2015 Annual Education Conference September 27

Transcription

ICA
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2015 Annual Education Conference • 1
2015 Annual Education Conference September 27 - 30 Las Vegas, NV
You’re Invited!
David Grannan, CFE, MDI
UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual
2015 ICA President
You are cordially invited to attend the International
Claim Association 106th Annual Education
Conference. Between the educational workshops,
networking opportunities and location of the Mirage
Hotel on the Las Vegas strip, I promise there are all
the makings of a memorable experience. The ICA
workshops will benefit claims professionals, fraud
investigators, underwriters and legal staff who
support Claims operations. Information gathered
throughout the conference can easily benefit your
company in reduced claims handling and fraud
related expenses.
This year, we are pleased to have as a special
workshop presenter Cynthia Hetherington, a
nationally recognized authority in research,
intelligence and investigation. Ms. Hetherington
will be speaking to us on the use of social media in
our investigations. This promises to be a timely and
relevant presentation for all attendees.
When not attending the educational workshops,
you will have several opportunities to network and
continue your learning experience. On Sunday,
September 27 we will begin our evening activities
with a cocktail reception in the Exhibit Hall where
you will meet over 40 vendors who support the
claims industry. This will be followed by a Welcome
Reception to officially kick off the conference.
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After the event on Sunday evening, you will want to
rest up for an action packed Monday. Start by joining
us in the Exhibit Hall for a bite to eat and to network
with sponsors, exhibitors and other attendees. We will
then move to the General Session which will include a
presentation from Steve Gilliland on our ability to be
centered in our daily lives. Who doesn’t need that!
On Tuesday evening we will gather one last time to
celebrate the closing of what I am confident will be
another successful conference. The Annual Conference
Team has planned a fun evening for you and your
registered guest.
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the
Annual Conference Team for an outstanding job of
planning this conference.
Be sure to sign up early to ensure your spot at this
year’s conference. And don’t forget to book your
room directly with The Mirage to take advantage of
the ICA’s group rate. We look forward to seeing you in
September in Las Vegas.
2015 Annual Education Conference September 27 - 30 Las Vegas, NV
The Secretary of the International
Claim Association hereby announces
the 2015 Annual Education
Conference for the Association to
be held September 27-30, 2015 at
The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.
The purpose of this conference
is to conduct the business of the
Association and to educate attendees.
Rebecca L. Huerta, FLHC, FLMI, AIRC, AAPA
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
ICA Secretary
Annual Conference Team
PRESIDENT
David W. Grannan, CFE, MDI
UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual
CONFERENCE CHAIR
Marc Carlson, FLHC, FLMI, FALU
Modern Woodmen of America
WORKSHOP CHAIR
About the Conference Hotel
Welcome to where dreams come to play. Since day one,
The Mirage Hotel has transformed the modern Las Vegas
experience, and we’ll never stop bringing you the best in
entertainment, dining, hotel luxury and nightlife. Each of
the 3,044 hotel rooms is impeccably outfitted to provide
the complete luxury experience. Whether you’re enjoying a
grand Las Vegas escape, a vacation with friends and family,
or a business function, we’re here to enrich your stay. From
royal white tigers to a private oasis and an active volcano to
The Beatles™ LOVE™, it’s all right here at the center of the
Strip! Discover what dreams await you within our tropical
paradise.
•
Fitness Center
•
Complimentary internet in guest sleeping rooms and
common areas of the Hotel
•
Boarding pass printing in the Mirage Business Service
Center
To learn more about The Mirage Hotel, click here.
Erin Worthington, CFE, FLMI, ALHC, ACS
Allstate Financial
WORKSHOP CO-CHAIR
Karen M. Riendeau, FLHC, ARA, ACS
Munich American Reassurance Company
PROGRAM & ACTIVITIES
Antonio Ferrante, FLMI, FLHC, AIRC, ARA, ACS
SunLife Financial
REGISTRATION
Rebecca L. Huerta, FLMI, FLHC, AIRC, AAPA
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
ICA Headquarters
International Claim Association
1155 15th Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-452-0143 Fax: 202-530-0659
Chris Murphy, Executive Director
[email protected]
LaShawn Maloy, Membership & Events Manager
[email protected]
ICA
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Registration
How to Register
Registration is available online. All major credit cards
accepted (AmEx, MasterCard & Visa) as well as checks. If
you’re paying by check, please fill out the registration form
online and then mail your check to ICA Headquarters at:
International Claim Association
1155 15th Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
Workshops/Education Tracks
Workshops and seminars are categorized by subject matter
to assist those attendees who are interested in focusing on a
specific educational track.
Who May Attend
The International Claim Association requires that conference
attendees be employed by a member company or perform
a function that supports claims professionals and the
insurance industry. Individuals who provide services
or expertise that do not further the advancement of the
insurance industry and the professional development of our
attendees are excluded from attending. Registrants accept
the ICA’s right to refuse admittance to nonmembers who do
not support the insurance industry or are not engaged in
appropriate claims related issues.
All non-member registrations will be subject to review by
the ICA. The ICA will review non-member registrations
within 48 hours of online submission.
Attendance at General Session & Receptions
Registration Fees
Fees are per person and include the receptions on Sunday,
breakfast on Monday, and breakfast, lunch and the closing
reception on Tuesday. Only registered exhibitors, attendees
and guests will be admitted to these functions. Name badges
are required.
• Member
$800
• Member Spouse/guest $275
• Non-member $1,100
• Non-member Spouse/guest $475
The ICA makes a concerted effort to design its General Session
and to select its speakers to be interesting and meaningful to all
who attend. Registered spouses and guests are invited to join the
attendees at the General Session to hear this year’s outstanding
featured speaker. The receptions have been carefully planned
for maximum enjoyment of all registered exhibitors, attendees,
spouses and guests who are all encouraged to attend.
Group Registration Discount
• Retiree $275
Children
• Retiree Spouse/guest $275
Children under 16 years of age are not allowed to attend
any of the scheduled functions or the General Session of the
Association.
Commuters
Cancellation Policy
Conference cancellations received by September 7, 2015 will
be refunded, less a $100 administrative fee. After that date,
cancellations or “no shows” will not be refunded. If you need
to cancel your paid meeting registration or transfer your paid
registration to another eligible attendee, please contact
ICA Membership & Events Manager, LaShawn Maloy, at:
[email protected]. There is a $50 administrative fee for
transferring your registration.
• Five (5) or More Attendees From the same member company
$700 each
Retirees
* Commuter fees include workshops as well as breakfast & lunch in the exhibit
hall. Receptions and the Tuesday evening event are NOT included in the commuter registration fee.
