About Us

Founded in 1962 in Texarkana, TX

Our Mission is Clear

Our Staff

See Who's Handling Your Business

Higginbotham is comprised of regional offices that combine resources and expertise to provide a single source solution for commercial and personal coverage, employee benefits, retirement plans, life insurance and executive benefits through broad market representation. Whether they’re for your business, employees or family, Barry Insurance can serve your regional and global needs as a Higginbotham partner. Together, we’re one of the largest independent insurance firms in the nation, yet our local concentration keeps us accessible In fact, we’re always by your side. Getting you covered is just what we do on day one. Through Higginbotham, we can support you on day two and every day after. It’s what we call Day Two Services® because we deliver everything you need to limit your risks, manage your plans and control your costs for year-round value.

Teresa Smith

Teresa Smith has been in the insurance business for 33 years and has been with Barry Insurance Agency since 1988. She became the agency owner in 2004. Teresa specializes in commercial insurance products: property, general liability, business auto, worker's compensation, surety and contractor's bonds and employee's benefits.

Michelle Blizzard

Michelle Blizzard started in the insurance business in 1999 and works in our commercial insurance department. She can help your business with all its insurance needs. She specializes in commercial property, general liability, commercial auto and worker's compensation.

Tammy Carter

Tammy Carter is a licensed producer and customer services representative who has been with Barry Insurance Agency since 2006. Her focus is on personal lines insurance, including flood, homeowners, auto, motorcycle, ATV, trailers, mobile homes, Mexico coverage, umbrellas, farm, ranch and rental property. She assists by answering questions, filing claims and updating client policies to make sure current coverage meets their needs. She also creates proposals for new clients based upon their needs.

Karen McConaughey

Karen McConaughey has been in insurance since 1977 and has 12 years of experience with Barry Insurance Agency. Call Karen today to get a free quote on your auto, home, motorcycle, farm and ranch, or any of our other personal insurance products.

Bethany Franklin

Bethany Franklin has been in the insurance industry since 2000, but joined Barry Insurance in 2016. Bethany manages the group benefits accounts at Barry Insurance, as well as the individual life and health customers. She is licensed in all lines of insurance in Arkansas and Texas and can quote your business group benefits, individual health insurance and life insurance needs.

Kerri Stroope

Kerri Stroope has been working in insurance since 2012, and is our newest personal lines customer service representative at Barry Insurance. She is a licensed producer for Arkansas and Texas. Kerri can take care of all your personal insurance needs including home, auto, boat and any off-road vehicles. She can also assist you with your flood and umbrella insurance quotes.

Headshot for Madison Cook of Higginbotham Texarkana. Brunette lady wearing a bright orange blazer with a black undershirt

Madison Cook

Madison Cook has been in the insurance industry since 2020 and began her career in personal lines. She is our newest addition to Barry Insurance as of 2022, and works in our commercial department where she manages commercial accounts. She specializes in commercial property, general liability, commercial auto, & workers compensation. Her goal is to provide the coverage and knowledge that can serve her customers best.

Tabitha Taylor

Tabitha Taylor has been working in insurance since 2014 and is the newest addition to our commercial insurance department. She is a licensed producer for Arkansas and Texas. She began her career in the life and health markets and moved to personal lines in 2016. She now specializes in commercial property, general liability, commercial auto and worker's compensation.

Malachi Smith

Malachi Smith is our newest agent. He is a licensed insurance producer and specializes in commercial insurance such as, property, general liability, business auto and workers comp. His goal is to get the proper coverage for your business so it will be protected and have every opportunity to continue growing.