NAME | PROGRAM | LOCATION | |
A |
|||
Jeff Ambrose | Affinity Programs | Newtown Square, PA | jeff.ambrose@usi.com |
Robert Avin | Individual Benefits | Newtown Square, PA | robert.avin@usi.com |
B |
|||
Sheila Boatman | Healthcare | Houston, TX | sheilab@usrisk.com |
Beth Boisseau-Coots | Financial Institutions | Dallas, TX | beth.coots@usrisk.com |
Ed Branam | Veterinary & Animal Services | Rancho Cordova, CA | edward.branam@safehold.com |
C |
|||
David Campbell | Chief Underwriting Officer | Carrollton, GA | david.campbell@safehold.com |
Aaron Cardwell | Financial Institutions | Prosper, TX | aaron.cardwell@usrisk.com |
Adam Carroll | Middle Market Professional Lines | Phoenix, AZ | adam.carroll@usrisk.com |
Scott Carroll | Entertainment | Los Angeles, CA | scott.carroll@take1insurance.com |
Corey Cash | Sports & Entertainment | Portsmouth, NH | corey.cash@safehold.com |
Sera Chalayan-Cessna | General Liability, Garagekeepers Legal Liability, Excess Liability | Orange County, CA | sera.chalayan@usrisk.com |
William Curtis | Resort and Ski | Lakewood, CO | william.curtis@safehold.com |
D |
|||
Nicholas Dalessio | WS Worker’s Compensation, Commercial Lines (BOPS), PEO, Dental | Florham Park, NJ | nicholas.dalessio@safehold.com |
E |
|||
Emily Ely-Stocke | Mountain West broker/ binding surplus | Minneapolis, MN | emily.ely-stocke@usrisk.com |
Ramy Eskandar | Catastrophe Exposure | Atlanta, GA | ramy.eskandar@safehold.com |
F |
|||
Jason Gallegos | Commercial Property | Fort Worth, TX; Oklahoma City, OK | jason.gallegos@usrisk.com |
Kristen Gardom | Middle Market, Commercial Lines Property | N/A | kristen.gardom@usrisk.com |
H |
|||
David Hatlem | Program Manager, Motorsports | Charlotte, NC | david.hatlem@wsibinsurance.com |
Jeff Henke | Alternative Risk Program | Cincinnati, OH | jeff.henke@safehold.com |
Danyelle Hoffman | Recreational Marine | Grand Rapids, MI | danyelle.hoffman@harborrisk.com |
J |
|||
Angela Jansen | Commercial/Recreational/Personal Marine | Aventura, FL | angela.jansen@usrisk.com |
Andrea Jenkins | Casualty, Property, Professional, MGA Binding Authority | N/A | andrea.jenkins@usrisk.com |
L |
|||
Justin Lalonde | Recreational Marine | Grand Rapids, MI | justin.lalonde@harborrisk.com |
James Lloyd | Financial Institutions | Dallas, TX | jim.lloyd@usrisk.com |
Aric Longo | Dentists and Dental Practices | Florham Park, NJ | aric.longo@safehold.com |
Tim Lucas | Marine Vertical Leader | Grand Rapids, MI | tim.lucas@safehold.com |
M |
|||
Mike Miller | Chief Actuary | Newtown Square, PA | michael.miller@safehold.com |
Mike Mooney | Lawyers Professional Liability | Newtown Square, PA | mike.mooney@usi.com |
P |
|||
John Paulk | Safehold, U.S. Risk, USI Affinity | Carrollton, GA | john.paulkiii@safehold.com |
Steven Pefinis | Self Storage/Ice House | Carrollton, GA | steven.pefinis@safehold.com |
Daria Porreca | Travel | Newtown Square, PA | daria.porreca@usi.com |
R |
|||
Paul Riemer | MGA & Wholesale | Aventura, FL | paul.riemer@usrisk.com |
Bill Rinker | Community Associations | Dallas, TX | bill.rinker@usrisk.com |
Robert Robbins | Property Internal Broker | Phoenix, AZ | robert.robbins@usrisk.com |
Brian Rudolph | Worker’s Compensation | Sarasota, FL | brian.rudolph@usrisk.com |
S |
|||
Christina Salcido | Healthcare | Dallas, TX | christina.salcido@usrisk.com |
Gregory Scarpa | WM Broker | NY | gregory.scarpa@usrisk.com |
Angela Schroder | Insurance Agents E&O, Professional Liability | Houston, TX | angela.schroder@useo.com |
Dinamarie Serrano | Veterinary & Animal Services | Carrollton, GA | dinamarie.serrano@safehold.com |
Sherre Sidwell | Middle Market, Commercial Lines | N/A | sherre.sidwell@usrisk.com |
GoPaul Singh | WM Broker, Property and Casualty | Orlando, FL | gopaul.singh@usrisk.com |
Jennifer Soul | Property & Real Estate | Carrollton, GA | jennifer.soul@safehold.com |
Peter Stanislaw | Staffing and PEO | Dallas, TX; Charlotte, NC | peter.stanislaw@usrisk.com |
V |
|||
Jan Vaughn | Insurance Brokers/Agents E&O | Dallas, TX | jan.vaughn@brokersnetwork.com |
W |
|||
Stephen Weber | Business Development | Newtown Square, PA | stephen.weber@usi.com |
Karen Wesiak | Northeast Binding Unit Pool | Staten Island, NY | karen.wesiak@usrisk.com |
TEAM BIOS
Jeff Ambrose
Vice President, Affinity Programs Sales Leader
Newtown Square, PA
Jeff is the Leader of USI Affinity’s Program Sales team which includes Professional Liability for Law Firms and Medical Professionals, and the Direct Distribution programs. Jeff’s responsibility is to drive growth and provide strategic leadership in training and sales. With almost 20 years of industry experience, Jeff has worked extensively on many facets of insurance programs for professional service firms. Prior to joining USI Affinity, Jeff built programs for Aon Affinity, Galagher, and Marsh/Mercer, focused primarily on professional lines.
