Andy P. Stepka, President and CEO, licensed agent (NPN #1666124)
Andy graduated from Arkansas State University with B.S. in Finance before opening a successful financial planning business in 1991. Andy opened Stepka and Associates, Inc. in 1999, after recognizing the opportunity for his existing clients and new ones to experience quality employee benefits, both as individuals and as employers. The agency has grown both in client-base and in workforce continually since 1999 by making Service the number one priority.
Working with clients and individuals on a one-on-one basis has helped Andy recognize his goal to continue working with a wonderful team of like-minded professionals. Team spirit keeps this agency energetic and successful. Andy likes to say that every 2-person client gets the same level of service as a 200-person client. That philosophy and dedication to ALL our clients has kept Stepka and Associates, Inc. at the top of the industry in Arkansas.
Andy currently serves on numerous industry advisory boards, both nationally and on the state level. He has been a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters and attends conferences whenever possible.
Chris W. Foster, Vice President, licensed agent (NPN #7720411)
Chris joined the Stepka team in May of 2003. Chris' attention to detail and his customer-focused attitude at his previous job gained Andy's immediate respect. He recruited Chris to help grow the agency into what it is today. Chris received his Finance degree in 1998 from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. He enjoys the personal relationships and friendships he has with our clients and enjoys helping employers find innovative solutions for their healthcare needs. The industry is constantly changing and Chris considers that evolution a learning opportunity at every turn.
Dottie Shaffer, Senior Account Manager, licensed agent (NPN #9694309)
Dottie has been in the health insurance industry for many years. She has worked on both the agent/broker and carrier sides of insurance. She has a well-rounded knowledge of all aspects of our industry and is key to our agency as the go-to person for claims resolution, eligibility updates and customer service issues. Dottie was in accounting and office management for 20 years prior to her insurance career. She has a desire to help others and assist in whatever is needed of her. She also has a love for family, fishing, camping, dogs and photography.
Jordan Stepka, Benefits Advisor, licensed agent (NPN #17122418)
After graduating with honors from the University of Tulsa with a bachelors in Energy Management and a Masters in Business Administration. Jordan began his career at ExxonMobil in 2018. During his time at ExxonMobil, Jordan was a lead negotiator on the Land Acquisitions and Divestitures team leading transactions from prospect to post-closing across ExxonMobil's lower 48 assets. Consistently ranking in the highest level of performance, Jordan managed and directed transactions totaling half a billion dollars of assets in major shale plays during his four years with the company. Given his lifelong exposure to the insurance industry and business development background, Jordan quickly identified the opportunities presented in the insurance industry and joined the Stepka and Associates team in 2022. His unique skillset and personal dedication to health and helping others allows him to identify creative solutions to each client's unique goals and needs. As a fourth generation Arkansan, Jordan enjoys trout fishing and duck hunting with his family.
Summer Joiner, Account Manager
Summer has an eclectic background which has given her over 25 years of customer service experience, She enjoys problem solving, has great attention to detail, and is a team player who’s always willing to lend a hand. She has an infectious personality that exudes optimism. She has one goal - to ensure every interaction with others in a positive experience, hoping to better that person’s day.
Summer graduated in 2014 from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway with a bachelor’s degree in Science. When not working, she enjoys watching soccer, reading, spending time with her daughters, her dog Oreo and growing her massive collection of houseplants.
Michelle Pettit, Senior Data Specialist
With over fifteen years’ experience in customer relations, Michelle shares the Stepka dedication to customer satisfaction. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in statistics and data analytics, she has an eye for numbers; and as Stepka and Associates’ Data Specialist, Michelle brings quick, accurate, and meticulous attention to detail that aids in the team’s ability to deliver the best service. Outside of the office and the library, she loves to be active, so Michelle can be found exploring nature or spending time with friends and family.
Wendy Cooper, Executive Assistant
Wendy joined Stepka in May of 2021, bringing with her over 30 years of experience in accounting/human resource and organization management. Wendy obtained her B.S. in Organizational Management from John Brown University, and her M.B.A. from Webster University. A natural love of numbers and balance has made accounting second nature to her. Attention to detail, along with timely, accurate, relatable, and concise reporting with analysis are a few of her strengths. Flexibility and adapting to the changes in the business world are always a priority for her. Providing the very best service to our customers, coworkers, and community is always her goal. When not working, Wendy enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature, and traveling.
Lindsey Carl, Data Specialist
Lindsey has an extensive customer service and sales background, and a keen interest in programming and data analytics. Having recently earned a bachelor's degree, she is currently applying for Ph. D. programs in Quantitative Measurement and Statistics. She loves people as much as she loves math, and brings an upbeat, positive energy into producing data for our team. When she does relax, she enjoys knitting and spending time with her two dogs.