Elijah Norton

 Founder, Executive Chairman, and President

Elijah Norton founded the company’s predecessor in 2011. As the original founder, Elijah has overseen the organization grow from its inception with only 2 employees in 2011 to a group of companies that generates over $200MM per year in annual revenue, serves thousands of customers per year, and employs over 1,000 people.

Elijah originally started out the organization as an agent selling F&I products that were administered by other F&I providers; however, as the business grew in 2014, he decided to start a better F&I provider company in response to him feeling that their offerings, customer service, and claims were poorly handled.

As Executive Chairman and President, Elijah’s role is to grow the business both domestically in the United States and internationally and to service and cultivate the relationships we have with our business partners. Elijah plays a personal role in developing our business relationships and prides himself on being very accessible to our business partners.

In recent years, Elijah has established a track record of successfully expanding Veritas into multiple global markets. In 2020, Elijah began the process to expand Veritas’ business into the Canadian and Chilean South American marketplaces. At the beginning of 2024, Elijah successfully oversaw the acquisition of the largest shareholding position in WAGAS SA, a leading MGA of Extended Warranties and GAP in the European Union. Towards the end of 2024, Veritas successfully established a South African subsidiary, Veritas Global Protection South Africa.

Elijah was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, but is now proud to call Arizona his home. He currently maintains a primary residence in Phoenix, Arizona. In his free time, Elijah enjoys traveling, hiking, and is a history buff. He was named after, and is a direct descendant of, Elijah Hise Norton, who was a U.S. Congressman during the Civil War.

Elijah is a licensed insurance agent in every U.S. state as well as Puerto Rico and owns and operates several other successful businesses.

Joseph I. Steenbergen

Chief Executive Officer

Joe brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Veritas Global, with a proven track record across the energy, oil and gas, and automotive industries. His diverse expertise spans business development, operations, sales, and marketing, with notable achievements in driving growth and operational excellence. He also has a considerable background in finance. Joe has been CEO of Veritas since 2019.

Prior to working for Veritas, Joe served as the EVP of Business Development for a large solar energy company. He also served as the COO of a fortune 500 energy company. Joe has also worked and has extensive experience as an EVP of Finance for a large energy company. Early in Joe’s career, he worked in finance for Boeing Corporation – overseeing finance, operations, technical sales, government contract procurement, and legal operations.

As CEO of Veritas, Joe is responsible for overseeing all of the operations, financial infrastructure, claims, and business development. Since joining our the Veritas team, Joe has also aided in our international expansion – including being an integral part in the acquisition of shares of WAGAS SA for an eight-figure amount. In addition to our Executive Chairman, Joe is responsible for seeing nearly 50% year-over-year growth for the Veritas group of companies. Joe prides himself on being available and accessible to all Veritas partners and working with the rest of the Executive Team to develop creative solutions to market problems.

Joe holds multiple degrees – including a MBA from Saint Louis University, Masters of Security Analysis and Portfolio Management from Creigton University, Graduate Certificate in Sales and Negotiations from the University of Notre Dame, and a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance from Lindenwood University. Joe is an avid soccer fan and participated in several national championships, including winning a collegiate national soccer championship during college.

In his free time, Joe loves to snowboard and spending time with his wife and kids.

Darius Graham

Chief Risk Officer

Darius Graham has been a member of the team since 2017. He currently works in various capacities within the company, including product creation and implementation, underwriting, risk management, and financial analysis. Previously, he worked in several other positions. He started as client support manager and quickly moved to other roles related to product development, underwriting, operations, data management, and training.

Prior to working at Veritas, Darius gained several years of management and sales experience in the Marine Corps as well as in the private sector, with jobs in retail and auto sales. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business from Arizona State University. While attending the school, he also earned a Certificate in Applied Business Data Analytics.

 Darius currently resides in Illinois. He splits his time between working in Illinois and traveling to work in the Phoenix office. He was born and raised in Phoenix but moved to Illinois to be with his family. He is a proud father of his daughter and is an avid Arizona sports fan. In his free time, Darius enjoys personal fitness and cinema.

Alyssa Logston

Executive Vice President of Operations

With over 14 years of experience in business operations, leadership, and client relations, Alyssa Logston is a proven industry professional. As the Executive Vice President of Operations at Veritas Global Protection Services, Alyssa drives the development and implementation of scalable systems and workflows to support growth, empower her team to deliver exceptional client experiences and improve customer retention and satisfaction. She works closely with department heads to monitor performance metrics, address operational challenges, and identify opportunities for system and process improvements, ensuring Veritas remains agile and competitive in the evolving automotive protection industry.