Program:
- Lawyers Professional Liability
- AAP Medical Malpractice
- Sports
- Metalworkers
- Veterinarians
- Recreational Marine
- Podiatrists
- Architects and Engineers
- Allied Health
Firm Size: Small to Mid
Open Brokerage: All Sizes
Proprietary Program States: MA, RI, CT, NY. NJ, PA, DE, MA, VA, DC, WV, TX, AZ, NM, OK, NE for Lawyers, all states for most other programs
Open Brokerage Capabilities: All other states
Robert Avin
Vice President, Individual Benefits Sales & Client Management
Newtown Square, PA
Robert is the Leader of USI Affinity’s Individual Benefits for Professionals and Alumni. Robert also manages the Client Relations for both groups. Robert is tasked with driving results via recruiting, sales, product management and client relations. Robert has been in the insurance industry for more than 11 years. Prior to joining USI Affinity, Robert spent over 8 years with Liberty Mutual Insurance. Robert is a graduate of the University of Michigan, with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management/Kinesiology.
Program:
- Individual Benefits
- Life, Disability, Long Term Care
- National Program/50 States
Sheila Boatman
Partner/Vice President/Senior Broker/Underwriter
Houston, Texas
Sheila joined U.S. Risk in 2000 and was instrumental in starting and developing the Healthcare Unit for the Houston office. Sheila is responsible for Underwriting in our Exclusive In-House Lloyds program along with acting as a Broker with our many brokerage markets. Before joining U.S. Risk she worked 16 years for Myron F. Steves & Company. Prior to Myron F. Steves, Sheila started her Insurance career with Draper and Associates.
Program:
Underwriters at Lloyds – Miscellaneous/Allied Healthcare and Social Services
Restricted States: AR, IL, 5 Boroughs of NY, US Virgin Islands and WV
Ineligible Risks through our Lloyds Program (Can consider as a broker):
- Criminal release programs
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Medical doctors (unless employed)
- Sperm BanksFertility Clinics
- Pediatric ExposureCompounding Pharmacies
- Tissue and Blood Banks
- Pain Management clinics
- Massage Envy Franchises
- Marijuana and CBD dispensaries, stores, distributors, growers etc.
- Chiropractors
Open Brokerage: All Sizes
Open Brokerage Capabilities: All States
Beth Boisseau-Coots
Vice President, Sales
U.S. Risk Financial
Beth Boisseau-Coots joined J.B. Lloyd and Associates in 2006 and became part of the U.S. Risk team when the company was acquired in 2016. She specializes in insurance products for banks and real estate investors.
Program:
- Financial Institutions
Ed Branam, DVM
VP, National Veterinary & Animal Services Program Leader
Safehold Special Risk, Inc.
At Safehold, Dr. Ed Branam directs one of the oldest and largest national insurance programs dedicated specifically to the veterinary and animal services industry. Ed received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Michigan State University and completed a small animal internal medicine residency at the University of California, Davis. With more than 20 years working in both veterinary practice and the insurance industry, Ed has extensive experience working with business entities of all sizes including private equity, multi-owner, franchise, purchasing group and non-profit organizations.
Ed’s diverse experience has made him uniquely suited to work with veterinarians, corporate leaders, national and state professional licensing organizations, attorneys, insurance companies and financial institutions developing solutions to animal related medical, risk management and liability issues. Ed’s current responsibilities include delivering industry expertise and support to USI Retail, Affinity, and external retail sales teams, developing, and implementing internal programmatic growth strategies and directing the Safehold Veterinary & Animal Services team with management of his personal book of business.
Program:
- Veterinary & Animal Services Program
- Appetite: Veterinary organizations (all sizes), Animal Boarding/Daycare
- Facilities and Non-Profit Organizations
- Coverages: Workers Compensation, Business Package, Professional Liability/License Defense,Animal Bailee, EPL, Business Auto, Umbrella.
- Open Brokerage: All Sizes
- Proprietary Program States: All states except Hawaii and Alaska
- Open Brokerage Capabilities: All States
David Campbell, CPCU, ARM
Chief Underwriting Officer
Safehold Special Risk, Inc.
David Campbell is the Chief Underwriting Officer at Safehold. His responsibilities include new program development, product design, account referrals, carrier relations and helping program managers flourish with delegated authority. With more than 40 years of industry experience, David has been involved with many aspects of commercial lines underwriting, state filings, insurance systems, reinsurance, and marketing for both carriers and program administrators. David worked for four major insurers from 1981 to 2006 before joining Safehold Special Risk in 2006. He graduated from Florida State University with a major in Risk Management & Insurance.
Aaron Cardwell, CIC, RPLU
Vice President, J.B. Lloyd & Associates
U.S. Risk, LLC, Financial Institutions
Prosper, Texas
Aaron Cardwell works with J.B. Lloyd & Associates, a Program unit that specializes in solutions for financial institutions. He joined U.S. Risk with the acquisition of J.B. Lloyd & Associates in 2016. Aaron’s responsibility is to grow the programs for lender-placed hazard and flood, mortgage impairment/errors & omissions insurance, and Real Estate Investors. These unique programs are endorsed by the Texas Bankers Association and available throughout the country. He also specializes in brokering professional lines solutions for financial institutions. He began his underwriting career in 2001 working with financial institution crime bonds, D&O, bankers professional, and cyber insurance for financial institutions at St. Paul Insurance Company, which later merged with Travelers. Aaron works with banks, credit unions, mortgage bankers, mortgage servicers, real estate investors, insurance companies, investment advisors, and other financial institutions. He graduated from University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Finance.
