About Lisa Sharrard
Lisa A. Sharrard, CFM, ANFI, CPM
Flood Insurance Expert • Consultant • Educator • Podcast Host
Helping people understand flood risk—and make informed decisions before and after a loss.
Lisa Sharrard, CFM, CPM, ANFI, is a nationally recognized flood insurance expert, independent insurance agent, consultant, educator, and expert witness with more than 38 years of experience connecting flood insurance, floodplain management, FEMA mapping, mitigation, and disaster recovery.
Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, Lisa helps property owners, insurance professionals, real estate professionals, and communities understand how flood risk affects their property, coverage, and financial security. Her experience spans state government leadership, national policy discussions, professional education, and hands-on insurance service.
Her approach is practical: explain the risk, examine the details, and help people understand their options.
Flood insurance expertise grounded in experience
As owner of Choice Flood Insurance LLC, Lisa offers National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private flood insurance options for homeowners, condominium owners, and commercial property owners in the states where she is licensed.
Her work includes evaluating coverage needs, reviewing policy information, identifying potential rating issues, and helping clients understand how primary and excess flood insurance fit together. She brings floodplain management and mapping knowledge to questions that often extend beyond an insurance quote.
Lisa helps clients consider questions such as:
- How do NFIP and private flood insurance options compare?
- Is the property information used to rate the policy accurate?
- Could an elevation certificate or mitigation measure affect insurance options?
- Does a condominium owner need coverage beyond the association’s policy?
- When should a property owner consider excess flood insurance?
- What should a policyholder understand before a flood claim occurs?
A lender’s insurance requirement is only one part of the conversation. Understanding the property’s exposure and potential financial loss matters, too.
A career connecting insurance, maps, and mitigation
Before entering private practice, Lisa served for 16 years as South Carolina’s NFIP State Coordinator. She directed programs involving floodplain management, flood mapping, insurance, public education, mitigation, and community assistance.
Her public-sector career also included service with the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management and leadership of South Carolina’s initial Risk MAP strategy. That experience informs her understanding of how federal requirements, local development decisions, property characteristics, and insurance intersect.
Through Carolina Flood Solutions LLC, doing business as U.S. Flood Solutions, Lisa provides consulting on floodplain management, FEMA mapping, mitigation, flood insurance, and complex property questions. She has also served as an expert witness on flood insurance matters.
National leadership and technical contributions
Lisa’s professional service includes:
- Past chair, Association of State Floodplain Managers, 1999–2001.
- FEMA Community Rating System Task Force member, 2002–2009.
- ASFPM Certification Board of Regents service, 2013–2024.
- FEMA Technical Mapping Advisory Council Insurance Coverage Subcommittee service, 2018–2020.
- Service on the Big “I” National Flood Insurance Committee and Flood Insurance Producers National Committee.
She was an acknowledged contributor and technical reviewer for FEMA’s Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Desk Reference, FEMA P-758. She has prepared NFIP policy rating analyses for the National Association of Realtors and participated in interviews for a U.S. Government Accountability Office flood insurance review released in October 2026.
Her credentials include Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), Certified Public Manager (CPM), and Associate in National Flood Insurance (ANFI).
Education that makes complex topics understandable
Through Simply Flood LLC, Lisa develops continuing education and practical learning resources for insurance agents, floodplain managers, real estate professionals, public officials, and property owners.
Her teaching connects policy provisions and program requirements to situations professionals encounter with clients and communities. Topics include NFIP and private flood insurance, FEMA flood maps, elevation certificates, mitigation, substantial improvement and substantial damage, and claims preparedness.
Her teaching background includes instruction at FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute, national and state conferences, and insurance industry continuing education programs.
The Simply Flood Podcast with Lisa Sharrard
Lisa hosts The Simply Flood Podcast with Lisa Sharrard, bringing together professionals who help explain flood risk, insurance, mapping, mitigation, claims, and recovery.
The podcast gives industry professionals and the public a place to hear practical conversations, ask better questions, and understand decisions that can affect their homes, businesses, and communities.
Straight Talk. Real Solutions. Resilient Communities.
Watch The Simply Flood Podcast on YouTube.
A personal commitment to informed decisions
As a mom and coastal resident, Lisa understands that flood risk involves more than maps and policy forms. It affects homes, livelihoods, and the ability to recover.
Her work brings together decades of technical experience and a commitment to clear communication—helping people move from uncertainty toward informed action.
Connect with Lisa
Contact Lisa about flood insurance options, consulting, professional education, expert witness services, media interviews, podcast opportunities, or sponsorship.
Phone: (910) 465-3028
Email: lisa@simplyflood.com
Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
Flood Me With Questions.