While DeKalb County is saying goodbye to one longtime insurance agent, it is also welcoming a new face to the business world. She may be new to the insurance business, but she is well known throughout the area.

After Jackie Smith, who has served as an insurance agent for State Farm for more than 35 years, announced that she will be retiring on February 28, Mallory Sullivan Pfingstler was named as her successor. Pfingstler will be taking over from her new office on March 1, and said that she was recruited by the company to fill the spot. "With State Farm it is an inherited book of business," Pfingstler said. "I interviewed for the position through State Farm, and was recruited for the opportunity."

"I'll be taking over Jackie Smith's book of business for State Farm Insurance," Pfingstler continued. "My office will be located at 126 West Main Street in Smithville, right across from First Bank, down from Button Willow General Store."

Pfingstler said that the coverage will stay the same and the company will continue to offer the same services. "We offer auto, home, life and health insurance, as well as commercial insurance."

A hometown girl, Pfingstler was born and raised in DeKalb County and was known for her golf skills. "I went to high school here and then went on to college at Belmont University, where I played golf."

At DCHS, she was a four-time Class A-AA State Tournament participant, finishing in the top-10 twice. She won two district and one region title and finished second in the Tennessean Schooldays Tournament in 2013.

At Belmont she played in all 10 events for the Bruins and was named to the OVC All-Newcomer team. She was ranked third on the team in scoring with a 78.2 average and had four top-20 finishes. She led the team in scoring three times, placed second at the APSU Intercollegiate after falling in a playoff, and posted the team's lowest 18-hole score of the season, a 70 during the second round of the APSU Intercollegiate.  

Today, Pfingstler is taking her competitive spirit to the business world, preparing to help her clients with the best coverage her company can offer. "I'm very excited to be serving my hometown community, the place where I grew up. I look forward to working with our new and existing customers."

Pfingstler said she will be hosting an Open House at her newly renovated office on March 26 and invites everyone in the community to come by, have some refreshments, and meet her and her team.