Announcing our special Keynote Speaker:

Greg Schwem

Greg Schwem is a husband, father and twenty-year stand-up comedy veteran. He has appeared in concert with the likes of Jay Leno and Celine Dion and performed his show, "Comedy With a Byte" for corporations including Microsoft, Cisco Systems, IBM, McDonald's and United Airlines. We're delighted he will be joining us for the 2018 Chicagoland Risk Forum.

Ashley Fox

Ashley Fox is one of the NFL’s most well-respected journalists and a trailblazer in the ego-infused world of sports media. During her 24-year career, including 7 years as a lead NFL reporter and analyst for ESPN, Inc., The Worldwide Leader in Sports, Ashley covered the United States’ most popular sport for the largest sports media network in the world.

By being fair, honest and accountable, with unwavering professionalism and boundless optimism, Ashley earned the trust of professional athletes, coaches, owners, team executives and league commissioners.

Ashley understands the power of relationships - as well as the steps to build and maintain them. She has mastered the lost art of listening and knows that the best questions mine the most insightful answers. To this day she maintains lasting relationships with some of the most powerful people in professional sports, proving that championship teamwork isn’t just for NFL Sundays.

Since 1993, Ashley Fox has reported from the world’s largest sporting events, including the Summer Olympics, Wimbledon, the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, the Final Four, the World Series, the Stanley Cup Finals, and the PGA Championship. Ashley’s written work has been featured on ESPN.com, TheUndefeated.com, ESPNW.com and in ESPN The Magazine, Sports Illustrated and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Ashley has appeared on ESPN’s signature studio shows SportsCenter, Outside the Lines, The Sports Reporters, Pardon The Interruption, NFL Live, NFL Insiders, His & Hers and Jim Rome is Burning, as well as on CNN and MSNBC. Her seven-minute story Brothers in Arms kicked off the 2017 season of ESPN’s SC Featured and detailed the relationship between Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva, a former Army Ranger, and his Afghan translator Mohammad Arif Azimi with whom Villanueva served in Afghanistan.

A graduate of Indiana University, Fox is a world-class communicator who shares with audiences around the world her inspiring story of determination, perseverance, balancing personal and professional integrity, believing in the impossible and overcoming obstacles. Attendees of Ashley’s presentations learn the proven leadership, communication and teamwork strategies that took her from a small-town girl with big-time dreams to an award-winning reporter and columnist for the preeminent sports network on the planet.

Ashley is a North Carolina native, a recovering tennis protégé and an aspiring black belt in the karate discipline Tang Soo Do. She resides in suburban Philadelphia with her two amazing kids and one insane Labrador.

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2018 CRF PRESENTERs:

Neil Blauvelt presents "Emerging Risk Management and Coverage Challenges Presented by the Internet of Things and Vendor Breach Events"

Neil Blauvelt has worked for United Airlines from May 2015 to the present. His title is Senior Manager, Enterprise Risk Management and Corporate Insurance. Prior to that he was a Senior Financial Analyst with United Airlines from September 2011 to May 2015. Before that he was with Boeing as a Senior Financial Analyst for 3 years. He attended Washington University in St. Louis – Olin Business School and received an MBA in 2006. Prior to that he graduated from University of Missouri-Rolla in 2002 for undergrad in BS in Industrial Engineering, and a Master’s degree from the same school in Systems Engineering in 2004.

Paul began his career in 1999 as multi-line claims adjuster for Marriott International. Following Marriott International, he held multiple positions with Gallagher Bassett servicing both captive and self-injured clients. In 2007, Paul accepted the Claims Manager position with Hyatt Hotels Corporation and then accepting a Risk Manager position with Rockford Mass Transit District in 2010. Prior to his current position with Eby-Brown, Paul served as the Risk Manager for Waterton from 2014-2016.

Mr. Brandel is a Director for the Chicago Chapter of RIMs working with the Chapter Officers. He also chairs the Risk & Safety Committee for the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA).

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Paul Brandel presents "Fight Fright or Be A Target"

Paul Brandel is the Risk and Claims Manager for Eby-Brown Company, LLC. Eby-Brown is the largest privately owned distributor in the United States and a leading wholesale distributor to the convenience industry. He is responsible for the risk and insurance program for seven distribution centers, 2,000,000 square feet of warehouse and approximately 2,500 employees.

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Kate Browne presents "When Artificial Intelligence Goes Awry"

Kate Browne is an attorney with more than twenty five years’ experience in the insurance industry. She joined Swiss Re in 2004 where she is Senior Vice President, Claims Counsel and serves as Corporate Solutions informal futurist. Kate is the author of several white papers on emerging risks such as 3D printers, automated vehicles, commercial drones, and nanotechnology. She is a graduate of St John’s University School of Law and worked at AIG and Mendes & Mount prior to joining Swiss Re.

Dan Brudos presents "Building Resiliency through a Virtual Simulation"

2018: Manager, Risk Analysis responsible for:
- Property insurance program globally
- E&O insurance program globally
- Deere’s Captive insurance operations

2011 – 2017: Responsible for global Cargo insurance program

2011: Assumed additional responsibilities for:
- global Property insurance program
- global Cargo insurance program

Armando Carlo III presents "Future of Mass-Tort Long-Tail Litigation"

Armando is an attorney with over 25 years of experience dealing with insurance coverage, product liability and commercial litigation. As a Director in the Risk Management & Insurance department for The Boeing Company, Armando leads the liability claims group that is responsible for developing and implementing strategies for insurance claim handling and negotiating resolutions of insurance coverage disputes and issues. He is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the Company’s insured claims, including claims involving aviation products liability, directors and officers liability, fiduciary liability, employment practices, environmental liability and property damage, as well as other lines of coverage.

Armando also oversees insurance recoveries associated with insurance insolvencies and solvent and insolvent schemes of arrangement and is the insurance focal for merger and acquisition activity. Prior to joining Boeing, Armando was in private practice where he represented clients – both policyholders and insurance carriers – with respect to insurance coverage issues, and handled employment and commercial litigation matters. Armando earned his J.D. degree from DePaul University College of Law and his B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin – Parkside. He is admitted to practice law in Illinois state and federal courts.

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Michael J. Chmielewski presents "Developing Alternative and Strategic Approach to Medicare Compliance for your Casualty Program"

Michael J. Chmielewski is the corporate risk & insurance manager for Ace Hardware Corporation in Oak Brook, Illinois. His primary responsibilities include the placement and risk transfer of all insurance programs as well overseeing the handling of all insurance claims brought against the Corporation and Retail Ace Hardware store participating in the Ace Insurance Agency program. Ace Hardware Corporation is a cooperative hardware wholesaler supporting the business needs of more than 3,000 individual member retailers who own and operate more than 5,000 stores located in all 50 states and in more than 60 countries. Mr. Chmielewski has extensive risk management and managerial background gained from holding managerial positions in public transit industry, the soft drink industry and transportation industry.

