Team

Donald Jacobi

Donald Jacobi

Partner

Don is a partner in the company’s Atlantic branch.  With over 20 years experience as an insurance broker, Don has built a reputation as a professional who gets it done.  His fields of expertise, although not limited to, included the hospitality, construction and professional liability sectors. Don is heavily involved in youth sport,  in particular basketball.  He has coached, served as a board member and formed his own summer competitive program which has allowed 20 youth to compete in an extended basketball schedule for the past three years and growing. Don resides in Fall River with his wife and three children where they all enjoy travelling and sport.

Colin Brien

Colin Brien

Partner

Colin has almost 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry, 15 of those as a broker. During that time, Colin has built a professional reputation with his clients and peers.  Colin specializes in, although not limited to, hospitality, construction and professional liability. Colin has done a number of things in the insurance industry including being the chair and founding member of the Young Broker Network of Nova Scotia with one of his initiatives of starting a Education Scholarship for young adults looking to get into the insurance industry. Coaching is also a passion of Colin’s, from sales coaching to mentoring youth, Colin has been successful with leading teams to growth and victories including head coaching a high school boys basketball team to Division 1 provincial title. Colin’s leadership represents his teams and clients in a positive and professional way. Although from Bedford Colin now resides in Fall River with his wife Erin and three children James, Max and Blake.

Kristine van de Riet

Kristine van de Riet

Broker

Professionally, Kristine’s a natural at putting people at ease and always wants to make sure that everyone has the best experience when dealing with their insurance needs. Starting her career in insurance Kristine didn’t know where it would take her but she has found her calling. She is proud of how much she has grown. Kristine loves that she is now in a position where she is able to help others achieve their goals.  Kristine takes big ideas and turns them into a reality at Jacobi Brien Insurance. When visiting the office, you can find Kristine working with her team of strong and passionate individuals, fostering an environment where the Jacobi Brien family enjoys coming to work.

Brandi Hitchens

Brandi Hitchens

Sr. Account Executive

Brandi began her insurance career over 25 yrs ago, with a large brokerage in a rural office. She worked hard to grow a significant personal lines portfolio prior to moving into larger complex commercial accounts. Her experience of being involved in the marine industry has provided a solid background and knowledge of worldwide liability exposures. She takes great pride in consulting her clients on their exposures, and how best to manage their insurance program. Brandi’s strengths include advocating for her clients when developing a comprehensive insurance program, and providing businesses with solid risk management counsel. Part of her commitment to her clients is providing ongoing support through any challenge, and assisting with claims resolution. More recently, she has been working with some high net worth accounts in the Golf, Realty, Construction and Manufacturing Industries. Learning the insurance business has been an ongoing passion for Brandi. She completed her Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) in 1998, and the Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) in 2004. She also completed the Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designation in 2009. She is presently working on her CCIB. Outside of the office, Brandi enjoys reading and time in the outdoors with her son. She also loves to travel and spend time with her friends and family at their cottage.

Jordan Manzer

Jordan Manzer

Director of Insurance and Risk Management

Jordan brings over 12 years of risk management and commercial insurance experience to the team at Jacobi Brien Insurance. An entrepreneur himself, he helps his clients identify and manage risk through risk audits, and employing unique solutions to help his clients avoid financial loss that could negatively impact their business. The areas that Jordan has significant expertise in include construction, residential and commercial real estate, hospitality, automotive repair, professional liability for public and private companies, and not for profit groups. Jordan has served on several not for profit organizations, and is currently on the board of a publicly traded company. He enjoys spending his leisure time with his family, golfing, and coaching sports in the community.

Cherie MacNeil

Cherie MacNeil

Commercial Lines Account Manager

With 10 years experience in the insurance industry, Cherie takes pride in her role as a Commercial Lines Account Manager. She started her career out west but eventually moved back to the Maritimes to raise her family. Cherie’s goal is to continue to provide the customer service her clients deserve. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, cooking and reading.

Lyndsey Bonnelly

Lyndsey Bonnelly

Office Manager

Lyndsey has been an insurance professional since 1993, working both as an insurer and a broker. Her roles have been primarily in the Commercial sector. She takes pride in her exceptional service, organizational skills and attention to detail.

Susan Brown

Susan Brown

Personal Lines Admin Assistant