• Monday only $275
• Tuesday only $275
• Both Monday and Tuesday $450
Application for Membership
Visit the membership information section of our website.
ICA
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General Information
Hotel Reservations
Ground Transportation
The Mirage
3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone: 800-374-9000
The one-way fare from the McCarran International Airport
is approximately $19-$30 depending on the route and traffic.
Check-In Time: 3:00 PM
Check-Out Time: 11:00 AM
The discounted block of rooms at the Mirage Hotel is no
longer available. Rooms may still be booked through
the Mirage but at their current rate.
Taxi
Shuttle
The Mirage does not have its own shuttles to and from
McCarran International Airport. Airport shuttles are
provided by outside companies for approximately $7.00 per
person. Signs are posted on the transportation level at the
airport outside baggage claim which will direct you to the
shuttle area. Shuttles run from The Mirage to the airport
from 4:15 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. every 15 and 45 minutes
after the hour. The hotel Concierge will make a shuttle
reservation for you upon request.
Car Rental
Most major car rental companies are available at the
airport.
There is an Avis Rent-A-Car desk located in the lobby of
The Mirage Hotel for your convenience in renting a vehicle
during your stay. You may contact Avis Rent-A-Car at
702-791-7425.
Driving Directions and Parking
What to do in Las Vegas?
The real question is, what’s not to do in Vegas? There’s
so much to see and do you may not know where to start!
From casinos, to shopping, to shows, to sightseeing, the
Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority can guide you in
the right direction to see and do it all! Visit them at:
http://www.visitlasvegas.com/vegas/index.jsp
Driving directions are available through The Mirage’s
website: click here.
The Mirage Hotel offers complimentary valet and self
parking.
Weather
Temperatures in Las Vegas average a high of 89° and a low
of 66° in September.
Dress Code
The dress code for all Sunday events is casual.
Business casual attire (no shorts, jeans, t-shirts) is
recommended for all business sessions. As meeting room
temperatures and comfort levels may vary, we suggest that
you dress in layers for optimal comfort during business
sessions.
Questions?
To learn more, please contact ICA Headquarters at
(202) 452-0143.
ICA
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Name Badge
Required to Attend
All Events
Conference Schedule
ITY
UR
E SEC
BADG
For security reasons, please be advised that any attendee
attempting to access an event without a name badge will
be denied admittance. This includes workshops, meals,
receptions and the Tuesday evening closing celebration.
Friday, September 25, 2015
9:00am – 5:00pm
Annual Conference Team Meeting
Saturday, September 26
If you do not have your badge you will be respectfully
asked to retrieve it before being allowed to enter.
12:00pm –
12:30pm –
3:00pm –
4:00pm –
5:30pm –
Thank You For Your Cooperation!
Sunday, September 27
*There will be a $25 reprint fee for lost badges.
Exhibit Hall Hours
Sunday, September 27, 2015
5:30pm – 6:30pm
Opening Reception
Monday, September 28, 2015
7:00am – 8:30am
Breakfast / Prize Drawing*
4:30pm – 6:00pm
Happy Hour Mixer
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
8:00am – 9:00am
11:45am – 1:00pm
Breakfast / Prize Drawing*
Lunch / Prize Drawing*
*PRIZE DRAWING! (Must be present to win).
9:00am –
10:00am –
4:00pm –
5:30pm –
5:00pm
3:30pm
7:00pm
5:00pm
7:00pm
4:00pm
7:00pm
5:00pm
6:30pm
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Committee Meetings
Executive Committee Meeting
Registration Desk Open
Committee Chair Meeting
Committee Member Reception
Committee Meetings
New Attendee Networking Happy Hour
Networking Reception in Exhibit Hall
Welcome Reception
Monday, September 28
7:30am – 3:00pm Registration Desk Open
7:00am – 8:30am Breakfast in Exhibit Hall*
8:30am – 10:00am Opening General Session
& Business Meeting
Keynote Speaker - Steve Gilliland
10:15am – 11:30pm Concurrent Workshops
11:30am – 1:00pm
Lunch on your own
1:00pm – 4:30pm
Special Session
Guest Presenter - Cynthia Hetherington
1:00pm – 2:15pm Concurrent Workshops
2:30pm – 3:45pm Concurrent Workshops
4:30pm – 6:00pm Networking Happy Hour in the
Exhibit Hall
Tuesday, September 29
Future Conferences
Annual Education Conferences:
2016 October 16 - 19
JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes
Orlando, FL
2017 September 17 - 20
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
San Diego, CA
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7:30am – 2:30pm
8:00am – 9:00am
9:00am – 10:15am
10:30am – 11:45am
11:45am – 1:00pm
12:30pm – 1:00pm
1:00pm – 2:15pm
2:30pm – 3:45pm
6:00pm – 9:00pm
Breakfast in Exhibit Hall*
Concurrent Workshops
Lunch in Exhibit Hall*
Exhibitor Drawings
Dinner & Entertainment
Wednesday, September 30
Departures
*PRIZE DRAWING! (Must be present to win).
Networking
Opportunities
Sunday, September 27
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
New Attendee Networking Happy Hour
Lunch on your own.
Is this your first ICA Annual Education Conference?
If so, we invite you to join us and connect with other
first time attendees as well as the ICA Executive
Committee and ICA Committee Chairs and CoChairs. We guarantee a fun-filled hour that will result
in long-lasting connections.
The dress code for this event is casual.
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Networking Reception in the Exhibit Hall
We welcome all of our attendees and registered
guests to join us in the Exhibit Hall for an hour of
connecting with old and new friends. With over 40
vendors to visit in the Exhibit Hall, you won’t be
short on people to network with! Take advantage
of their time and learn about how their products
and services can support your day-to-day business
needs.
This is intended to be a networking opportunity for
attendees.
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Closing Celebration – ICA FEVER
ICA wants to send our attendees out with a bang!
Join us as we close the conference out on Tuesday
evening with an interactive event that is sure to
please and send many back down memory lane.
This event will feature live entertainment, food and
drinks. We are confident we will have everyone
leaving Vegas feeling like a winner.
The dress code for this is event is casual or 70’s attire.
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Welcome Reception
Join us for a nice evening of music, food, drinks and
networking. Dueling pianists will impress you with
their melodic sounds from a variety of genres. This
will be an all request show. Get ready to sing loud
and have fun!