Alyssa’s career began in 2010 with Accelerated Service International (later rebranded as Smart AutoCare), where she excelled in various leadership roles that contributed to the company’s expansion and its eventual acquisition by Fortegra in 2020. Her expertise spans operations, client relations, system rating and development, marketing, training, and product development. Mentored by multiple industry leaders, Alyssa developed a knack for innovative solutions and lasting operational improvements. Her customer-focused mindset and collaborative leadership style have been instrumental in building strong relationships with clients and internal teams alike Alyssa joined Veritas in May 2024, bringing her expertise in operational excellence, employee development, and a client-centric approach to her leadership role.

Outside of work, Alyssa is an avid plant enthusiast, affectionately known as “The Plant Lady” for her extensive collection of indoor and outdoor greenery. She and her family maintain a small hobby farm and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and ATV riding.

Tracee L. Norfleet

General Counsel

Tracee serves as Veritas Global Protection’s general counsel. As general counsel, she is responsible for representing the company’s legal interests.

Tracee attended the University of Missouri–Columbia and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 2003 and an MBA in 2007. She also received her Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia School of Law in 2007. Tracee was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 2007 and the Kansas Bar in 2008. Prior to joining Veritas, she worked as an associate at several different defense law firms in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Tracee is an expert on debt collection law and has authored two publications—Collecting from LLCs and Corporations and Collections of Judgements in Missouri.

In addition to her work with a debt collection firm, Tracee also worked in the civil rights defense litigation field.
Her work in diverse fields of business law makes her an excellent addition to the Veritas team. She was named a “Super Lawyers Rising Star” in 2016.

Tracee resides in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband, Robert (who is also an attorney), and two children, Alexandra and Braxton.

In addition to being a devoted mother, Tracee was formerly an NFL cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs, and she currently serves as a cheerleading coach for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Andrew Armenta

Executive Assistant

Drew Armenta is a respected professional with a wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors. Currently working with Veritas Global Protection, Drew plays a key role in planning, execution and providing high level services to the executive team. His previous experience as an Executive Assistant to a United States Ambassador for over 8.5 years has equipped him with exceptional skills in diplomacy, crisis management, and high-level international coordination.

In addition to his professional achievements, Drew is deeply committed to making a positive impact through his involvement in several philanthropic organizations. A dedicated member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity, Drew exemplifies leadership, mentorship, and brotherhood. He is also an active participant in the Freemasons, Shriners, and the Scottish Rite, where he contributes to causes that benefit children’s hospitals and various community initiatives.

Drew’s commitment to giving back extends to local charities as well. He is particularly passionate about supporting causes like the Foundation for Blind Children, where he helps raise awareness and resources for those with visual impairments, and Teen Lifeline, a crucial organization that provides a 24/7 helpline for at-risk youth. These causes reflect Drew’s ongoing dedication to improving lives and fostering positive change in his community.

In recognition of his extensive contributions to service and community, Drew was honored with the Honorary Kentucky Kernel Award, a prestigious distinction that acknowledges individuals who have made meaningful impacts.

Outside of his professional and philanthropic work, Drew is a proud family man who enjoys spending time with his wife, Teale, and their daughter, Alora Fae. With a newborn on the way in the coming year, Drew is excited about the next chapter in his family’s journey. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing and cherishing moments with his loved ones, always striving to balance his professional responsibilities with a strong focus on family and personal well-being.

Drew’s life is a testament to his core values of service, integrity, and the importance of building strong communities, whether through his professional endeavors, charitable involvement, or family life

Lance Schley

Vice President of System and Claims Operations

Lance Schley is an experienced IT leader with over a decade of expertise in technology, operations, and customer service excellence. Currently, he serves as the Vice President of IT and Claims at Veritas Global Protection Services, Inc., where he is responsible for developing the IT infrastructure, optimizing claims processes, and implementing customer-focused strategies. Throughout his career, Lance has taken on leadership roles in operations, analytics, and programming, providing him with a deep understanding of cross-functional team leadership and strategic planning.

In his current role, Lance focuses on driving organizational efficiency by designing robust IT architectures and leading software development initiatives for Generator. He places a strong emphasis on fostering interdepartmental communication and customer engagement to ensure exceptional service for both internal and external stakeholders. From managing complex system migrations to implementing advanced analytics, Lance is passionate about creating innovative solutions that align with business goals and drive success.

