Innovative Environmental Specialists
KENNETH BERGER
President
Years in the insurance industry
37 +
What led you to work in this field?
There were no jobs in the oil and gas industry in the 80's after grad school. Insurance companies were seeking scientists and engineers to underwrite environmental liability.
Proudest moment
Watching my daughter Kristen and my son Rick become successful professionals.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
My father taught me to never, ever quit.
CHRIS DELAUDER
Executive Vice President
Years in the insurance industry
37 +
What led you to work in this field?
Initially, I was drawn to the insurance industry because most/all the offices were air-conditioned! True story - after high school I worked in a machine shop and warehouse supplying contractors and engineers with geotechnical, environmental and water testing equipment and materials. I was lucky enough to find a position working for an insurance company, which is when I also decided to go to school and major in Risk Management/Insurance.
What are your hobbies?
I'm an auto-enthusiast and enjoy working on cars. If I'm not building something in my workshop, or watching football, baseball, or hockey, I'm usually under a car. I am also a frustrated musician.
Proudest moment
My proudest moments are those times (every parent will know what I mean) when any of my three children have done something which left me surprised by their courage, wisdom, or leadership.
TIM MCGUIRE
Senior Vice President, Chief Claims Officer
Years in the insurance industry
33+
What led you to work in this field?
My wife was pregnant, and I needed a job and there was an open position for a Claims Investigator. I never looked back!
Fun fact about yourself:
I was a security officer for concert events. I'll never forget Phil Collins doing a warmup singing "In the Air Tonight". There was just a handful of us around to enjoy the moment.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
When you are down, always remember the sun is always shinning above the clouds.
LANA KEPPEL
Senior Vice President
Years in the insurance industry
31+
What led you to work in this field?
I wanted to work in a field that valued my technical education but also provided me with opportunities in leadership, business development, innovation, and talent management. Insurance has been all these things and more.
What is your favorite sports team?
Women’s Tennis (not a team but you get the point)
Fun fact about yourself
I’m obsessed with interior design.
JEAN-MICHEL MATHYS
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Years in the insurance industry
40+
What led you to work in this field?
A contact in the insurance industry had an open a Junior Accountant position open in NYC. I accepted the position right out of college and never left the insurance field.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Time travel
What is your favorite sports team?
Cincinnati Reds
DAVID JUNG
Senior Vice President
Years in the insurance industry
36+
What led you to work in this field?
It was an industry where I could use my science education and my environmental consulting experience and apply them to business applications. It’s personally satisfying being able to offer insurance solutions that facilitate positive societal changes such as brownfield redevelopments, contaminated site cleanups and responsible environmental stewardship.
Proudest moment
When my son, Jeff graduated from Belmont University and then performed at the Country Music Association festival in Nashville, TN a month later.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t be afraid to fail and always be humble and kind.
SHERRY COFFMAN
Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Training
Years in the insurance industry
38+
What led you to work in this field?
I loved the course work in the Human Resources degree program, then did an internship and felt it was a rewarding field to be able to understand the business perspective and how you can influence results by working with business partners at the company and the employee population to achieve a common goal.
Fun fact about yourself
Growing up I was involved in the local circus acrobatic school which was a springboard to being a collegiate gymnast.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Learn from every person, even if it is what you don't want to be like.
BRYAN STEWART
Senior Vice President, Chief Actuary
Years in the insurance industry
17+
What led you to work in this field?
Coming out of high school, I couldn't decide between pursuing a business or math degree. Insurance seemed like a great industry to blend the two, which has turned out to be true for me.
Proudest moment:
Becoming a father to my two girls.
What is your favorite sports team?
Pittsburgh Steelers
ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ
VP, Underwriting
Years in the insurance industry
22+
What led you to work in this field?
After finishing college, I was working at an investment bank in Mexico City, and a childhood friend of mine told me about an opening at reinsurance broker. He said it would be more fun and interesting than anything I had done before. He was right and I never looked back!
What is your favorite sports team?
FC Barcelona
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Nothing is permanent, everything changes. It serves as a constant reminder that everything in life is dynamic, and we need to learn to be resilient and grateful.
CHRISTINA REMOLINA
Chief Legal Officer
Years in the insurance industry
18+
What led you to work in this field?
I have always been interested in learning the "why" of everything, so the practice of law was an obvious career choice. Like a lot of people, I fell into insurance. I knew someone in the industry, and it turned out to be a good fit.
College and/or Degrees:
Undergraduate - Barnard College, Columbia University Graduate - Georgetown University Law Center
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Always be curious.
CATHERINE WILSON
Chief Risk Officer
Years in the insurance industry
21+
What led you to work in this field?
I was a math major in college and knew I didn't want to be a math teacher. A friend suggested I consider becoming an actuary and when I read up about it, I knew it was perfect for me.
What is your favorite movie?
Sound of Music
What was your first job you ever had?
I worked at the Weenie Stand at my local golf course.
PAVAN MACHIRAJU
VP, Chief Information Officer
Years in the insurance industry
18+
What led you to work in this field?
My passion is always to apply technology to solve real-world challenges. Insurance is such a field, where modernizing legacy systems, leveraging data, improving customer experiences, and leading innovation can significantly enhance competitiveness. Insurance has vast potential for digital innovation, and I am excited to be at the forefront of that transformation.
Proudest Moment
Becoming a father to my two children: Adwiti and Viaansh
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Be curious!
JOAQUIN NEIRA
VP Latin America and Caribbean
Years in the insurance industry
19+
What led you to work in this field?
My journey into the environmental insurance industry is rooted in my background in environmental sciences and risk management. My interest grew as I recognized the increasing importance of insurance as a financial mechanism to provide customized environmental risk solutions.
Are you a participant in any extra curriculars?
AYSO Coach for U12 Girls - My youngest daughter team.
College and/or Degrees you have obtained
Undergrad degree in Biochemistry from University of Buenos Aires, Argentina and a master’s degree in environmental science and management from University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).
