dustin started in the insurance industry in 2013 with State Farm. He resides in Covington, TN. He joined Clay and Land in March of 2018. Dustin specializes in personal and commercial insurance. He attended the university of Memphis. In his spare time he likes playing golf and attending the Arkansas Razorbacks football and baseball games.

Fred started with Clay & Land in January 2010. He obtained his insurance license in August of 1976. He is licensed to sell property, casualty, life, health, variable contracts, and vehicle physical damage. He was a partner in Tate Insurance Agency for 34 years until merging with Clay & Land. His area of expertise is in personal and commercial lines of insurance and is responsible for developing new sales in those areas. Fred is a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and Men’s Club. He volunteers for the Memphis Italian Festival where he works with music and entertainment. Fred’s hobbies include cooking, golf, and listening to live “Memphis” music. He is an Ole Miss and University of Memphis football and basketball fan. Fred is married to Nora McGowen and has 3 children.

After working in the insurance industry since December 1979, George joined Clay & Land in 1994. He is licensed in property and casualty and life and health. He specializes in commercial, personal, home and auto insurance. George has 6 children and 10 grandchildren; therefore, he continues to search for new clients.

Grant started in the insurance industry right out of college with State Farm in 2022. He is a lifelong Memphis and completed his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management at the University of Memphis. Grant is licensed in all lines of insurance and specializes in personal and commercial lines. Outside work, he loves spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, and attending Memphis Grizzlies games.

Greg is a native Memphian who attended Memphis State University. He started in the insurance business in 1981. Greg became a partner with the Tate Insurance Agency in 1990 and joined Clay & Land in 2010. He served on the board of the Memphis Insurance Council and the Memphis Chapter of the Professional INS Agents Association serving as its president in 1994. He is licensed in property and casualty and specializes in commercial and personal lines coverage. Greg resides in Collierville with his wife Andrea and 2 daughters.

Jim joined Clay & Land in 2008 after serving as vice president of McDonnell Insurance from 1990 to 2006. Jim has been a Certified Insurance Counselor for over five years and has over twenty years of experience in the insurance field. He specializes in commercial insurance and is licensed to write all lines of insurance. Jim has four children and is a native Memphian.

Jan began her career in insurance at the age of 17 while working as a student and developed a love of the industry that continues through the day. Jan is licensed in property, casualty, life and health in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. She came to Clay & Land through the acquisition of Consultant Service Insurance Agency in February 2004. When not at work, Jan enjoys spending time with her family and loves to travel.

Jean started her insurance career in 1996. Prior to her moving to Memphis in 2009, she owned an Independent Agency in East Tennessee. For the past eight years she was a senior sales agent with Allstate and is licensed in P&C, Life, and Health. Jean and her husband live in East Memphis and have two children. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, playing the violin, shopping, and spending time with her family. Jean is passionate about supporting vulnerable kids and families in the U. S. and around the world and is a board member at Bethany Christian Services. Jean’s work ethic, determination, and smiling personality are what make her the successful agent she is today.

Jeff merged his independent agency, A to Z Insurance, with Clay & Land in 2012. He is licensed in property, casualty, variable products, life and health. With over 30 year’s sales experience, he continues to focus on commercial and personal lines business. Jeff is a Memphis native who likes to spend his free time motorcycle riding with his wife Kathy. He also enjoys officiating high school and youth sports which he has been doing for over 30 years.

John specializes in personal and commercial insurance. He’s a returning Marine Corps veteran, serving as an intelligence analyst and military policeman stationed overseas. His work as an intelligence analyst included researching vulnerabilities and potential hazards in-depth in determining security threats and how to best mitigate them. John’s ability to study and communicate complex information to his superiors and decision-makers certainly prepared him for the challenges of the insurance and risk management industry.
John continues the Meeks tradition at Clay and Land, working with Lisa Meeks, his aunt. “Insurance is in my blood,” he says. “I watched my grandfather, Bobby Meeks, serve his customers as a consultant and valued advisor. I want to approach my customers with the same energy and helpfulness that he showed everyone he met.”
In addition to his service to our country, John has a degree in psychology and is currently pursuing a degree in Business Finance at the University of Memphis. John enjoys spending time with his two young daughters as well as going to the gym, basketball, football, and being near the water.

