According to Smart Choice® CEO Douglas S. Witcher, the move brings back one of the pioneers of the program. “John was instrumental in funding and expanding the Smart Choice® Agents Program in 1998 when we added our first state to the program outside of North Carolina,” he explains. “He provided South Carolina independent agents with the opportunity to have access to nationally-known, top-rated insurance carriers and benefit from Smart Choice’s training, education and support.”
“Even when John turned over the reins in South Carolina, he continued to be interested in Smart Choice®,” Witcher continued. “All of us are excited to have him back on our team and leading the efforts for one of our most prominent states.”
Working with Burnett will be two veterans of the program in Georgia, John Burnett Jr., state director, and Shane Cosey, marketing director. In addition, two field representatives — Michelle Robertson and Cliff Little — have been hired to assist in serving Smart Choice® agents in Georgia and expanding the program in that state.
Burnett is a 30-year veteran of the insurance industry, and currently serves as partner and senior vice president of Herlong-Bates-Burnett Insurance in Greenville, S.C. In addition, Burnett is co-founder and director for Independence National Bank and president and CEO of Aircraft Management Group and. Burnett also serves as chairman of the board of Eden Farms, a therapeutic program for children with special needs.