Ryan J. Birr

President / Brokerage Principal

Ryan brings decades of expertise to the management of aviation insurance and aviation risk solutions for the Brokerage’s clients.  Licensed as a Private Pilot in 1986 and an Insurance Agent in 1989, Ryan has specialized in aviation insurance since 1995, with a strong focus on complex commercial aviation businesses and public entity aviation packages.

He holds a B.A. in Business Administration with a Minor in Risk Management, an A.S. in Business Aviation, and an A.A. in Business Management. Ryan is a Certified Aviation Insurance Professional (CAIP) and holds the prestigious CAIP GOLD designation—an honor held by fewer than 30 aviation insurance professionals worldwide. His career began in life and health insurance before transitioning to aviation insurance, where he has since built a distinguished reputation.

A Commercial and Instrument-rated pilot, Ryan also holds credentials as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Instrument Instructor (CFII), and Ground Instructor (AGI/IGI). He is qualified for Single Engine Land, Sea, and Multi-Engine aircraft and has been recognized with the FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate and Phase 10 of the FAA Pilot Proficiency Awards Program.

In addition to his aviation and insurance career, Ryan has a long history of public service. He served eight years as a City Councilor and held positions on the Washington County Coordination Committee and the Metro Area Communications Commission in the Portland Tri-County area. He has been President of his homeowners’ association, served on various aviation-related boards and airshow committees, and was Chairman of his local School District’s Facilities Planning Commission. He currently serves as Secretary on the Board of the Oregon Pilots’ Association.

Outside of his professional and civic commitments, Ryan enjoys spending time with family, flying his Mooney 252, and supporting the Brokerage’s valued clients.

Liam J. Birr

Administrative Support

Liam is a licensed insurance professional who supports the team with administrative and quality control responsibilities, helping ensure smooth operations and excellent client service.  He has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Minor in Environmental Sustainability.  His college experience includes many terms abroad including, Guam, St. Croix, Germany and most recently a year-long contract developing environmental sustainability programs for the County of Hawaii on the Big Island.  Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors and stays active in a variety of sports leagues.

Lauren A. Birr

Controller / Commercial Accounts

Lauren Birr is the Controller and a Producer at Northwest Insurance Group, Inc., bringing over seven years of experience in aviation insurance brokerage, financial management and client service. She oversees all financial operations and also works closely with the commercial team, supporting client relationships.

Lauren combines precision, reliability, and collaborative spirit with a strong understanding of the unique dynamics of the aviation industry, making her a key contributor to the firm’s operational strength. Known for her client service excellence, and attention to detail, she helps ensure the company runs smoothly both behind the scenes and on the client-facing side.

On most days, you’ll also find her office sidekick, her dog Dash, by her desk, keeping things relaxed and adding a bit of personality to the workplace.

Leslie J. Birr

Municipal Airport Program Manager

Les holds a B.S. Degree in Management with a minor in HealthCare. He was first licensed as an insurance agent in 1996 and sold Life & Health Insurance prior to coming to Northwest Insurance Group, Inc.

Les spent twenty five years in Corporate Sales & Marketing with 3M Company (A Fortune 500 Company). During his sales career he was three times awarded the top sales person nationally. After his years in field sales, he spent three years as a Corporate Sales Trainer, three years as a European Marketing Manager, and three years as the Worldwide OEM Director With two other well known medical companies. He spent another five years as International OEM Sales / Marketing and Government Accounts Manager.

With these major companies. Les traveled extensively in the U.S. and frequently overseas to secure business with other major medical companies and dealing with Presidents, corporate executives and engineering managers. Les has been involved in many activities including being President of a State Professional Organization; President of a Credit Union; and was a City Councilman.

The skills that Les brings to Northwest Insurance Group are his ability to plan sales strategy, develop and implement marketing & communications plans, and most importantly, develop business to business sales with large & complex accounts. Les is a native of the Northwest with the exception of the fourteen years he moved around the U.S. and Europe. Les has been married for forty nine years with two grown children, Ryan and Rachel. Aviation has been part of his background because of the interest of his son Ryan.

Teri Branstiter

Producer / Private Aircraft

Teri Branstitre is a seasoned insurance professional with over 20 years of experience in aviation insurance brokerage and risk management. As a Producer at Northwest Insurance Group, Inc.—a firm specializing in all aspects of aviation insurance—Teri focuses on providing tailored coverage solutions for personal aircraft owners, hangar  policies, and non-owned or rental aircraft operations.

With a background in business and a personal passion for aviation, Teri brings both technical knowledge and firsthand flying experience to her clients. As a licensed pilot and active member of multiple aviation organizations, including pilot associations and international aerobatic groups, she understands the unique risks and needs of the aviation community from the inside out.

Teri is known for her commitment to helping clients navigate the complexities of aviation insurance with clarity and confidence. Her hands-on approach and deep industry knowledge make her a trusted partner for aviators nationwide.

Jami Gobel

Quality Control Specialist

Since 2005 Jami has been responsible the extremely tedious task of reviewing every detail of every insurance policy that we receive from the insurance carriers for our customers. Each year, thousands of policies travel through our office and she reviews each one for accuracy of coverages, spelling, addresses, endorsements, registration numbers, names, etc. Nearly 50% of the policies we receive have errors in them and have to be corrected before we sign them and send them to insureds. She also prints and binds the policies and oversees the packaging and mailing of all outbound mail and receiving and distribution of all inbound mail in the office. Prior to her employment here, she spent nearly 20 years as a quality control manager for an electronics manufacturing company. Her unusually high attention to detail is a substantial asset for Northwest Insurance Group.

Jami is married with two children. Their family likes camping and hunting while Jami stays home with a good book. She also enjoys many different kinds of crafting, and she loves flamingos and shopping.

Alejandra Padilla

Account Executive / Commercial Accounts

Alejandra is a dedicated Commercial Accounts Support Representative. With five years of customer service experience, Alejandra assists the team with essential administrative tasks, including paperwork processing and client communications.

She holds an Associate’s Degree in General Studies from Portland Community College and brings a strong focus on efficiency and client care to her role. Alejandra values the collaborative and flexible environment at NWIG and takes pride in being part of a supportive, driven team.

Outside of work, Alejandra enjoys producing music, taking dance classes, exploring her creativity through art, and is currently planning her wedding!

Hannah Stanton

Account Executive / Personal Aircraft

Hannah recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest and brings more than 12 years of experience as an insurance claims adjuster to the Northwest Insurance Group team. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Indiana University–Bloomington, which she completed in just three years. In addition to being a licensed insurance agent, Hannah is also an FAA Part 107–certified drone pilot and a licensed claims adjuster.

Outside of work, Hannah has been vegan for over a decade and is an active member of Portland’s renowned Vegan community. She enjoys long hikes through Washington Park and is delighted to call Portland her permanent home.