Outside of work, Lance enjoys hiking and camping in the great outdoors, playing guitar, and exploring new places through travel. He is also pursuing his MBA, an exciting opportunity to enhance his leadership and business skills. Whether on a trail, strumming his guitar, or diving into academic challenges, Lance embraces every chance to grow and expand his horizons.

Jacob Graham

Director of Finance

Jacob Graham earned a degree in Business Sustainability from Arizona State University in 2015 and began his professional career in retail management. During this time, he pursued and completed an MBA from Grand Canyon University. He later transitioned to a role as a budget analyst for a large food wholesaler in Minneapolis. After a few years, Jacob returned to Arizona and joined The Pun Group, an accounting firm, where he worked primarily within their consulting and assurance branch. This move marked his shift toward a career in accounting.
In early 2023, Jacob joined Veritas, an opportunity he could not pass up. Since then, he has completed a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and is on track to finish his CPA licensing.

At Veritas, Jacob oversees the reporting of company financials, manages all company and related party audits, and collaborates with management to enhance internal reporting systems for greater accuracy and functionality. He also works closely with the executive team to prepare the company for growth and acquisitions as it expands into new territories.

Outside of work, Jacob enjoys spending time with his wife and dogs, competing as an IFBB Professional bodybuilder, and off-roading whenever time allows.

Bonnie Hernandez

Controller

Bonnie Hernandez brings 35 years of accounting, operations, and managerial experience to Veritas Global Protection Services Inc. Prior to working on our team, she began her career working as an office assistant, progressing to a paralegal assistant, office manager, executive assistant, tax accountant, full-charge bookkeeper, accounting manager, senior accountant, and now assistant controller. Her years of education (maintaining a 4.0 GPA) have focused on accounting and taxes, and she has excelled in exactness and integrity. 

As Controller, Bonnie ensures the accuracy of all day-to-day accounting functions and is responsive to the needs of our entire team. She is also responsible for advancing our Accounting Team to adapt to all future growth and needs. She believes that her job is to provide quick and accurate information to everyone in need. Her integrity, attention to detail, precision, and dedication make her an asset to our team.

In her free time, Bonnie is an avid gardener. She also plays tennis and enjoys being in the heat and the desert sun.

Linda Lentz

Client Support Manager

Linda has built an impressive career in client services over nearly 30 years, demonstrating a deep commitment to her work and growth within her organization. Since joining the company in 2018, she started as a Dealer Intake Specialist and, through hard work and dedication, advanced to her current role as Client Support Manager. In this position, Linda has consistently excelled for the past three years, showcasing her strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and customer service expertise. Her journey is a testament to her adaptability, skills, and long-term impact on the company’s success.

As the Client Support Manager, Linda oversees several key teams, including Support, Dealer Intake, Collections, and Cancellations. In her leadership role, she is dedicated to ensuring that each team operates at its highest potential. Linda fosters a culture of excellence, motivating her teams to provide exceptional service and achieve the best results possible. Her focus on continuous improvement and her commitment to empowering her teams have been integral to the success and efficiency of the department.

In her free time, Linda loves spending quality moments with her family. Whether it’s cooking out, taking a road trip, tubing down the river, or camping, her family is her happy place. The presence of her granddaughter adds even more joy to their time together, keeping the whole family busy and filled with laughter. Linda cherishes these moments, as they allow her to recharge and create lasting memories with the ones she loves.

Zachary Peters

Claims Manager, General Claims

Zachary started out as a technician apprentice directly out of high school. He worked his way up to becoming a Line Technician and a Used Car Reconditioning Lead Technician 12 years ago.

His career as an Automotive Claims Adjuster began 3 years ago with one of our competitors. He joined our team in 2018, and through hard work and dedication, he became the Assistant Claims Manager. His 12 years of automotive experience make him an excellent fit for the position.

As Assistant Claims Manager, his responsibilities include supervising our staff of claims adjusters, training, coaching, and maintaining customer and client satisfaction.

In his free time, Zac enjoys working on his own personal vehicles and playing basketball. He is an avid basketball fan and has competed internationally.

Dennis Van Loo

Claims Manager, Strategic Accounts

Dennis’s passion for vehicles began at a young age. His grandfather and father’s work in the transmission industry, racing, and building hotrods fueled his passion to learn everything he could about powertrains. Growing up around the shop, at an age when most kids would be playing with Legos, he played with planetary gears and sprag clutches.