Programs:
Lender Placed Hazard & Flood
Insurance purchased by lenders to protect their collateral interests in real property:
- When they become aware of insurance lapses on an active mortgage loan or
- After a borrower's real property is acquired through foreclosure
Tracking of insurance for the loan portfolio and management of the lender placed letter cycle is available.
Mortgage Impairment/Errors & Omissions Insurance
Mortgage Errors and Omissions policies protects lenders if they fail to require, procure or maintain customary coverage on real property collateral, and a loss occurs to the mortgaged property.
Mortgage Impairment coverage protects the lender’s interest when they are unaware of a lapse of insurance coverage, and a loss occurs to the mortgaged property.
Real Estate Investors
Packaged coverage (fire, windstorm, and liability) for residential portfolios of vacant and rental dwellings with more than 10 locations.
Proprietary Program States: All
Financial Institution Professional Lines Brokerage Capabilities: All States
Adam Carroll
Inside Broker, Professional Liability
Phoenix, AZ
Adam Carroll is an inside broker specializing in professional liability with U.S. Risk. Adam’s markets range from Admiral to Zurich and everything in between as he works to place whatever risk may cross his desk. His background includes over 10 years of industry experience, starting as an auto claims adjuster with the prior 4+ years in underwriting, most recently as a Senior Underwriter in Professional Liability for Hiscox, with specific focus in Architects & Engineers and Miscellaneous Professional Liability. He graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2011, and currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona.
Specialization: Middle Market Professional Lines – All States
Scott Carroll
Take1 Entertainment Practice Leader/Broker/Underwriter
Orange County, CA
Scott Carroll, Executive Vice President & Program Director for Take1 Insurance, has over 30 years insurance industry experience. Since 2008, Scott has been managing and building the entertainment division of U.S. Risk, known as Take1 Insurance, a Managing General Agency, focused exclusively on underwriting risks specific to the entertainment industry, with a focused concentration on LIVE events. Today, Take1 is a recognized leader throughout the LIVE insurance community and as an insurance expert for event service-related insureds who support the LIVE entertainment community. Scott is a tireless advocate for safety and promoting safe best practices at all LIVE events. He is also an expert in most things entertainment, from special events to event planners, event promoters, music venues, fairs/festivals, film/television (primarily known as DICE) and touring entertainers, to name several. Scott has been a board member of the Event Safety Alliance since 2019.
Program:
Live Event Services aka Rental House but in addition to rental houses, Scott also controls the underwriting pen for Shell Corps, Touring Entertainers, Event Planners/Promoters/Producers, Photographers, Ad Agencies, Recording Studios, DICE, and Post Productions.
Live Event Services aka Rental House is a semi-exclusive ADMITTED program writing in ALL STATES including designated underwriting authority in GL,; Property (Real, BPP, BI), Inland Marine, Umbrella, Auto, Worker’s Comp, and Crime.
Scott is also the underwriting authority (Lloyd’s Coverholder) with two Lloyds syndicates for Terrorism, Active Assailant and other crisis management related products such as Workplace Violence.
Corey Cash
National Program Manager
Portsmouth, NH
Corey brings 25 years of experience as a specialist in the Sports and Entertainment industry. During that time, Corey has been involved with carrier exclusives, captives, high-risk retention plans, and currently oversees one of the largest sports and entertainment insurance programs in the country operating as a managing general underwriter. He has brokered risk management and insurance placements for smaller sporting facilities, some of the largest professional venues in the country, casinos, horse and dog tracks, major convention centers, performing arts centers, various sports leagues and associations and promoters. He has worked with franchises from every major professional sport, some of the largest venue management companies in the country, most major youth sports associations, the United States Olympic Committee, and some of the largest promoters in the country. Corey often speaks for many major sports and entertainment associations throughout the country on various management and insurance related topics. This experience allows Corey to bring a unique perspective and understanding to this industry.
Program:
- Sports and Entertainment Program
- Any Premium Size Eligible
- Open Brokerage: All Sizes
- Open Brokerage Territory: All 50 States
Sera Chalayan-Cessna
Senior Casualty Broker/Program Underwriter IV
ArmorPark, U.S. Risk
Orange County, CA
ArmorPark’s exclusive program with James River Insurance Co. is uniquely designed to meet the needs of all valet and self-parking companies, large or small. The program itself has over 40 years of insurance background specific to the parking industry and is well-known throughout the nation. Sera’s responsibility is to generate new business and underwrite renewals. Now in her twelfth year in insurance, she has learned—now more than ever—that the next generation of professionals is going to be imperative to the industry’s success. This is why, in her spare time, she speaks to young people about considering careers in insurance.
After graduating from university, Sera began her career as a banker. She soon transitioned to insurance, first working in wholesale brokerage, then moving to an admitted carrier as a team lead, and also serving as president of the Emerging Insurance Professionals and as a board member for the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation. After spending 15 months in the Czech Republic, earning her MBA, Sera resumed her insurance career as an AVP at Gallagher in Los Angeles, where her sales focus was on non-profits and parking operators.
Program:
- General Liability
- Garagekeepers Legal Liability
- Excess Liability
- Proprietary Program States: All 50 States
- Open Brokerage Capabilities: All 50 States
William (Bill) Curtis
Program Manager, Resort and Ski
Lakewood, CO
A well-rounded insurance professional with 23 years in property/casualty underwriting, claims and sales management. Bill’s insurance experience began with The St. Paul Company as a Commercial Lines underwriter in Small Commercial and Middle Markets. After a stint as a field office underwriter Bill moved into the retail agency space as a producer for 4 years at Diversified Insurance Inc., when he was lured back to the company side in 2004 where he went to work for the Travelers Insurance Company. Bill spent 12 years across several disciplines including underwriting, Middle Market product development, and National Accounts Claims Management. During his tenure at the Travelers Bill held leadership positions in all these insurance company disciplines. In 2015 Bill took a position at Safehold Special Risk the newly branded Wells Fargo Special Risk where he accepted the position of Program Manager for the Lakewood Colorado office. Currently as program manager Bill, in partnership with Ryan Patrick is responsible for working with the Safehold Team to accomplish profitable growth, and the operational execution of the Resort and Recreation insurance program at Safehold.