Kristen Cooper presents "Data Analytics in the Real World - How RGIS used Data Analytics and Telematics to Reduce Auto and Work Comp Losses"

Kristen is an energetic safety, risk and compliance leader – passionate about preventing injuries and building a strong organizational safety culture. Having grown up with a parent paralyzed by a work injury, she brings personal experience to 20 years of field and corporate safety leadership experience, claims management, insurance expertise and regulatory knowledge to integrate safety into all aspects of operations. Kristen has a proven ability to develop operationally integrated safety programs and influential partnerships that achieve significant & impactful injury rate and financial cost reductions for her organization. She protects people, assets and brand reputation.

Kristen currently oversees workplace safety and OSHA compliance for RGIS LLC, a 60 year industry leader in providing inventory services to 13,000 customers in the retail, warehousing, supply chain, industrial and healthcare fields. Prior to RGIS, Kristen was the lead OSHA compliance and safety professional at Target Corporation, and was formerly a Safety Manager at Supervalu for grocery retail and distribution. Kristen also spent 10 years at Auto-Owners Insurance Company, where she handled and supervised auto, workers’ compensation, homeowners, commercial and general liability claims.

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Don Desender presents "Flood Coverage – Best Practices for Contract Certainty and Requisite Coverage"

Don Desender is the Director, Risk Management & Compliance for White Castle System, Inc. His primary responsibilities are all areas of Risk Management, safety, OSHA & Environmental compliance and security.

Don is a 1984 graduate of The Ohio State University with a B.S. in microbiology. He also holds an Associate in Loss Control Management (ALCM) designation. Prior to joining White Castle in 1993, Don worked as an Accident Prevention Manager for Big Lots. He has 33 years of safety, security and risk management experience.

Don is a Vice President of Central Ohio Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) and a member of Retail Loss Prevention & Security Association (RLPSA) and National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association (NRRDA). He also is an authorized instructor of OSHA’s Voluntary Compliance Outreach 10 and 30 hours training courses.

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Steve Dimakos presents "Embedding ERM into Company Strategy and Process"

Steve Dimakos is responsible for claims coordination and client quality assurance within Quantum Global Advisors’ Loss Consulting Practice. As a skilled loss consultant, Mr. Dimakos also maintains a leadership role in developing claim strategy, insurance policy review and disaster preparedness reviews for clients.

Directed and implemented claims strategy including developing preliminary loss estimates for establishing reserve figures and conducting insurance policy analysis to review clients’ entitlements under their insurance contracts. Mr. Dimakos’ skills have been the foundation for the successful settlement of claims in all areas of business including light and heavy manufacturing, real estate, healthcare and retail.

Jeff Doffing presents "Reducing Total Cost of Risk via a Well-Designed Cost of Risk Allocation System"

Jeff Doffing, ACAS, MAAA, is Deputy Group Managing Director and Actuary, assisting in the leadership of Aon’s Risk Consulting Americas (RCA) Practice.

In his leadership capacity, Jeff oversees talent management, strategy, industry alignment, and thought leadership of Actuarial and Analytics, ERM, Business Continuity Management, Cyber Solutions, FI Operational Risk, Self-Insurance Compliance, and Risk Management Outsourcing.

In addition to his leadership role, Jeff serves as lead consultant for large corporate clients and provides risk financing guidance on actuarial related topics. He manages actuarial pricing and reserving analyses for self-insurance programs and captive insurance companies.

Jeff’s special areas of expertise include designing cost of risk allocation systems, collateral negotiation, and optimizing client’s risk/reward profile.

Jeff is a board member for Aon’s Global Actuarial Practice. He has been employed with Aon for almost 25 years.

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James F. Dorion presents "Future of Mass-Tort Long-Tail Litigation"

Jim has decades of experience helping clients maximize asbestos related insurance recoveries. This experience allowed him to develop useful working relationships with “decision maker” contacts in both the US and London insurance markets. Jim has personally negotiated the recovery of many dozens of large settlements. He uses his experience and contacts, along with his legal background and end-to-end knowledge of the insurance business, to provide clients with consultative advice and guidance on the development of insurance recovery strategies.

Marcus Doyle presents "Fight Fright or Be A Target"

Marcus Doyle is the Chief Executive Officer of Veracity Research Company. He has more than 32 years of investigative experience in both law enforcement and insurance fraud. Being the co-founder of one of the nation's largest and fully staffed investigation companies has made him one of the most highly sought-after speakers in the fraud industry. Mr. Doyle has been the keynote speaker at numerous national conferences over the past decade.

He received an honorable discharge upon completion of his tenure with the United States Army, where he served in the Military Police Corps (MP) as an investigator in criminal cases. He then pursued further education, majoring in Criminal Administration at Southwest Texas State University. Mr. Doyle’s extensive background and knowledge has been instrumental in the prosecution of countless fraud cases at the local, state and federal levels. In addition to the many speaking engagements and educational programs he is involved in, Mr. Doyle remains extremely active in the day-to-day operations of VRC. He has a "hands-on" approach and dedicates many hours to the education of claim handlers, risk managers, special investigators and self-insured executives throughout the United States. Mr. Doyle continues to author fraud plans and provide consulting for several dedicated producers specializing in insurance defense investigations.

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James English presents "Flood Coverage – Best Practices for Contract Certainty and Requisite Coverage"

Risk Management and Finance leader with decision-making roles and proven track record at three of the largest Global Insurance Brokers, Arthur J. Gallagher (NYSE: AJG), Aon plc (NYSE: AON) and Marsh USA (NYSE: MMC). Over twenty years of Risk Management Consulting and Insurance Placement/Brokerage service to some of the largest and most complex organizations in the World, resulting in industry recognized expertise. Corporate Finance, Accounting and Risk Management experience affords a unique perspective and the agility to communicate with Financial Executives at Business Partner Organizations.

Lance J. Ewing presents "The Wind Blew, The Earth Shook, The River Rose and My Claim is Still Not Paid"

Lance J. Ewing has extensive executive experience in the field of risk management and insurance including his role as EVP Global Risk Management for Cotton Holdings, Inc. including risk finance, risk management and employee benefits. Previously he was the VP Industry Practice Group Leader at AIG with a portfolio of $1.4B of GWP. Prior to this position he served in senior risk management capacities for Caesars Entertainment, GES Exposition Services/VIAD and for the City of Philadelphia School District. Mr. Ewing additionally worked for various insurance companies including Lumbermen's Underwriting Alliance, Pennsylvania Hospital Insurance Company (PHICO) and New York Lumberman's Insurance Trust in HPR risk engineering, underwriting and risk control capacities. He also was President of three insurance captives.

