Program

Meet Our Team

Programs RPS Balloon Meet Our Team

RPS Balloon has been providing protection for the hot air and gas balloon community for over 30 years.  As the largest hot air balloon insurance provider in the United States, RPS Balloon offers a full range of tailored coverage options including Airport Operations Area Auto Coverage, Balloon Accessory Coverage, Family Assistance, Host Liquor Liability, Personal & Advertising Liability, Worldwide Coverage and more.

The RPS Balloon team is active in the ballooning community and understands the unique challenges balloonists are presented with throughout the United States and across the world. The staff is continuously educated on insurance requirements and has a strong network of relationships within the community, allowing them to keep up-to-date on the industry’s constantly changing practices and regulations.

Let’s Get in Touch

Please feel free to get in touch with us any time regarding our products and services.  We love to receive feedback from our customers.

Kathy Gallagher-Burton

Kathy has been at RPS for 10 years and is experienced in all lines of insurance. She has worked the majority of her career in Excess & Surplus Lines, but also has worked for a national carrier and as a retail agent. She has worked on many national specialty programs including Animal Mortality, Hot Air Balloons, Jewelers Block, Fine Arts and Liquor Liability. She currently sits on the Board of Directors of SLAM (Surplus Lines Association of Minnesota). Kathy has been on the board since inception in 2008 and holds the position of Secretary Treasurer. Kathy resides in Hinckley, MN. In her spare time she enjoyes hobbies which include hiking, kayaking, golf and spending time with family and friends.

Gloria Keogh

Gloria joined RPS Balloon in 2015. She attended Bethel University and has a degree in Business Adminstration. Gloria began her underwriting career in the small group health insurance market. When the opportunity opened to work in the hot air balloon insurance market, Gloria quickly made the switch. She grew up in Minneapolis, MN and spent her summers at the"lake." She now resides in Burnsville, MN. In her spare time, Gloria enjoys tennis, cycling, art fairs and spending time with family and friends.

Krista Howard

 

 

Krista has been with RPS for 3 years and is experienced in various lines of insurance. Seven years ago, Krista started her career in insurance as a retail agent. She has also worked for a national health carrier as an underwriter, but the majority of her underwriting experience has been with RPS.  Krista currently works in our specialty Aviation department focusing on Hot Air Balloons, Aircrafts, and Drones. 

Krista resides in New Prague, MN, with her husband, Shane; little boy, Carson; and two springers.  In their spare time, her family enjoys sharing hobbies; such as camping, biking, hiking, and spending time with family and friends at the cabin. 

Rob Schantz

Rob, a balloonist and insurance agent of many years, is an active member of the balloon industry. Rob is a past President of the Balloon Federation of America and a recipient of its highest award. Rob resides in Jacksonville with his wife, Jetta, who is also a world class balloonist and record holder, along with their daughter, Summer.

John Griffin

John joined the agency in 2005 after having worked for various insurance carriers including roles as President of two US carriers. John and his wife, Debi, live and work in Roswell, GA a suburb of Atlanta.