Nicholas Dalessio
SR Program Manager
Florham Park, NJ
As Insurance Program Manager, Nicholas Dalessio has 25 years of experience in the Insurance industry and with Safehold. In his role, Nicholas is involved with several aspects of the business, mainly strategic leadership, growth and development for Workers Compensation, Commercial Lines (BOPS) , PEO and Dental. Nicholas’s responsibilities include management of programs, Carrier Relationships, Sales, Profitability and service processes which include keeping a dynamic workflow and developing strong relationships with direct clients, agents and brokers to increase new business flow and Renewal Retention.
Programs:
- WS Worker’s Compensation
- Commercial Lines (BOPS)
- PEO
- Dental
- Open Brokerage: All Sizes
Emily Ely-Stocke
Internal Underwriter/Broker, U.S Risk
Minneapolis, MN
Emily is the Mountain West broker/ binding surplus lines underwriter. Emily works with USI marketing teams on accounts that can’t be placed with admitted markets. Her goal is to build great relationships with the USI teams to keep the non-admitted business in house with U.S Risk. She started her insurance career at her father’s wholesale brokerage typing policies, fillings and mail. Twenty-Three years later she still enjoys underwriting surplus lines risk’s and has worked with many of the top non-admitted carriers.
Specialty: MGA/Light Brokerage; Property & Casualty, Mountain and Northwest Regions
Ramy Eskandar
Catastrophe Manager
Atlanta, GA
Manages catastrophe exposure for Safehold Special Risk.
Jason Gallegos
Senior Underwriter, MGA Fort Worth
Fort Worth, TX; Oklahoma City, OK
Jason Gallegos is an underwriter in the Fort Worth MGA division which handles General Liability, Commercial Property, Inland Marine, and Excess/Umbrella placements for a wide variety of industries. Jason has 12 years of industry experience and specializes in Commercial Property placements of up to $5M TIV. Jason oversees a team of 3 other underwriters with another 15 years of combined industry experience, all with full quote/bind capabilities.
Prior to joining U.S. Risk, Jason spent over 3 years with a retail agency while attending Tarrant County College and obtaining his Associate’s Degree. He operated his own small business for under a year before joining U.S. Risk, where he has been for over 8 years.
He currently lives and works remotely in Oklahoma City, splitting time between there and the Fort Worth office.
Product Specialties:
- Commercial Property
- TIV Range: Under $5M
- Contract Binding States: TX, OK, NM, LA (non-coastal), AR
- Target Classes: Lessors Risk, Hospitality, Industrial, Offices, Vacant Buildings, Habitational (limited).Can often
- package with GL and Inland Marine
Kristen Gardom
Internal Broker/Underwriter
Kristen is an Internal Broker/Underwriter for U.S. Risk, Middle Market Property. She has 28 years in the industry and the past 17 in Property. Prior to joining Kristen worked at Ryan Specialty as Inside Broker and Underwriting Associate.
Program:
- Commercial Lines Property
- Middle Market
- Open Brokerage: All Sizes
- Open Brokerage Capabilities: All States
David Hatlem
Program Manager, Motorsports
Charlotte, NC
David Hatlem is the Program Manager for the Motorsports Program, operating from Charlotte and Houston office locations. His responsibility is to drive growth and provide strategic leadership in all elements of the businesses.
David has over 30 years of program underwriting and management expertise and understand all facets of operating a program underwriting platform and business. David has worked extensively in the program business model leading and managing programs in the sports, leisure and entertainment space. Prior to joining USI, he was the owner of an agency that specialized in motorsports that operated in a program and wholesale underwriting model. During his career, he has also held various domestic and international roles/assignments with K&K Insurance Group (Aon) and Bollinger Insurance (Gallagher). He graduated from Denison University with B.A. in Economics.
Program:
- Motorsports
- Distribution: Open Brokerage and Direct Retail
- Proprietary Program States: All
Jeff Henke
Alternative Risk Program Manager
Cincinnati, OH
Jeff Henke joined USI in 2022 and is the Alternative Risk Program Manager for USI Programs. Specifically, Jeff is exploring developing an agency captive for the USI program division, where we would bundle together several existing programs, find a fronting company, then participate in risk via an agency captive along with several other quota share reinsurance companies. Jeff is currently working with a reinsurance broker, a captive manager, and a team within USI exploring this potential opportunity.
Prior to joining USI, Jeff spent over 25 years with Great American Insurance as an underwriting officer for their Alternative Markets division where he recruited agency captives throughout the country. He was responsible for the production and underwriting profit of many programs, including wineries, liquor stores, photographers, breweries, VFWs, limousine companies, rural telephone companies, self-storage owners, self-storage tenants, Snap-On franchisees, Ace Hardware stores, and many others. He graduated from Valparaiso University in Indiana with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and also received his Master’s in Economics from the University of Notre Dame. He received his CPCU and taught CPCU classes for many years in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Danyelle Hoffman
Program Manager
Grand Rapids, MI
Danyelle Hoffman is the Leader of Harbor Risk a division of Safehold Special Risk. Danyelle’s responsibility is to grow and manage a book of business for the Hanover Marine Program and with our other carriers (wholesale). With more than 18 years of insurance industry experience, Danyelle has worked extensively on many facets of marine insurance. Danyelle has worked for USI (through the transitions of ownership) since 2005. She graduated from Davenport University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Program:
- Harbor Risk—Recreational Marine
- Harbor Risk Premium Size: Approximately $20MM
- Program States: All except AK, HI, FL
- Broker Program States: All except AK and HI
Angi Jansen, AMIM, CIC, CISR, CMIP
Senior Marine Underwriter, U.S. Risk Marine
Aventura, Florida
Angi is a Commercial/Recreational/Personal Marine Insurance and Risk Management Professional at U.S. Risk, LLC. She has an extensive and diverse marine insurance background with a strong force in the insurance marketplace.
