Our Team

Mike Leach began his work in the insurance industry by working at the Mississippi State Rating Bureau for 12 years where he was also involved with the Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association and the Mississippi Residential Insurance Underwriting Association. He has also served as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association. He started at TPI in 2004 as a consultant and was hired full-time as the Vice President of Operations. In August of 2018 he was promoted to President of TPI. His duties at TPI include managing the day-to-day operations, developing work flows and procedures, budget planning, supervising IT projects, and product development. Mike lives in Byram, Ms. with his wife, Vanda, and their son, Fisher.

Emily Tucker is a graduate of Forest Hill High School and comes to TPI with 23 years of industry experience. She began her insurance career in 1998 with Insurance Solutions Group and focused on agent relationship building, impaired health risk underwriting, and sales coordination in life insurance, long term care, and annuities. In recent years, she was a Senior Case Manager while also assisting in training efforts for incoming sales and operations staff. She enjoys spending her free time taking day-trips, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Jamie was raised most of her life in Florence, MS and graduated from Florence High in 2011. She went off to Ole Miss for college and gained a BS degree in Hospitality Management- where she spent over 7 years using her degree in a local restaurant in Jackson, MS after graduation in 2015. This is where she met her husband, Rod, in 2017 and soon got married in the summer of 2019. They have 2 kids together- a girl named Riley and a boy named Jack. They are 4 and 3, respectively, and little balls of pure energy.

Within the last 3 years, she decided to make a career change and obtained a couple different working opportunities with Temp Staff, where she dipped her toes into the world of data entry and policy. From there, she spent about a year with the MS Regional Housing Authority before coming to work for TPI in June of 2024. This is her first dip into the insurance world, but she really enjoys learning new things. She may be new to insurance, but she is a quick learner and eager to prove successful.

When not at work and being a mom full time, she really enjoys going to the movies, reading, bowling, and just anything adventurous. She loves to travel and can’t wait visit every continent- even Antarctica!

Larry was born and raised in Dalton, Ga., The Carpet Capital of the World, where he attended Valley Point High School graduating in 1965. Larry joined the insurance industry at the age of 20, and has accumulated over 53 years in the industry with the last 35 years specializing in Garage Insurance. Throughout his career Larry has Larry served in various roles including an Agency Owner, Underwriting and Claims management, Program Director specializing in Garage as well as other various rolls and responsibilities. Most recently Larry joined the TPI Family where he will serve as Vice President over TPI’s Garage Division.

Mona was born and raised in Pike County, MS, and earned her Associate’s degree at Southwest MS Community College. In 1989 she transplanted to the metro Atlanta area. In 2008 Mona entered the insurance industry with an MGA. Throughout her career in insurance she has served many roles including; Audit Technician, Underwriter Assistant and Underwriter. Over the last several years Mona’s primarily focus has been in Commercial Garage Underwriting. Most recently Mona joined the TPI Family where she will serve as a Commercial Underwriting Assistant in the Garage Division.

Mona has been married to her husband, Don, for over 30 years. Together they have 2 adult daughters whom also live in the metro Atlanta Area. In her pastime, Mona enjoys crafting, tackling DYI projects, spending time with family, and watching SEC football (GO DAWGS and GEAUX TIGERS).

John graduated from Tennessee Technological University in 2011, majoring in Finance and Business Management. He spent four years learning the art of Garage Underwriting under his mentor, Larry Brock, before moving to Madison, Wisconsin with his wonderful wife, Dr. Nayomi Plaza Rodriguez. Once there, he started his own business in various fields, including home rentals, transportation services, realtor services, and Airbnb operations. John truly enjoyed his work in these roles as they allowed him to connect with people while simultaneously being a devoted stay-at-home Papi. Now, as his children begin school, John is excited to return to his professional career with TPI’s Garage Division under Larry’s leadership.

John has been married to Nayomi for six years, and they have two adorable children, Haley (5) and Aidan (3), as well as the kids’ best friend: a dog named Hiccup. Haley is now in school and is very excited, and Aidan keeps them on their toes with his boundless energy and jumping off anything he can find. The family enjoys biking around town, traveling the world, and spending time together on the beach.

Heather McNeill was born in Jackson, MS and graduated from Clinton High School. She worked in the Retail Grocery Industry for 12 years prior to joining the TPI team in August of 2012 as a Personal Lines Assistant. Heather is continuously working to further her insurance education with hopes of becoming an underwriter. In her spare time she enjoys canoeing, camping, going to the ballet and theater as well as playing and spending time with her three loving children.

Karen Latigue was born and raised in Clinton, MS where she graduated from Clinton High School. Karen joined team TPI in 2002 as Personal Lines Underwriter and over the years has become knowledgeable in all aspects of the company. Currently, Karen serves as the Vice President of Customer Service where her department is responsible for assisting agents and customers with all non-underwriting related questions; assisting agents with system issues and daily processing.

