Employee Spotlight: Kevin Dwyer Earns CRIS Designation

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa Client Manager, Kevin Dwyer, took a big step in his career recently, earning his CRIS designation.

The Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS®) certification is an educational program designed for insurance professionals that provides in-depth knowledge of the insurance and risk management challenges faced by contractors and construction projects. Earning the designation demonstrates a strong commitment to the industry and a high level of expertise in construction insurance and its risks.

“I appreciate Rancho Mesa investing in their employees continued learning and success by allowing me to pursue my CRIS designation,” Dwyer said.

Kevin supports the Construction Group in his role as a Client Manager, particularly electrical and solar clients. He has nearly 10 years of experience in the insurance industry, and over 5 years as a Client Manager.

Rancho Mesa is proud of Kevin’s career achievements and his commitment to our team and clients!

New Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes Dillen Watson

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa is proud to welcome its newest Client Coordinator, Dillen Watson, to the team.

Dillen joins Rancho Mesa with an array of experience in customer service roles, equipping him with the skills and professionalism to serve in the coordinator position. In preparation to entering the insurance industry, Dillen also earned his California P&C license.

Dillen is from Alpine, CA, and enjoys walking along the beach, playing his guitar and learning new instruments. Outside of work he is also interested in traveling to different countries.

We are excited to have Dillen join the Rancho Mesa team and look forward to his future at the company.

New Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes Sean Linn

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa is proud to welcome its newest Client Manager, Sean Linn, to the Construction Group.

Sean is an valuable addition to the team, bringing a well-rounded background in the insurance industry. His diverse experience in business development, production, and client management makes him well-equipped to serve the needs of construction clients.

Sean earned his bachelor's degree in Economics and Business from Westmont College. Outside of work, Sean enjoys spending time with his wife and their two beagles.

We are excited to have Sean join the Rancho Mesa team and look forward to his future at the company.

Employee Spotlight: Chad Winder Becomes Safety Star™ Certified in Construction

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa congratulates Client Technology Coordinator Chad Winder, for earning his certification in construction safety as a part of our RM365 Advantage Safety Star™ program.

Chad joined the team in May 2026. The courses in the Safety Star program allows him to learn about important safety issues that impact clients, teaching topics relating to construction safety in the workplace. Fall protection, ladder safety, heat illness prevention, and fleet safety are a few of the courses that must be passed in order to earn construction safety certification. Knowledge of these topics help employers mitigate job-related injuries.

The Safety Star program is one of the ways Rancho Mesa ensures clients are equipped with the tools and knowledge to navigate workplace risks effectively.

New Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes Chad Winder

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa is excited to welcome the newest member of its Client Services team, Chad Winder, as a Client Technology Coordinator. 

In his role, Chad will work directly with clients, helping them navigate the SafetyOne™ Platform and the RM365 HRAdvantage™ Portal, and access their resources.

Chad brings over 15 years of experience working in the insurance industry. His career background in assisting clients out in the field, as well as his bachelors degree in Business Administration and Management, makes him a valuable addition to the client services team.

Chad was born and raised in San Diego. Outside of work he enjoys golfing, and sports, especially Padres baseball, as well as spending time with friends and family.

Rancho Mesa is excited for Chad’s future at the company.

Employee Spotlight: Jessee Keirstead Earns Construction and Treecare Safety Designations

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa’s Risk Control Consultant, Jessee Keirstead, took impressive professional strides recently, earning both Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) and Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) designations.

The Construction Health and Safety Technician is certified through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, and focuses on occupational safety and health practices specific to construction environments, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.

The Certified Treecare Safety Professional credential is earned through the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). This certifies professionals in safety leadership, incident prevention, and the implementation of comprehensive safety programs tailored to arboricultural and tree care operations.

“Obtaining the CHST and CTSP certifications help expand Rancho Mesa’s expertise in the construction and treecare industries, allowing us to offer more informed, credible, and practical risk control advice. This directly benefits our agency and our clients by helping prevent injuries, reduce claims, and support safer operations,” Keirstead said.

Rancho Mesa is proud of Jessee’s drive to equip himself with knowledge and skills that best serves our clients’ industry.

New Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes New Client Coordinator Taylor McClean

Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa is excited to welcome its newest Client Coordinator, Taylor McClean.

With a background in sales and management as well as strong leadership experience, Taylor is excellent fit to support our construction clients.

Taylor was born in Laramie, Wyoming but spent most of her life in San Diego, California. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Arizona State University.

She has two cats named Piper and Leo. Outside of work, Taylor loves reading, book binding, listening to music, beach walks, and spending time with friends and family.

Employee Spotlight: Alex Torres Promoted to Client Coordinator

Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa congratulates Alex Torres on her promotion to Client Coordinator.

Alex joined Rancho Mesa in January 2024 as a Front Desk Administrative Assistant and Certician, supporting Rancho Mesa clients.

Alex will be working within the Construction and Select Client Groups as a Client Coordinator.

“As she grew in the role, we gradually added new responsibilities to her daily workload each of which she handled with reliability, professionalism, and enthusiasm,” Kim Vasquez, Vice President with Rancho Mesa, said. “Her continued development has fully prepared her to take this next step in her career.”

Rancho Mesa appreciates Alex’s hard work and looks forward to her continued success.

New Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes New Account Executive Raysan Benito

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa is excited to welcome its new account executive, Raysan Benito, with the Human Services Group.

Raysan’s experience with nonprofit organizations, human resources, and sales has not only created a passion for building relationships and working with people, but also given him unique insight into the human services industry. Throughout his career, he has built a robust network of contacts in the nonprofit, health care and elder care spaces.

A San Diego native, Raysan earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from San Diego State University, with an emphasis on human resources. He also holds the Trusted Risk Advisor designation through the BIGN Network.

“I am so pleased to welcome Raysan to the Rancho Mesa family. His work ethic and caring for clients ensures he will be a great fit for years to come. The future is bright,” Human Services Group Vice President, Sam Brown, said.

Raysan currently resides in Lemon Grove with his wife and two sons. Outside of his work at Rancho Mesa, he is a surfer, musician and jiu-jitsu instructor.

We are proud to have Raysan’s problem-solving and people skills on the team and are excited for his future at the company.

New Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes New Client Coordinator Stephanie Leonard

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa is happy to welcome new team member, Stephanie Leonard, as Client Coordinator.

Stephanie brings a diverse background in real estate, collections, and mortgage loan sales. She has also worked in the wellness industry for 10 years, all contributing to valuable customer service and organizational skills.

Before calling San Diego her home, Stephanie is originally from Oregon. She has a Bachelor’s degree from National University as well as licenses in real estate and cosmetology, esthetics, and massage. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys playing pool, reading and crocheting. She also loves spending time with her son and taking him to the beach.

Rancho Mesa is excited to have Stephanie’s professionalism and critical thinking on the team and we look forward to her future at the company.