San Francisco – October 12, 2023 — Newfront, the tech-driven insurance brokerage firm based in San Francisco, has expanded its footprint with strategic additions in Austin, Texas. Todd Burns joins as Senior Vice President and Austin Market Leader, and Lee Sheppard joins as Associate Vice President, further cementing Newfront’s presence throughout Texas.

With global operations, Newfront continues to welcome new talent across a number of locations, including Boston, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Chicago, Ohio, and Kentucky in the last year. Regional Managing Director for the South Matt Summers, who also leads Newfront’s construction group, joined in February to focus on growth in the Lone Star state. 

“Todd and Lee bring exceptional value to our team and to Austin, which is one of the fastest developing areas in the country,” said Summers. “They also have significant experience working with venture capital firms—a sector that is transforming the market.” 

Burns, who will oversee a number of Newfront associates in Austin, boasts a 20-year career in insurance and risk management. His prior roles include leadership at BKCW Insurance, business development leader at Willis, and compliance officer at Allstate. Burns holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Tech, a Certificate of Financial Planning, the Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation, and the Certified Workers' Compensation Advisor (CWCA) designation.

“At Newfront, we are able to equip our clients with advanced data and risk analytics that allow for better decision making thanks to our in-house tech team,” said Burns. The company has introduced several AI-enabled tools for its colleagues and clients, including an AI-powered benefits assistant and solutions for contract review and quote comparison. 

Sheppard brings 10 years’ experience in commercial risk and insurance that includes time as an underwriter, an account executive at Willis, and an independent agent. He has completed the Certified Insurance Counselor Program, CRIS designation, and holds a degree in Risk Management and Insurance from the University of Georgia.

To learn more about Newfront, please visit www.Newfront.com. 

About Newfront

Newfront is a modern brokerage transforming the risk management, business insurance, total rewards, and retirement services space through the combination of elite expertise and cutting-edge technology. Specializing in more than 20 industries and headquartered in San Francisco, Newfront has offices nationwide and is home to more than 800 employees serving organizations across the United States and globally. For more information, visit newfront.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Traci Johnson
Newfront
press@newfront.com 

Natasha Koleas
PAN Communications 
949-397-7582
nkoleas@pancomm.com