Meet the Group

Art began the agency in 1992. A native of Virginia, he has called Chesterfield his home for 30 years. His degree in Accounting from VCU coupled with an innate sense of timing and good will has grown the group to what it is today. The many elite industry awards earned are indicative of his desire to be of service to his customers and employees, whom he considers to be family. Art’s 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren provide his real sense of achievement. Art is an avid and lifelong runner. His civic leadership is indicative of his desire to be of tangible service in the community. Through past board development and work with John Tyler Community College, the Petersburg Tourism board and the Economic Development authority, Art has given countless hours. To grow and build the Heinz Insurance Group one customer and one employee at a time is the active daily effort in which you can find Art Heinz.

Tanya holds the “Longest Term Employee” award having been with the group since 1994. She is a native of Colonial Heights with degrees from Richard Bland and Virginia Commonwealth University. Away from the office Tanya more than enjoys her time with her 3 grandchildren, being at the beach or reading a good book. She generously gives of her time and energy to the Special Friend Mentoring Program at the local elementary school. Tanya’s 26 years of experience is key for the group and she loves helping our clients.

Kathy Hickman began working with the Heinz Insurance Agency in 2006 as Art’s administrative assistant. It was a new position for the agency and a new career for Kathy. She had previously worked in the dental field. Kathy has lived in Virginia for 25 years with her husband and family, originally from South Jersey. “It’s not what happens to you but how you react”. A positive attitude and a smile keep her going and is what she offers to our clients every day. 

Cindy has been an Associate Agent since 2005. She came to work with the group in 2007. She was born and raised in Richmond but has called Mechanicsville home for 26 years. Cindy stays busy with her 4 children and 4 grandchildren. Professionally, her goal is to get the very best rate for her clients. She takes pride in her ability to explain coverage in “layman’s” terms. Marrying a competitive rate with an ease of doing business is Cindy’s specialty.

Jennie Ray began her own Nationwide Insurance agency in May 1993. She joined the group in 2018. Jennie Ray is a proud native of the City of Richmond. She graduated with honors from James Madison University and has also achieved a 750-hour certification in Baptiste Power Yoga. Her mission is to be in the creation of harmony in community in her professional and personal life. Jennie Ray brings 30 years of experience and a solid ability to simplify insurance for individuals and families

Melissa was insurance licensed in 2001 and has been living the education of insurance ever since. She began her personal lines insurance career in 2003 with Jennie Ray Hart’s agency and joined forces with the group in 2018. Melissa successfully works full time and has a blended family of 4 kids. She is an insurance professional that never stops until a question is answered and a client is at ease.

Anna Heinz is the youngest daughter of our Agency Principle, Art Heinz. The Heinz Insurance Agency and Group has been a consistent fixture in her life. She was licensed in 2018 after working as staff assistant for a few years. Anna currently works as an Associate Agent. She brings a special level of quality care and compassion during our members' hard times. Anna is an excellent source for policy reviews as well as quotes for the new customer shopping their rates. She is familiar with Nationwide as well as the other carriers we represent and is happy to help. Anna is the proud mother of her young son.

Cheryl Prince Martinez began with Nationwide Insurance in 1990 as a Property and Casualty Associate Agent. She is a native of Dinwiddie County. Her work and efforts have been consistent in and for the community since she became licensed in 1990. Cheryl is here to help you with all your home and auto needs.