Invest in the future
well-being of your people

We exist to fill a void in the marketplace

We’re here to help you invest in the future – for the well-being of your people and the success of your company.

The team at CanopyNation has over 175 years of experience with insurance products and benefits packages.

Government legislation still creates a tremendous confusion about healthcare. There’s some dishonesty in the insurance industry, with people selling out to get the commission and not servicing customers properly. There’s increasing pressure on the big banks to increase bottom line and topline growth – regardless of the outcome to the customer. And many other brokers are not investing in the future.

The members of our core leadership team each boast over two decades of experience with insurance products and benefits packages.

Leadership Team

Jay Mays

Vice President and Director

Memphis, TN

Jay Mays

Vice President and Director

Jay Mays is one of the founding members of CanopyNation, and he currently serves as the vice president and director of client services. In his role as a team leader, he oversees day-to-day client operations.

With nearly three decades of professional experience in the insurance world, Jay is well versed in all areas of the industry, from managing a variety of plans to connecting employers to benefits packages that best fit their culture, size and needs. He’s licensed to manage life and health insurance plans in Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Connecticut.

A native of Alamo, Tennessee, Jay attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he received a Bachelor of Arts in political science. He currently resides with his wife Conley, daughter Hayden-Grace and their dogs Rocky and Ruby. Outside of CanopyNation, Jay continues to cheer for his fellow Vols and often escapes to Scottsdale, Arizona, and Palm Springs, California, during the Memphis winter to play golf and soak up the sun.

Orma Smith

Chief Executive Officer

Corinth, MS

Orma Smith

Chief Executive Officer

One of the founding members of CanopyNation, Orma Smith currently serves as the firm’s CEO, providing overall vision, leadership and execution. He is a Certified Self Funding Specialist® and is licensed to manage life, health, and property and casualty insurance plans in 20 states.

Orma has been recognized for serving in the insurance profession for more than 30 years. He was nominated as a Small Business Executive of the Year by the Memphis Business Journal and currently sits on United Benefit Advisors’ Chairman-Conference Committee.

He’s also actively involved with community organizations in his hometown Corinth, Mississippi, sitting on the boards of the Create Foundation, C.A.R.E. and the Freedom Center. He is the tri-county board chair for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is an elder at First Presbyterian Church.

Orma received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi and continues to cheer on the Ole Miss Rebels across all sports. He and his wife Terre have a dog named Matty and are proud parents to their daughter Stennett and son Hack, who with his wife Catherine have a daughter, Maggie. When he’s not at the office or in Corinth, you can often find Orma relaxing in the mountains of western North Carolina or golfing in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Fred Vann, CIC

Vice President

Memphis, TN

Fred Vann, CIC

Vice President

Fred Vann joined CanopyNation as vice president in 2018. In his role he focuses on sales, client retention and servicing ongoing client needs. He’s a Certified Insurance Counselor and is licensed in managing accident and health, life, variable life and variable annuity, and property & casualty insurance plans.

Fred’s primary focus is to continually advise clients about cost control, advocacy, employee communication, compliance, and efficiency and technology. He is a firm believer that there is always an opportunity to improve and build off an existing employer benefit offering. He takes pride in and enjoys servicing ongoing client relationships with the team.

The Corinth, Mississippi, native earned his bachelor’s degree in managerial finance and real estate from the University of Mississippi. He currently lives in Collierville, Tennessee, with his wife Genna; their children Lucy, Maggie and Fred; and their dog Charley. When he’s not with his family or at work, you can find him horseback riding, playing tennis, hunting quail and deer, fishing, or cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels and Tennessee Titans.

Team Members

Nick Betts

Director of Client Services - Transportation

Corinth, MS

Nick Betts

Director of Client Services - Transportation

As director of client services for CanopyNation’s transportation division, Nicholas Betts - or Nick - directly interfaces with clients to maintain their accounts and filings. He regularly updates proofs of insurance, files and manages insurance claims, and ensures all information remains in compliance with the most current regulations. He’s licensed to manage property and casualty insurance plans in Mississippi.