Mr. Ewing received his Master's degree in Law & Justice from the University of Pittsburgh and completed his second Master's degree in Occupational Safety Engineering. In addition to his Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation and his International Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designation, he is a matriculated Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) candidate and has completed his Enterprise Risk Management Professional designation (ERMP).

Lance was National President 2003-2004 for the Risk & Insurance Management Society (RIMS) and was also their Chief Risk Officer (CRO). He teaches risk finance and risk management as a faculty member for the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. He also served as a Board member for the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC). He serves on the University of Mississippi Business School (Risk Management) Advisory Board, where an endowment was created “Ewing Endowment for Business Excellence in Risk Management and Insurance”.

Mr. Ewing was the keynote speaker for the Asia CEO Forum in 2015. He was honored as the Real Estate Insurance Leader 2014-2015 for Globe Street and was the 2008 Risk Innovator of the Year. In 2007, Lance was named Risk Manager of the Year (Business Insurance). He has authored several articles on insurance, risk management, crisis management, captives and workers' compensation. He is a frequent speaker on Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), global claims, disaster recovery and risk financing topics. Mr. Ewing is an expert witness as part of the Insurance Expert Network (IEN).

Lance has spoken and worked internationally to promote insurance and risk management in China, Philippines, Japan, Macau, Hong Kong, India, Croatia, Romania, Kosovo, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Bermuda, the United Kingdom and Uruguay. Mr. Ewing continues to be a strong and forthright supporter of global risk management and insurance.

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Ronald (Ron) Fiesta presents "Future of Mass-Tort Long-Tail Litigation"

Ron is the current Litigation and Commercial Counsel at Brunswick Corporation, which is located in Lake Forest, Illinois. Prior to his position at Brunswick, Ron spent over a decade in private practice representing insurance companies in coverage matters arising from property and casualty, environmental, toxic torts, and construction defect matters.

Mary C. Friedl presents "Internally Marketing Your Way To Success: The Risk Professional as Advisor"

Mary earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, an Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation, and an Associate in Information Technology (AIT) designation. She also holds a current Insurance License for all major lines of business, including Property, Casualty, Life, and Health. Mary has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, with the first ten years of her career being in property and casualty claims management positions for carriers, TPAs, and a captive management company. The following years were in Account Management positions at RMIS companies and brokerages. Most recently, she was the Corporate Insurance Manager for Stericycle, a $3 billion global medical waste management company; the Division Manager of Insurance for Pace Suburban Bus Service, a division of the Illinois Regional Transit Authority; and is currently the Insurance and Claims Manager for Redbox Automated Retail LLC, a national movie rental company. Outside of work, Mary is a Board Director for the Chicago Chapter of RIMS who previously chaired the Chapter’s Programming Committee and now chairs the Finance and Funding Committee. She also regularly volunteers in her community and at her church.

Connor Gormley presents "Building Resiliency through a Virtual Simulation"

Connor is responsible for the direction, strategy, development and delivery of the FM Global Group’s external learning solutions globally for clients, brokers, contractors, fire service and other audiences. He leads a team of global learning specialists on the design and delivery of learning solutions including online, classroom and hands-on training. FM Global's external partner training is based on the most up-to-date engineering research, helping clients achieve resiliency against fire, natural hazards and other perils to property loss. Connor earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Bryant University and a Master of Education in Distance Learning from Northeastern University. He also holds Kirkpatrick’s Bronze Level Evaluation Certification and was named to the Masie Learning Consortium’s 30 under 30 learning professionals in 2010. He is also President Elect of the Association for Talent Development’s (ATD) Bay Colonies Chapter.

John Hackett presents "Emerging Risk Management and Coverage Challenges Presented by the Internet of Things and Vendor Breach Events"

John Hackett is co-managing partner of Cassiday Schade’s Chicago office and chair of the firm’s Insurance practice group. He concentrates his practice on complex insurance coverage litigation matters, with an emphasis on preparation of opinion letters, all phases of declaratory judgment litigation and regulatory/underwriting matters. John also has extensive experience with risk retention groups, self-insured retentions and all types of insurance policies, including general liability, professional liability, employers’ liability, excess and personal lines. He has litigated matters in Illinois, Missouri, California, New York, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana and Georgia.

Mitchell Dane-Henry presents "Expectations Versus Realization - Before the Storm and After the Storm"

Mitchell Dane-Henry is the current Claims Manager at Retail Properties of America, Inc. (RPAI) and has held this title since October 2014. In this role, he is responsible for monitoring and managing property and casualty claims nationwide for the organization. In addition, he supports and helps manage the insurance program which includes a captive insurance carrier. Prior to joining RPAI, Mr. Dane-Henry began his career in 2007 with a non-standard insurer based in Illinois, Founders Insurance Company, handling personal and commercial automobile losses before moving to Travelers to join their inland marine division. Mr. Dane-Henry received his Bachelors of Arts from DePaul University located in Chicago, Illinois. He currently holds a Charter Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation as well as an Associates in Claims (AIC) designation. In addition, he holds two CLM sponsored designations which are the Certified Litigation Management Professional (CLMP) and the Certified Claims Professional (CCP). Mr. Dane-Henry is the current Chicago Chapter President of the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance.

Steve Hoke presents "Future of Mass-Tort Long-Tail Litigation"

Steve is a principal at Hoke LLC, an insurance coverage boutique servicing corporate and institutional clients. He has 30 years of complex insurance litigation and advisory experience. Steve has unique perspective having represented insurers for his first 10 years, and policyholders thereafter. He is a Georgetown Law graduate and has an MBA from Kellogg (EMP).

Steve is nationally known for his extensive experience in the complex policyholder insurance recovery area. He represents corporations and other commercial interests in high-value complex insurance coverage cases in state and federal courts throughout the U.S. He has substantial appellate experience including before the Illinois Supreme Court. He also has extensive success presenting and recovering legacy liability insolvency claims in the domestic and UK markets.

Steve is one of the few attorneys in the nation with significant experience representing both insurers and policyholders. He represented U.S and U.K. insurers for eleven years, and after a four-year interlude in investment banking he returned to practice exclusively on behalf of policyholders.

