Staff Directory

Welcome to Our Staff Directory

Kevin Gainey
Agency Principal (Director of Operations)

[email protected]
Kevin's Bio ➔
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Kevin Gainey

​John Parris
Area Manager Colorado
[email protected]

John's Bio ➔
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John Parris

As the Area Manager for Colorado at Elite Insurance, I bring extensive leadership experience and a passion for serving our agents and customers across the state. After more than two decades of guiding teams and navigating complex challenges in fast-moving industries, I’m committed to helping Coloradans protect what matters most—through every obstacle our unique state can throw our way.

Colorado’s landscape is as unpredictable as it is beautiful, and those changing conditions demand a knowledgeable, prepared, and responsive insurance partner. My role is to support our agents, strengthen our communities, and ensure our customers receive the clarity, guidance, and protection they deserve.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me exploring and hiking Colorado’s mountains, taking in everything this incredible state has to offer. It’s that same love for Colorado that inspires me every day to lead with integrity, elevate our teams, and provide exceptional service to the people who call this state home.

Chris Cannon​
Director of Sales
[email protected]

Chris's Bio ➔
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Chris Cannon

With over 20 years of proven success in the automotive industry, rising from sales to finance and ultimately General Manager, I’ve built a career on leadership, service, and driving results in fast-paced, competitive environments. Now, as Director of Sales for Elite Insurance, I bring that same passion, discipline, and customer-first mindset to an industry where trust and expertise matter more than ever. I’ve spent two decades helping people make some of the most important decisions of their lives—and the transition into insurance is a natural extension of that mission. At Elite, I’m committed to building high-performing teams, elevating client experience, and guiding individuals and families toward smarter protection for their future.

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me hanging out with Butchie the Pug—Elite’s unofficial mascot and the real boss of the office.

Jesse Aleman​
Customer Success Manager
[email protected]

Jesse's Bio ➔
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Jesse Aleman

With over 20 years of proven success in the automotive industry, rising from sales to finance and ultimately General Manager, I’ve built a career on leadership, service, and driving results in fast-paced, competitive environments. Now, as Director of Sales for Elite Insurance, I bring that same passion, discipline, and customer-first mindset to an industry where trust and expertise matter more than ever. I’ve spent two decades helping people make some of the most important decisions of their lives—and the transition into insurance is a natural extension of that mission. At Elite, I’m committed to building high-performing teams, elevating client experience, and guiding individuals and families toward smarter protection for their future.

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me hanging out with Butchie the Pug—Elite’s unofficial mascot and the real boss of the office.

Shayla Edgar​
Property & Casualty Insurance Agent at Elite Insurance
[email protected]

Shayla's Bio ➔
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Shayla Edgar

Shayla Edgar is a licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent with Elite Insurance, known for her down-to-earth approach and genuine dedication to helping people protect what’s important to them. She enjoys getting to know her clients, understanding their needs, and finding insurance solutions that actually make sense for their lives—without the confusing jargon.

At Elite Insurance, Shayla works with a variety of personal and business insurance options, including home, auto, renters, and small business coverage. She’s all about making the insurance process simple, straightforward, and stress-free. Clients appreciate her quick responses, clear communication, and the fact that she’s always willing to go the extra mile.

Shayla loves building real relationships with the people she works with and being someone they can count on—whether they’re starting a new policy, updating coverage, or navigating a claim.

When she’s not helping clients, Shayla stays active in her community and continues growing her insurance knowledge so she can offer the best support possible. She’s proud to be part of Elite Insurance and to provide honest, reliable guidance every step of the way.

Eric Straach​​
Area Manager Texas
[email protected]

Eric's Bio ➔
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Eric Straach

As the Area Manager for Texas at Elite Insurance, Erich Straach brings deep-rooted experience and a true Texan perspective to the communities he serves. Born with a strong understanding of rural Texas, Erich knows the ranch, farm, and commercial markets firsthand—because he’s lived them. That insight drives his ability to deliver tailored insurance solutions that meet the real-world needs of Texas families, landowners, and business operators.

Erich has built his career on leadership, integrity, and a commitment to protecting what matters most in a state where conditions can change as fast as the weather. His expertise in Texas agricultural, rural, and commercial insurance helps Elite stay at the forefront of some of the most uniquely challenging and competitive markets in the region.

Whether he’s guiding agents, supporting clients, or strengthening Elite’s presence across the state, Erich leads with a “Texas knows Texas” approach—practical, knowledgeable, and always ready to get the job done.

Sally Gainy​
Operations Manager
[email protected]

Sally's Bio ➔
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Sally Gainey

With 18 years of management experience, Sally Gainey serves as the operational backbone of Elite Insurance. Known for her ability to deliver straightforward solutions that drive real results, Sally supports both our customers and our staff with clarity, efficiency, and a commitment to excellence.

Her leadership style is grounded in problem-solving, process improvement, and finding innovative ways to scale and strengthen the business. Whether she’s optimizing workflows, implementing new tools, or supporting our teams across multiple locations, Sally is dedicated to ensuring Elite runs at its highest potential.

And when she’s not busy growing the company, you’ll find her out scaling the beautiful Rocky Mountains, embracing the same determination, focus, and adventurous spirit that define her work.

Annavay Gainey
Property Casualty Agent
[email protected]

Annavay's Bio ➔
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Annavay Gainey

As a dedicated Property & Casualty Agent at Elite Insurance, Annavay Gainey is committed to helping customers find the perfect balance of value, pricing, and protection that truly matters. With a customer-first approach, she takes the time to understand each client’s unique needs, ensuring they receive coverage that fits their life—and their budget.

Annavay prides herself on delivering clear guidance, dependable service, and solutions that make insurance simple and stress-free. Whether she’s assisting families, individuals, or small businesses, her goal is always the same: provide peace of mind and protection people can count on.

When she’s not helping customers, Annavay is caring for her two rescue fur babies, Kurama and Oreo, enjoying gaming, or spending quality time with friends and family.

Juliana Cardenas​
Customer Success Manager
[email protected]

Juliana's Bio ➔
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Juliana Cardenas

I’m someone who shows up with heart, focus, and a deep commitment to the work I do. Every task, big or small, gets my full attention. I’m meticulous by nature, driven by the belief that excellence is built through the details.

Outside of work, you’ll often find me behind the wheel, enjoying a quiet drive on my own. For me, solo drives are more than a hobby, they’re my reset button. The open road clears my mind, inspires new ideas, and reminds me why I love what I do.

I bring dedication, passion, and purpose to every part of my life, and I’m excited to also bring them to the people I work with.

Coleman, TX Office:
(325) 400-2022
115 West Street
Coleman, TX  76834​
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Colorado Springs, CO Office:
(719) 302-1110
102 S Tejon St #1100
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Phoenix, AZ Office:
(602) 680-6550
Two North Central Ave 19th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85004
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