ICA
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Guest Speakers
General Session
Special Session
8:30am – 10:00am
1:00pm – 4:30pm
Guest Speaker
Steve Gilliland
Guest Presenter
Cynthia Hetherington
A member of the Speaker Hall of Fame, Steve Gilliland
is one of the most in-demand and top-rated speakers in
the world. Recognized as a master storyteller and brilliant
comedian, he can be heard daily on SiriusXM Radio’s Laugh
USA and Blue Collar Radio. With an appeal that transcends
barriers of age, culture and occupation—plus an interactive
and entertaining style—Steve shows audiences how to
open doors to success in their careers, their relationships
and their lives.
Cynthia Hetherington, MLS, MSM, CFE, has more than
20 years of experience in research, investigations and
corporate intelligence. A noted authority and recipient of
the 2012 ‘Speaker of the Year Award’ by the Association of
Certified Fraud Examiners (www.ACFE.org). Her company,
the Hetherington Group, is a national consulting, publishing
and training firm specializing in intelligence, security and
investigations.
In addition to his brilliant speaking career, Steve is a
prolific, accomplished author, evidenced by three of his
books—Enjoy The Ride, Making a Difference and Hide Your
Goat—perennially making the publisher’s bestseller list and
his being named Author of the Year. His thought-provoking
writing style makes his articles a favorite with nationally
prominent magazines. He influences the lives of millions
through his presentations, books, CDs and DVDs.
Steve built a multimillion-dollar company from the ground
up on the same philosophy he expounds to his audiences.
If you continually learn more about your company, your
industry, your customer and yourself, you will always be
a leader. You will be purpose-driven rather than processdriven, and you will make a difference. His motto is
straightforward: “If you take care of people, the business
will follow.” He has been recognized by Who’s Who for
Speakers and Business Professionals, and The Pittsburgh
Business Times named his company one of the fastest
growing privately held companies in the region.
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One of the most respected online investigators, Cynthia
combines her Master of Library Science, Master of Science
in Management, experience as a Certified Fraud Examiner,
and over 20 years of computer expertise, to establish her
company in the online and Internet investigative industry.
She is one of the foremost authorities on, employee theft
prevention and detection, intellectual property loss, national
and international online and database research, business
fraud prevention and detection, asset location and recovery,
cyber counterterrorism.
Hetherington has authored: Business Background
Investigations Facts on Demand Press; Manual to Online
Public Records Facts on Demand Press, Web of Deceit:
Misinformation and Manipulation in the Age of Social Media
(contributing writer) (2011) Cyberage Books and Guide to
Online Due Diligence (2015) Facts on Demand Press.
She is also the publisher of Data2know.com: Internet & Online Intelligence Newsletter and has co-authored articles on
steganography, computer forensics, Internet investigations
and other security-focused monographs for other industry
publications.
Workshop Tracks
At-A-Glance
LIFE
&
ANNNUITY
DISABILITY
7 – 8:30 am
1.1 Come Fly
With Us
1.3 Doing Right
By Veterans
1.2 Life Claims
Customer
Experience
1.4 An Ocean
of Differences:
Distinctions in
Claims Handling
in the U.S. &
Abroad
1.5 Litigation
and Long Term
Care
1.6 Behind the
Scenes of a Real
Life Fraudster:
Unraveling the
Truth in South
America
1.8 The Many
Lives of a Death
Claim
1.9 Emerge.
Learn. Grow.
Lead
1.7 Fraud, Lies
and Hermes
Ties
2.2 Special Session: Guest Speaker - Cynthia Hetherington
2.1 Beneficiary
Challenges- Best
Practices
3.1 The
Challenge of
Nomadic Claims
2:30 pm –
3:45 pm
3.2 Just the Facts
Ma’am, Just the
Facts
4:30 pm –
6:00 pm
•
LEADING
PRACTICES
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
1:00 pm –
4:30 pm
ICA
LEGAL
General Session: Guest Speaker - Steve Gilliland
11:30 am –
1:00 pm
1:00 pm –
2:15 pm
FRAUD & RISK
MANAGEMENT
BREAKFAST IN EXHIBIT HALL
8:30 am –
10:00 am
10:15 am –
11:30 am
HEALTH
&
LONG TERM CARE
2.3 The In-House
Attorney/Client
Relationship:
Ethical
Parameters
3.3 LTC: A
Comparison
of Claims in
Canada & the
U.S.
3.4 Social Media
Investigations(Session 2.3
Cont’d)
3.6 Mock
DepositionDisability
3.5 Fraud 101
HAPPY HOUR IN THE EXHIBIT HALL
www.claim.org
Workshop Tracks continued
At-A-Glance
LIFE
&
ANNNUITY
DISABILITY
HEALTH
&
LONG TERM CARE
4.1 Life Claim
Fraud- Individual
vs. Group
4.3 Can You
Say That in
Claims???
4.5 Medical
Tourism in the
U.S., Canada
and Beyond
4.6
Understanding
Forgeries and
Identity Theft
4.2 Cultural
KaleidoscopeThe Cultural
Differences in
Many Countries
Are Strange
To Some and
Normal to
Others
4.4 Lost in
Translation
5.1 Funding
Companies
& Funeral
Directors:
Friends or Foes
5.3 A Return to
Work Story from
the Claimant’s
Perspective
5.5 An
Introduction to
Underwriting
for Claims
Professionals
5.6 A Special
Investigation
Unit Perspective
on Disability
Investigations
5.2 Murder,
Mystery &
Mayhem: A
Look at Strange
and Unusual
Claims
5.4 Evaluating
Chronic
Pain: Clinical
Perspectives
and Claim
Management
Strategies
11:45 am –
1:00 pm
ICA
•
LED
EL
ANC
C
10:30 am –
11:45 am
LEADING
PRACTICES
LEGAL
BREAKFAST IN EXHIBIT HALL
8 – 9:00 am
9:00 am –
10:15 am
FRAUD & RISK
MANAGEMENT
4.7 Reinsurance
Claims and
Coverage
Disputes:
Recurring Issues
and Challenges
LED
C
EL
ANC
4.8 Unclaimed
Property
Compliance
5.7 Behavioral
Economics:
Improving The
Way We Do
Insurance
LUNCH IN EXHIBIT HALL
www.claim.org
At-A-Glance
LIFE
&
ANNNUITY
6.1 Reinsurance
Discussion
Group
1:00 pm –
2:15 pm
DISABILITY
HEALTH
&
LONG TERM CARE
6.5 To IME or
Not to IME?
FRAUD & RISK
MANAGEMENT
6.6 Fraud
Schemes in
the Insurance
Industry- A
Roundtable
Discussion
Geared Toward
Newbie
Examiners
LEGAL
6.7 We Knew
That?
