Team Category: Business Leadership

Braxton Watson is the Houston office leader for McGriff Specialty. He oversees operational strategy and execution across the Houston, Louisiana, and Arkansas markets, works to scale the office’s capabilities, and empowers teams to create tailored solutions that increase client value. Watson has worked in the insurance industry for more than 15 years in various roles,…

John Marshall is the Dallas office leader for McGriff Specialty. He oversees operational strategy and execution across the Dallas market, works to scale the office’s capabilities, and empowers teams to create tailored solutions that increase client value. Marshall has worked in the insurance industry for more than 20 years in various roles, including producer, property…

Eric Getty is the Birmingham office leader for McGriff Specialty. He oversees operational strategy and execution across the Birmingham market, works to scale the office’s capabilities, and empowers teams to create tailored solutions that increase client value. Getty has more than 20 years of experience supporting the insurance industry, including eight years in direct industry…

Matt Little is the Atlanta office leader for McGriff Specialty. He oversees operational strategy and execution across the Atlanta market, works to scale the office’s capabilities, and empowers teams to create tailored solutions that increase client value. Little has worked in the insurance industry for more than 25 years and served in several roles, including…

Mike Welz is the Senior Living Practice leader for McGriff Specialty. He sets the strategy for the practice and oversees risk management and financing programs for senior care clients. He also co-leads Marsh McLennan Agency’s National Healthcare Practice. Welz has worked in the insurance industry for more than 11 years and has held various roles,…

Ernie Leist is the Marine Practice leader for McGriff Specialty. He is responsible for leading a team of dedicated marine insurance specialists serving large clients in complex international shipping, transportation, offshore energy, and global logistics. Leist has worked in the insurance industry for more than 14 years, and global energy and marine operations for more…

Erik Zentler is the Aviation Practice leader for McGriff Specialty. He is responsible for expanding McGriff’s presence and maintaining client relationships in the aviation and aerospace industries. Zentler has worked in the insurance industry for more than 20 years, with experience in marketing, negotiations, program structure, policy and contract review, benchmarking, and market cycle analysis…

Paul Cicerchia is the Real Estate and Hospitality Practice leader for McGriff Specialty. He is responsible for expanding McGriff’s presence and maintaining client relationships in the real estate and hospitality industries. Cicerchia has worked in the insurance industry for over 20 years in various roles, including practice leader for real estate and hospitality at another…

Milton Smith is the Surety Practice Leader for McGriff Specialty. His primary responsibility is to lead McGriff’s surety operations and drive the overall growth of our surety practice. Smith has worked in the insurance industry for over 30 years in various roles, including senior underwriter and senior vice president. He earned his bachelor’s degree in…

Johnny Fontenot is the Public Entity Practice leader for McGriff Specialty. He is responsible for leading a team of specialists serving tax-supported institutions; city, state, county, parish, and town governments; K-12 schools; colleges and universities; special districts; and nonprofit agencies. Fontenot has worked in the insurance industry for more than 35 years, with a primary…