Meet Our Team - Paul & Dixon Insurance - New Bedford, MA
About
Paul & Dixon Insurance

Here at the Paul & Dixon Insurance our goal is to provide you with fair policies, reliable advice, and a sense of security that will help your family live well and thrive!

For More Than A Century … Insurance With Integrity

Founded in 1852, Paul & Dixon is a full-service, independent insurance agency providing comprehensive insurance programs and related services. The agency is one of the first insurance agencies to arrange protection for businesses and families in the greater New Bedford, MA area, known as the South Coast region.  Our staff of qualified professionals averages more than 15 years’ insurance experience, so they can advise and counsel you on all types of insurance.

We are pleased that our clients tell us that personal service is the major reason they continue to do business with our agency year after year. A concrete demonstration of that trust is that our thousands of clients have entrusted us with well over a billion dollars worth of property insurance protection on their homes and businesses.

We offer a full range of Business and Professional Insurance services and products for a variety of businesses and organizations: Real Estate, Retail and Wholesale, Automotive, Marine, Non-Profit, Construction, Manufacturing, Medical, Financial, Legal and more.

We also offer a full range of Personal protection: Home, Auto, Boat, Life, Disability, Retirement Plans and more.

In today’s highly competitive insurance marketplace, making an informed choice about the best coverage at the best value can be more confusing than ever.  Clients count on us to help them understand their options. As an independent agency, Paul & Dixon represents more than three dozen leading national and regional insurance companies. In addition, our status as an Insurance Services of New England agency gives us access to nearly 30 additional companies to help ensure we can meet the most challenging Business or Personal Insurance coverage needs.

Meet the Team

 

Every member of the Paul & Dixon  team is an experienced professional.  Each has made a career commitment to ethically and professionally serve his or her clients.  Our Downtown New Bedford and North End offices work together to provide our clientele the most convenient service possible.  Feel free to drop into either office to conduct your business.

 

Stephen W. Connulty

President & CEO

I grew up in New Bedford, went to New Bedford public schools, graduating from New Bedford High School. I also graduated from Boston University. I’ve been in the insurance industry and with Paul & Dixon since 1983. My first job at P&D was affixing agency logo stickers on our holiday gift calendars. I am passionate about making our community a better place. We do this by both providing a higher level of awareness of the importance of the insurance protection we provide and sharing our success as a business with our local community.

Some interesting things to know about me are that I like learning new things of all kinds, but I really love the Red Sox and lounging at the beach with a good book! It must be the happy endings amidst light holiday snowfalls that make me a sucker for Hallmark Christmas movies. Decompressing on my front porch, back deck, or in front of the fireplace is where you’re likely to find me on the weekend. My volunteer activities consist of helping out the Jimmy Fund, Easterseals, local food pantries, and hospitals.

(508) 996-8593

Rachael L. Gonsalves, AAI, AAI-M, CISR

Senior Vice President & COO

I was born and raised in the south end of New Bedford, just a walk away from the ocean. I can remember walking on the hurricane dike as a kid before the Harbor Walk was created. I have been in the insurance industry since I was 19 years old. Starting out as just a file clerk in a small insurance agency, then moving to personal lines and onto commercial lines. What excites me most about my work is being able to put together the best insurance program to meet the client’s needs.

Personally, I enjoy working out, it is the way that I relieve stress, whether it be strength training, HIIT, indoor cycling, or yoga. I love music! I listen to music more than I watch television, it has been a huge part of my life since I was a young child. In the summertime, you will find me at the beach, on a nice fall day you might find me hiking or just walking outside, and in the winter cuddled up on the couch with my dogs watching a good movie! I also believe in contributing to programs for our community’s youth – you know, just doing my part!

(508) 996-8593

Craig R. Correia, CRIS, CCLP, CPIA

Executive Vice President, Business Development & Risk Advisory, Risk Advisor

I grew up in Acushnet and New Bedford and graduated from New Bedford High School.  I attended Wentworth Institute of Technology, majoring in Architecture & Construction management before graduating from UMass Dartmouth with a Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management and Marketing. Regarding my experience in the insurance industry, I have been in both the Insurance Industry and with Paul & Dixon for 11 Years. What excites me most about my job is the ability to help those in the business community solve their problems, better protect their business, and ultimately hope to get them to think more proactively about Risk Management as a whole.

I love spending time with my family and friends, especially my daughter Quinn, fiance Steph, and our pups. As for activities, I love to play Hockey and Golf, as well as enjoy our beautiful Southcoast MA coastline. My only real guilty pleasure is being an absolute sucker for Ice Cream and Desserts; other than that I think I am an open book. Spending time with family and friends is my favorite hobby, whether at the pool/beach or on a golf course! For volunteering, I am deeply involved in both the Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Bedford who provides a fun and safe space for kids to be just that, kids. I am also a member of the SCBA that gives back to several local causes through its fundraising events throughout the year.

(508) 996-8593

Maria M. Branco, CISR

Senior Vice President, Branch Operations

I was born in Paris but came to the United States in 1969. I had to learn the English language in the North End of New Bedford Public schools. I’ve met a lot of really nice people and have learned a lot from the wonderful insurance industry – how they think and where they are coming from, as far as underwriting and rates are concerned. I get excited knowing that I have made it easier for someone to understand the product that they are buying and explaining coverages while giving risk advisement.

My favorite thing to do is travel to new places and take in the culture while appreciating the differences that they have to my own culture! My guilty pleasure is to paint large paint-by-number kits as well as read about world history. I also enjoy relaxing at the beach by myself, when no one is around, or playing with my pup, Hunter – he’s very energetic! I have no particular involvement in any volunteer activities, but I rather try to give a helping hand or make someone who seems sad smile in everyday life – it is my own way of contributing towards positive change!

(508) 998-3228

Kim Cunningham

Senior Account Manager, Personal Lines Dept. Team Lead

I grew up in Taunton, MA. It has been 20+ years since I started working in the insurance industry. What I like most about what I do is helping people and learning new things about insurance that I can share with my clients!

In my leisure time, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family and my dog, Lola. Another thing about me is that I am a foodie and love to try new restaurants and cuisines. When I am not at work you can find me at home with my family or checking out new local restaurants. For volunteer work, I coordinate donations for the less fortunate for the holiday season and work at the soup kitchen. It’s nice to put some good into the world!

(508) 996-8593

Louise Francisco, CPIA

Account Manager

I grew up in New Bedford, MA. I have a long experience in the insurance field – I’ve been in it for 36 years! What I most like about it is helping my customers with their insurance needs.

Gardening, reading, going for runs, and cooking are just some of my hobbies. Whenever I’m not at work, you can definitely find me relaxing or working on one of my hobbies at home.

(508) 998-3228

Ashley Langer, CIC, CISR

Account Manager

I grew up in Brockton, MA. I have about 10 years of experience in the insurance industry, having achieved the CIC designation. I am currently in pursuit of the CISR designation. I enjoy insurance as the field is constantly changing and there is always something new to learn and share with clients.

My guilty pleasures are reading and watching true crime documentaries. Oh, and also having karaoke car rides with my close friends – there is nothing like it! When I am not at work, you can find me at home with my dog or with friends and family. Spending time with my loved ones will always be my favorite thing to do!

(508) 996-8593

Erin Lemieux, CPIA

Account Manager

I grew up in New Bedford, MA. I have been in the insurance industry for three+ years. What I most enjoy about being in this industry is being able to offer my clients the best coverage available to suit their needs by continuing to educate myself on the ever-changing insurance industry, and also building long-lasting relationships with my clients.

Some things to know about me are that I enjoy spending quality time with my family and my friends. I also like to relax while playing cards with family and doing yoga. When I am not at work you can find me spending time with my daughter, having a glass of wine with friends, or relaxing at home.

I believe that helping others is good for the heart and soul. Some things I do myself to bring some good into the world are volunteering as an assistant coach for my daughter’s soccer team and assisting my church with outreach programs.

(508) 996-8593

Dawn M. Neto, CISR

Account Manager

I grew up in Fall River, MA. I have been in the insurance industry now for 25 years. What I have enjoyed most working in this industry is the feeling of accomplishment when I know I have helped provide proper coverage to suit a customer’s needs and offered a clear understanding of their policy.

What I enjoy most outside of work, is spending time with my family. I have 3 grandchildren that bring me more joy than I ever could have imagined. I spend most of my time on the weekends with them.

(508) 996-8593

Marie Mello

Commercial Account Manager

I grew up in Fall River, MA, and started my career in the insurance world part-time back in high school as a file clerk, learning the ropes in personal lines. After about seven years, I made the switch to commercial lines and haven’t looked back since. Over the years, I’ve earned several certifications and designations that have kept me growing in this field.

What excites me most about my work is getting to know our clients’ businesses and helping them understand their insurance needs. Let’s be real, who loves paying for insurance? That’s why I enjoy helping them navigate the wonderful world of coverage!

On a personal note, I could talk for hours about true stories from WWII and, of course, history in general. I also have a bit of a fascination with conspiracy theories—anything that really makes you think!

A fun fact about me: I love ATV riding, especially when it leads to a secret campfire spot. When I’m not working, you can find me catching up with friends and family or diving into any of my many projects.

I’m passionate about supporting causes that focus on improving mental and physical health, like the Wounded Warrior Project, Alzheimer’s Research, Autism Research, and Project Rachel.

(508) 471-3783

Tyffaney Fonseca

Assistant Account Manager

I’ve been a lifelong resident of New Bedford, MA w/with a love for historical art & music. I attended Umass Dartmouth and majored in Art History with a minor in History. Regarding my experience in the industry, I can tell you that after 15yrs with Paul & Dixon Insurance, I’m thankful to have been cross-trained in many areas of the agency.

Some fun facts about me are that I have a passion for Egyptology, the ancient arts & I love to dance! I also am a retired Hip Hop Choreographer who had the honor of working with many big named Hip Hop artists. When I’m not in the office, I love to spend time with family, travel & tend to my garden.

(508) 996-8593

Milly Garcia

Administrative Assistant

(508) 996-8593

Fax: 508-990-1784

Hours: Mon-Fri

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

DOWNTOWN OFFICE:

388 County Street
New Bedford, MA 02740

NORTH END OFFICE:

4436 Acushnet Ave
New Bedford, MA 02745