Ensuring the firm continues to serve clients on an efficient yet personal level, Nick is dedicated to finding and adopting the latest technologies and training the firm on new processes. He is often implementing new tools for building and maintaining the firm’s client database, keeping clients’ files aligned with new policies and educating prospects about the benefits of collaborating with CanopyNation.

Nick grew up in Murray, Kentucky, on his family farm, where his favorite steaks come from. He now resides in Corinth, Mississippi, where he will soon marry his fiance Madison. Nick is an avid golfer, a lifelong collector of Legos, a world traveler and a fan of the Kentucky Wildcats and Ole Miss Rebels.

JR Burns

Producer - Transportation

Corinth, MS

JR Burns

Producer - Transportation

JR Burns is a producer for CanopyNation’s transportation division. In his role, he assists with client acquisitions, conducts needs assessments for clients and maintains policy servicing. His extensive knowledge of the latest products in transportation coverage makes him a valuable driver in sales and marketing for the firm. JR is licensed to manage life, health, and property and casualty insurance plans in Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia and Illinois.

JR began his collegiate studies at Northwest Mississippi Community College, where he played football and earned his Associate of Arts. He continued on to Murray State University, where he played football while earning his bachelor’s degree in business.

JR currently resides in his hometown of Corinth, Mississippi, with his wife and their two yellow labs, Goose and Maverick. Outside of work and his home, he enjoys golfing, deer hunting, enjoying a good steak, and cheering on the Murray State Racers and Ole Miss Rebels. Athletics also remains a large part of JR’s life as he currently serves on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Board for the tri-county area in North Mississippi.

Lauren Butler

Director of Finance

Corinth, MS

Lauren Butler

Director of Finance

As director of finance, Lauren Butler manages CanopyNation’s client receivables, employee payroll, and team commissions and receivables. Her previous accounting experience includes managing audits for nonprofits and leading preparations for tax filings. She’s also licensed to manage property and casualty insurance products in Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky, as well as life and health insurance products in Mississippi.

A Bulldog at heart, Lauren earned dual degrees from Mississippi State University in accounting and in real estate and mortgage finance..

Lauren resides in her hometown of Corinth, Mississippi, with her husband Andy and their daughter Martha and twins John and Betsy. She actively gives back to her community and serves as the volunteer coordinator for the Lighthouse Foundation Toy Store. Lauren enjoys traveling with her family. When they’re not at the lake in the summertime, they’re traveling the world with hopes to check off England, Ireland and Scotland from their list next..

Ray Davis

Market Development Officer

Jackson, TN

Ray Davis

Market Development Officer

Ray Davis leads market development for CanopyNation across West Tennessee. He brings to the firm a depth of knowledge in health care marketing and insurance. Beyond prospecting for new clients, he is licensed to manage life, accident, health and Property & Casualty insurance plans in Tennessee. .

Ray was appointed by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee to serve on the state’s Respiratory Care Licensing Board. An advocate for his hometown, he serves as an ambassador in the Jackson Chamber’s Red Coats. He is an involved member of Jackson’s Elk Lodge and teaches Sunday school to eighth grade boys at Englewood Baptist Church. He previously served as president of the Tennessee Society for Respiratory Care from 2008-10, representing 6,000 respiratory therapists across the state..

Ray earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in management and marketing with a minor in economics and finance from Union University. Currently living in Medina, Tennessee, he has been married to his wife Judy for more than 45 years. They have three daughters and eight grandchildren. When he’s not liaising with prospective clients or volunteering in his community, you can find Ray hunting, fishing and enjoying Mexican food.

Hallie Hastings

Staff Officer

Memphis, TN

Hallie Hastings

Staff Officer

Hallie Hastings has served as CanopyNation’s Client Services Manager since 2022. In her role, she helps our clients with developing strategy plans for employee benefits, updating insurance forms and booklets for clients’ employees, liaising between clients and insurance carriers, and assisting employees with enrolling in their plans. She carries a license to manage life and health insurance plans in Mississippi.