Steve is a market leader in the field of corporate successor liability analysis and has deep knowledge and hands-on experience in devising and implementing innovate ways to limit and/or devise of legacy liabilities. He speaks frequently on these and other issues in national conferences. In addition to his career-long experience in asbestos, environmental and other high-value insurance areas, he and his partner, Jake Mihm, are perhaps the most knowledgeable and experienced lawyers in the U.S. with respect to insurance coverage issues related to talc/asbestos contamination, and Steve has lectured and been published widely in this area. Additionally, he has experience in relation to Sarbanes-Oxley and GAAP requirements for litigation and contingent risks, having worked with disclosure committees of publicly traded companies, and he is familiar with the audit function in these areas.

Steve has served as a registered insurance lobbyist on behalf of a Fortune 500 client. He has testified frequently as a designated “person most knowledgeable” for his corporate clients in both coverage and non-coverage matters and as a consulting and testifying expert in high-value matters.

Steve previously held professional and proprietary positions in the financial services and investment banking industry. He has an MBA from Kellogg (Northwestern) and attended its Executive Management Program.

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Christopher Iovino presents "Risk Control Strategies to Drive Down TCOR: Leveraging the Digital Environment"

Based in New York, Chris’ current responsibilities include the management of the US casualty risk control, claims and marine claims practice. Some of his team’s specialties include ergonomics, product risk, claims consulting, data and analytics, and solutions to reduce casualty cost of risk. The team’s focus is on the identification of pre and post loss mitigation strategies for major corporations, with focus on Aon’s internal certification and thought leadership servicing model.

Chris brings a specific financial focus to the development of pre and post loss strategies, seeking to identify and implement solutions that represent both economic and cultural opportunities. Chris is a cofounder of Aon’s Safety Culture Improvement (SCI) process, a behavioral and systems based safety approach that identifies cultural and systematic barriers to successful risk management programs and develops strategies for reducing overall cost of risk. Chris’ specific industry engagements have included manufacturing, transportation, media, hospitality, healthcare, retail and the private equity field.

With Aon since 1996, Chris has held positions in the Mergers and Acquisitions Group specializing in casualty risk control and portfolio risk management solutions, a director of Global Risk Consulting focusing on project management for Global 1500 clients and led the US Business Development team before his return to the casualty risk control discipline.

BS Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
Associate in Risk Management (ARM)
American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) member
Safety Executives of New York (SENY) member

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Matt Jeweler presents "Working in Harmony with Your Legal Department to Protect the Company's Bottom Line"

Matt Jeweler is a litigator who represents corporate policyholders in complex coverage disputes, helping clients facing large losses recover from their insurers. He is member of Pillsbury’s Litigation and Insurance Recovery and Advisory practice groups, and concentrates his practice on the representation of corporate policyholders. Matt helps clients mitigate loss by maximizing the value of their insurance assets. He has represented clients in a broad range of industries and in all phases of the claims process from pre-suit negotiations with insurers through trial.

Maryann Johnson presents "Line Supervisor Safety Accountabilities"

Maryann Johnson, MEHS, ARM, ASP, is Sr. Risk Control Manager for Safety National where she is responsible for managing risk control services for policyholders. Prior to joining Safety National, Maryann worked as a Sr. Risk Control Consultant for large and national companies. She started her career with a national Workers’ Compenstion carrier performing risk assessments and providing comprehensive Workers' Compensation services for policyholders as a Safety & Health consultant in the state of Florida.

Maryann has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, a Master of Environmental Safety & Health, an Associate in Risk Management and is an Associate Safety Professional.

John J. Kelly presents "Strategies for Corporate Reputation Meltdowns and Weaponized Social Media"

John J. Kelly is Managing Partner of Hanover Stone Partners, a diversified risk services company he founded in 2009. Hanover Stone Partners draws on a network of prominent senior risk advisors and partner firms to provide an array of risk management services and consulting. John has held senior leadership positions with major brokerages, including Aon, Arthur J. Gallagher, and Willis. His responsibilities have encompassed strategic planning, acquisitions and investments, operational management, sales and new business development, and client management. He has led property/casualty and employee benefits companies and directed operations across multiple coverage lines and business segments.

Prior to forming Hanover Stone Partners, John was President of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. of N.Y., Inc. Earlier, he was an Executive Vice President at Aon’s Global Large Corporate group, which targeted the Global Fortune 1,500. John spent 25 years with Willis and its U.S. predecessor firm, Corroon & Black, holding a series of senior leadership positions with increasing responsibility, including: President and CEO, Willis Company of New York; Northeast Regional Director; and National Practice Leader, Willis Risk Solutions in North America. From 2001 - 2004, he focused on national business development and produced more than 20 new mega accounts for the firm. Before joining Willis, John was Corporate Senior Vice President, Frank B. Hall & Company, where he had national brokerage responsibilities.

John earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Baruch College and an MBA from Rutgers University. He is active in numerous nonprofit organizations, including: the Advisory Council of the Weissman Center for International Business at Baruch College; The U.S. Advisory Board to the Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business at University College Dublin; The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation; and the Ireland-United States Council for Commerce & Industry.

A founding member of the Ireland Chamber of Commerce – USA (ICCUSA), John also was a Partner of the New York City Partnership; a member of CARE’s Corporate Council; a Carnegie Hall Corporate Supporter; and Director and Secretary of the PROMESA Foundation, which is committed to revitalizing the South Bronx. He is a past director of the Insurance Brokers Association of New York, the New York Chapter of CPCU, and a past governor of the John Street Club. In 1996, John was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

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Catherine Kosin presents "Data Analytics in the Real World - How RGIS used Data Analytics and Telematics to Reduce Auto and Work Comp Losses"

For over 20 years, Catherine L. Kosin has provided strategic risk management and personalized insurance services to clientele across a broad range. As a Senior Vice President and Detroit Market Leader at Oswald Companies, Cathy specializes in the large line Risk Management and Middle Market brokerage segments, with a primary focus on casualty and international risks. Earning trust and respect from both clientele and the marketplace, she brings a high-touch approach to client service that has resulted in long-term relationships.

Cathy is also a senior advisor to the Oswald International Practice and the firm’s Assurex Global partnership. Assurex Global is a consortium of leading risk management and business insurance agencies and brokerages with nearly 600 partner office locations in more than 80 countries. She is a recognized leader in the international arena with past experience that includes traveling around the world to present at conferences and events sponsored by Assurex.

In addition to her practice, Cathy is a current member and former co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Council at Oswald. Created to inspire, engage, and advocate for female employee-owners, the council supports professional and personal development and promotes an inclusive environment that advances the success of both women and the Oswald organization as a whole.

Cathy holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Indiana University. She has received the designation of Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and is a Licensed Insurance Counselor (LIC). She also identifies and supports community volunteer opportunities for the Oswald Detroit office, including monthly service at the Pope Francis Center, a Detroit homeless shelter. In addition, Cathy serves as a member of the DAC Youth Activities Committee and actively volunteers in her family’s church/school environment.

