Staff Directory

Kevin Desmond

 President

Phone: (859) 491-5100​
Email: Kevin.desmond@desmondinsurance.com

BIO:

Kevin began his career in the insurance business in 1972, initially working part-time while still in high school and transitioning to full-time after graduating from Xavier University in 1977. He is a licensed Property and Casualty and Life and Health agent at Desmond Insurance. Kevin and his wife, Karen, have two daughters and three granddaughters. They are avid boaters and enjoy spending much time on the Ohio River.

Shannon Desmond Walz

Vice President

Phone: (859) 491-5100​
Email: Shannon.desmondwalz@desmondinsurance.com

BIO:

​Shannon started her full-time career at Desmond Insurance in 1992 and is also a licensed Property and Casualty and Life and Health agent. She is proud to be the first member of the fourth generation of Desmonds to join the agency. Shannon takes great pride in the advancement of Desmond Insurance and looks forward to celebrating the agency’s 100th anniversary in 2029. She resides in Fort Thomas with her husband, Brian, and their children, Brady, Meghan, and Ellie, as well as their mini cavapoo, Murphy. Shannon enjoys keeping up with her children and traveling with family and friends in her free time.

Tim Desmond

Treasurer/ Agent

Phone: (859) 491-5100
Email: Tim.desmond@desmondinsurance.com

BIO:

Tim is a proud fourth generation Desmond joining the agency full-time in January 2011 while serving in the Navy Reserves. After five tours overseas, Tim retired from the Navy in 2022. He is a licensed property and casualty insurance agent who provides valuable guidance and advice to our clients and team members. Lucy, Tim’s border collie, joins us at Desmond Insurance daily and is the most well-behaved dog among all pets owned by our Desmond team. Tim resides in Fort Thomas with his wife, Julie, and daughter, Zoey. Tim enjoys cooking and keeping up with his nieces and nephews and their activities, especially the younger ones.

Jason Peterson

Commercial Insurance Specialist

Phone: (859) 491-5100 x102
Email:  info@desmondinsurance.com

Eric Vieth

​Director of Benefits

Phone: (859) 491-5100
Email: Eric.vieth@desmondinsurance.com

BIO:

Eric has been a member of the Desmond Insurance team since January 2020. He holds licenses in Property and Casualty and Life and Health Insurance and leads the Individual and Group Benefits Team. Eric enjoys working with his clients to efficiently and effectively protect their property, assets, health, income, and retirement savings. Eric spends time outside work with his wife Brandy, their

three sons, and two grandchildren. He also enjoys watching sports, his family members’ activities, and occasionally plays guitar or bass with local bands or at home. In addition, Eric is a fan of pickleball and is continually working to improve his golf game, though he’s uncertain about ever achieving success in that area.

Erica Huff

Director of Client Services- Business Lines

Phone: (859) 491-5100
Email: Erica.huff@desmondinsurance.com

BIO:

Erica is the Director of Client Services for Business Insurance at Desmond Insurance and has been with the team since March 2021. With decades of experience in the Property and Casualty insurance sector, she began her career at a large insurance corporation in Cincinnati, Ohio. Erica serves diverse clients, from pizzerias and restaurants to apartment complexes and industrial supply companies. Outside work, she enjoys watching her children participate in various sports throughout the year, boating, following Kentucky basketball, going on beach vacations and spending time with friends and family.

Julie Hayes

Director of Client Services- Personal Lines

Phone: (859) 491-5100
Email: julie.hayes@desmondinsurance.com

BIO:

Julie joined our team in August 2022 and is our Director of Client Services for Personal Insurance, specializing in helping clients find the right coverage for their unique needs. A dedicated and experienced Property and Casualty agent, she works closely with clients to guide them through their options and ensure they make informed decisions. Outside of work, she is married and has three children. Julie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching sports, and participating in outdoor activities.

Karen Desmond

Administrative Assistant

Phone: (859) 491-5100
Email: Karen.desmond@desmondinsurance.com

BIO:

In 2021, Karen began working full-time at Desmond Insurance after a successful career as a full-time dance instructor, which she pursued following her graduation from NKU in 1993. Karen worked part-time at Desmond Insurance starting in 2011 as a receptionist, and she continued performing administrative duties until becoming a full-time employee. When not working, Karen enjoys spending time with family and friends and boating on the Ohio River. 

Lois French​

Account Manager

Phone: (859) 491-5100
Email: ​Lois.french@desmondinsurance.com

BIO:

Lois has been a licensed Property and Casualty insurance agent with Desmond Insurance since October 2020 and brings over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. She leverages her extensive background to meet client needs effectively. Lois is originally from Kentucky and exclusively works remotely from her home in Mississippi. Lois enjoys traveling back to Kentucky and many other destinations in her free time with her husband and family.

​Lydia Wira

​​Director of Client Services- Benefits

Phone: (859) 491-5100
Email: ​Lydia.Wira@desmondinsurance.com

BIO:

Lydia joined Desmond Insurance in January 2023 as our Financial Manager. After several successful years in that role, she transitioned to our Director of Client Services for Benefits. Lydia enjoys assisting clients in protecting their health, income, and retirement benefits. She is Bentley’s proud mom and a member of the St. Thomas Adult Choir. She enjoys reading, cooking and raising her young family.

Brady Walz

Business Insurance Sales Agent

Phone: (859) 491-5100
Email: ​Brady.Walz@desmondinsurance.com

BIO:

Brady is a Business Insurance Sales Agent and a proud fifth-generation member of the Desmond Insurance family. A graduate of the University of Louisville, Brady gained valuable leadership and teamwork experience during his four years as a Women’s Basketball team manager. He also brings a decade of entrepreneurial experience running his lawn care business, which helped him develop a customer-first mindset and a deep understanding of small business needs. Brady joined Desmond Insurance in January 2024, bringing a fresh perspective, energy, and dedication to helping businesses find the right insurance solutions. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf and watching sports.

Bob Fleckenstein

Local Medicare Advisor

Phone: (859) 491-5100
Email: ​Bob@desmondinsurance.com

BIO:

Bob began his second career with Desmond as a Local Medicare Advisor in February 2025 after an impressive 31-year tenure in various leadership positions at a leading investment firm. His experience in retirement planning makes him well-equipped to assist individuals in selecting the right Medicare plans, ensuring they can enjoy their retirement years with confidence and peace of mind. Outside of work, Bob enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Andrea, and their four children and as much time as possible on the golf course.

Ben Pendery

Director of Business Insurance

Phone: (859) 491-5100
Email: ​Ben.Pendery@desmondinsurance.com

BIO:

Ben joined Desmond Insurance in March 2025 and currently leads our Business Insurance segment. With prior experience in several small businesses, most recently at Pendery Insurance, Ben is passionate about supporting the success of companies in our region and enjoys building strong relationships with business clients. Ben is proud to serve his community on Fort Thomas City Council and is a husband to Devin and father to Beau and John.