Hallie lives in Southaven, Mississippi, with her husband Robert of more than 20 years and their three dogs, who often forget they’re actually dogs! They have five children and two granddaughters. She loves spending time with her family and getting outdoors to camp and hike. Her favorite place she’s visited is Alaska, and she can’t wait to go back!

Christy Kelley

Vice President

Jackson, TN

Christy Kelley

Vice President

Christy Kelley brings to the firm more than 20 years of insurance expertise. She serves as a client services manager and is also office manager for CanopyNation’s Jackson, Tennessee, team. Her day-to-day duties focus on growing client accounts primarily in the West Tennessee region, assessing and addressing industry challenges, and maintaining client satisfaction. Christy carries licenses to manage life and health insurance plans in Tennessee and Mississippi, as well as property and casualty insurance plans in Tennessee.

Christy is also a proud native of Jackson and remains highly involved in the city’s business community. She is an active member of the Greater Jackson Chamber and an alumna of Leadership Jackson.

Christy is passionate about traveling the world. Her favorite past destinations are Hawaii, Maine and the Cayman Islands, and she and her fiance hope to one day visit Ireland, Australia and Alaska.

Jordan Quinn

Vice President of Sales- Property and Casualty

Corinth, MS

Jordan Quinn

Vice President of Sales- Property and Casualty

As a producing agent at CanopyNation, Jordan oversees personal lines including home and auto insurance and small commercial lines. He carries a producer license in Tennessee and Mississippi.

His main responsibilities at CanopyNation include cultivating new opportunities and relationships by fully understanding clients’ insurance coverage needs. He builds trust with clients and ensures they are aware of how their coverage protects them.

He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia and now lives in his hometown of Corinth, Mississippi, with his wife Angel and their children Brody and June Grace. He is dedicated to the Corinth community by serving as the vice president of the Rotary Club and vice president of Living Free Ministries. He also sits on the board of Crosswind Ministry. In his free time, you can find Jordan bass fishing and deer hunting, as well as cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels, Georgia Bulldogs, St. Louis Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans.

Ashley Sauer

Client Services Specialist

Jackson, TN

Ashley Sauer

Client Services Specialist

As a client services specialist at CanopyNation, Ashley Sauer serves clients directly with handling orders, account questions, billings and cancellations. She regularly provides support to account managers to ensure a high level of client service and attention. Ashley is licensed to manage health and life insurance plans in Tennessee and Mississippi.

She currently lives in her hometown of Jackson, Tennessee, with her son Brandon and daughters Paisley and Gabriella. She loves spending time with family and taking her daughters to Pokémon card trading shows. Ashley also helps with her childhood best friend’s exotic pet business and frequently travels to exotic pet expos!

Ashley is a big fan of the New York Yankees, Mexican food and music. Her favorite artist is Janis Joplin, but she listens to all genres including blues, soul and rock. She loves exploring New York City and hopes to travel to Germany one day!

Cheryl Saum

Manager of Administration and Compliance Officer

Corinth, MS

Cheryl Saum

Manager of Administration and Compliance Officer

With more than two decades serving in human resources and employee benefits roles, Cheryl Saum serves as CanopyNation’s manager of administration and compliance officer. In her role, she oversees human resources, office administration, and billing and finance. She carries an insurance license in health and life in Tennessee.

Cheryl and her husband Keith live on a farm in Tennessee where they raise sheep and livestock. They have three sons – Connor, Grant and Parker – and a grandson, Hardy.

Outside of work she enjoys arranging flower displays, spending time with her grandson, attending livestock shows and traveling. Her travels include Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Alaska and the Caribbean, and she hopes to cross Australia and Ireland off of her bucket list.