LEADING
PRACTICES
6.8 Rolling the
Dice on Process
Changes:
How To Stop
Gambling on
Improvements
6.2 Life Claims:
International
Roundtable
Discussion
6.3 Life Claims
Audit Roundtable
6.4 Life Premium
Waiver- Let’s
Take A second
Look
7.1 Advanced Life
Claims
2:30 pm –
3:45 pm
7.4 Fast Lane
Financials
7.5 Recruiting
and Training for
Claims
7.6 International
Privacy &
Investigations
7.7 Effective
Leadership
and Employee
Engagement
in Today’s
Disability Claim
Operations
7.2 Annuity
Claims
Roundtable
7.3 What’s My
Line? Direct
Writer, Reinsurer,
Retrocessionaire
Celebrate the Conference Closing Celebration
Tuesday Evening • September 29 • 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm • Mirage Ballroom
ICA wants to send our attendees out with a bang! Join us as we close the
conference out on Tuesday evening with an interactive event that is sure to
please and send many back down memory lane.
ICA FEVER
ICA
•
www.claim.org
This event will feature live entertainment, food and drinks. We are confident we
will have everyone leaving Vegas feeling like a winner.
The dress code for this is event is casual or 70’s attire.
Workshop Tracks
SESSION 1: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • 10:15AM - 11:30AM
1.1 Come Fly With Us
Curtis McAdams, Karen Riendeau, James Swinton
Pack your suitcase and join us as we travel through an aviation life claim. Our journey begins at Underwriting where we will
discuss the criteria and requirements related to understanding aviation risks. Next we’ll visit aviation riders, exclusions and
best claim practices. Our travel then continues with a layover of industry trends and flight statistics. Then, we reach our final
destination with a visit to challenging aviation case studies, which will also touch on disappearance claims. This will be a trip
you will not want to miss!
1.2 Life Claims Customer Experience
Beth Maddestra, Richard Maselli, Tony Sucic
Filing a life insurance claim is a very personal situation for insured’s beneficiaries. Companies take many steps to make the
process smooth and less stressful for grieving families. In this workshop, we will discuss the importance of exceptional
customer experiences during the claims process.
1.3 Doing Right By Veterans
Douglas Friedman, Jessica Friedman
For the best results, veterans receiving LTD benefits must be treated differently from other claimants. This session will
introduce you to three veterans discussing why they are different, even among themselves, and what considerations are
important to achieve a successful claim experience. Psychological and physical limitations will be compared and contrasted,
as will current cutting edge medical treatment. Presenters will explain VA disability compensation and veterans’ expectations
in the LTD claims process. This session is a must for anyone with disability claimants who are veterans.
1.4 An Ocean of Differences: Distinctions in Claims Handling in the U.S. & Abroad
Joshua Bachrach, Ashley Lawrence, Bob Roarke
Attendees will learn the differences and similarities between adjudicating/evaluating disability claims in the U.S. and U.K.
What can we learn from each other? Is a uniform standard beneficial?
1.5 Litigation and Long Term Care
Robert Pohls
Long Term Care litigation is increasing as the population ages. Changes in care options, rate increases, powers of attorney,
allegations that insurers prey on seniors, and increasing claims inevitably lead to disputes. As such, claims must be well
developed and thoroughly investigated. Attendees will hear about the common types of individual and class action lawsuits
occurring in the industry today, along with trends and new developments. They will better understand what sources of
information to pursue during the claim investigation to strengthen their case.
1.6 Behind the Scenes of a Real Life Fraudster: Unraveling the Truth in South America
Jose Rodolfo Marquez, Richard Marquez
When working in an environment such as South America, where corruption and scandal are every day facts of life, be
prepared to unravel a tangle of knots to break through to the truth. Presenters will share techniques, best practices, and steps
taken in high-profile complex cases, showing life claims examiners how to sort fact from fiction, leading to resolution.
1.7 Fraud, Lies and Hermes Ties
Aaron Beam
Mr. Beam will discuss the HealthSouth story documented in his book, “HealthSouth: The Wagon to Disaster”. He will explain
why healthcare frauds happen, who the players are, how and why they participate. The session concludes with very useful
examples of how to develop a strong ethical character and how to improve the integrity of your company.
1.8 The Many Lives of a Death Claim
Melissa Cowan, Maureen Middleton
Don’t fear those complex death claims! Be prepared! Come learn how courts and industry insiders are tackling the novel
twists that plaintiffs’ attorneys are using to resurrect challenging claims. A seasoned in-house counsel and a veteran litigator
will discuss hot life claim issues, spot upcoming legal trends, and offer practical advice for the “Many Lives of a Death
Claim.” You’re ultimately going to face those slayer statutes, interpleaders, divorce and beneficiary issues, judicial hellholes,
ERISA v. non-ERISA battles and more, so this presentation is for you!
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1.9 Emerge. Learn. Grow. Lead
Steve Gilliland
No matter where you are on the leadership ladder, this session will show you how to grow yourself and grow your people
through timeless principles that, when applied in your own life and the life of your organization, will elicit positive change.
You will leave this session with an in-depth self analysis of your existing leadership knowledge, skills and attributes, the tools
to revitalize your work environment and a fresh approach to learning, growing and leading, allowing you to emerge as the
leader you can be.
SESSION 2: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • 1:00PM - 2:15PM
2.1 Beneficiary Challenges- Best Practices
Donna Karkos, Kristina Pett
This session is beneficial to both Individual Life and Group Life claim personnel. This session will identify several challenges
insurers may face regarding beneficiary designations including instances when no clear beneficiary designation has been
made. The presenter will also discuss different approaches under state and federal law for determining who is entitled to the
proceeds of life insurance policies for divorced insureds who have failed to remove an ex-spouse as a designated beneficiary.
Further the presenter will discuss the propriety of interpleader action when the designated beneficiary is a suspect in the
homicide of the insured who has no yet been charged. Finally, the presenter will discuss special circumstances involving
beneficiaries who are deceased, incompetent, or incarcerated.
2.3 The In-House Attorney/Client Relationship: Ethical Parameters
Robert Lesko, Timmon Sullivan
This workshop will help participants understand the ethical minefield faced by company counsel on a daily basis and
implications for counsel’s interactions with claims and other corporate constituents. CLE credits will be available for this
presentation.
SESSION 3: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • 2:30PM - 3:45PM
3.1 The Challenge of Nomadic Claims
Michael Ferguson
A review of nomadic cultures as they relate to insurance claims. Actual case studies will be included to show the length these
individuals will go to in perpetrating a fraud.
