Meet Your McKenzie Agency Brightway Insurance Team

For the past eight years, Jenny has been honored to serve the Lowcountry community as a Brightway agency owner, building lasting relationships rooted in trust and service. Every day brings new opportunities to guide and educate clients through the ever-changing insurance market, ensuring they feel confident and protected. As a dedicated Brightway Agency Owner, she remains committed to helping families and businesses safeguard what they’ve worked so hard to build—because protecting our community isn’t just business, it’s personal.

Before joining Brightway, Jenny spent nearly two decades as a trusted consultant, helping small business owners strengthen their financial foundation through improved accounting and process management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL, and remains an active member of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, the Harbour Club, and Charleston’s Professional Women’s Network.

Jenny and her husband, Bret—owner of BW Construction—have been happily married for 17 years. They share their home with a dog and two cats and are active members of Palmetto Presbyterian. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys summer days on the water, cooking up the catch of the day, and unwinding outdoors.

As she expands the agency licenses into North Carolina and Georgia, Jenny and the team are excited to welcome new clients and agency referral partners to the family and continue her mission of providing trusted guidance and exceptional service to everyone.

Zach joined the McKenzie Agency in 2022, bringing with him a strong foundation in the insurance industry that dates to the age of 17. He holds a degree in Finance and Risk Management from Georgia Southern University, combining academic insight with over a decade of hands-on experience. 

Throughout his career, Zach has served in a variety of roles on both the agency and carrier sides, giving him a well-rounded perspective and deep understanding of the industry. What continues to motivate him is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, helping individuals and families navigate their coverage with clarity and confidence. 

Zach lives in Charleston with his wife, Chayce, a children’s librarian at the downtown branch, and their dog Hank—who has a deep love for blankets and a habit of taking over the bed. In his free time, Zach enjoys playing tennis, catching live music, and hunting down the best burger spots around the city.

The newest member of the McKenzie Agency, Josh knew from the moment he connected with Jenny that Brightway was the right fit. With shared values of delivering the highest level of service and client experience, Josh quickly became a key player in the agency, overseeing social media management and supporting our North Carolina partners and clients. 

After graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Business Analytics and a minor in French and International Business, Josh dove straight into the insurance industry. His academic background honed his attention to detail, from sorting through lines of code and thousands of data points to presenting complex information in an easily digestible format. This skill is invaluable in his role today, where he prepares quotes for clients with an underwriter's eye, ensuring they receive the best coverage while minimizing risk. 

Outside of work, Josh lives with his fiancée, Reese, and their dog, Fynn. They enjoy exploring new local restaurants and spending time with friends and family—whether at the beach in the summer or on the ski slopes in the winter.

With over 11 years of experience in the financial sector, Nikki brings a strong foundation in customer service and a passion for helping others to her day to day. After spending a decade in the mortgage industry, she made the leap into insurance and hasn’t looked back. Since joining Brightway and the McKenzie Agency, Nikki has found a career path that is both rewarding and fulfilling. 

She thrives on building genuine relationships with clients and takes pride in finding creative, personalized solutions that help them save money and gain peace of mind. Her commitment to service and her ability to connect with people have made her a valued part of the team. 

Originally from Wisconsin, Nikki has called Charleston home for over 13 years. She and her husband moved to the Lowcountry the day after he graduated as valedictorian from the National University of Health Sciences, where he became a chiropractor. They now have two energetic children who keep them busy with school, taekwondo, and dance competitions.

In her spare time, Nikki enjoys traveling, reading, beach days, and the occasional guilty-pleasure binge of reality TV.

Catherine joined the McKenzie Agency after retiring from a distinguished 30+ year career in nursing. Originally from Vermont, she spent much of her professional life in South Carolina, where she held leadership roles including Manager and Interim Director of Case Management and Discharge Planning at Trident Medical Center. Her extensive background in patient care, coordination, and advocacy has translated seamlessly into her work supporting clients and building strong relationships. 

Catherine earned her LPN from New Hampshire Technical College in Claremont, NH, and has always been guided by a deep commitment to helping others. That same drive is what led her to Brightway and Jenny's agency. Jenny’s focus on personalized service and community connections resonated with Catherine’s values, making it a natural next chapter in her career. 

Now working remotely from Maine, Catherine enjoys being closer to her two granddaughters and providing support to her elderly parents. When she’s not assisting clients, she loves spending time with family, gardening, tackling DIY home projects, crafting, and cheering on her favorite basketball team—the Tennessee Lady Vols.

Maria brings over 20 years of experience in the medical field to her role at Brightway, where she has worked alongside Jenny for more than six years. Her background as an office manager and insurance specialist gave her a strong foundation in service, organization, and problem-solving—but it was the transition to the McKenzie Agency that reignited her passion for helping others. Today, Maria thrives in her role and loves the meaningful work she does each day. 

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Maria’s path took her from the Northeast to the South. After living in New Orleans, she and her family relocated to Charleston in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina, and they've called it home ever since. 

Family is at the heart of everything Maria does. She is happily married and the proud mother of two children and a stepson, with the "empty nest" phase fast approaching. An animal lover through and through, she shares her home with a dog, two cats, and a bunny—and dreams of one day having a full-blown zoo. 

In her spare time, Maria enjoys painting, crafting, decorating, and cooking. She has a special love for the holiday season and goes all out for Christmas, embracing the joy and creativity it brings.

Woof!