The Carlton Team
At Carlton Insurance we believe in the “Team Concept”. While every client has an “assigned” Account Manager, there is another team member that has familiarity with your account and can answer questions and handle service if your Account Manager is not available. Every Account Manager and Sales Executive are constantly in training and enrolled in advanced insurance education, in addition to the Continuing Education required by the state. Team Members participate in designation programs for both personal and commercial lines of insurance. We believe this is proof of our commitment to a superior level of customer service and professionalism.
T. NELSON CARLTON JR
President
910-293-7881
ncarlton@carltoninsurance.com
Nelson Carlton joined Carlton Insurance in January of 1995 with a concentration in agribusiness and commercial lines insurance. His prior experience includes working with the Carl D. Pate Insurance Agency in Beulaville N.C. as a producer and part owner of the business. Before entering the insurance business and after his graduating from N.C. State University, he spent nine years with Quinn Wholesale Company, in Warsaw N.C. as a company buyer of perishable goods and Director of Human Resources. Nelson has served the community of Duplin County on several different boards including, the economic development commission, the county planning board, and he is currently a director for the Duplin County Veterans Museum. He is a native of Duplin County.
Nelson and his wife, Alice Anne, have two girls, also graduates of North Carolina State University. He enjoys North Carolina history and the balance of life that Duplin County offers to family, farming and business.
Vonda Norris, AINS, CISR
Team Manager
910-298-4888
vnorris@carltoninsurance.com
Vonda Norris is an experienced Farm and Commercial Account Manager and leader of Carlton Insurance’s customer service team in both personal and commercial lines of business. Driven by integrity, she takes pride in providing the best leadership and service possible. As one of the managers of the service department, her goals include equipping the team to be the best at all aspects of their job and investing in the team's growth for the good of clients. In addition to her primary responsibilities, Vonda obtained an Associate in General Insurance as well as the CISR designation, to accelerate her career in insurance.
When she’s not working, you can find her riding her own Harley, riding UTV’s or boating with the family.
CHELSEA MALPASS
Team Manager
910-293-7881
cmalpass@carltoninsurance.com
Chelsea Malpass joined Carlton Insurance in 2008. Over the years, Chelsea has worked in several areas of the agency learning the operational intricacies particular to the differing aspects of the insurance business. As head of Accounting and Technology, Chelsea enjoys the challenge of figuring out the how and why of daily work within Carlton Insurance. She draws particular satisfaction and reward from teaching and supporting colleagues with new technology that helps them succeed in their daily endeavors.
Chelsea lives in Pink Hill, North Carolina with her husband and children. When not at work, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her children, reading, going to the beach, and involvement in her church.
Paten Zapata
Producer | Account Manager
910-293-7881
pzapata@carltoninsurance.com
Paten brings over 15 years of expertise in marketing, communications, and business development, leading award-winning, results-driven initiatives within the commercial retail industry. Most recently, she served in a digital marketing management and creative design role for Crabtree Valley Mall, where she developed and executed data-driven strategies that increased brand awareness, audience engagement, and revenue growth.
During her tenure at Crabtree Valley Mall, Paten and her team earned Gold in the Community category at the ICSC Global MAXI Awards, recognizing impactful philanthropic initiatives that strengthened community connections.
Paten is a graduate of North Carolina State University, where she earned a degree in Business Management with a concentration in Operations Management. She has since joined Carlton Insurance Agency, Inc., founded by her great-grandfather, where she is proud to work alongside her father, the agency’s president, and contribute to the agency’s continued growth and success.
Outside of the office, Paten is a proud wife and mother to her son, Gabriel. She lives in Garner, North Carolina, and enjoys cooking with family on the weekends, spending quality time with loved ones, and exploring downtown Raleigh.
DOREEN SMITH
Insurance Producer
910-498-0296
dsmith@carltoninsurance.com
Doreen Smith, a Sampson County native and graduate of the University of Mount Olive, joined Carlton Insurance in 2017 as a producer. Doreen worked in her family’s auto dealership business in Clinton for several years prior to moving to Duplin County. This work experience, coupled with owning her own business and marrying a farmer, allows her to understand and meet the insurance needs of business owners. Doreen relies on this background, as she works in partnership with clients to assess appropriate and comprehensive plans for personal and commercial insurance needs and asset protection.
Doreen lives in Beulaville with her husband and two children. She enjoys spending free time running, traveling, and looking for new adventures with family and friends. Doreen feels life is short, so smile and have fun.
CHERYL SUTTON, CISR
Account Manager
910-293-7881
Cheryl.sutton@carltoninsurance.com
Cheryl Sutton started working at Carlton Insurance in 1984 as a licensed property and casualty agent, with a primary focus in personal lines. Cheryl thrives on the lasting relationships that she has built over the time she has been in the insurance industry. Clients have become friends and family for Cheryl.
Cheryl enjoys relaxing by the pool in the summer and spending time with her family. She enjoys all kinds of sports and volunteers on the local fire department and sings in her church choir.
GUYLENE FERRELL, CISR
Account Manager
910-298-4888
gferrell@carltoninsurance.com
Guylene Ferrell came to Carlton Insurance Agency in 2012 with 25 years’ experience in customer service. Licensed as a North Carolina agent in Property, Casualty, and Life Insurance products, Guylene is known for supporting, educating and building lasting relationships with her clients. As a seasoned Account Manager she is passionate about advancing her knowledge base and customer service skills. Guylene has received her designation as a Certified Insurance Service Representative, and is currently working towards other designations.
When not at work Guylene enjoys spending quality time traveling with her two daughters.