3.2 Just the Facts Ma’am, Just the Facts
Amy Atkinson, Curtis McAdams
Is your claim file jury ready? Does it tell a factual story? Proper file documentation requires more than simply writing
a few words or adding papers. It must provide a trail of your activity, insight into your business practices, and protect
privileged information. Join an experienced attorney and claim professional who will discuss best practices for proper file
documentation and how claims and legal counsel can (and should) work together.
3.3 LTC: A Comparison of Claims in Canada & the U.S.
Karen Campbell, Lauren Gould
This international compare & contrast will look at the differences in Canadian & American products and claim procedures. A
review of similarities, differences, common challenges and solutions will be examined.
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3.4 Social Media Investigations- (Session 2.3 Cont’d)
Cynthia Hetherington
This investigator’s guide to social network investigations will explore the latest search tools popular for investigating and
monitoring for chatter on social networks, expanding on the items you can search for and discuss the items that simply don’t
work. Participants will leave with a list of new search resources, both free and fee based.
3.5 Fraud 101
Robert Linzey
Insurance fraud is a local and a global challenge for all insurance companies. This interactive and educational session will
discuss your basic strategy for deterring, detecting, investigating and prosecuting insurance fraud. We’ll also review basic
fraud schemes and red flags that every company should incorporate into their fraud prevention strategy.
3.6 Mock Deposition- Disability
Barbara Carra, Robert Dubiel, Joseph Hamilton, Colleen Jordan
Oh no! You’ve been deposed! Even if you haven’t been scheduled for a deposition, most claims professionals will, at some
point in our careers, be called upon to give one. Please join us for a mock deposition in which a panel of experts will take you
through the “mysteries”, subtleties and nuances of a deposition.
SESSION 4: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 • 9:00AM - 10:15AM
4.1 Life Claim Fraud- Individual vs. Group
Robert Linzey, Steve McCarthy, Dave Merrill
A panel discussion of life claim fraud with industry professionals. This interactive discussion will center around types of
fraud, trends, and differences within both group and individual claims. Participants are encouraged to come prepared to
discuss types of fraud they are seeing.
4.2 Cultural Kaleidoscope- The Cultural Differences in Many Countries Are Strange To Some and
Normal to Others
Anne Blackett, Don MacDiarmid
This session will explore how cultural differences dictate the adjudication and payment of life claims. What documents
may be requested? How are contestable claims treated or even allowed? Are there certain rules for contacting a foreign
beneficiary, and what is the appropriate way to address this beneficiary. What’s the best way to obtain foreign death
certificates, and how do you read and confirm the authenticity of that document?
4.3 Can You Say That in Claims???
Sophia Horsman, Kimberly Tomaselli, Tracey Zinck
How do you document a phone call where the insured uses profanity as a verb, noun, adjective and adverb? What do you
do when a surveillance video documents activity the MPAA would rate NC-17? Does this type of information belong in a
claim file and how do you handle access? When can and should you tell an insured they aren’t allowed to call? This panel of
presenters will discuss these sensitive scenarios and ways to appropriately document claim files. The audience will have an
opportunity to participate and is reminded, this one time, what happens in Vegas, doesn’t have to stay here.
4.4 Lost in Translation
Jason Kay, Margaret Mangan
Somatoform Disorder is a diagnostic term that contains both Latin & Greek roots, making it difficult to translate between
different languages. The 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, also known as DSM-5, made
changes to the diagnostic term “Somatoform Disorder” which makes it easier to translate and offers a different approach to
diagnosing and treating these patients. Participants can expect to be brought up-to-date on the DSM-5 changes to what’s now
referred to as Somatic Symptom Disorder, and explore strategies for assessing and handling these complex disability claims.
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4.5 Medical Tourism in the U.S., Canada and Beyond –
CANCELLED
Brenda Emde, Antonio Ferrante
This session will introduce you to medical tourism and will address the potential challenges of adjudicating these claims.
4.6 Understanding Forgeries and Identity Theft
Dan Brown, Brad Taylor
This course provides investigative techniques and examples of how forgeries and identity theft are committed in individual
life insurance. Utilizing real life case samples, there will be hands on exercises for the participants in learning how forgeries
are created, how to review documents for signs of potential forgeries, and some of the tricks used by those committing fraud.
4.7 Reinsurance Claims and Coverage Disputes: Recurring Issues and Challenges –
CANCELLED
Jay Kenigsberg, Stephen Kennedy
This workshop addresses the substantive issues often raised in disputed reinsurance claims, including follow-the-fortunes,
errors and omissions, late notice, the duty of utmost good faith, and underwriting intent. Discussion will also address the
procedural steps parties should take to increase their chances of prevailing in any reinsurance arbitration that follows and
unsuccessful attempt to resolve disputed matters.
4.8 Unclaimed Property Compliance
Barbara Rice
Regardless of which line of business administered, attendees will benefit from this general overview and update on
unclaimed property regulations and legal developments. As a former state unclaimed property administrator, Ms. Rice brings
a wealth of knowledge regarding the spirit and letter of these laws and regulations. Expect to be enlightened on what it is
needed to achieve and maintain compliance.
SESSION 5: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 • 10:00AM - 11:45AM
5.1 Funding Companies & Funeral Directors: Friends or Foes
Anne Blackett, Jamie Meredith, Guy Windstead
A Funding Company VP and a Funeral Director share first-hand their roles in working with the beneficiary at their time
of need. Ask questions and find answers to your claim-related questions when working with funeral homes and funding
companies. Share your concerns and views.
5.2 Murder, Mystery & Mayhem: A Look at Strange and Unusual Claims
Kim Houston
It happens, that claim we’ve all had where something just doesn’t seem right. Can you piece together the facts to crack the
case? This session will look at the twists and turns of investigating a complex claim using case studies as a basis. Each claim
tells its own story and as the details unfold, can you determine the outcome?
5.3 A Return to Work Story From the Claimant’s Perspective
Jonathan Weiss
Manny was employed as a computer programmer for 10 years prior to filing a LTD claim. After being diagnosed with
diabetes, he quickly developed a visual impairment. Over the next year, he struggled to continue working and ultimately had
to stop due to his severely impaired vision; he was legally blind. Manny will discuss his initial struggles with losing his sight
and how he adapted to living independently again. After being on claim for 3 years, Manny was able to return to his original
IT position through the use of various adaptive devices. Manny will discuss why he was able to succeed in a return to work,
what factors helped him remain motivated and what a disability insurer can do right and wrong to assist in a claimant’s
journey back to work.