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Dr. Nir Kossovsky presents "Strategies for Corporate Reputation Meltdowns and Weaponized Social Media"

Dr. Nir Kossovsky, CEO of Steel City Re, is a widely-cited authority on reputation valuation, reputation risk management, and reputation risk financing strategies. Previously, he served on the boards of Patent & License Exchange and Littlearth, Inc.; was a consultant to the FDAʼs medical device advisory panels; and is featured in case studies from Harvard and Darden Schools of Business. He has published on topics ranging from risk and intellectual property to nano-engineered vaccines and medical devices. His most recent book is titled, Reputation, Stock Price and You: Why the market rewards some companies and punishes others (Apress, 2012).

Richard Kung presents "Is Under-reported Pain Driving Up Your Claim Costs? How Office Ergonomics Can Support Effective Claim Validation And Evaluation"

As Director of Office Ergonomics, Richard’s unique technical specialties and experiencing working with all of the different stakeholders (individuals, management, facilities, IT, medical, risk, procurement, etc) allow him tackle these challenges by creating (and/or optimizing) ergonomic programs based on the client’s own systems and processes so that more focus can be put on taking care of employees and less on burdensome administrative tasks (redundant/excessive communications, scheduling, evaluating, data entry).

Having spent over 500hrs conducting trainings and over 5,000hrs conducting over 10,000 evaluations worldwide (ex: United States, Canada, China, Indonesia, Nigeria) in industries including Oil & Gas, Financial, Technology, Manufacturing, Laboratory, and with experience working with Fortune 500 companies including ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, British Petroleum, Air Liquide, Thomson Reuters, Morgan Stanley, and more. Richard is an engaging speaker who is constantly refining and mastering the art of balancing individual customization needs with corporate standardization. This approach combined with an unrelenting desire to find the right solution for each individual allows Richard to achieve a 99% success rate in mitigating ergonomic risk factors while using technology to continually gather critical data and show the bigger picture.

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Daniel Mason presents "Future of Work"

Daniel Mason is a consultant in Willis Towers Watson’s Talent and Rewards practice. Daniel is a talent management professional with experience in organizational design, competency architecture, change management, learning and development, assessments, and performance management.

Prior to joining Willis Towers Watson, Daniel worked within the Talent Management COE for a competitive energy provider.

His recent consulting experience includes:

Educating organizations on Future of Work concepts and helping to deconstruct work and consider alternative work options
Developing Talent Management strategies that enhance the employee experience
Facilitating organization re-design across multiple industries and functions, including: sales, non-profit, pharmaceutical, health care, advisory services and information technology
Facilitating performance management re-design across multiple industries
Leading the development of functional skill and behavioral competency models
Global project manager and on-site change management lead for the business transformation of a global pharmaceutical manufacturer
Creating a talent acquisition and assessment strategy for sales functions
Facilitating HR business partner capability development in the financial services and healthcare industries

Corporate experience includes:

Designing and integrating new functional and leadership competency models for the organization. Incorporated competencies within all talent programs
Project manager for an HR transformation initiative, including the development of a Talent Management Center of Expertise
Program manager for performance management, succession planning, assessments and leadership development programs
Implementing new leadership assessment program for selection and development.

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Cal McCarty presents "Active Shooter/Armed Intruder: Preparing For - Responding To - And Recovering"

Cal McCarty has over 10 years of experience in the insurance and risk management industry and is now the National Director of Sales for ServiceMaster DSI, the nation’s leading provider of 24/7/365 residential and commercial disaster restoration services. Since joining ServiceMaster DSI in 2014, Cal has been instrumental in building the ServiceMaster DSI Sales Team for 15 regional ofﬁces within the United States by developing sales training, initiatives, and strategies. He has extensive experience working on commercial projects with prestigious companies across the country which includes responding to Hurricanes Matthew, Harvey, Maria and Irma. Cal has also been a consultant for large facilities in Northern California during the 2017 wild ﬁres. He has written disaster preparedness plans in the healthcare, retail, and higher education industries.

Cal attended Olivet Nazarene University where he studied criminology and business management.

Lesa Medeiros presents "Expectations Versus Realization - Before the Storm and After the Storm"

Lesa Medeiros joined JLT as a Vice President in the Real Estate and Construction Practice in 2016. She has more than 35 years of claims experience. Prior to joining JLT, she spent 26 years with Marsh Risk & Insurance Services, most recently as a Senior Claims Consultant specializing in real estate and hospitality accounts. This expertise gives her a clear understanding of the unique risk factors that affect firms in both of those arenas.

During her career in the insurance industry, Lesa has developed multi-line capabilities, including casualty, property and environmental lines of coverage. Her advocacy work on behalf of her clients holds insurers accountable for management of a client’s casualty and property loss activity. Her background with real estate accounts has allowed her to develop valuable experience on environmental matters. She works with clients to understand the special policy conditions inherent with environmental coverage and develop procedures to best investigate or preserve information.

As a part of her experience with real estate clients, Lesa has developed client training materials, with a focus on preservation of information, risk transfer possibilities, and contract language. The goal is to help clients understand the claim and risk management process, while sharing tools that can be used to successfully manage those processes.

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Jaci Mennenga presents "Using Analytics to Reduce Total Cost of Risk"

Jaci Mennenga is the Manager of Corporate Risk at COUNTRY Financial, providing risk management services for Illinois Farm Bureau and its affiliates. Prior to joining COUNTRY Financial, Jaci worked as a risk management analyst at State Farm, a broker at Marsh, and an underwriter at Great American Insurance Company, all specializing in Directors’ and Officers’ Liability insurance and the ancillary lines of coverage.

Jaci is on the board of the Mid-Illinois RIMS (The Risk Management Society) Chapter, serves on the planning committee for the annual Chicagoland Risk Forum, and was recently named a 2018 RIMS Rising Star for her accomplishments as a young risk management professional.

Jaci is a 2009 graduate of the University of Illinois and has acquired many professional designations including CPCU, CLU, ChFC, ARM, and CLF.

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Jason Mezyk presents "The Perfect Storm: Hurricane Maria"

Jason Mezyk is the Vice President of Risk Management & Insurance for GLP, a fully integrated real estate company which owns, manages, acquires, sells, develops, and redevelops industrial real estate. Jason currently oversees all aspects of the company’s US insurance and risk management program including Property/Casualty, Executive Risk, Loss Control and Business Continuity. The US portfolio includes over 1,400 locations and over 170 million square feet.

Prior to joining GLP he spent time in risk management roles at First Industrial, and ST Residential. Jason received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Illinois in Champaign Urbana, and has an MBA from DePaul’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. He holds the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation and served as a board member for the Chicago RIMS Chapter and is the current past President.

