OUR TEAM
Meet the team that makes up our agency.
Get to Know Us
Since the beginning, our team has been committed to serving the insurance needs of our clients. Learn
more about each of us or get contact information for a specific agent below!
Kelly Aday
President
My name is Kelly Aday, and I began in the insurance industry in April 2011 after 10 plus years in the medical field working here at Sam Newton Insurance in the farm department of Small and Rural Services. After obtaining my P&C license I began working in other areas of the agency, I transitioned into a management role where I eventually took over the day-to-day operations as owner Sam Newton was fighting several medical conditions.
After the passing of Sam in 2019, I purchased the agency from the Newton family. I am wholeheartedly committed to the independent agency system. I served on the board of directors of the Alabama Independent Insurance Association from 2015-2021 and was elected to the Executive Committee in 2021 where I will serve as President during the 2023-2024 term. Previously, I have served on the personal lines committee, trusted choice committee, and served as chair of the small and rural agents committee.
I have been a member of the volunteer fire service in Colbert County since March 1994 when I joined the Nitrate City Volunteer Fire Department. I became fire chief in 2010 and still serve as chief of the department today. I was elected to serve as President of the Colbert County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments in 2013 and still serve in that position today. I love being able to help our community at times when they need it most.
I have one daughter, Lila, who I love to spend time with and support her in all her activities from playing softball, basketball and volleyball to cheering, dance, and ballet. I love all sports, love to cook and love to travel. This industry has afforded me many opportunities to take my family around the world and enjoy God’s creation. Lila and I attend Leighton Baptist Church in Leighton, Alabama where we are active in many capacities throughout the church.
Heather Thigpen
Operations Manager, Personal Lines, Farm
I’m Heather Thigpen. I have been in the insurance business since 2013. In 2014 I got licensed in Property & Casualty. Then in 2016, I got a license in Life and Health. I started working for Sam Newton Insurance in December of 2016. Prior to coming to this agency, I worked in commercial lines for 3 years. I now specialize in Personal Lines, and I also write Life Insurance. Currently, in the midst of all this, I’m getting into Farm Insurance. I absolutely love my job and the agency I work for!
I have a wonderful husband and two adult children. One is currently in nursing school in Michigan and the other is in the Marine Corps stationed in Washington State. I have 4 luv pups that are spoiled rotten, and they have their own Instagram account. In my spare time, I love to cook, travel and spend time with family and friends.
Chasity Maxwell
Commercial Lines
Hi, my name is Chasity Maxwell. I have worked in the insurance industry for a little over 4 years now. I started working at Sam Newton Insurance Agency in June 2020 and that was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love my job and work-family. I have been married to my husband, Matt, for over 9 years. We have two amazing boys, Tripp & Tucker, and a dog named Marley. I love spending time with my family and making memories.
Madison Burton
Commercial Lines
Hi, my name is Madison Burton. I have been in the insurance business since 2022. I am originally from Mississippi, that is where I got my start in insurance. My husband and I moved here to Florence Alabama in August of 2023. I have previously worked in Personal Lines but now have the opportunity to grow in Commercial Lines. I have loved working in insurance thus far and cannot wait to see where it takes me! I started working for Sam Newton Insurance Agency in 2024, so far it has been the best experience and exactly what I had been praying for. I fully believe this is where God placed me, and I am so grateful for the opportunity. My husband and I have been together for 7 years now, we have a dog and cat together and they are our babies. I love cooking, traveling, and spending time with family in my spare time!
Lisa Claunch
personal Lines
My name is Lisa Claunch. I have been working in insurance for many years (since high school) and have been working at Sam Newton Insurance since February 2011. I have been married to my husband Donnie Claunch for 46 years, we have two daughters and four precious grandchildren. I love spending time with my family!
Lara Kolmetz
personal Lines
Lara Kolmetz has been with the agency since January 2017, specializing in Personal lines and Life Insurance. Lara also works with our Medicare Supplement policies through Mutual of Omaha. She is in our Lexington Office. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, traveling and being outside. Lara has 2 daughters, Adrienne and Lindsey, and is married to Adam Kolmetz.
Diana Allen
Bookkeeper
Diana Allen has been the bookkeeper with Sam Newton Insurance Agency since 2001. She loves reading books and taking care of her kitty cat, Sissy. She cheers on the Atlanta Braves and loves her Alabama Crimson Tide teams. Roll Tide!