5.4 Evaluating Chronic Pain: Clinical Perspectives and Claim Management Strategies
Dr. Richard Day, Evan Scarponi
Disability claims involving chronic pain can be among the most complex cases to evaluate. This session provides an
overview of chronic pain from a clinical standpoint, as well as a discussion of disability claim management strategies for
assessing chronic pain. Discussion topics will include pharmacological trends, clinical advancements, and disability claim
management perspectives.
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5.5 An Introduction to Underwriting for Claims Professionals
Antonio Ferrante
This session will provide an in-depth look at the role of underwriting in both individual and group markets and cover such
topics as how risk is assessed medically, financially and occupationally.
5.6 A Special Investigation Unit Perspective on Disability Investigations
Dan Brown, Chris Kanehl
This session will provide insight into disability investigations conducted by an Individual Life Insurance Special Investigation
Unit. Presenters will share how they utilize modern research tools, in-depth personal interviews, documentation requests
and examinations as part of the investigative process, with the use of surveillance as a last resort. Actual case studies will be
discussed including how the investigative tools were used to provide Claims with pertinent information.
5.7 Behavioral Economics: Improving The Way We Do Insurance
Dr. Lizzy Leigh
Within the claims arena, behavioral insights can be applied to a range of relevant behaviors in the case of both the claimant
and medical professionals. Examples include encouraging claimants to provide honest and accurate disclosure of health and
capabilities, to attend rehabilitation and perhaps even return to work, and encouraging doctors to return medical information
quickly.
SESSION 6: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 • 1:00PM - 2:15PM
6.1 Reinsurance Discussion Group
Pamela Evans
As a reinsurer, you encounter challenges every day. Why not share them with your colleagues as we discuss industry best
practices in an open forum? Submit your questions/scenarios beforehand to ensure a meaningful discussion, or bring them
up during the session.
6.2 Life Claims: International Roundtable Discussion
Jane McWatters
If you work for an international company (based in the U.S. or outside the U.S.) this roundtable is designed for you. We will
be sharing best practices, talking about the challenges we encounter and opportunities for networking. International markets
create unique claims situations and we can all benefit from hearing others’ experiences, expertise and ideas.
6.3 Life Claims Audit Roundtable
Nazim Shaw, Tony Sucic
Discussion topics may include recent audits, audit findings and how to respond to these findings. What is required in the
audit process and who needs to be involved? What changes should be made before and after? Where do you go for help?
6.4 Life Premium Waiver- Let’s Take A second Look
Don Trexler, Mark Trigg
Often the forgotten topic in the day-to-day operations of life and disability claims, life premium waiver claims appear to be
garnering more interest these days. This interactive session is designed to promote lively conversation surrounding the
management of this product, with a mix of presentation on the daily challenges and long term risks encountered and an open
discussion regarding what carriers are doing to solve for them.
6.5 To IME or Not to IME?
Rich Dreitzer, Phil Howe, Stacy Monahan Tucker
This presentation will cover major legal topics involved in disability claims, including (1) what to include in your investigation
to ensure you have a full and complete claim file/administrative record; (2) when to request an Independent Medical Exam
(IME); and (3) can Plaintiff’s counsel object to an assigned doctor, or demand to attend the IME?
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6.6 Fraud Schemes in the Insurance Industry- A Roundtable Discussion Geared Toward Newbie
Examiners
Rebecca Jones, Alayne Russom
If you’re a new claims examiner, come ready to participate in a discussion on common fraud schemes found in the insurance
industry. We’ll discuss “red flags” and different ideas for handling potential fraud.
6.7 We Knew That?
Louis DiGiaimo, Doug Scullion
This presentation will cover pitfalls and issues arising in contestable death claims, with a specific focus on misrepresentations
in policy applications, rescission procedures, and problems that arise when an agent knows (or is alleged to know) the “truth”
behind the false/incomplete answers.
6.8 Rolling the Dice on Process Changes: How To Stop Gambling on Improvements
Wendy Berndt, Kim Houston
Do you feel like understanding what to change in your claims process is a little like gambling with house money? This session
will help you determine potential changes and how to prioritize options from a customer and company perspective. From a
solid business case to influencing the key drivers of your process, learn how identifying and proposing improvements can
drive your results.
SESSION 7: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 • 2:30PM - 3:45PM
7.1 Advanced Life Claims Roundtable
Ann Binzer, Kim Houston, Johnny O’Mahony, Don Trexler
This workshop will be an interactive discussion on advanced, complex individual life claim issues. What are the issues
effecting your claim teams? What changes in the industry are you currently facing and how are you handling them? Bring the
topics most important to you for discussion with the group.
7.2 Annuity Claims Roundtable
Bryan Bolton, Laura Matyja, Teresa Murphy
Join us for a lively interactive roundtable discussion of all things annuities. We’ll dive into industry “hot topics” trends &
answer your burning questions about administration of annuity claims.
7.3 What’s My Line? Direct Writer, Reinsurer, Retrocessionaire
Pamela Evans, Rosanne Thornsbury
What’s my line? Are you game for some trivia? Prizes will be awarded to participants! Don’t know the difference between an
Insurance Company, a Reinsurance Company and a Retrocessionaire? Not to worry, attendees will have fun learning the basic
differences and understand how each company is dependent upon the other. This is an open roundtable discussion group so
please submit any questions before the session to ensure they get added to the agenda.
7.4 Fast Lane Financials
John Hoffman, Ernest Smith
Earned income is not always straightforward. Passive/non-passive entities, unusual compensation arrangements, complex
business structures, activity based expense analysis, CPT/RVU analysis, soft expenses, management companies, trends with
physicians. If any of these topics interest you, this is a must attend. A fast paced, succinct discussion by a panel of experts on
topics that challenge everyone who manages disability claims.
7.5 Recruiting and Training for Claims
Kim Hastings
With increasing claim volumes, growing industry & product complexity and the retirement of many baby boomers, there is
a widespread need to recruit and train tomorrow’s claim professionals. This roundtable will foster discussion on effective
recruiting and training strategies.
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7.6 International Privacy & Investigations
Nick Giannetta, Werner Horn, Martin Jaekel, Richard Marquez
Panel discusses and answers questions on privacy issues in countries outside of the USA.
7.7 Effective Leadership and Employee Engagement in Today’s Disability Claim Operations
Rick Denman, Ken Hallden, Laura Ketchum
Here are two “truths” we believe about claim offices:
•Leadersareoften“incharge”...butnotalways(oratleastnotyet!)