Angi’s responsibilities include coast-to-coast collaboration with retail and internal partners to place complex marine risks utilizing her maritime insurance expertise. With more than 25 years of industry experience, Angi has worked on the agency, company and wholesale arms of the market.
In addition to her education obtained from Murray State University she has also achieved several industry designations including Certified Marine Insurance Professional, Associate in Marine Insurance Management, Certified Insurance Counselor and Certified Insurance Service Representative.
Program:
- Commercial Marine
- Cargo
- Recreational Marine
- Personal Marine Exposures/Yachts
Andrea Jenkins, CPCU, AAI
National Business Development and Underwriting Manager
Internal Distribution, U.S. Risk Wholesale and MGA
Andrea Jenkins is the National Leader for the U.S. Risk MGA and Wholesale teams focused on our internal USI distribution. Andrea’s team includes Package/MGA Desk Underwriting Specialists, as well as Casualty, Property and Professional Lines Brokerage Specialists, designed for a National footprint aligned with our USI retail partner. Andrea’s responsibilities include building and managing this team of underwriters and brokers, as well as the growth and profitability of our USI/USR Wholesale and MGA partnership. With more than 20 years of experience, Andrea has held production and leadership positions within both retail/direct to client, and wholesale distribution organizations.
Specializations:
- MGA/Binding Authority: Teams within all regions/states
- Brokerage Specialization: All Lines of Business; Casualty/Property/Professional
Justin LaLonde
Underwriter
Grand Rapids, MI
Justin LaLonde is one of the underwriters for Harbor Risk, a division of Safehold Special Risk. Justin’s responsibility is to create growth by properly underwriting accounts to maintain a profitable loss ratio along with building relationships with agents to help drive new business. With over 8 years of insurance experience Justin has experience in both personal and commercial lines of insurance. Justin has been with Harbor Risk for 7 years; prior working with USI, Justin worked as a Senior Service Advocate where he sold and serviced insurance policies in over 40 states. He graduated from Grand Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
Program:
- Harbor Risk—Recreational Marine
- Harbor Risk Premium Size: Approximately $20MM
- Program States: All except AK, HI, FL
- Broker Program States: All except AK and HI
Aric Longo
Business Development Manager, Dentists and Dental Practices
Florham Park, NJ
Aric Longo runs the business development for retail and brokered business for the Dentists Professional Plus program. This program encompasses Dental Professional Liability and Business Owners coverage surrounding all specialties and dental offices country wide. Aric’s responsibility is to drive growth by writing new business, forming partnerships with new brokers, remarketing accounts exceeding $50,000 in premium, and implementing operational strategies to retain business. Aric has been apart of the development of multiple Safehold programs including Agency Resources, Trinet (PEO), Dealer Inventory and presently Dental.
Prior to entering Insurance, Aric graduated Magna Cum Laude of Mercy College and was deemed top 5% in the National Honor Society after obtaining a dual bachelor’s degree in both Risk Management and Business Administration.
Program:
- Dentist Professional Plus
- Admitted and non-admitted market for Prof liability and BOPs
- Appointed to write in all 50 states
Tim Lucas
Marine Vertical Leader
Grand Rapids, MI
Tim Lucas is the ocean marine vertical leader for USI programs, MGA and Wholesale. Tim has over 44 years of experience working in the marine industry, including commercial marine insurance. He is a former merchant mariner, marina operator/boat dealer, retail marine producer, and marine program manager. Before joining USI, Tim was part of the leadership team for five years at Markel Ocean Marine, which produced approximately $500MM in annual premium worldwide.
Tim provides strategic leadership, industry insight, and program growth & development for Safehold Special Risk, Harbor Risk and U.S. Risk.
Program:
- Ocean Marine
- All related classes and lines of business
- Proprietary Programs and Wholesale Markets: United States – ALL
Mike Miller, FCAS, MAAA
Chief Actuary
Safehold Special Risk, Inc.
Mike Miller has over 30 years of insurance industry experience. In addition to extensive experience in pricing and reserving for personal and commercial lines, Mr. Miller also has experience in self-insurance funding, development of retrospective rating plans, captive feasibility studies, state insurance departments rate filing reviews, and implementation of a policy/claims systems.
Prior to joining USI, Mike held positions as actuarial consultant with Willis Towers Watson, Director of Insurance Pricing for Catlin’s U.S. company, and Chief Actuary for a non-standard auto insurance company.
Mike has a Master of Science degree in mathematics from Illinois State University. He is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS) and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA).
Mike Mooney
Senior Vice President
Professional Liability Practice & Consumer Practice Leader
Newtown Square, PA
Mike Mooney is the Leader of USI Affinity’s Professional Liability and Consumer Programs business which includes Professional Liability for Law Firms and Medical Professionals, Individual Benefits for Professionals and Alumni, Personal Lines for Alumni, and Travel Insurance. Mike’s responsibility is to drive growth and provide strategic leadership in all elements of the businesses. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Mike has worked extensively on many facets of insurance programs for professional service firms.
