Colby Waltenburg, President of TAU, has over 25 years of experience in Property & Casualty wholesale brokerage management. His specific expertise is in underwriting and placing transportation business, which is what led him to join Transatlantic Underwriters (TAU), where he continues doing what he loves most. Colby brought his strong relationships with insurance carriers and vast transportation knowledge to the company, and truly enjoys solving the puzzle of a challenging risk.

When he’s not busy at work, Colby enjoys spending time with his five children, who are all homeschooled by his amazing wife, Kristen. He also enjoys playing soccer and other sports when off the clock, and he’s a HUGE Star Wars fanatic.

Donna Smith, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for TAU, has over 30 years of experience in both U.S. and international insurance markets. Her strong financial management and operations expertise aids her in managing all finance, accounting, operational and administrative functions at the company. Donna employs a customer-motivated philosophy in collaboration with the management team, which has set the strategic vision and goals to achieve significant growth and outstanding customer satisfaction. Prior to joining TAU in 2019, Donna served as CFO at Coastal Brokers for 28 years.

Donna is an avid Auburn Tigers fan and enjoys cheering on her team when she’s not crunching numbers. War Eagle! She also enjoys traveling, being out on the lake, tailgating and spending time with family and friends.

Vice President Cheryl Hartz has over 25 years of industry experience, climbing the ranks from file clerk to underwriter as she learned the ins and outs of the business, gaining vast knowledge that she applies to every risk that crosses her desk. An expert in all things Transportation E&S Underwriting, Cheryl has created long-standing relationships with her agents, who have many options in this industry but choose to partner with her due to the honesty, integrity, and transparency she brings to every transaction.

Cheryl enjoys family, church, spending time outdoors, and a great cup of coffee!

Bernadette Flores serves as Senior Vice President of Property & Casualty, leading the company's comprehensive P&C division with strategic vision and industry-specific expertise. With over 24 years of experience in the excess and surplus P&C sector, Flores brings unparalleled knowledge in Contractors, Garage, Habitational, and Hospitality insurance markets. Her approach combines technical expertise with relationship-focused service delivery, embodying TAU's commitment to providing specialized knowledge with personalized attention.

Outside the office, Flores can be found hunting for unique treasures at estate sales or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of summer music festivals. Above all, she values time spent with family and close friends. The genuine warmth she brings to client relationships reflects the same authenticity she values in her personal life.

Stephanie Karafa, Underwriter & Broker for TAU, has nearly 18 years of experience in transportation and commercial property and casualty insurance. Her background includes motor truck cargo, physical damage, auto liability, garage, daycares, bars and restaurants, and other commercial risks. At TAU, Stephanie supports both the Transportation and Property & Casualty divisions, with a primary focus on expanding transportation opportunities throughout Florida and the Southeast. Prior to joining TAU, she earned Top Broker of the Month honors four times and helped create and manage multiple Lloyd’s transportation programs that developed into successful, profitable long-term programs.

Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her three nephews and niece, traveling, visiting Walt Disney World, and taking trips to Scotland, where she has family.

Shannon Nauta has been with TAU since 2019 and has over 20 years of insurance experience, beginning on the retail agency side and transitioning to wholesale approximately 15 years ago. She truly enjoys the underwriting process and providing prompt service to her agents, with whom she has forged valuable relationships over the years.

When she’s not helping her agents, Shannon enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters. As an empty nester, she and her husband are always in search of weekend adventures or planning their next vacation.

Karolyn Karras, Claims Administrator and Renewal Underwriter, has over 30 years of experience in the insurance marketplace with both domestic and foreign facilities. As Claims Administrator, she is responsible for handling and processing claims, acting as a liaison between adjusters, agents and carriers. In her underwriting capacity, Karolyn promotes continued profitable growth with new business and retention of existing business. She appreciates the dual role, which provides her with flexibility and more opportunity to apply her expertise.

In her spare time, Karolyn enjoys spending time with family and friends, getting away with her husband to the casino and wine tasting, of course.