Meet Our Staff

Sharon Taylor-Simmons, President of Taylor Insurance, began her insurance career after graduating from Liberty University in 1997 with a degree in Business Administration. As the daughter of founder George B. Taylor, Sharon grew up with a deep understanding of the agency’s values and commitment to community. She was named President in 2014 following her father’s passing and has continued to lead the agency with integrity, professionalism, and a passion for serving others. Under her leadership, Taylor Insurance remains a trusted name for personal, commercial, and life insurance throughout Central Virginia.

John Paul Taylor, Vice-President, has been with the firm since July 1989. Paul managed the Bedford office for many years and now specializes in personal and commercial insurance accounts, and financial services (life; annuities; health & group insurance products). He believes in explaining how insurance can benefit you when a claim arises and will spend the time necessary to answer your insurance questions.

Melisa Taylor-Dawson, Vice-President, began her insurance career in 1983 taking a high school development program sponsored by the Independent Insurance Agents Association (Project Invest) and working part-time for the family agency. Lisa operates from the Lynchburg Office and manages the personal lines departments. She is involved with the development of personal lines sales – and the selection of carriers to serve the agencies’ customers.

She is a dedicated insurance professional and very much involved in her community and church – if you need insurance for auto; home; boat; umbrella; and recreational vehicles.

Brande Taylor-Baker, Insurance Agent, has been with Taylor Insurance since 2004. As the first of the second Taylor generation to join the agency, Brande brings both experience and a deep sense of family tradition to her work. She spent many years serving clients in our Bedford office and now works from our Lynchburg location, where she continues to build lasting relationships with personal and commercial insurance clients. Brande is committed to helping clients understand their coverage options and takes the time to ensure they feel confident in their insurance decisions.

Tammy Coalson, Insurance Agent, has been with Taylor Insurance since 2017, proudly serving clients from our Altavista office. Tammy specializes in personal insurance, helping individuals and families find the right protection for their homes, vehicles, and more. She is known for her friendly, approachable style and takes the time to make sure every client fully understands their coverage. Whether you’re updating a policy or exploring new options, Tammy is committed to delivering personal service you can trust.

Katie Taylor, Insurance Agent, joined Taylor Insurance in February 2019 and serves clients from our Bedford office. She holds her Property & Casualty license and focuses on helping individuals and families navigate their personal insurance needs. Katie is known for her kindness, strong work ethic, and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure her clients feel informed and supported. Whether you’re shopping for auto, home, or renters insurance, Katie is committed to providing clear guidance and dependable service.

George B. Taylor, Sr., Pres/CEO began his insurance career on March 1, 1965. He founded George B. Taylor, Inc. Insurance Agency August 1, 1973. Humble beginnings (one small room; 2 chairs; a desk and no customers) led to multiple locations (Lynchburg; Altavista and Bedford) and several thousand customers.

George took the task of serving the insurance needs of others very serious. He worked with his employees to improve their skills and abilities to deliver the best insurance products and services to our valued customers possible.

Basketball fanatic & a Liberty University (LU) fan.

George B. (Brad) Taylor, Jr., Vice-President. He secured his property-casualty license in October 1983 and managed the Bedford Office for the 9 years.