Gateway's Halifax Head Office Insurance Team – Bios

Ryan has been working in the general insurance industry for over a decade, working for some of the largest regional and international companies in Nova Scotia. Ryan has an entrepreneurial drive which translates to a true understanding of what is important to business owners, and how to provide the best value for their insurance and risk management programs. Ryan most recently built his own successful brokerage, Harbourtown Insurance, started in 2015. The opportunity to partner with Gateway Insurance was one Ryan saw as the best fit for his current and new clients, allowing for a larger support system and leverage with the insurance markets. Ryan has taken on the role of Vice President of the Commercial Insurance division, working out of the Halifax Head Office alongside Keith Dexter. Ryan will be focused on building customized insurance programs for small to medium size businesses.

Born in Halifax, Ryan is a proud Atlantic Canadian who enjoys golf, travel, and most importantly spending time with his wife Holly and young son Levi.

You can contact Ryan by phone at 902-431-9300 ext. 105, by cell at 902-830-6295, or by email at rsmith@gatewayinsurance.ca .

Mike is a graduate of Dalhousie University Business School and a native of Ontario. Determined to make Nova Scotia his home, he accepted his first employment role as General Manager of one of metro’s largest The UPS Stores. He also became a partner in Freshman Services – a student Storage & Moving company before entering the insurance industry with Gateway.

Mike has joined our Head Office Commercial Team as a Commercial Account Manager working closely with small and medium size businesses to find the best insurance solutions for our clients’ needs.

Mike is an avid sailor and a member of the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron. He also enjoys spending time on the ski hill or on the hockey rink and with family.

You can contact Mike by phone at 902-449-2546 or by email at mwilson@gatewayinsurance.ca.

Mike is an experienced insurance professional holding his CIP designation.

At Gateway, Mike specializes in Home, Auto, and personal liability insurance for our clients.

Mike enjoys time with his family, motorcycling, and is involved in his community. He looks forward to discussing your insurance needs with you.

Mike resides with his family in Halifax.

You can contact Mike by phone at 902-431-9300 ext. 202 or by email at mgraham@gatewayinsurance.ca.

Emily worked in administration and accounting in the natural resources industry and as a professional dressage rider throughout North America before joining Gateway’s administrative team. As part of our Head Office administration team, she is also the Executive Assistant to the President.

Emily enjoys the outdoors and volunteers with numerous community groups.

You can contact Emily by phone at 902-431-9300 ext. 201 or by email at edexter@gatewayinsurance.ca.

Sonya’s 25-year career in the commercial insurance industry has included the management and servicing of a large portfolio of accounts from small and medium sized businesses to some of Canada’s most prestigious organizations. In 2019, Sonya joined the growing commercial team at Gateway as a Senior Commercial Account Manager.

Sonya’s versatility and expertise is at work every day with both our clients and with all of our industry partners. Sonya holds her Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation.

Sonya enjoys reading, renovations, and spending time with her family. She resides in Halifax.

You can contact Sonya by phone at 902-431-9300 ext. 206 or by email at ssullivan@gatewayinsurance.ca.

Katherine holds her Bachelor of Commerce from St. Mary’s University. Katherine is experienced as both an underwriter with a national insurer, and as a Personal Lines specialist with a national insurance provider.

Born and raised in Windsor, Nova Scotia, Katherine enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her friends and family. Katherine resides in Halifax.

You can reach Katherine by phone at 902-431-9300 ext. 203 or by email at kburgess@gatewayinsurance.ca.

Abby is a Business graduate of Nova Scotia Community College. She is an experienced insurance brokerage professional specialising in Personal Lines. She holds her CAIB and CSIP insurance designations.

Born and raised in Herring Cove, Nova Scotia, Abby enjoys the beach, spending time with friends and her family and dog. Abby resides in Halifax.

You can contact Abby by phone at 902-431-9300 ext. 109 or by email at amaclellan@gatewayinsurance.ca.

Keith has been employed with noted international corporations such as Procter & Gamble, and Phillip Morris in Sales, Sales Management, and Management positions. He is founder of several Nova Scotia based companies.

Keith has earned numerous industry awards, has served as a director of national and local boards, and has been involved in leadership of local community organizations.

Keith is CEO of Gateway. Other business interests include investments in Real Estate, Business Brokerage, and the Financial Services industry.

Born in Halifax, NS, Keith holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University. He resides in Seabright, NS.

You can contact Keith by phone at 902-431-9300 ext. 207, by email at kdexter@helmco.ca, or through LinkedIn.

Ken began his insurance career in 1988 working with the founder of the business in its predecessor company, Myers Insurance Brokers Ltd.

As a Partner in Gateway Insurance Group, one of Nova Scotia’s truly independent and locally-owned Insurance Brokerages, Ken is pleased to provide a complete suite of Insurance Products, including Commercial, Home, Auto, Life, Health and Group Benefits.

Ken is a past President of the Insurance Brokers Association of Nova Scotia and a past President of the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada. Ken is involved in the local community, including coaching minor baseball and basketball.

Born in Halifax, Ken holds a Bachelor of Commerce from St. Mary’s University. He resides in Halifax.

You can contact Ken by phone at 902-431-9300 ext. 204, by email at kmyers@gatewayinsurance.ca, or through LinkedIn.

David worked with a regional manufacturer prior to founding and operating several Nova Scotia based businesses. He has chaired national and regional industry boards and is active in the local community. David’s companies and fellow employees have earned many awards for outstanding customer service and customer loyalty.

David is an active investor with interests in Insurance, Business Brokerage, Real Estate, and Financial Services. He is President of Gateway.

Born in Halifax, David holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University, and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario. He resides in Halifax, NS.

You can contact David by phone at 902-431-9300 ext. 103 or by email at ddexter@helmco.ca.