Prior to joining USI Affinity, Mike spent over 8 years with Aon in a variety of management roles. He graduated from Rowan University in New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
Program:
- Lawyers Professional Liability
- Firm Size:
- Program 1–35
- Open Brokerage: All Sizes
- Proprietary Program States: MA, RI, CT, NY. NJ, PA, DE, MA, VA, DC, WV, TX, AZ,NM,OK,NE
- Open Brokerage Capabilities: All other states
John I. Paulk III
Programs Executive
Safehold Special Risk, U.S. Risk Programs & USI Affinity
Carrollton, GA
John I. Paulk III is Programs Leader for Safehold Special Risk, Inc., U.S. Risk Programs and USI Affinity and has overall management responsibility for each of the programs currently administered. He is focused on developing long-lasting, profitable programs which drive positive underwriting results while exceeding all compliance and regulatory requirements.
Driven by superior service and underwriting results, John is committed to the development of underwriting professionals, execution of sales strategy, structure of marketing activities and successful deployment of new products into the marketplace. Over the last 17+ years, he has successfully directed the integration and the product launches of multiple programs and has helped in guiding the company to become one of the largest MGU’s in the US, with more than $1B of premium under management. Through leveraging technology, identifying underwriting expertise and effectively managing multiple distribution channels, USI’s Program business is poised for continued growth into the future.
Before his current role, John held positions within Safehold including National Sales Manager, Regional Account Manager (SE), New Business Development and Marketing Manager.
Prior to joining Safehold, he worked with Georgia Power Company in Resource Planning and Procurement. In this role, he facilitated contract negotiations for long-term power purchase agreements and managed the generation forecast. Additionally, he served on the planning council for Southern Company (Georgia Power parent company) and fostered key relationships with the Georgia Public Service Commission.
John received his Master’s in Business Administration from Mercer University’s Stetson School of Business and his Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing from The State University of West Georgia’s Richards College of Business. He holds Insurance Agents Property & Casualty and Excess & Surplus licenses in all states. He is an active member of Target Markets Program Administrators Association and Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association.
Steven Pefinis
Program Manager, Self-Storage
Carrollton, GA
Steven Pefinis is the Program Manager of Safehold’s Self-Storage Program. His responsibilities include driving growth, ensuring application of responsible underwriting principles and adherence to guidelines, and training/developing Underwriters on team. He has more than 15 years of Self Storage underwriting experience and knowledge, developing strong relationships with some of industry’s most successful agents. Prior to re-joining Safehold Special Risk in 2016, Steven was a Senior Property Underwriter with WKFC Underwriting Managers. He graduated from Georgia State University with a B.B.A degree in Risk Management & Insurance.
Program:
- Self-Storage
- Eligible Risk/Classes: NAICS 531130 – Lessors of Mini-Warehouse and Self-Storage Units and NAICS
- 531120 – Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings (except Mini-warehouses)
- Purpose: Program product offering consists of Property/Liability based upon a Businessowners platform, with specialty program enhancements and Commercial Umbrella/Follow Form Excess
- Territory: All states within the United States of America, excluding all territories and possessions
- Target Account Size: 1–300 locations
Daria Porreca
Travel Insurance Program Leader
Newtown Square, PA
Daria is the program leader for USI’s Travel Insurance Services division. Daria works closely with the travel sales, marketing, and customer service teams to manage the relationships of key clients and travel insurance partners. She also spearheads the implementation of new products and changes to existing lines of business. Employed by USI since 2006, Daria’s experience also includes roles in Customer Service Management, Product Management, Marketing and Administration. Daria is a three-time winner of USI’s Summit Award for top performers. She earned a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science from Franklin University. Daria holds active insurance licenses for all lines of authority in all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico.
Programs (available in all states):
Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Trips up to $150,000 person, 30 days per trip
- Plans for individual trips, road trips, or trips sponsored by an association, tour operator or travel agent
International Medical Insurance
- 5–364 days per policy
- International student insurance renewable up to 4 years
- Must be traveling outside Home Country
Annual Travel Insurance
- Covers unlimited number of trips, at least 100 miles from home
Group Medical Evacuation coverage
- Standard and custom plans
- Purchased on a blanket basis for all members of a trip
- Covers association, employer and other groups
Business Travel Accident Insurance
- Any size employer groups
Tour Operator & Travel Agent Professional Liability Insurance
- Any size tour operator or travel agency companies
Paul Riemer
Senior Vice President. MGA & Wholesale
Aventura, FL
Paul Riemer is a Senior Vice President with the MGA and Wholesale portion of U.S. Risk. Paul’s responsibility is to drive growth and provide strategic leadership in all elements of the business. Paul oversees the Aventura, New York and Dallas offices and manages U.S. Risk’s national carrier relationships. With more than 14 years of industry experience, Paul has worked in several facets of the business including the carrier, retail, and wholesale/MGA side. Prior to joining U.S. Risk via acquisition in 2019, Paul was President of Regency Insurance Brokerage Services for 5 years. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor's degree in in Risk Management and Insurance and received his MBA from the University of Miami with a masters in finance and marketing.
Program:
- MGA & Wholesale
- Open Brokerage: All sizes
- Proprietary Program States: All states
- Open Brokerage Capabilities: All other states
Bill Rinker
VP/Program Manager
Bill is responsible for managing TCAP, the team associated with community insurance, including the marketing, production and service of this group. Prior to joining U.S. Risk, Bill served in various leadership positions within the brokerage operations in which he worked, including underwriting, sales, sales management and branch management. He has worked with clients in construction, retail, manufacturing, utilities, residential builders and residential community associations. Prior to joining U.S. Risk, Bill has worked at Aon, Countrywide Insurance, A.J. Gallagher, Near North Insurance, and Arkwright Mutual. Bill attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota.