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Jessica Morgan presents "Reducing Total Cost of Risk via a Well-Designed Cost of Risk Allocation System"

Jessica Morgan is the Vice President of Risk & Safety for ABM Industries. She is responsible for the development of programs to ensure the health and wellbeing of ABM employees, clients, and ABM’s clients clients. Primary responsibilities include safety, claims management, insurance procurement, captive management and Operations support for 140,000 employees operating in thousands of customer locations. ABM provides integrated facility solutions in the United States and internationally through five segments: Business & Industry, Aviation, Emerging Industries Group, Technical Solutions, and GCA Services. Mrs. Morgan has an MBA from Georgia State University and resides in Atlanta, GA.

Phil Norton presents "Student/Mentor Introductory Session"

Phil Norton is the Vice Chairman of the Midwest Region for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. as well as a National Managing Director for the Management Liability Practice of Gallagher. His responsibilities include leadership for all specialty insurance placements and related risk management consulting. Phil is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities on Directors and Officers Liability (D&O) and Cyber Liability, having published and spoken on these subjects throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Mexico, Bermuda, Japan, China and Germany. Dr. Norton has more than twenty-five years of experience in the insurance industry, consulting with corporations of all sizes on D&O, M&A products, Cyber and other financial risk programs. His primary role is as a client executive, focusing on management liability consulting services and placement activities for select clients.

Phil has over 19 years with Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. as National Managing Director and Division President, specializing in D&O, Professional Liability, Cyber Liability and hard to place coverages. His experience includes the genesis and launch of Cyber products almost 20 years ago – selling the 2nd Cyber policy ever placed in London. He has equal amount of D&O experience having written policy forms and created rating and reserving plans for carriers. Phil was also part of the formation of the EPL policy and assisted Swiss Re with the launch of their EPL product in the late 1990s. As a Ph.D. in Statistics, Dr. Norton is also responsible for and experienced with risk assessment, risk modeling and Monte Carlo simulation. He has developed models for D&O, Cyber, EPL, Fiduciary and Crime.

He spent three years with Sedgwick as a specialty broker and National Managing Director for all Management Liability lines worldwide and seven years with Towers Watson (formerly Wyatt), running their worldwide professional liability practice, writing books on D&O, Fiduciary and Educators Legal Liability coverages, as well as holding educational seminars for thousands of participants. Phil began his career with CNA Insurance.

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Mike Panfil presents "Risk Control Strategies to Drive Down TCOR: Leveraging the Digital Environment"

As Managing Director, Property Risk Control, U.S., Mr. Panfil manages a group of 50. Primary responsibilities include working with his consultants to develop strategic service plans that deliver distinctive value with measurable results. As National Practice Leader, he is responsible for ensuring best practices are implemented across the discipline and that interdisciplinary communication channels are maintained.

Mr. Panfil has been providing property risk control consulting services to risk management accounts at Aon for over 20 years. Projects include vulnerability assessments for business continuity planning projects at mission critical operations for major airlines and data centers. Also, he has provided numerous cost-effective solutions for property risk control deficiencies for clients in various industries. These include solutions for storage arrangements and manufacturing hazards. Mr. Panfil has extensive "Highly Protected Risk" experience, which stems from his work experience at FM Global.

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Michelle Pienta presents "The Perfect Storm: Hurricane Maria"

Michelle Pienta is a Senior Manager for Quantum Global Advisors. Since 1995, Ms. Pienta has specialized in providing investigative accounting and auditing services to the insurance claims industry and the public sector including the following areas: business interruption, extra expense, property damage, product liability, financial condition analyses of businesses, financial statement audits, internal control assessments, fraud analysis and employee dishonesty claims. She has testified as an expert witness in deposition and participated in various litigation support assignments, including as a consultant to attorneys in damage claim analyses and information requests for discovery.

Ms. Pienta has experience measuring damages for a wide range of industries including, but not limited to: agriculture, retail, research laboratories, steel processing, coal mining, product manufacturers, hospitality, food processing and service, printing, communications, medical, service, various levels of government and non-profit organizations.

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Joe Powell presents "So you want to be my TPA? The 5 Questions You Should Ask Your TPA Today (that you haven't asked before.)"

Joe is responsible for the Analytics function within Gallagher Bassett’s U.S. Operations. Joe’s team provides a wide range of analysis services – from basic claims reporting to advanced analytics. Responsibilities include client stewardship, claims operations analytics, managed care analytics, and internal management reporting.

Joe joined Gallagher Bassett in January of 2014. Previously he was a consultant at Bain & Company. Joe holds undergraduate and master’s degrees from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.

Shoba Rajanahally presents "The Wind Blew, The Earth Shook, The River Rose and My Claim is Still Not Paid"

Shoba Rajanahally is the president of Inland Risk and Insurance Management Services, Inc., (IRIM). Shoba began her career at Inland as an independent Insurance Consultant in 1994 and subsequently joined the company in 1996 as a Senior Risk Analyst. She was promoted to President of IRIM in 2006 and currently oversees the risk management operations which provide consultation, insurance procurement, claims management and administrative services as required by the Inland entities. Shoba and her team have been responsible for managing diversified real estate assets in excess of $25 billion and servicing five REITs. Currently, her team manages the risks of a bank holding company, land and condo development companies, construction entities, property management companies, association captive, and tax-deferred property exchanges. Along with servicing the entities, Shoba in conjunction with the senior risk team members, identifies and evaluates the risk exposures, and actively markets the property/casualty, medical/dental benefits, worker’s compensation, directors and officers, fidelity, and E&O insurance.

Prior to joining Inland, Shoba was an Independent Consultant and worked on projects for AAR, Centel, and Sears Mortgage Corporation. Her career in real estate began in 1986 when she worked at Balcor as a risk management analyst. Shoba holds an Associate Risk Management designation (ARM) and is a licensed property/casualty and life/health producer. She obtained her Master of Business Administration degree from Loyola University of Chicago and Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Chicago. Shoba is an active member and mentor of RIMS (Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc.) and as a strong believer in the benefits of mentoring, she is also a member of the Women’s Initiative Network at Inland, a structured program that offers educational opportunities and career advice for employees. Shoba has been an active member of the Chubb Real Estate and Hospitality Advisory Board since its inception and AIG’s Client Advisory Board.

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Kevin L. Richards presents "Managing the Continuing Change and Threat of Cyber Risk"

Kevin Richards is Marsh Risk Consulting’s (MRC) Global Head of Cyber Risk Consulting. Based out of Chicago, Kevin leads MRC’s worldwide cyber risk consulting team and its regional and local centers of excellence. Working closely with Marsh’s cyber insurance and advisory teams, MRC’s cyber risk consulting team delivers a wide range of expertise and capabilities – from cyber risk impact modeling to cyber breach and business interruption readiness – tailored to each client’s specific risk management needs and objectives.

