Meet Our Team

The experience, attitude and depth of our people are what set us apart. While each of us has our own story, a background in aviation is the common thread.

	Jon Doolittle holds a BA from Trinity College and an MBA in Finance from New York University and the University of Connecticut. Jon also holds the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Aviation Insurance Professional (CAIP) designations. 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. He started the company in 1986 with one other person in a spare bedroom. Jon is a current CFII and an FAA Aviation Safety Counselor. 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 (Robb) is one of the most senior brokers at Sutton James, having been with us for over 8 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.
	Chris Arnold 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. He is a Commercial Pilot with an instrument rating with over 400 hours. Chris is passionate about flying and can be found aboard our company SR-22 quite regularly. Chris’s main focus is on fixed wing aircraft. He currently handles accounts ranging from personal aircraft to sales dealers and other commercial operators.
	James Buffington is one of our senior brokers, and holds a B.S. in Aviation Management and Flight Operations from Daniel Webster College. 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 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. 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.
	Richard Kenney, our most senior broker, earned his BS degree from Holy Cross College and completed graduate studies in business and insurance at Boston University. Since then he has earned the Certified Aviation Insurance Professional (CAIP), Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designations. He is one of the very few to have acquired all three diplomas. Dick began his insurance career as an underwriter with AIG and later transferred to the brokerage arena where he handled corporate aircraft and large commercial accounts, including in-orbit satellites for a New York broker. He moved to North Carolina in 1996 joining a major international aviation insurance broker and in 2004 affiliated with Sutton James. While enjoying all forms of aviation insurance, Dick specializes in the flight training environment and corporate aircraft. Dick has logged several thousand hours during his many years as a pilot. He now flies his SR-22 from Raleigh, North Carolina. Dick also serves as chief of the safety committee for the Wings of Carolina Flying Club. He is a well known figure in Carolina aviation and insurance circles.
	Tom Murphy holds a Bachelor’s in Resource Economics from the University of Connecticut and is a certified Hot Air Balloon Pilot. Tom is actively involved in the aviation community where he is a FAA Safety Team Representative as well as the Treasurer for the Connecticut Lighter Than Air Society. Tom continually works to advance aviation by volunteering to give presentations on hot air balloons to school aged kids throughout the northeast. Tom is a licensed broker who handles a wide variety of fixed wing and commercial risks.
	Gwendolyn Jaworski handles the bookkeeping and daily operations of the office at Sutton James. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from New Hampshire College and an Associate’s in Aviation Management from Daniel Webster College. Prior to working for Sutton James, Gwen gained further experience in the aviation industry working for an Aerospace Manufacturing company as an Accounting Supervisor. She recently received her broker’s license and will be focusing on property and workers comp risks.