Dennis began working around transmission shops as a preteen after school, on weekends, and during the summer, turning auto repair into a full-time career as a third-generation transmission expert. He became proficient at diagnosing and repairing each component for all makes and models, specializing in diagnosing and repairing electrical systems and transmissions. He also moonlighted at a machine shop after work, where he learned how to tig weld, operate manual mills and lathes, balance rotating assemblies, and engine building. He has had the honor of working on classics, including Duesenberg, Packard, and Buick straight 8 engines, race cars, and resto-mods, all the way to current production gas and diesel powertrains. His expertise and ambition led him to venture into other areas of the repair industry, learning how to write service and eventually becoming the general manager of a successful transmission shop.

Due to nerve damage, he began looking for ways to apply his expertise and experience in the repair industry outside of the shop. Dennis became a claims adjuster and has been with Veritas for over four years, where he is a claims manager. He relies on his management background and his repair experience to lead a team of adjusters; he brings a focus on expedience and precision in order to deliver accurate claims decisions promptly to get our customers back on the road.

He enjoys fishing, the outdoors, off-roading, and listening to music in his free time.

Gary Craft

Human Resources Coordinator

Gary Craft began his career in the telecommunications industry, where he accumulated over 15 years of valuable experience in management, training, and human resources during the peak of the mobile phone and mobile data service boom. After achieving success in telecommunications, he transitioned to a role as an HR Generalist with a large industrial construction company. Within two years, Gary was promoted to HR Manager, playing a key role in establishing many of the company’s HR policies and procedures. In November 2023, he joined Veritas Global Protection Services, Inc. as HR Manager.

As HR Manager at Veritas Global, Gary focuses on cultivating a positive and inclusive company culture by engaging with employees, both local and remote, ensuring they have access to accurate information regarding their employment, benefits, and available services. He is committed to fostering an environment of integrity and respect throughout the entire employee lifecycle, from onboarding through their tenure and beyond.

A native of Phoenix, AZ, Gary enjoys spending time with his family. Outside of family activities, he volunteers as a referee and assists with youth soccer programs throughout the valley.

Trevor Vanportfleet

Director of Information Technology

Trevor has been a dedicated professional in the IT industry for nearly two decades, building a career that blends technical expertise with strategic leadership. Beginning as a third-party sales and marketing representative for major electronics manufacturers like Intel, HP, Lenovo, WD, LG, and Panasonic, Trevor developed a deep understanding of technology and its impact on businesses. Joining Veritas over 4 years ago, he played a pivotal role in navigating the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring business continuity and innovation during a critical time.

As the Director of Information Technology, he helps to identify technology needs, provides strategic recommendations to decision-makers, and oversees the maintenance of company hardware and software systems. He also leads company-wide technology updates, ensuring smooth implementation and offering training sessions to help employees adapt to new tools and features. His customer-focused approach ensures that technology enhances both internal operations and external client experiences.

Outside of work, Trevor enjoys an active lifestyle, playing hockey and golf, and values quality time spent with his family. These personal passions provide a balance to their professional responsibilities and fuel their drive for success.

Jonathan Perry

Sr. Vice President of Sales, North America

Jonathan Perry has been a dynamic leader in the automotive industry for over 20 years, leveraging his expertise and passion to drive innovation and growth. Over the course of his career, he has cultivated a deep understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, and operational excellence, earning a reputation for delivering transformative results. Jonathan’s commitment to excellence has made him a trusted leader who consistently fosters strong partnerships and sustainable success.

As the Senior Vice President of Sales for North America, Jonathan plays a critical role in shaping strategic initiatives and driving customer-focused solutions. Leading a high-performing team, he is dedicated to enhancing client satisfaction and achieving measurable outcomes. By implementing data-driven strategies and fostering collaboration, Jonathan ensures that sales operations align seamlessly with long-term organizational goals, contributing to the company’s position as an industry leader.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Jonathan enjoys immersing himself in the world of retro video games, appreciating their creativity and nostalgic charm. A lifelong learner, he also has a passion for watching documentaries on an eclectic array of subjects. When not pursuing his professional or intellectual interests, Jonathan brings creativity and fun to life by running a haunted house alongside his beautiful wife and their five children, blending family tradition with a love for community engagement.

