Kounlavong joins Yates & Associates

Michelle Kounlavong has joined Yates & Associates as underwriter in the commercial transportation division. She will be working out of the Santee, Calif., office.

Kounlavong began her insurance career in 2000 at Eastwood Insurance in Orange County, Calif. She has worked as an administrative assistant, moving up to account management and recently left Winter Group Inc. in San Diego where she was a senior underwriter. She will report to Alex Zardeneta and will be responsible for quoting and binding endorsements.

Yates & Associates is headquartered in Tustin, Calif.