Staff/Team
Chris Arnold, CIC, CAIP – Managing Director
Chris is a licensed broker who came to work for us after graduating from Daniel Webster College in 2006. Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management and Flight Operations. A Commercial Pilot with Multi-Engine and instrument ratings, Chris is a passionate aviator with over 1200 logged flight hours. Chris can be found aboard our company aircraft quite regularly.
Chris serves on the Board of Directors of the Aviation Insurance Association. He also holds Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Aviation Insurance Professional (CAIP) designations.
Chris handles a wide variety of aviation risks for his clients with a heavy focus on both corporate and charter operators as well as owner-flown turbine aircraft, flight schools, and other commercial operators.
Jon Doolittle
After 30+ years of founding and building the Sutton James agency, Jon has taken a step back from his management role, and is pleased to hand the reins to current Managing Director Chris Arnold. While still working with the team on occasion, Jon currently offers his insight and support to the team on more of a behind the scenes basis.
Jon started refueling airplanes while he was in college to pay for his flying lessons. He worked as a flight instructor and charter pilot, and later as a dispatcher for a regional airline. Jon spent 5 years in New York City as an underwriter for USAIG, where he handled commercial and corporate aviation accounts. Jon is a current CFII and an FAA Aviation Safety Counselor and holds Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Aviation Insurance Professional (CAIP) designations. He presents insurance and safety-related seminars on behalf of the FAA and other groups. He is also a contributor to several aviation publications including “The Aviation Consumer” and “Twin & Turbine” magazine.
Airika Ackermann
Broker
Airika is one of the most senior brokers at Sutton James, having been with us for over 20 years. She handles both fixed wing and helicopter insurance for both personal and commercial operators. She is part of the team that handles our Robinson Helicopter Insurance Program. Airika also manages a large number of our customers who manufacture and distribute products to the aerospace industry, and many of our special risk accounts. Airika holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management and an Associate’s degree in Flight Operations from Daniel Webster College where she also became a licensed Private Pilot and received her tail wheel sign off. Prior to working for Sutton James, Airika gained further experience in the aviation field working for an FBO at Brainard Airport in Hartford, and a local avionics company.
James Buffington, CIC, CAIP
Broker
Jamie has been with us for over 20 years and is one of our senior brokers. He holds a B.S. in Aviation Management and Flight Operations from Daniel Webster College and holds the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Aviation Insurance Professional (CAIP) designations. Jamie is a licensed Private Pilot with Single Engine Instrument and Sea ratings and has a passion for flying. Prior to joining Sutton James, Jamie gained experience in the corporate aviation industry as a dispatcher for a corporate flight department. Jamie is a member of our Robinson Helicopter Insurance Program team and handles a wide array of insurance for his clients ranging from fixed and rotor wing aircraft to flight schools and commercial operators.
Caitlyn Jones-Henry, CIC, CAIP
Broker
Caitlyn holds a B.S. in Aviation Management and Transportation from the University of New Haven and is a commercial, instrument, single and multi engine rated pilot, as well as a certificated flight instructor. Caitlyn also holds the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Aviation Insurance Professional (CAIP) designations. Prior to Sutton James, Caitlyn was the manager for a FAA Part 141 flight school located at Brainard Airport. She has also worked as a dispatcher for a FAA Part 91 and Part 135 operator, and has flown as a line pilot in a variety of single and twin-engine aircraft. Caitlyn is one of our senior brokers and is part of the team that handles insurance for the Robinson Helicopter Insurance program as well as all varieties of fixed and rotor wing aircraft and commercial risks.
CB Bright
Account Manager – Aviation
CB has over 15 years of aviation insurance underwriting experience. His passion for aviation was kindled after going to an airshow for the first time and seeing the Warbirds on display.
He currently resides in central Texas with his wife. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling around the world and experiencing new adventures.
Nicole Krause
Account Manager – Aviation
Nicole has a decade of aviation insurance experience and a background as a commercial lines account manager.
Nicole resides in Orange County, California with her husband and two children. In her free time, she enjoys taking long walks on the beach and dining out at her favorite local Mexican restaurants.
Heidi Doiron
Account Manager – Aviation
Prior to joining Sutton James, Heidi spent over 8 years in the aviation financing world.
When she is not working, Heidi enjoys traveling, camping, and hiking with her family.
Join the Optisure team. Learn about career opportunities and what it takes to join our team.