•Engagedemployeesprovidethebestclientserviceandarethemostmotivated.
How your company develops leadership skills AND consistently motivates and fosters engagement plays a significant role in
creating a positive work environment and ensuring the continued success of your organization. We’ll discuss a Top 10 list of
leadership and engagement ideas, throw in a few “dos” and “don’ts”, and perhaps provide you with a few novel ideas to take
back to your disability claims operation. Come join us as we lead a discussion on what challenges leaders (in all job levels)
and share ideas on how to effectively manage disability claims in spite of challenges. This session is targeted for current and
future claims supervisors.
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About our Workshop Speakers
Atkinson, Amy is Associate General Counsel of Munich American Reassurance Company in Atlanta, Georgia and provides
support to several business units, including Claims. Prior to joining MARC in 2005, she was with the Georgia Insurance
Department. Amy served in various capacities in her ten years with the Department, including Deputy Commissioner of
Insurance. She received her law degree from the College of William and Mary. (Workshop 3.2)
Bachrach, Joshua represents clients in state and federal courts throughout the United States in litigation involving ERISA and
non-ERISA disputes over disability, life and health coverage as well as disputes over pension benefits. Josh also represents
insurers in coverage and bad faith litigation. He is a frequent speaker at national seminars on BRISA-related subjects and has
written numerous articles on ERISA and related topics. Josh is regarded as a valuable resource based on his knowledge of
ERISA, life, health and disability law as well as his appellate work. He is often engaged nationally in litigation matters and
he is frequently consulted to evaluate issues prior to the commencement of litigation. Josh has personally handled several
hundred ERISA cases nationally. (Workshop 1.4)
Berndt, Wendy leads a third party administration management team at Prudential. A financial services professional with
over 15 years of experience, she is responsible for oversight and relationship management of back office functions, including
claims, with the third party administrator. Starting in banking and sales, Wendy has filled a variety of roles ranging from
quality control to project management prior to leading Claims and Inforce operations. Currently, she and her team are
focused on successful execution of all back office functions with the third party administrator, as well as producer and client
satisfaction in a highly dynamic business environment. (Workshop 6.8)
Blackett, Anne has worked at Security National Life Insurance Company for 35 years in both Claims and Policy Service. These
two departments provide service and process claims for Life, Pre-Need Products, Annuities, Waiver of Premium, Disability,
along with some Accident and Health products. SNL like many companies grows through acquisition and is licensed in 39
states. Anne has been a member of the ICA Life Committee for the past four years. She has her FLMI and ACS designations.
(Workshop 4.2 & 5.1)
Bolton, Bryan is a founding member of the Baltimore based law firm Funk & Bolton, P.A. He represents life, health and
disability insurers, stop-loss insurers and third-party administrators in federal court, state court, and regulatory proceedings.
Mr. Bolton’s extensive appellate experience includes briefing in the United States Courts of Appeals for the Second, Third,
Fourth and District of Columbia Circuits, as well as the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Bolton is a member of the
Maryland and Pennsylvania bars. Mr. Bolton is included in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Maryland Super Lawyers
and the Best Lawyers in America. (Workshop 7.2)
Brown, Dan has been involved in insurance investigations for the past 30 years, and has been with the Prudential Life
Insurance Special Investigation Unit since May 2006. His duties include management of the field investigative staff for
Prudential, conducting claim and underwriting investigations, and providing Fraud Awareness training for Prudential entities.
Prior to assuming this position, Dan spent 15 years as an SIU Manager for Prudential Property & Casualty and with Liberty
Mutual, finishing his P&C career as the manager for SIU operations for Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Dan started his
investigative career as a Private Investigator in Alaska and South Texas, specializing in all lines of insurance investigations.
He earned the Certified Insurance Fraud Investigator and Fraud Claim Law Specialist designations through the International
Association of Special Investigation Units. (Workshop 4.6 & 5.6)
Campbell, Karen is Director of Claims Risk Management and Individual Insurance Claims at Sun Life Financial. As Director of
Claims Risk Management, Karen’s priority is to ensure Sun Life Financial pays all valid claims in a timely manner. Karen joined
Sun Life 31 years ago, 29 of which she’s dedicated to claims. Before moving into her Director role in September 2014, she
served as Best Practices consultant from January 2013 to August 2014. She previously served as Claims Manager, Individual
Disability Claims, from 1996 to 2003. From 2003 to 2012, she managed the Individual claims team, servicing four lines of
business: life, disability, long term care insurance (LTCI) and critical illness insurance (CII). “I enjoy working with different
products and the interesting nature of complex claims,” Karen says. “Even after 30 years, I still see new situations. This keeps
my work interesting. I’m also involved in claims litigation and have appeared as defendant on behalf of Sun Life Financial at
mediations, examinations for discovery and trials.” Karen has been a moderator at the Canadian Life and Health Insurance
Association Inc. (CLHIA) Claims Section conference and participated in numerous committees and projects throughout her
career with the company. (Workshop 3.3)
Carra, Barbara is currently in private practice with a focus on medical malpractice defense. She is active in the Massachusetts
Bar Association and Hampden County Bar Association pro bono programs. Additionally, she is a frequent speaker and
published author. Prior to returning to private practice, Barbara was with the Dispute Resolution section of the MassMutual
Law Department. There, she oversaw high stakes insurance litigation matters and advised corporate clients on strategies
to advance their business imperatives. In addition to her work at Mass Mutual, Barbara was an Assistant Vice President
& Counsel for UnumProvident Corporation and before joining UnumProvident, she worked for the law firm of Morrison,
Mahoney & Miller. (Workshop 3.6)
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About our Workshop Speakers continued
Chiu, Yommy joined Swiss Re in 2013 as a Risk Analyst in the Life and Health Research and Development Modelling unit
in the Population Risk & Data Analytics department. Prior to joining Swiss Re, Yommy worked in the legal profession as a
Research Analyst/Science Liaison for an NYC law firm in their Pharmaceutical/Medical Litigation Division. Since joining Swiss
Re, Yommy has been involved with the modelling of pandemic influenzas, and research in changes in cardiovascular and
metabolic diseases in high growth markets such as Brazil and China. She is also part of Swiss Re’s behavioral economics
research team which aims to bring better consumer understanding to the insurance industry. (Workshop 5.7)
Cowan, Melissa is a partner in the Los Angeles office of Burke, Williams & Sorensen. She represents and advises national
disability, accident, life, and health insurers in complex commercial litigation in California state courts and federal courts
throughout the country. She has also defended agents/brokers, religious organizations, and public law clients in general
and business litigation. Her areas of expertise include bad faith, fraud, ERISA, unfair trade practice claims, class actions,
and investigation. She has even successfully represented an insurer in winning a jury award of punitive damages against
a fraudulent insured. Ms. Cowan received her J.D. from University of California, Los Angeles, in 1994, where she was a
managing editor of the UCLA Law Review. (Workshop 1.8)
Day, Richard is Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Prudential’s Group Insurance Claims division. Dr. Day is a board
certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, having completed his residency at the University of Medicine and
Dentistry of New Jersey. He has group insurance experience spanning close to 20 years, with both Prudential and Unum, as
well as extensive clinical experience. (Workshop 5.4)
Denman, Rick has been with Munich Re since 2009 and is responsible for Munich Re’s Group claim and administration area.