Born and raised in South Jackson, Vicki Byrd is a graduate of Wingfield High School and now a long-term resident of Florence, where she’s built a life with her husband of 30 years, Jason, and here they raised their daughter, Meredith. In her professional life, Vicki has navigated through various roles within the mortgage industry, from working alongside closing attorneys to engaging with mortgage companies, and even holding a real estate license. Away from the office, Vicki’s passions include gardening, watercolor painting, and making memories with her family and pets.

Steve Parkman was born and raised in Jackson, Ms. He served as a fire fighter for over 20 years and served in the Mississippi Army National Guard for 12 years. Steve has also owned and managed a retail agency for 12 years before coming to TPI to serve in the claim department. Steve has been happily married to his wife and best friend Ilene for over 30 years and they were blessed with two boys, Steven and Cody. Steve has spent his life serving others while sharing his faith. Steve enjoys working in the claims department which allows him the opportunity to continue serving others.

Michelle Downey was born and raised in Clinton, MS. After graduating from Clinton High School, she began her insurance career at Allstate as customer service and agent support. Michelle joined the TPI team in 2012 and now serves as a Claims Customer Service Representative. With her knowledge of the system and her willingness to assist our agents and insureds, Michelle surpasses TPI’s high standards for Customer Service. She enjoys reading and spending time with her friends and family, especially her daughter.

Teresa was born and raised in Jackson, MS. Before beginning in insurance, Teresa worked with several Attorney Firms and in the Appraisal Industry. She joined the TPI team in October 2018 and is currently working as our In-House Claims Adjuster. Teresa and her husband Ray of 29 years have two sons, Trey and Zach. She loves to read, hunt, spend time with her family, and do volunteer work for Wounded Warriors of Mississippi.

Vernora (“Nora”) Davis has been employed with TPI since 2012 as an Accounting Clerk and Executive Assistant. A native of Canton, Mississippi, she is a 2003 graduate of Velma Jackson Magnet High School, a 2007 graduate of Jackson State University with a Bachelors of Business in Accounting, and a 2011 graduate of Mississippi College with a Masters of Business Administration. She has worked previously as Office Manager for Canton Family Clinic for 3 years and more recently as Head Teller/Customer Service Representative for M & F Bank for 9 years. She enjoys traveling, church, and spending time with her family.

Lynn King received her Associate Degree from Hinds Community College, followed by her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi where she obtained a Triple Major and graduated with Honors. Before joining the TPI Team in 2014 as an Accounting Assistant, Lynn taught High School Math for 10 years and worked 18 years in the Accounting Department for an Insurance Company. Lynn is the proud mother of one daughter, Ashton, and is a member of First Baptist Church in Raymond.

Tom moved to Pearl MS in 1974. Graduated Pearl High School then attended Hinds Jr. College where he lettered in Baseball (that’s where he met Tim Parkman) and Football. Tom continued his education at Mississippi State University, Go DAWGS, where he graduated in 1985 with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He then moved to Dallas, TX where he worked for Texas Instruments’ Avionics’ Division as a Lead Reliability Engineer dealing with Dept. of Defense Military contracts. Moved to Little Rock, AR in 1988 where he was the National Sales & Marketing Manager for a DOD/NASA contractor. He also spent 3 years with Morgan Stanley/Dean Witter Reynolds as a Money Manager. Tom moved back to MS in 1992 and worked in Real Estate with his father. His first stint in Insurance was in 1997 when he was hired as a Territory Rep for Tower Hill Insurance Group of MS. Tom stayed with TH until 2002 then moved on to a 12-year career with Patterson Dental Companies as the MS General Manager. In June of 2014, Tom returned to work for Tim Parkman as a Director of Marketing for TPI, Inc. Tom lives in Pearl with his wife Gena of 29 years and their 2 Scottish Terriers (Harper & Max). Tom has 2 Children, Nicholas (Ole Miss) who owns Master Guard Roofing in Nashville, TN and Victoria (MS State Univ.) who works in Clinton, MS as the Corporate Chemist Waste Disposal Coordinator for E3 Environmental Company. In his spare time, Tom enjoys spending time with family & pets, hunting, watching SEC football & baseball and doing as little as he possibly can!

From 1986 to 1989, Austin served as an agent with Alfa insurance. In 1989, he transitioned to become a trainer for Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, and his efforts led to a promotion to Senior Training Specialist in 1992-1994. Austin’s success in this role led to an opportunity to serve as Director of Training for Florida Farm Bureau from 1994-1997. In 1997, Austin accepted a role as a District Sales Manager for Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance, which he held until retiring in 2021. In 2022, he joined TPI as a consultant and has been pleased with the opportunity to contribute his knowledge and expertise.

Austin is married to Kim Proctor Morrow, and together they have two daughters, a son-in-law, and one granddaughter, with another grandchild on the way in August. Their golden retriever is also a beloved member of their family. Austin is an avid enthusiast of all shooting sports and hunting. In particular, he finds great enjoyment in duck hunting.

Paul is new to TPI (January 2022) but is an accomplished former business owner and sales training professional who has worked nationally and internationally as a Sales Representative, Manager, Director and Trainer. He created TD Solutions in 2006 which specialized in sales training, consulting, motivation, and creating sales and marketing plans that work for sales people and companies alike. Tauchar also was co-owner and manager of Admobile, a mobile advertising company and owned and operated Solar Control of Jackson, an authorized 3M window film company which he created in 2007 in Jackson, MS and sold in 2019. Previously, he worked as a sales manager and or sales trainer for various companies which has taken him around the globe and most states across the US.

Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a Business Administration emphasis from Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. He has called Mississippi his home since 2000 but has lived throughout the country (Ohio, New Jersey, New York & Georgia). He and his wife Cindy have four grown children: Emily, Murphy, Michael and Anna Catherine and 3 grandsons Justin, Noah and Leo. They are also involved in their local church and are involved in many business networking groups.

Steve Dudash is a graduate from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Business Administration. Steve has over 31 years of experience in the insurance industry where he was a Regional Manager for an Independent Adjusting Firm along with being a Staff Adjuster. He has served as the past President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary for the local Claims Association and has served on the Board of Directors at the YMCA, The city of Bixby Parks & Recreation and Board Whitey Ford Basketball. He also served as scout master for the local troop. Steve joined the TPI team in 2018 as the Oklahoma Marketing Manager. Today he enjoys traveling with his wife along who seems to find new places for them to visit each and every year.

Shawn Harmon served in the military for 10 years. After leaving the military, he received his college degree from John Brown University with a B.S. in Organizational Management. Upon graduation, he held several corporate jobs in both sales and sales management. In 2007, he received his insurance license and started a scratch agency selling insurance for Farmers Insurance. Shawn sold his Farmers agency in 2017 and started another scratch agency with Farmers Union Insurance. After 17 years, Shawn decided to leave his agency and join TPI as the Arkansas Marketing Manager.

Shawn is married to his wife of 28 years, Shelly, and they have three wonderful children: two sons, Matthew and Hunter, and one daughter, Hayden. Shawn and Shelly love being out in nature and enjoy riding their ATV side-by-side on trails and fishing with friends any chance they get.

Julie Cargile joined the TPI team as an Internal Marketing CSR in October 2018. Julie was born and raised in Raymond and graduated from Central Hinds Academy in 2006 with honors and as a Presidential Scholar. She continued her education at Hinds Community College where she earned her Associates Degree in Business Administration. Julie began her professional journey as a marketing specialist for a construction and real estate development company in Gluckstadt, MS in 2009. She later served as an Account Lead for an Appraisal Management Firm based out of Nashville, TN before ultimately finding her way to TPI. When she’s not working, Julie loves to travel and can tackle almost any DIY project. She’s also a proud dog mom to two giant pups and enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and boyfriend.

Jian Wei was born in Fuqing, China and attended Nanjing University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Atmospheric Science. He then attended Fuzhou Bureau of Meteorology. After coming to the United States, Jian attended Jackson State University where he received his Master’s Degree in Computer Sciences. Jian joined team TPI in 2004 as IT Manager.

Rebecca Shannon grew up in Washington state and earned her BA in Economics from the University of Washington. She began her career in insurance in 1991 working for Kenneth I. Tobey, Inc., a managing general agent in Seattle, while in college. She spent 15 years there, achieving the role of Vice President of Information Technology before moving to Mississippi with her husband in 2003 and working remotely for another 3 years. She also worked with Risk Placement Services in Washington for 3 years before joining the TPI team as a systems analyst in 2011. Rebecca is currently the IT Project Manager for TPI and works remotely from her home in Saltillo, MS, where she resides with her husband and her two sons.

Robby is originally from Kosciusko, MS and currently lives in Richland, MS with his wife, Holly, and their two children. He earned his AA in Computer Science from Holmes Community College in 2006. He has 15 years of experience in the IT field working in various industries. He joined the TPI team in 2015 and currently serves as a Programmer.

Ziyu Tian was born in Dalian, China and attended Nanjing University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Atmospheric Science. After coming to the United States, Ziyu attended Jackson State University where she received her Masters Degree in Computer Sciences. Tian joined team TPI in 2011.

Sherry is originally from Vicksburg, MS and moved to Clinton in 2018. She is a graduate of Mississippi University for Women with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Management of Information Systems. She joined TPI in September 2018 as an IT Analyst and hopes to further her education in her field. Sherry’s hobbies include creating artwork, exercising, exploring, and traveling.

Chase Warren has been working as a Software Developer for over 20 years. He began his career as a Statistician for the State of Mississippi in the mid 90’s before moving into a Business Analyst role with the State of Mississippi throughout the 2000’s. He later served as a Lead Developer at L3 Vertex and other private companies. Chase joined the TPI team in October 2021 as a Senior .NET Developer. He resides in Pearl, MS with his wife of over 30 years, Melinie Q. Warren. He is a proud father of 3 and a grandfather to 8 and spends most of his free time with his family and their assortment of pets.

Jeffrey is a Mississippi native who was born in Yazoo City and currently lives in Clinton. He received an AA in Computer Programming Technology from Hinds Community College where he also worked as a systems analyst before joining TPI in 2020. His primary interests are programming, Linux, and open source software.