Kevin has over 28 years of experience in information security and enterprise risk management. Working with large multinational corporations, as well as the US Department of Defense and other US federal agencies, Kevin provides an array of technical and pragmatic perspectives on building and protecting an organization’s critical information assets.

Prior to joining MRC, Kevin served in dual North America and global leadership roles for a global consulting security practice, where he was responsible for growing the business, its capabilities, and its service innovations, and providing strategic guidance for key clients. He has worked in similar leadership roles for specialized risk consulting, advisory, and technology firms throughout his career.

He often serves as an expert resource for journalists and is a frequent speaker at national and international security and IT conferences covering various cybersecurity topics. Kevin has published numerous articles on information security and is a regular contributor to monthly security periodicals. Publications where he has been featured include: The Washington Post, USA Today, Vancouver Sun, CIO.com, SC Magazine, and ISSA Journal.

Kevin is a prior International President for and a Distinguished Fellow of the Information System Security Association (issa.org) and is active in many information security professional organizations.

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Bill Rudersdorf presents "Data Analytics in the Real World - How RGIS used Data Analytics and Telematics to Reduce Auto and Work Comp Losses"

Bill Rudersdorf is a Risk Consulting Strategist in AIG’s Client Risk Solutions group, specializing in delivering cost-cutting strategies that help clients focus and maximize the effectiveness of their risk management and safety programs across all lines of business. Leveraging the breadth of AIG expertise, data, and technology, Bill provides clients with customized and holistic solutions that can measurably reduce risk and help keep their businesses, workers, and drivers safer. Bill works closely with the Client Centric Analytic (CCA) team, consulting with clients on safety solutions derived from analytic insights. His client engagements are focused on measurably reducing loss profiles using consulting expertise, innovative technologies and tools.

Bill was formerly Executive Director of Risk Management for Educational & Institutional Insurance Administrators. In that role, he consulted for colleges and universities on risk management issues to help mitigate liability exposure and reduce claims expense. He worked with university administrators, and their staff, on Employment Practices, General Liability, Umbrella, Property, Auto, International Travel, Errors & Omissions, Directors & Officers and Workers' Compensation. Previously, he was also the Director of Health, Safety & Environment at a North American composite company responsible for managing regulatory compliance, safety, environmental and quality process for three divisions including bulk transportation, manufacturing and chemical warehousing/distribution.

Bill earned a B.B.A. in Finance and Risk Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a M.S. in Occupational Safety & Health from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Bill currently holds the Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate in Risk Management – Enterprise Risk Management (ARM-E) and Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designations, as well as OSHA, EPA, DOT Hazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods and Import/Export certification.

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Gia Sawko presents "So you want to be my TPA?” The 5 Questions You Should Ask Your TPA Today (that you haven’t asked before)

Gia has more than 25 years of multi-faceted claims experience having worked at a carrier and a third party administrator as well as serving as managing director of Claims, Safety and Risk for Whole Foods Market. Gia has resolved, supervised and overseen claims at multiple levels, and her experience extends to commercial and personal lines; liability and workers’ compensation; large national accounts and mid-market. As a risk manager, Gia helped significantly reduce the frequency, severity and cost of claims by improving safety and claims management. Having been on both sides of the process, she brings a unique perspective to bridge the gap between the claim handler and the client.

Gia is currently responsible for designing and evolving Gallagher Bassett’s Quality Platform. She conducts training; operationalizes quality metrics in claims processes; and deploys deep technical understanding, change management, and behavior influence skills to realize GB’s vision of delivering superior outcomes.

Theresa Severson presents "Expectations Versus Realization - Before the Storm and After the Storm"

Theresa Severson, Vice President Insurance & Risk –Retail Properties of America, Inc., a REIT that owns and operate high quality open-air shopping centers, including properties with a mixed-use component. In her role, Mrs. Severson oversees the insurance risk management for both the operations and corporate exposures. In addition, she is responsible for the captive program, contact management, business continuity program and claims management functions. Mrs. Severson has been with RPAI’s since 2008. Prior to joining RPAI, Mrs. Severson was with Mesirow Financial as a Sr. Quality Controller and a Sr. Account Manager with Dann Insurance handling real estate owners and developer’s insurance programs.

Mrs. Severson received her B.S. in Economics from Illinois State University and is a certified Management Liability Insurance Specialist.

Sarah Sherman presents "Expectations Versus Realization - Before the Storm and After the Storm"

Sarah is the Property Practice Leader for JLT Specialty USA. She is the primary source within the US for property coverage innovations and market conditions, including pricing, trends, and coverage grants. Sarah is personally focused on real estate, one of JLT’s core industries. Using her extensive market knowledge, Sarah’s expertise lies in her ability to evaluate client exposures and needs, bring innovative solutions to the table, and execute desired terms, conditions and pricing. Sarah’s clients view her as a trusted property and business advisor.

Prior to joining JLT Specialty USA, Sarah was at Marsh Risk & Insurance Services for 11 years, most recently in San Francisco, CA, as the Property Placement Leader for the Pacific North Partnership, servicing clients throughout Alaska, California, Idaho, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

Sarah began her career as an aviation broker for Aon Limited in London. She was responsible for the servicing and program placement of primarily Asian and Middle Eastern airlines, corporate/industrial aid aircraft, and airport operators.

Sarah graduated Magna Cum Laude from Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in Communication Studies.

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Margaret A. Shipitalo presents "Emerging Risk Management and Coverage Challenges Presented by the Internet of Things and Vendor Breach Events."

Margaret A. Shipitalo is a partner in Cassiday Schade’s Chicago office. She focuses her practice on insurance coverage counseling and litigation in state and federal courts and frequently advises her clients regarding complex coverage issues. Margaret’s practice includes litigating declaratory judgment and breach of contract lawsuits, actions for rescission and reformation of insurance policies, and bad faith matters. Her insurance coverage experience encompasses a number of subject areas involving domestic and international policies, including: primary-excess disputes, cyber liability and data breach, product defect, advertising liability, environmental, wrongful convictions, and general commercial litigation.

Iryna Sladkevych presents "Working in Harmony with Your Legal Department to Protect the Company's Bottom Line"

Ms. Sladkevych is Risk and Insurance Manager for a wholesale distributor of workplace essentials Essendant. She is responsible for coordination of risk management & insurance function for the company analyzing exposures and designing and placing sophisticated insurance program. Also, she is overseeing loss prevention, claims management and safety programs.