Prior to his entry into reinsurance, Rick had 28 years of group claims experience, starting his career at Mutual Benefit Life.
Rick later managed claims offices for Travelers and MetLife. Rick held officer-level claim positions with MetLife and UNUM.
Rick holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Georgia along with several industry designations. (Workshop 7.7)
DiGiaimo, Louis is a partner with McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter in New Jersey. He has been representing life,
health and disability insurers with respect to claims for benefits under individual and group policies of insurance, and
insurance fraud, for more than 20 years. His trial and litigation experience also includes agent and broker liability in all types
of insurance coverage. He received a BA from Siena College and a JD from Western New England Law School, where he
served as Lead Articles Editor of the Law Review. He is also one of the very few attorneys in the country to hold a Master of
Laws Degree in Litigation, which he received from Emory Law School. (Workshop 6.7)
Dreitzer, Rich is a Partner in the Las Vegas office of Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker, LLP. Richard has more than
20 years of experience representing employers in a broad range of employment law matters, including NLRB, Title VII, OSHA
and FLSA matters, Immigration and Customers Enforcement (ICE) I-9 audits, and ERISA (as well as non-ERISA LHD litigation.
Richard obtained his B.S. from Cornell University, College of Industrial and Labor Relations in 1990 and his J.D. from the
Washington University School of Law in 1994. Richard is licensed in the States of Nevada, Missouri and Arizona and, since
2009, has served as Justice of the Peace Pro Tempore, in the Justice Court of Las Vegas Township. (Workshop 6.5)
Dubiel, Robert has more than 45 years of Group, Association, IDI and LTD Claims Experience with The Hartford Life Insurance
Companies, Unum Group and MetLife. He is currently a LTD Unit Leader in MetLife’s Bloomfield, CT National Account
Office. Additionally, he is also a co-chair of the ICA Disability Committee, a member of the ICA Strategic Planning/ Marketing
Committee and a past member of the ICA Executive Committee. Bob received his undergraduate degree from LeMoyne
College in Syracuse NY. (Workshop 3.6)
Emde, Brenda is the Claims Manager at Reserve National Insurance Company, a division of Kemper Corporation. She joined
Reserve National Insurance in 1983 immediately following graduation from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor’s
degree in Business Administration. She began her career processing disability and health insurance claims, was promoted
to Supervisor in 1991 and to Manager in 2009. Reserve National Insurance’s focus is on the individual and supplemental
market and Brenda has been instrumental in the development and implementation of new products and services to meet
the changing needs of the individual market. She manages a staff of 25 and oversees the processing of approximately 3500
claims each day. (Workshop 4.5)
Evans, Pamela is a Senior Claims Analyst for Pacific Services Canada (formerly Manulife Reinsurance). Pam’s experience as
a reinsurer and retrocessionnaire encompasses life, health and disability claims worldwide. Pam has extensive knowledge of
claims audit as well as previous experience working for several direct writers within their life and annuity operations areas.
Pam holds the FLHC, FLMI and ACS designations and is a member of the ICA Reinsurance Committee. (Workshop 6.1)
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Ferguson, Michael of Worldwide Resources, Inc. has been investigating claims throughout the U.S. and internationally for
over 36 years. He is actively involved in presenting SIU training to many companies annually across America and has been
invited to speak before the U.S. State Department in a joint effort to provide fraud awareness. He is a Certified Graphologist
which enables him to provide insight into the honesty and integrity of claimants, witnesses and other sources. He has traveled
extensively throughout the world to such countries as Haiti, Vietnam, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, and many
European countries handling death investigations. He is a member of the National Association of Investigative Specialists and
the National Association of Bunco Investigators. (Workshop 3.1)
Ferrante, Antonio is Director, Underwriting, Claims and Medical Risk Management at Sun Life Financial where he is
responsible for the research, development and governance of underwriting and claim philosophies and risk management
policies globally. In addition, he provides consultative and referral services on complex medical underwriting and claim files.
Friedman, Douglas is the founding partner of Friedman Law Firm, P.C., which represents disabled workers for Social Security
disability and Veterans disability compensation. Mr. Friedman is a nationally known speaker and author who lectures on
disability issues for advocacy groups and insurers. He is Chairman of the Faculty for the Veterans Disability Symposium,
which his law firm co-sponsors with the Birmingham VA hospital and University of Alabama at Birmingham. Mr. Friedman
is Legal Counsel (Pro Bono) to Three Hots and a Cot, which provides housing for veterans recovering from alcohol and drug
abuse. He is past Chairman of the Advisory Board of Cooper Green Mercy Hospital, and a former member of the Advisory
Board of the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Mr. Friedman is admitted to practice before
the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and the VA. He is a member of NADE, NOSSCR, and NOVA, and the New York and
Alabama bars. He has served on the Board of Directors of community organizations such as the Birmingham Jaycees, the
Alabama Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Birmingham Jewish Day School and Temple Emanu-El. (Workshop 1.3)
Giannetta, Nick is founding Director of Nicholas Anthony & Associates (NAA), a service provider for investigations services
to insurance, industrial, commercial and government clientele in Australia and South East Asia. Nick’s experience spans
over 25 years as an investigator and continues an active involvement in the investigation field. Nick is an ACFE member,
ALUCA (Australasian Life Underwriting and Claims Association) and an AIPI (Australian Institute of Professional Investigators)
member, where he sits on the committee for Education and Development. Nick has been appointed as an Industry Assessor
for the Administrative & Disciplinary Division of the District Court of South Australia by Deputy Premier & Attorney-General
of South Australia. Recently he has also provided evidence to the Legislative Review Committee for the review of proposed
legislative changes to the Surveillance Devices Act. Nick more so now provides leadership & mentoring support for his
team & staff of investigators. