Meet the Team

Melanie A. Derzhavets, ASLI

President

Melanie is the daughter of Jerry and Nyla K. Roush. She was valedictorian of her Noblesville High School class, earned a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from Indiana University, then started her career with The Quaker Oats Company. She passed the Illinois CPA examination and became Manager of Transportation Services before leaving to join the family business in March 1996. Melanie was Chairperson of the Young Agents Committee of IIAI when they were voted best in the Nation for the third year in a row. She was named IIAI Chairperson of the Year in 2002 and Young Agent of the Year in 2003. Melanie earned the ASLI designation in 2004. She manages the agency's operations and is instrumental in driving efficiency through improved automation. Melanie enjoys cooking, gardening, attending Pure Barre and Zumba classes, and spending time outdoors, especially on her bicycle or paddle board.

Our Story

From Vision to Reality

Jerry and Nyla K. Roush founded Roush Insurance Services, Inc. in 1990. Their goal was to establish a managing general agency staffed with special risk professionals known for excellence in underwriting. Jerry entered the insurance industry in 1971 as a retail agent before becoming part owner of a managing general agency that grew to nearly seven times its original size. Nyla’s extensive accounting, legal and office management experience included three years in a retail insurance agency. Their combined talents and hard work lead to great success, and our current vision is an extension of their achievements.

Forging Ahead with Innovation

Melanie Roush and Gabriel (‘Gabe’) Derzhavets left successful careers at The Quaker Oats Company to join the agency in 1996. They both earned their Associate in Surplus Lines Insurance (ASLI) designations in 2004. Melanie is President of the agency and oversees the agency’s operations. She was Chair of the Indiana Young Agents Committee when it was voted best in the nation for the third year in a row at IIABA, IIAI Chairperson of the Year in 2002, and Young Agent of the Year in 2003. Melanie served on the Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company Agent Advisory Board. Gabe is Vice President of the agency and manages underwriting. He regularly participates in carrier focus groups to assist in the development and testing of their rate/quote/bind/issue systems and provide feedback on proposed underwriting guideline changes. Cody White joined the agency in 2013 and worked his way up while obtaining certifications and degrees in Business Administration and Information Technology. He is Director, IT/Operations and leads our development and marketing initiatives. Cody was voted onto the agency’s Board of Directors and became part owner in 2024. He serves on the PIA of IN Convention Committee, IPFS Advisory Board, and actively participates in various industry events focused on insurance technology. Our management team is committed to ensuring the agency remains independent and upholding the high standards upon which it was founded.

Agency logo

The Rausch Coat of Arms of Bavarian origin was selected as the agency logo because it signifies the family’s rich heritage and embodies the principles upon which the business was founded. An excerpt from the Roush (Rausch) and Allied Families Association of America, Inc. explains the meaning of the colors as recorded in Rietstap’s Armorial General.

Gold
Or
Generosity and elevation of mind.
Purple
Ppr
Proper or natural color.
Green
Vert
Hope, joy and loyalty in love.
Red
Gules
Military strength and magnanimity.
Silver
Argent
Peace and sincerity.

Office Information

Holiday
Schedule

2024

Jan 01 / Mon
New Year's Day
Feb 19 / Mon
President's Day
May 27 / Mon
Memorial Day
Jul 04 / Thu
Independence Day
Jul 05 / Fri
Independence Day Holiday
Sep 02 / Mon
Labor Day
Nov 28 / Thu
Thanksgiving Day
Nov 29 / Fri
Thanksgiving Holiday
Dec 17 / Tue
Office Christmas Party: Close 12:00 pm
Dec 24 / Tue
Christmas Eve
Dec 25 / Wed
Christmas Day
Dec 26 / Thu
Christmas Holiday
Dec 31 / Tue
New Year’s Eve: Close 12:30 pm
January 01 / Wed
New Year's Day 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

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