Ashley Shipp

Client Services Specialist

Memphis, TN

Ashley Shipp

Client Services Specialist

Ashley Shipp has been on the CanopyNation team since the firm’s founding in 2018. As a client services specialist, she regularly communicates with clients’ employees regarding updates to their insurance plans and assists them with a range of day-to-day needs.

With more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Ashley is licensed to manage health and life insurance plans in Tennessee. She also has an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Southwest Tennessee Community College.

The Bartlett, Tennessee, native lives in her hometown with her husband Brandon, and they have a son, Cashion, and two dogs.

Hack Smith

Vice President of Sales - Transportation

Corinth, MS

Hack Smith

Vice President of Sales - Transportation

Hack Smith currently serves as the Vice President of Sales in CanopyNation’s transportation division, for which he oversees sales, marketing, training and customer service. Throughout his early years as a producer, he built a $5 million premium book with more than 80 clients. He’s licensed to manage property and casualty insurance plans in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.

Hack received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from the University of Mississippi. He currently lives in Corinth, Mississippi, with his wife Catherine and their daughter Maggie. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and basketball and cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels. He is actively involved in his church and volunteering for the Lighthouse Foundation.

A fun fact about Hack is he was named after the world’s first world heavyweight champion, George Hackenschmidt.

Kimberly Smith

Administrative Coordinator

Memphis, TN

Kimberly Smith

Administrative Coordinator

Kimberly Smith joined the CanopyNation team back in 2011. She’s licensed to manage life and health insurance plans. As the first smile clients see as they enter our Memphis office, she enjoys supporting her clients in any way possible.

Kimberly is a Texas Tech alum and now lives in Memphis with her two miniature Australian Shepherds. In her spare time, she loves to learn! Kimberly enjoys going to classes to study new skills and traveling to immerse herself in new cultures. The next stop on her travel bucket list is Spain!

Tracy Smith

Client Services Specialist

Jackson, TN

Tracy Smith

Client Services Specialist

Tracy Smith has more than two decades of experience in the insurance industry and has served as a client service specialist at CanopyNation since 2018. She’s licensed to manage health and life insurance plans in Tennessee.

Outside of her role at CanopyNation, Tracy helps her family operate a karate school that has been in business for more than 40 year in their hometown in West Tennessee. Her parents started teaching martial arts in the 1970s. There are three generations of black belts in her family with third generation students now training.

Tracy also serves on the media team at her church in Henderson, Tennessee. She lives in Henderson with her husband, Joey, and kids Micah, Elias and Hannah. In her free time, she likes to read, watch theater, compete in game nights, and spend quality time with friends and family. She’s a big fan of road trips, but her dream travel destination is Kedina, Okinawa, to see where her mother was born.

Graham Williams

Business Operations Manager

Memphis, TN

Graham Williams

Business Operations Manager

As business operations manager at CanopyNation, Graham Williams manages the latest enrollment technologies and other systems to streamline human resources processes and provide autonomy for employees to manage their benefits. He applies his resourcefulness and forward-thinking to excel in client relations and sales, ensuring continued satisfaction for the firm’s clients.

Graham is licensed to manage insurance plans in health, life, and property and casualty in the states of Tennessee and Mississippi. He earned dual bachelor degrees in accounting and liberal arts from the University of Mississippi. Graham continues to support his alma mater through participation in the Ole Miss Young Alumni Council. He also sits on the associate board for Make-A-Wish Mid-South.

The Corinth, Mississippi, native currently resides in Memphis with his wife Sophia, where they enjoy venturing out to the newest restaurants and cheering on the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.

Become part of a partnership

When you join CanopyNation, you become part of a partnership, a member of the CanopyNation family. Here’s what you can expect:

Partnership Approach

Transparency

Innovative Solutions

Support Solutions

And of course, our relentless pursuit of customer support!

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Peace of mind. That’s what you get when you join CanopyNation.

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Invest in the futurewell-being of your people

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Transparency

Innovative Solutions

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Invest in the future
well-being of your people