Kathy Lance is third generation agency owner of LN Davis Insurance Agency. Kathy attended Western Carolia University and started in the agency in 1977. Over the years she has enjoyed working alongside her grandfather, father, and sister, brother-in-law, husband, and most recently her daughter, Merritt. Kathy is the heart and soul of LN Davis and is proud to represent such a strong family heritage.

Kathy is a past president of REACH of Haywood County, Greater Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, Haywood County Schools Foundation Board, and WCU Catamount Club.

Kathy also represents women in leadership by holding the title of first female president of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC). She follows in her father Paul Lawson Davis’ footsteps who was president of IIANC when she was 4 years old.

In her spare time, Kathy loves being with her grandchildren, going to Hilton Head Island, camping, and attending WCU Catamount Club functions and sporting events.

Fun Fact: Kathy has never met a stranger. She makes friends everywhere she goes.

Gary Lance is originally an Asheville native. He attended Western Carolina University and earned a degree in Industrial Technology and Engineering. During his college career he was a member and Vice President of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.  He also met his wife Kathy while in college.

After the birth of their only child, Merritt, Gary joined Kathy in the family agency, where he has spent most of his career.

When Gary isn’t working, he can be found on the golf course, fishing, or attending Western Carolina University sporting games.

Gary’s accomplishments include board member of Downtown Waynesville Association, WCU Catamount Club, Past President of the Haywood Athletic Club, past race director of the Maggie Valley Moonlight Race, and past member of the Waynesville Rotary Club.

Fun Fact: Gary was Paws for a WCU Basketball Game in January of 1991. We have photographed proof.

Merritt Tongen graduated from NC State with degrees in Social Work, Spanish, and Nonprofit Studies. After 8 years working for Auto-Owners Insurance Company, she and her husband Mark came back to Waynesville to raise their family. As a fourth-generation owner at LN Davis Insurance, Merritt loves helping everyone with their insurance needs.

In her spare time, Merritt can be found chasing her three kids in the garden, collecting eggs from her beloved chickens, or tending to her many other animals and plants.

Merritt is heavily involved in her community as she is presently on the Haywood County Schools Foundation Board (HCSFB), a liaison between HCSFB and the Big T Booster Club, Ambassador for the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, and Board Member for Haywood Pathways.

She follows in her mother and grandfather's steps with her involvement in the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina as well. She is presently Chairwoman of the iLead Young Agents Committee as well as a member of the Womens IA Networking Committee (WIN).  

Fun Fact: Merritt can ride a unicycle, juggle, and walk on stilts. Clearly, she should have been in the circus.

Kim Gardner originally hales from Florida but chose Waynesville to raise her family. She worked as a reporter at The Mountaineer, followed by social work stints at the 30^th Alliance for DV-SA, Mountain Projects, Volunteers of America, and Haywood County DSS.

After chasing her dreams as a journalist and social worker, Kim obtained her insurance license. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, with a minor in art.

Kim lives in Waynesville with her husband, Matt, their daughter, Madi, and their son, Charlie. She also shares her home with two huskies, three cats, and a lone gecko, Lenny.

Fun Fact: Kim rode in an open cockpit biplane when she was a reporter. The plane was a Red Baron.

Brian Lanning is a Waynesville native, but a man of the world. When he’s not busy helping our customers, Brian can be found enjoying time in the sun on a cruise or simply jet-setting away to a foreign destination. His favorite port of call so far is Hawaii.

In addition to sailing the high seas, Brian has a passion for music. One of his favorite shows was the Concert for the Carolinas, a benefit concert held in Charlotte for Hurricane Helene victims.

Prior to joining LN Davis Insurance, Brian spent eight years working for local attorneys before working five years with BMW.

Fun Fact: Brian has ridden in a professional BMW car racing at speeds in excess of 100 MPH at the BMW Performance Track.