J. Kim Walker, chief executive officer

Kim acquired SMIC in 2000 and assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer. In this position, Kim is responsible for developing and leading the implementation of SMIC’s strategy. Prior to acquiring SMIC, Kim was employed by Jordan Industries, Inc. (“JII”), a privately-held conglomerate with approximately $1.5 billion in annual revenue. In his role at JII, Kim developed and implemented a strategy that resulted in the formation of UniCore Insurance Services (“UIS”), a platform that acquired niche insurance brokerage firms focused on self-insured employee benefits, specialty niche MGAs, Agencies/Brokerage and TPAs.

Nate began his insurance career in 2004 with SMIC, handling all the sales and account management of a large block of religious K-12 Student Accident and Special Risk business.  After successfully establishing exclusive relationships with hundreds of agencies, he continues to expand his book to include package programs for franchises, school groups, sports associations and rec organizations.  Nate’s primary responsibilities include new business development, as well as the creation and implementation of SMIC’s marketing strategies for all product lines. Through these efforts, Nate continues to grow SMIC’s national presence in the K12, Higher Ed, Program Business and Special Risk Insurance marketplace.

Nate attended the University of Iowa, graduating with a BFA in Painting in 1998.  Prior to working at SMIC, he worked for several publishing companies in Mallorca, Spain and Chicago, in roles that included marketing, design and creative services. He has also spent time in Denali National Park, Alaska in Hotel Operations and Management.

Krista Stanek, senior vice president of sales

Krista began her career in the insurance industry over 25 years ago at Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company. During that time, she has developed many areas of expertise including marketing, client service administration, and sales. While at Mutual of Omaha she was responsible for marketing special risk, K-12, college accident and sickness, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance to brokers.

In 2000, Krista joined Summit America Insurance Services. Tasked with building the student health division, Krista handled product development, established carrier relationships, set-up administrative processes, created marketing strategies, and hit new business goals. Summit America was purchased by Ascension Benefits and Insurance Solutions in 2010, and Krista was promoted to Executive Vice President. She became one of four sales leaders within Ascension, coaching and mentoring producers specializing in special risk, intercollegiate sports, catastrophic and student health insurance products to ensure the business unit goals were achieved.

Krista joined SMIC in 2017 as the Senior Vice President of Sales. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and is currently licensed in most states to transact health and accident business.