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.

Diana Venegas Promoted to Assistant Client Manager

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

Rancho Mesa congratulates Diana Venegas on her promotion to Assistant Client Manager.

Diana started with Rancho Mesa in November 2023 as a Client Coordinator. She worked closely with nearly every group within Rancho Mesa before moving to Landscape and Tree Care in August to complete her training.

Diana will be returning to the Construction Group as an Assistant Client Manager.

“Throughout many changes and transitions, she stepped into each one with a positive attitude and a willingness to help wherever needed,” says Kim Vasquez, Vice President with Rancho Mesa.

Rancho Mesa appreciates Diana’s commitment to her growth and development and looks forward to her continued success.

New Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes New Client Coordinator Sandra Almada

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

Rancho Mesa is excited to welcome its new Client Coordinator Sandra Almada.

Sandra’s background and previous administrative experience within the construction industry provides her with a unique perspective to better support our client managers and serve our clients. She brings valuable expertise in organization, communication, and customer service to her new Client Coordinator role.

Sandra was born and raised in San Diego and earned her Bachelor’s degree from UC Riverside. She currently lives in Chula Vista. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog Ellie. Her hobbies include reading and traveling.

Rancho Mesa is excited to have Sandra’s leadership and problem-solving on the team and we look forward to her future at the company.

Employee Spotlight: Jessee Keirstead Earns Safety Star™ Certification in Construction

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

Rancho Mesa congratulates Risk Control Consultant, Jessee Keirstead, for earning his certification in construction safety as a part of our RM365 Advantage Safety Star™ program.

Jessee joined the team in November 2025. The Safety Star program equips him with a deeper understanding of the safety challenges clients encounter and the strategies required to effectively mitigate those risks. 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. This knowledge strengthens Jessee’s capability to identify potential hazards during job‑site visits and to offer clients practical measures that reduce exposure to risk.

The Safety Star program serves as a key initiative in Rancho Mesa’s commitment to providing clients with the resources and insight needed to manage risk with confidence.

New Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes New Account Executive Kyle Dunlap

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

Rancho Mesa is excited to welcome its new Account Executive, Kyle Dunlap, within the Construction Group.

Kyle’s extensive experience in planning and engineering provides him with unique insight into the challenges of the construction industry. This perspective makes him exceptionally qualified to serve electrical contractors with insurance solutions that align with their real-world needs.

Kyle grew up in East County, San Diego and still lives there today with his wife and 3 daughters. Kyle is very involved in his community, coaching his daughters’ softball and soccer teams, serving on the school board, and holding the position of AYSO VP in his region. Kyle enjoys traveling and has visited over 20 countries. His proudest moments are his children’s accomplishments.

Employee Spotlight: Kevin Dwyer Becomes Safety Star™ Certified in Construction

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

Rancho Mesa congratulates Client Manager, Kevin Dwyer for earning his certification in construction safety as a part of our RM365 Advantage Safety Star™ program.

Kevin joined the client management team in July 2025.The courses offered through the Safety Star program allow our team to understand the safety challenges that affect our clients, covering essential workplace construction safety topics. Fall protection, ladder safety, heat illness prevention, and fleet safety are a few of the courses that must be completed to earn construction safety certification. A firm grasp of these subjects helps employers reduce job-related injuries.

The Safety Star program is one of the ways Rancho Mesa ensures clients have the tools and knowledge they need to successfully navigate workplace risks.

Rancho Mesa Excited to Welcome Jessee Keirstead as Risk Control Consultant

Rancho Mesa is excited to announce Jessee Keirstead has joined our team as Risk Control Consultant. Jessee brings extensive experience in helping businesses identify, assess, and reduce risk, enhancing the value we deliver to clients through our insurance solutions.

In addition to his 18 years of industry experience, Jessee has an impressive educational background with a Bachelors degree from Champlain College and a Master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University.

 “Risk control is an area we identified as a key way to impact our clients’ safety, productivity, and profitability. Combining Jessee’s expertise with our proprietary SafetyOne™ app, monthly workshops, and safety KPIs reinforces our commitment to providing unmatched OneofOne® services,” Rancho Mesa President Dave Garcia said.

With the valuable addition of Jessee to the team, we now offer proactive risk management strategies designed to improve workplace safety, minimize losses, and protect clients’ bottom line.

Outside of work, Jessee enjoys hobbies such as traveling, surfing, snowboarding, diving, spearfishing, hiking, playing hockey, and photography. He also likes spending time with his dog at the beach.

Contact Rancho Mesa to learn more about our expanded services. We’d love to help your business thrive.

Employee Spotlight: Emily Feemster Becomes Safety Star™ Certified in Construction

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

Rancho Mesa congratulates Client Data Analyst & Technology Coordinator, Emily Feemster, for earning her certification in construction safety as a part of our RM365 Advantage Safety Star™ program.

Emily joined the team in July 2025. The courses in the Safety Star program allowed her to learn about the safety issues that impact our clients, teaching important 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 Elia Gonzalez

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

Rancho Mesa is excited to welcome the newest member of its team, Elia Gonzalez, as Assistant Client Manager.

Elia has over 25 years of experience in the industry, working with a range of roles and insurance types, including commercial, auto, and private lines. She will now support the client management team in the Construction group.

Elia also holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Universidad Autonoma de Baja California. Her well-rounded experience and education make Elia a valuable addition to the team. We are excited for her future at Rancho Mesa.

Elia was born in Tijuana and has lived in San Diego for over 30 years. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her three adult daughters, pet bearded dragon and cat. She also loves watching movies and going to concerts.

New Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes John Turner

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

Rancho Mesa is excited to welcome its newest member of the team, John Turner, as Assistant Client Manager in the Construction Group.

John joins us with over a decade of experience in the insurance industry, having worked in a variety of roles that have developed his skills in customer relations, sales consulting, and commercial account servicing. In addition to his industry experience, John has an educational background in legal administration, graduating from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration. John’s well-rounded career and education make him a valuable addition to the team.

A fourth-generation San Diegan, John continues to reside in San Diego with his wife and child. Outside of work, he enjoys gardening, restoring his '73 Roadrunner, and making gelato for friends and family.

We are excited to have John join the team, and we look forward to his contributions and success at Rancho Mesa.