Product Specialties:
- Community Associations
- Property
Robert “Bobby” Robbins
Internal Broker Underwriter, Property, U.S. Risk
Phoenix, AZ
Bobby Robbins is a Property Internal Broker/Underwriter for the Western Territory states which include TX, NM, AZ, CA, NV, OR, WA, ID and CO. Bobby’s responsibilities are to build relationships and grow a successful book of business in the states outlined. Bobby started in the insurance industry some 30 years ago after his time serving our country in the United States Army as a Paratrooper in a small specialized detachment while stationed at Fort Ord, CA. Bobby has worked exclusively on the company side during his tenure in the insurance industry which includes several successful start-up programs. Bobby has an extensive Excess and Surplus Lines property underwriting background in both the commercial and personal lines spaces as well as territory sales management experience.
Brian Rudolph
Program Manager, Worker’s Compensation Division
Sarasota, FL
Brian leads the WC team in Sarasota, Florida and has been an integral part of U.S. Risk since 2007. Brian holds a Florida 2-20 license along with various industry designations including Associate in Insurance Services (AIS), Associate in General Insurance (AINS), Certified Professional in Insurance (CPII), and a variety of additional certifications.
Brian entered the insurance industry in 1995, having earned his degree from Northwest Florida State College. He began his professional career in the financial services division of a large insurance service corporation, expanding his qualifications through his work in personal lines, underwriting and eventually to the auditing of workers’ compensation.
With over 25 years of diversified experience including business operations, policy administration and expertise in process improvement and workflow efficiencies, he continues to pursue academic studies while charged with the privilege of leading an exceptional team of dedicated insurance professionals serving a network of nationwide agency partners and growing a large book of very diverse business.
Our Workers’ Compensation carrier partners include markets writing a wide variety of class codes including new ventures and accounts with lapses in coverage.
- ALMA
- Amerisafe
- Amtrust
- Ascendant
- Beacon Aviation
- CNA
- EMPLOYERS
- First Comp
- FFVA Mutual
- Guard
- The Hartford
- ICW
- SE Personnel Leasing (PEO)
- MCIM
- Normandy Insurance
- Pie Insurance
- RTW
- Travelers
- TX Mutual (Limited states)
- V3 Insurance Partners
- Zenith (Limited states)
Christina Salcido
Underwriting Manager, Healthcare
Dallas, Texas
Christina Salcido is the lead for U.S. Risk HealthcarePros Program. Our in-house Lloyd’s program is designed to address the healthcare industry’s growth for Allied Health and Social Services such as Group Homes, Alcohol & Drug Rehab Centers, home healthcare, Adult Day Care, Medi-Spas and many others. Christina’s responsibility is to drive growth and provide strategic leadership in all elements of the businesses. With more than 20 years of industry experience, tenured insurance experience in healthcare underwriting, brokerage, claims handling, and risk management. Christina has strong relationships with carriers that enables to obtain and place the best terms for Long term care/Assisted Living facilities, Physicians (individuals or groups), Hospitals, Surgery Centers and other classes.
Program:
- U.S. Risk HealthcarePros
- Program States: AK, AL, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA,ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY
- Open Brokerage Capabilities: All States
- Open Brokerage: All Sizes
Gregory Scarpa
Senior Vice President/Branch Manager
New York
Gregory Scarpa has been in insurance industry for over 35 years working for Wholesalers/MGA and Carriers with experience in management, underwriting and brokering commercial risks. He manages our New York team and his responsibilities include writing business and providing leadership to NY branch and our company.
Prior to joining U.S. Risk, Greg served as President of RIBS NY LLC before the company was acquired by U.S. Risk in 2019.
Product Specialties:
- Commercial Property (including large schedules of locations)
- Commercial Liability (including large schedules of locations)
- LRO
- BOPs
- Dwellings
- Artisan contractors
- Restaurants
- Bars/taverns
- Nightclubs
- Manufacturing
- Excess/umbrella
Angela Schroder
Senior Vice President
Angela has 20 plus years of experience placing professional liability for insurance agents, brokers, MGAs, insurance companies and other specialty lines. Her goal is to always listen to her clients and develop solutions for each situation.
Angela is a graduate of Southern Methodist University, acquiring a B.B.A. in Insurance and B.A. in History in 1984. She is president of U.S. E&O Brokers, a family-owned insurance business launched in 1976 and acquired by U.S. Risk in August 2019.
Product Specialties:
- Management and Professional Liability
Dinamarie Serrano
Underwriting Manager, Veterinary & Animal Services Program
Safehold Special Risk
Carrollton, GA
Dinamarie Serrano is the Veterinary & Animal Services Program Underwriting Manager. With 20+ years’ experience in P&C insurance specializing in compliance and underwriting, Dina’s responsibilities include maintaining program stability and maximizing market growth while navigating carrier transitions and the ever-hardening insurance world alongside the ongoing changes to the veterinary niche. Prior to joining Safehold Special Risk 8 years ago, Dina spent over 8 years with Thomco/Markel as a program underwriter and with Aon New York in a variety of compliance roles prior to that. Dinamarie is double degreed and a proud ERAU alumni and US Army Veteran.
Program:
- Veterinary & Animal Services
- Preferred Operations: Small (DVM class) and mixed (DVM class) veterinary practices including mobile operations, emergency hospitals & clinics with 24-hour exposures are the program-preferred operations. Eligible operations include veterinary offices, veterinary hospitals, kennels, pet daycare, pet grooming (to include mobile operations), pet hotel/motel, pet training (non-service animal) and SPCA/Humane Societies on a case-by-case basis.
- Program States: National US-based program except Alaska and Hawaii
Sherri L. Sidwell, CIC, CeS
Underwriter/Broker, Midwest Territory, U.S. Risk
Sherre Sidwell handles new business submissions from the USI offices located in IN, IL, KY, MI, MO, OH, PA, WI and WV. She has multiple-carrier binding authority and is familiar with several brokerage markets for all types of commercial lines business. With over 26 years of industry experience, Sherre has worked as an underwriter, marketing rep, alternative distribution manager and production underwriter as well as having worked at an insurance agency for a few years. Prior to joining U.S. Risk, Sherre was with Amwins, Fifth Third Bank Insurance Agency and Middlesex Mutual (aka MiddleOak) in CT in a variety of personal and commercial lines positions. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She currently lives in northern Kentucky.
