Our Staff
Walter Cotter, CPCU, CIC
Owner
I have been with Burns & Cotter, Inc. for my entire working career, helping our many business customers as well as our individual clients. Whenever possible I spend time with my family, including my father who founded Burns & Cotter, Inc. and has enjoyed the remarkable achievement of reaching his 100th birthday this spring. My hobbies include acting, volunteering at 2nd Story Theatre and Barker Playhouse, skiing, squash and golf.
Dave Herbst
Owner
I have been in the insurance business for a long time and enjoy working with our client’s insurance and business problems. The 16 members of my family are my principal avocation although I also enjoy my dogs, tennis, travel and photography.
Deb Kenny, INS, AIS, CPIA
Vice President, General Manager
I have worked 23 years in the insurance industry, ten of those years within an insurance company in a variety of capacities including 3 years as a Commercial Underwriter. The last 13 years have been with Burns & Cotter. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband, our daughter and our friends. For vacation we love to go camping with friends.
Melodye Wilde, AAI
Senior Account Manager
I have over ten years of Commercial Lines experience not only in an Agency setting, but Insurance Company and Wholesale Brokerage as well. I have earned my AAI (Accredited Advisor of Insurance) designation. In my free time I enjoy being a representative for my son’s football league and serving on its Board of Directors.
Vivien Vallante
Personal Lines Account Manager
I have over 30 years experience in the industry, all working as a customer service representative. I joined the Burns & Cotter team in 2010 and continue to work with many of my previous clients as well as lots of new ones. My husband, my family and my Labrador retriever, Rosie occupy my evenings and weekends.
Marilyn Mathison
Bookkeeper
I have been the bookkeeper for many small businesses for over 20 years. As I only work part time here, I have several other business and individual clients as well. My spare time is spent with my husband, my daughter and working for several non-profit community-oriented organizations.