Ms. Sladkevych began her Insurance career in 2001 by working at Aon for fourteen years, where she provided risk management services for large domestic and global accounts, including experience with clients from a broad range of industry groups. Ms. Sladkevych joined Stericycle, Inc. a leader in medical waste management as a Corporate Insurance Manager in 2015 and was overseeing highly regulated risks for the company globally. She was also responsible for complex layered global insurance program placement in 23 countries.

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Frank Strenk presents "Embedding ERM into Company Strategy and Process"

Frank provides consultative advice to clients in the areas of risk strategy development and Enterprise Risk Management. Frank’s approach is to design risk management strategies that are aligned with and supportive of clients’ corporate goals and objectives. Frank also assists clients in implementing Enterprise Risk Management processes that are fitted to the company’s corporate culture, while adhering to ERM best practices. He has been with Lockton since 2002 and is Lockton’s National Practice Leader for ERM.

Frank’s actuarial and analytical background allows him to consult with clients on risk identification, quantification and the design of appropriate risk finance strategies. He has broad national account experience working with Fortune 00 clients, privately held clients, and not-for-profits.

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Kenneth (Ken) K. Suh presents "Emerging Risk Management and Coverage Challenges Presented by the Internet of Things and Vendor Breach Events"

Kenneth (Ken) K. Suh is a Complex Claims Manager on the Technology Business and Business Services team at Beazley. His work focuses on data breach, intellectual property, and technology E&O matters. Prior to joining Beazley, Ken was a practicing attorney for eight years, most recently with the firm of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan. Ken specialized in high-stakes intellectual property litigation, representing clients such as Cisco, Samsung, and Virgin Galactic in disputes before Federal Courts, Arbitration Panels, and Administrative Agencies. Prior to law school, Ken was a technical team lead at I.B.M. Ken has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Arts in Public Policy, both from Northwestern University, and earned his juris doctor from Washington University in St Louis.

Claudia Temple presents "Future of Mass-Tort Long-Tail Litigation"

Claudia Temple is the Principal Consultant with Temple Consulting which specializes in risk and insurance consulting. She started her career as an engineer for General Electric and later went on to earn an M.B.A. from Kellogg School of Management. She held the top Risk Management Position for fortune 500 companies including Mondelez International, Kraft Foods Inc., Borg-Warner Automotive and Brunswick Corporation. She is an active member of the Risk Management community in Chicago and has been named one of Business Insurance’s “Women to Watch”. She has won “Risk Innovator” awards from both Risk & Insurance and AON. She is past chair of the MAPI Risk Management Council, as well as a past member of the ACE, Swiss Re and FM advisory boards. During her career, she has played an active role in Washington, D.C., through the Labor Policy Association (LPA), and has represented the United States at the International Labor Association, a United Nations agency.

Thomas S. Thornton presents "Developing Alternative and Strategic Approach to Medicare Compliance for your Casualty Program"

Thomas S. Thornton, III is a shareholder with the firm of Carr Allison, P.C., serves as Chair of the firm’s Retail and Hospitality Practice Group, and practices in its Birmingham, Alabama office. Mr. Thornton has twenty plus years of litigation experience managing and defending liability and catastrophic workers’ compensation claims for his clients throughout his firm’s eight offices. He also serves as National Medicare Compliance Counsel for his regional and national business and insurance clients focusing on increasing compliance under the Medicare Act while bringing strategic and cost savings claim closure solutions to the forefront. Mr. Thornton, whose firm has offices in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Panhandle of Florida, has focused his litigation practice in representing and advising the retail, restaurant, entertainment and business industry in general.

Jess Wacek presents "Using Analytics to Reduce Total Cost of Risk"

Jess Wacek is a core member of the Marsh Global Analytics (MGA) sales team. In this role, she is responsible for communicating Marsh’s analytics capabilities to clients and prospects to facilitate enhanced decision making around insurance and alternative risk financing mechanisms. Jess is based in Boston, MA, and focuses primarily on clients and prospects in the Northeastern and Central United States.

Prior to joining Marsh in October 2015, Jess spent more than seven years at Guy Carpenter, Marsh’s sister company and reinsurance intermediary, in Boston. As a reinsurance broker, Jess worked predominantly with large insurance companies seeking reinsurance protection for their professional liability portfolios. She used proprietary analytics tools to help clients identify optimal reinsurance structures.

Jess holds a BA in Economics and French and Francophone Studies from Vassar College as well as many professional designations including CFA, CPCU, ARe and ARM.

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Liz Walker presents "Internally Marketing Your Way To Success: The Risk Professional as Advisor"

Liz Walker believes risk management is not only a tool used to avoid harm, but also a means of identifying and maximizing opportunity. Integrating risk management into corporate strategy arms organizations with the foresight necessary to address risk before it becomes harm, and to capture opportunity before it is missed.

Liz spent over a decade as litigation counsel representing various insurance carriers in complex coverage matters. Over the course of her career, she not only served as outside counsel representing insurers, but also worked in-house managing mass litigation claims and coverage communications for a global insurance company.

In 2013, she changed roles to join an insured, Chicago tech company, Groupon, Inc., managing Groupon’s interests in various litigation and pre-litigation matters. In 2016, she pivoted to her current role, managing Groupon’s global insurance interests and enterprise risk. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for the RIMS Chicago Chapter.

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Daniel Weiker presents "Embedding ERM into Company Strategy and Process"

Daniel Weiker is Director, Enterprise Risk Management for Allegion in Carmel, Indiana. Prior to Allegion, Mr. Weiker was risk manager at BASF and Ingersoll Rand, following 10 years at AIG. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Law Degree from New York University.

Steve Wilder presents "Active Shooter/Armed Intruder: Preparing For - Responding To - And Recovering"

Steve Wilder has spent the past 35 years in safety, security, and risk management. He has provided consultation services to hundreds of clients, including hospitals, long-term care, schools, colleges, universities, manufacturers, housing, and government entities.

Steve has performed security vulnerability assessments and mock OSHA audits at over 250 client locations across the United States, and has trained thousands of workers in workplace safety and security.

An experienced trial expert, Steve has consulted for law firms and insurance companies on issues of workplace safety, security, risk management, aggression management, and workplace violence. He also has written numerous articles for magazines and trade journals. He and his partner Chris Sorensen are co-authors of the book The Essentials of Aggression Management in Healthcare: From Talkdown to Takedown.

In 2014, Sorensen Wilder & Associates introduced their program “The Active Shooter/Armed Intruder: Planning For…Responding To…and Recovering From the Unthinkable”. Since that time, they have provided the training to thousands of workers from a variety of industries across the nation, including over 30 different state associations and corporate systems. Today, they have become a recognized industry leader in workplace violence prevention programs in the United States

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