Program:
- Specializes in Middle Market Commercial Lines risks (All States Brokerage)
- MGA Binding Authority (IN, KY, OH, IL, MI, MO, PA, WI, WV)
Gopaul Singh
WM Broker, Property and Casualty
Orlando, FL
Gopaul Singh has been in the insurance industry for over 14 years, joining U.S. Risk after they acquired his old firm Regency Insurance 4 years ago. He offers a wide array of experience and knowledge including marketing, carrier and agency relations, underwriting, leadership and management, with a primary focus on commercial insurance in the property and casualty arena. Gopaul focuses on general contracting, hospitality, habitational, retail/lessor’s risk, products liability and property. Gopaul has a longtime commitment to providing exceptional service in all lines of business he writes.
Product Specialties:
- Casualty
- Property
- Construction
- Product Liability
- Hospitality
- States: NY, NJ, CT, PA, MI, SC, NC, GA, FL
Jennifer Soul
Practice Leader, Property & Real Estate
Carrollton, GA
Jennifer Soul is a Practice Leader for 6 property-focused programs for both Safehold and U.S. Risk, including Builder’s Risk, Self-Storage, TCAP, Flood, Natural Disaster Protection (NDP), and Wind & Hail Deductible Buy-Back.
Jennifer came to Safehold in May of 2022, with more than 20 years of experience in the large commercial property space, including property engineering and underwriting, as well as operations management. Most recently, Jennifer held a role as National Director for Liberty Mutual’s Equipment Breakdown Reinsurance division, which she helped launch in 2019. In this role, she led the sales, client servicing and reinsurance contract development teams nationwide.
Prior to this role, she spent 4 years as a Director of Underwriting in the western region for Liberty Mutual, and 12 years at FM Global as an Engineering Specialist, Account Manager, and eventually an Operations Servicing Manager at FM Global’s corporate office in Johnston, Rhode Island.
Jennifer graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Washington State University, where she also earned a Minor in Mathematics and held the role of House Manager at her Sorority, Kappa Delta. She currently lives in Canton, GA with her husband and two children.
Programs:
- Builder’s Risk – PM: Sandy McMillan and Michelle Picklesimer
- Self-Storage – PM: Steve Pefinis
- TCAP, WHDBB – PM: Bill Rinker
- Flood, NDP – PM: Bill Rinker and Daniel Malhotra
Peter Stanislaw, CIC, CRM, RPLU
Vice President, Program Manager
Dallas, TX; Charlotte, NC
Peter Stanislaw manages the StaffPak Program for U.S. Risk, LLC. with responsibility for driving growth and innovation. Under his direction the StaffPak Program has earned a reputation within the Staffing and PEO industries as a robust and stable market that insurance brokers and their clients can depend upon. With more than 15 years of experience working with staffing and PEO clients Peter has worked extensively on many facets of insurance program development. Prior to joining U.S. Risk, Peter spent over 15 years on the retail side of the insurance business as a commercial producer. He graduated from Marietta College in Ohio with bachelor’s degree in Economics.
Program:
- StaffPak Target – Staffing Agency & PEO
- Proprietary Coverage: property, IM, crime, GL, EBL, Abuse, PL, EPL, auto & umbrella
- Account size: start-up to publicly traded
- Proprietary Program States: Risks domiciled in all states except AK & HI (no auto in MA)
- Open Brokerage Capabilities: WC, EPL, Cyber, Fiduciary, D&O and Miscellaneous PL
- Our customers: 95% retail brokers 5% wholesale brokers
Jan Vaughn
Senior Underwriter/MGA Manager
Jan has been with U.S. Brokers Network (USBN), acquired by U.S. Risk in 2019, for twenty years as an underwriter for independent insurance agents/brokers professional liability. USBN is MGA/MGU for specific carriers writing this line of business. Jan holds a Bachelor of Science degree. Prior to USBN, Jan was a specialized accounting manager with a large commercial real estate company and director of a non-profit organization for emergency room personnel training.
Product Specialties:
- Cyber
- Management and Professional Liability
Stephen Weber
Vice President, Client Management & Business Development
Newtown Square, PA
Stephen Weber’s role involves managing affinity insurance programs for professional and trade associations that are both national and regional. Stephen has worked on both existing programs and the launch of start-up insurance programs from scratch. He has extensive product knowledge and carrier relationships for over 20+ insurance and financial service products, and a strong background in marketing/growth strategy. In addition, Stephen is charge of finding and vetting new business initiatives to drive program revenue in both the individual benefits and property & casualty space. He is tasked with finding existing USI relationships and cross selling insurance programs from groups that fit. Stephen has been with USI for over 8 years and graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
If you have any client or prospect (national or regional) that could be a good fit for and individual benefits affinity program where a B2C connections can be made to a membership group or like-minded individuals, please contact Stephen at stephen.weber@usi.com.
Karen Wesiak
Underwriting Manager, Northeast Binding Unit Pool
Staten Island, NY
Karen is the Underwriter Manager of the NY Binding Unit Department of U.S. Risk and has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry working in commercial lines. She joined U.S. Risk in 2019 with the acquisition of Regency Insurance Brokerage, who Karen has been with since 2014. Karen’s focus is commercial package and/or monoline general liability or property coverages for a broad base of business types.
Product Specialties:
- Commercial Underwriting
- Direct Access to 14 Binding Unit Carriers with TIV limits up to $3MM
- Direct Access to Brokerage Markets with TIV up to $10MM
Proprietary States: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont
In-house BU Carriers & Open Brokerage: All other states
For Internal Use Only
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