Our advisors and support team work together across Eastern North Carolina to deliver personalized insurance and benefits guidance you can count on.
Hover over a team member to view their contact details. On mobile, tap the photo.
CP Financial Group
Founded in 1991 Greenville
CP Financial Group has been providing group and individual health insurance solutions to clients throughout Eastern North Carolina for more than three decades. The firm was established to deliver reliable, relationship-driven benefits guidance to employers, individuals, and families. Today, CP Financial Group continues to specialize in group benefits, individual health insurance, and Medicare solutions.
Ed Porter, CLU, ChFC
Partner, Sound Benefits
Individual, Family and Group Benefits
Ed Porter brings over four decades of experience in life insurance, retirement planning, annuities, employee benefits, and health insurance. He is known for taking a holistic approach to financial and benefits planning, treating each client relationship with care, trust, and long-term perspective.
Ed began his career in financial services in 1982 with Equitable Advisors and earned the prestigious designations of Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). He joined Sound Partners in 2015 and became a founding partner of Sound Benefits in 2025.
A graduate of East Carolina University, Ed also spent six years teaching marketing and business courses. His focus remains on helping clients prepare for future security through thoughtful planning and sound benefits strategies.
Ed married his wife, Bonnie, in 1972, and together they've built a life centered on faith and family. They are proud parents of three sons, daughters-in-law, and eleven grandchildren. Ed considers himself truly blessed in both his life and career.
Marilyn Velez
Account & Administrative Support
Group Health, Group Retirement, 401(k) & SIMPLE Plans
Marilyn has provided dedicated account and administrative support to Ed Porter since 2019. She plays a key role in supporting client service operations and is known for her strong work ethic, professionalism, and positive approach.
In addition to administrative support, Marilyn assists eligible participants with enrollment and ongoing service for employer-sponsored retirement plans, including 401(k) and SIMPLE plans. Her responsibilities include beneficiary updates, contribution deferrals, and allocation changes. Marilyn's attention to detail and steady, client-focused support help ensure a smooth and reliable experience for clients.
The Spence Agency
Established in 2019 Goldsboro Smithfield
The Spence Agency focuses on delivering group and individual health insurance solutions to clients across Eastern North Carolina. Since its founding, the agency has expanded its team, services, and reach, now offering health and life insurance as well as wealth management support. The Spence Agency currently operates offices in Goldsboro and Smithfield, NC.
Ed Spence, ChFC, CLU, RICP
Partner, Sound Benefits
Retirement Planning, Life Insurance, Long Term Care, Investments, Health Insurance, Employee Benefits
With more than 44 years of industry experience, Ed Spence is dedicated to helping clients make informed financial and benefits decisions. His career achievements include induction into the Equitable Hall of Fame, reflecting his commitment to excellence and client service.
Ed earned his degree in Business Administration from North Carolina Wesleyan College and holds the professional designations of Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP), all through The American College.
Licenses: CA Insurance License #0L61922, AR License #2485054
Will Spence
Partner, Sound Benefits
Individual & Family Health Insurance
A Wayne County native, Will Spence began his career in health insurance in 2012 after earning his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Mount Olive College. He is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses navigate today's health insurance landscape with clear guidance and a personal, relationship-based approach, serving both under-65 clients and Medicare beneficiaries.
Will is committed to serving families throughout Eastern North Carolina with integrity, accessibility, and dependable service. He values long-term relationships built on trust and takes pride in being a reliable resource for those he serves.
Mary Anne Powell
Health Insurance Specialist
Medicare, Marketplace, Individual & Group Health Insurance
Mary Anne Powell has over 20 years of experience in the health insurance industry, with a background spanning sales, education, and customer service. She works with individual under-65 clients, Health Insurance Marketplace enrollees, Medicare beneficiaries, and group health insurance clients.
While Mary Anne assists clients at all stages of life, her primary focus and passion is helping Medicare beneficiaries navigate their coverage options. She also represents The Spence Agency at community education seminars, sales presentations, and outreach events, providing guidance on Medicare and the Affordable Care Act. Mary Anne is a trusted resource known for her experience, clarity, and commitment to client education.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising with a concentration in Business from East Carolina University, a foundation that complements her strong business acumen and client-focused approach.
Emily Brooker
Client Service Agent
Emily joined The Spence Agency in 2026 as a Client Service Agent and is currently pursuing licensure to become an Insurance Agent. She brings more than 20 years of customer service experience, along with a strong background in healthcare and insurance support.
Emily began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and later advanced to a Case Manager role with a major pharmaceutical manufacturer. Through her experience, she developed extensive knowledge in insurance eligibility, authorizations, and coverage details, allowing her to effectively assist clients navigating complex insurance matters. She is known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to ensuring clients feel informed and supported.
Pam Wheeler
Client and Administrative Specialist
Pam brings more than 35 years of professional experience to her role at The Spence Agency, joining the team in 2022. She has a strong background in customer service and administrative support, developed during her tenure in the public school system.
While in the school system, Pam served as Assistant Director of Student Data Management & Testing, where she also led key initiatives as a project manager for state-mandated student data conversion projects. She additionally supported executive leadership as Interim Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and contributed to both the School Improvement Team and Strategic Planning Team.
Pam is known for her strong work ethic, professionalism, dependability, and attention to detail. She plays an important role in supporting both the team and clients at The Spence Agency.
Matt Spence
Health Insurance Broker
Matt is a Wayne County native who established a well-respected career in Construction before his strong desire to work with the family's business in the insurance and financial planning industries. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management, with a minor in Business Administration, from East Carolina University. From his previous industry experience, Matt has always been passionate about helping others, and he is loyal to consumers who need guidance and personalized customer service.
In his personal life, Matt prioritizes family time with his wife and twins, enjoys hunting and fishing, and actively participates in The Bridge Church.
The Steele Agency
Founded in 2011 Greenville
Founded by Mike Steele, The Steele Agency provides employee benefit solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses and their employees across Eastern North Carolina. The agency is known for its team-oriented approach, responsiveness, and commitment to client service, offering ongoing support beyond initial enrollment.
Mike Steele
Partner, Sound Benefits
Employee Benefits, Group Insurance Solutions
Mike Steele brings more than 35 years of experience in the insurance benefits industry. A former East Carolina University basketball coach, Mike applies the principles of teamwork, leadership, and accountability to his work with clients.
As owner of Steele Insurance, Mike has built a reputation for high-touch service and long-term client relationships. His leadership extends beyond business through strong community involvement and charitable initiatives focused on healthcare and youth development.
Wade Scales
Partner, Sound Benefits
Insurance for Private & Corporate Clients
Wade Scales has worked in the insurance and employee benefits industry since 2009 and represents a third generation of professionals dedicated to serving clients through thoughtful benefits solutions. He specializes in helping employers protect their most valuable asset, their people, within an increasingly complex and costly benefits environment.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wade brings a unique background in customer service and brokerage operations. Today, he works closely with The Steele Agency and Sound Benefits to deliver personalized, relationship-driven solutions to employers throughout Eastern North Carolina.
Denise Worsley
Benefits Support Specialist
Benefits Support, Client Service
Denise brings more than 20 years of professional experience to her role, along with a strong foundation in employee benefits developed over the past three years. After a long career in the mortgage industry, she transitioned into benefits and quickly established herself as a knowledgeable and adaptable member of the team.
Originally from Whitakers, North Carolina, Denise has lived in Greenville since attending East Carolina University. She supports clients and advisors with care, responsiveness, and a strong commitment to service, helping ensure a positive experience throughout the benefits process.