Steve Crenshaw

Vice President, Fixed Operations

Steve Crenshaw has over 20 years of experience in the Automotive Industry, including 9 years with Third Party Administrators. Throughout his career, he has developed a deep understanding of the products and services essential to maximizing dealership profitability, consistently delivering exceptional partner experiences. His journey began in preowned vehicle sales and quickly transitioned to indirect lending, where he honed his problem-solving skills. As his career progressed to the Independent Agent space, Steve built strong relationships with the sales, finance, and service departments of dealerships nationwide. Currently, as Vice President of Fixed Operations/Strategic Accounts, he takes pride in acting as a trusted advisor, guiding Independent Agents and Dealers through their needs, whether solving complex problems in-store or tailoring solutions to meet their unique business objectives.

In his role, Steve focuses on building relationships with established large accounts, introducing innovative ideas internally to stay competitive in the market, and supporting partners by actively listening to their concerns and providing tailored support. Whether addressing claims inquiries, facilitating smooth onboarding processes, or proactively identifying opportunities to maximize organizational potential, Steve is dedicated to ensuring staff and partners feel valued and empowered to fully utilize the company’s capabilities.

Outside of his professional life, Steve is an avid college and professional football enthusiast, enjoys watching movies, golfing, and frequently fishing when time allows. He is highly competitive in all areas of life, with a strong drive to win.

Diann Stark

Vice President of Sales

Diann Stark grew up in the auto industry, working at a dealership after school where she learned the inner workings of the service department and how warranty claims are submitted and paid. During college, she worked full-time at a dealership, handling titles, accounts payable and receivables, payroll, and HR. Diann eventually transitioned into a finance manager role and later became a finance director.

Seeking growth and desiring a change from being tied to a desk, Diann left the retail side and joined the bank representative side. Over the next 16 years, she worked as an AVP for Arcadia Financial, Household/HSBC, and Wells Fargo Financial, where she developed top-performing territories in Oklahoma and South Texas.

For the past 8 and a half years, Diann has worked on the aftermarket side, assisting Agents and Dealers for AGWS and Veritas Global Protection. In this role, she helps bring new products and services to customers. Diann believes her role is to identify top-performing agents in the industry and work with them to sign dealers, train, and develop them for increased production and financial growth. She is deeply committed to customer service and strives to always be available to assist her agents with presentations, training, growth management, and claims. Diann joined Veritas Global because she recognized the growth potential and believes that together, they can all thrive in the industry. She works with some of the best agents in the country and hopes they feel the commitment she has toward their success.

Outside of work, Diann enjoys spending time with her family and friends, whether boating and fishing at the lake or riding side-by-sides. She and her husband also love taking road trips and spending time with their four daughters.

Victor Annoreno

Business Development Manager

Victor Annoreno grew up in the automotive industry, which sparked a deep understanding and passion for this dynamic field. He attended Arizona State University, where he studied business, building a strong foundation that complements his extensive industry experience. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Victor is proud to be an accredited IMDb producer, a distinction that highlights his involvement and passion for creative projects. He has been with Veritas Global Protection for over a year, contributing to the company’s growth and success. Throughout his career, Victor has remained dedicated to innovation, problem-solving, and creating value for both clients and colleagues. His ability to perform under pressure and maintain a dynamic mindset has allowed him to navigate complex challenges and deliver impactful solutions.

In his current role as Business Development Manager at Veritas Global Protection, Victor focuses on identifying growth opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and driving revenue within the automotive industry. By leveraging a customer-centric approach, he works closely with clients to understand their needs and deliver tailored solutions that align with their goals. Whether managing key accounts, negotiating contracts, or collaborating with internal teams, Victor is committed to fostering strong relationships and ensuring success for both the company and its clients.

Outside of work, Victor is a passionate fan of football and MMA, enjoying the excitement and strategy these sports bring. When he’s not watching or discussing the latest games or fights, he spends quality time with family and friends, embracing opportunities to connect and unwind. Victor believes that a balanced life fuels professional excellence, and he strives to bring his enthusiasm and curiosity into everything he does.

Ultimately, Victor is driven by a desire to make a positive impact—in the workplace, in his community, and in the lives of those he connects with every day.

Dominique Canales

Client Support Manager

Dominique is the head of Veritas Global Protection’s Client Support Department. She started with the company in 2016 and has worked her way up to her current position through excellent service.

Prior to joining the Veritas team, Dominique worked in various positions in an automotive dealership, including sales, finance, and service; so she has extensive experience that she uniquely brings to her position. Understanding how clients and dealers feel throughout the car-buying experience and the process after the sale allows her to see all points of view for each person involved in all settings.

In her free time, Dominique enjoys hiking, four-wheeling, and experiencing local cultures and cuisines.