Kevin Herman began working in commercial insurance with Partee Insurance in 1997, while still living in California. Not long after moving to Memphis, he worked with McDonnell Insurance and First Tennessee before joining Clay and Land. Kevin focuses on mid-size property and casualty accounts. He has been happily married for 21 years to his wife Lisa, and they have 3 children.

Kevin Palfrey is born and raised in Memphis, TN. He started his insurance career in 2015 with State Farm as a Sales manager. Kevin joined Clay & Land in 2021 and holds licenses in Property & Casualty as well as Life and Health. He specializes in Personal Lines and Commercial Insurance. Meeting and helping people is a strong passion of Kevin’s, he takes pride in building personal lasting relationships. In his free time, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife Audrey, son Hayden and daughter Hazel. He also enjoys playing golf, traveling, and coaching his son’s baseball.

Lisa grew up in a family insurance agency. She worked in customer service while attending the University of Memphis. Graduating with a BBA degree majoring in Insurance and Business, she then became an agent with her father at Consultant Service Insurance Agency. To continue her education she obtained her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation in 1993. This required passing 5 exams and still requires annual updates to stay informed on the changes in the industry. Lisa enjoys working with all types of businesses and also writes personal and life insurance. When not working she enjoys University of Memphis basketball, the Grizzlies, and boating.

Marsha Silverstein joined Donnaud-Clay Aviation Insurance in 1989, after a successful career in investment banking, where she was a licensed representative of a major Wall Street firm. Marsha’s area of expertise is providing her aviation clients with superior coverage at a competitive price; along with the outstanding customer service they deserve. Through decades of long relationships with all aviation underwriters, she is able to negotiate the best terms available for her clients. Together, Marsha and Donnaud-Clay Aviation Insurance have the resources to handle all of your aviation insurance needs.

Matt began at Clay & Land in April of 2003 after working at Farmers Insurance during his college years. Insurance is in his heritage as both his grandfather and father have been working in the industry with a local presence since the 60s. Matt’s primary focus is on personal lines. He is the past President of the Insurors of Memphis and has been on the board of directors of the Insurors of Memphis since 2011. He has a wife, Cristy, a daughter, Lucy, and a son, Rivers.

Michael started his insurance career in 2009 with a Life and Health license through Strategic Financial Partners. In 2013, he began selling Personal, Property and Casualty, Life and Health Insurance through State Farm Insurance. He joined Clay and Land in April 2019 to specialize in both commercial and personal accounts. He is a Memphis native who graduated high school from Memphis University School and went on to get his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University, majoring in Finance. Whenever he has free time he loves to fish, run, travel, and spend quality time with his family.

Milton began his insurance career in 1969 shortly after graduating from the University of Memphis in Business Administration. He started with Clay & Land in January 2011. He is licensed in surplus lines, property, casualty, life and health, but mainly concentrates on commercial and large personal lines accounts. Milton is married to Lynette Less and they have 3 children and 2 granddaughters. In his free time, he enjoys Tiger basketball and golf.

Natalie Cummings began her insurance career as a state manager for a national insurance company. After several years on the wholesale side of the industry she moved into the retail side. She enjoys the personal connections made with her clients and providing solutions to their needs. With nearly 20 years of experience, she joined Clay and Land’s employee benefits division in 2019. She is licensed and experienced in both life and health products including long term care, disability and all ancillary lines. A Mississippi State graduate who enjoys spending time outdoors with her family on the White River in Arkansas or just about anywhere else.

Patrick was born and raised in the great city of Augusta, GA, and migrated to Tennessee in 1996. Patrick was a manager with Enterprise Rent-A-Car for 12 years where his focus was customer service. He has spent the last 5 years with State Farm where he continued leading in customer service and in sales. Helping is in his DNA and he is licensed and ready to help with all Property & Casualty needs as well as Life and Health. When he is not working you can find him at your local golf course or spending time with the backbone of it all, his wife and daughter.

Rod started in the insurance business in 1978 as an agent for a small insurance company in Memphis. He then went on to manage a large agency until 1995. Rod then decided to go back to what he really enjoyed the most which is working with businesses and individuals to meet their insurance needs. He is a licensed CLU and ChFC. In his spare time, he likes Mississippi State football and enjoys playing golf.

Skip began his insurance career with the Hartford in January of 1972. He currently holds licenses in Property and Casualty and Life and Health. His areas of expertise include commercial and personal lines. Skip is a graduate of Memphis State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration.