About Interstate
Our History
Interstate General Agency was incorporated in Denver, Colorado, in 1982 by James (Jim) Wilkerson. In 1986, he opened an office in Tulsa, Oklahoma, his hometown. In 1993, the Denver office was consolidated into the Tulsa office, where the business had become centralized. Jim and his wife, Juanita, ran the office until Jim’s untimely passing in October 1997; after that, Juanita took over, with others doing the actual running of the office. In June 2006, their daughter, Julie Knight, took the reins from her mother and rebuilt the agency’s infrastructure, with new offices, employees, computers, and a new office management system. After taking some time to settle into the new order of things, Interstate has re-established standards of excellent service and is moving to the next level of growth.
Julie Knight, President & CEO
Julie’s first experience in insurance was working for American Modern Home Insurance during the summer of 1979, before she graduated from high school. At that time, her father, Jim Wilkerson, was vice president of marketing for American Modern Home, back when they had offices in Tulsa.
Julie later worked for her father at Interstate from 1986 until 1989, when she quit to stay home with her growing family (she and her husband, Scot, have six children and four grandchildren). In 2006, she returned to Interstate to assume the responsibilities from her mother, Juanita, who subsequently passed away in 2009.
Gary Casey, Vice-President of Marketing
Gary has always been a “go-getter.” While still in his twenties, he was involved in starting two businesses of his own. He has worked in the Information Technology field for the last five years, expanding his knowledge of computer systems; and he is presently completing work toward a degree in Business Management. Gary started working at Interstate in September 2009 and has brought his focused, entrepreneurial spirit and technical knowledge to the agency. From waiting tables in college to running for the Oklahoma State Senate in 2008, he has always shown an eagerness to serve people with a humble heart. We are thrilled to have Gary’s energy and enthusiasm on the Interstate team.
Elizabeth (Beth) Casey, Underwriting Manager
Beth has worked at Interstate since August, 2006. Prior to joining our crew, she worked at Country Insurance and Financial Services in Tulsa as production assistant. Since coming to Interstate, she has sharpened her skills and become our underwriting manager. All our producers know her perky voice and helpful disposition. She’s our “go-to” gal and continues to be an integral part of Interstate’s success.
Diane Day
Diane comes to us with two Associates Degrees: one in Computer Programming, and one in Computer Science with Business Option. She has previously worked for a tax preparation firm, and as assistant manager for a major grocery chain; she also previously worked for Interstate in 2007 before moving out of state. We are more than happy to have her back with all her talents and spirited personality.
Our Staff
Julie’s first experience in insurance was working for American Modern Home Insurance during the summer of 1979, before she graduated from high school. At that time, her father, Jim Wilkerson, was vice president of marketing for American Modern Home, back when they had offices in Tulsa.
Julie later worked for her father at Interstate from 1986 until 1989, when she quit to stay home with her growing family (she and her husband, Scot, have six children and four grandchildren). In 2006, she returned to Interstate to assume the responsibilities from her mother, Juanita, who subsequently passed away in 2009.
Gary has always been a “go-getter.” While still in his twenties, he was involved in starting two businesses of his own. He has worked in the Information Technology field for the last five years, expanding his knowledge of computer systems; and he is presently completing work toward a degree in Business Management. Gary started working at Interstate in September 2009 and has brought his focused, entrepreneurial spirit and technical knowledge to the agency. From waiting tables in college to running for the Oklahoma State Senate in 2008, he has always shown an eagerness to serve people with a humble heart. We are thrilled to have Gary’s energy and enthusiasm on the Interstate team.
Beth has worked at Interstate since August, 2006. Prior to joining our crew, she worked at Country Insurance and Financial Services in Tulsa as production assistant. Since coming to Interstate, she has sharpened her skills and become our underwriting manager. All our producers know her perky voice and helpful disposition. She’s our “go-to” gal and continues to be an integral part of Interstate’s success.
Diane comes to us with two Associates Degrees: one in Computer Programming, and one in Computer Science with Business Option. She has previously worked for a tax preparation firm, and as assistant manager for a major grocery chain; she also previously worked for Interstate in 2007 before moving out of state. We are more than happy to have her back with all her talents and spirited personality.
Scot Knight, Systems Maintenance
Scot, husband to Julie, worked for Julie’s father, Jim, at Interstate from 1986 until 1990, when he returned to his previous line of work in engineering and design for an oil refinery equipment manufacturer. When Julie returned to Interstate in 2006, he came with her and has been invaluable in restructuring the agency, putting together and maintaining the new computer system, and working on processing the commissions each month.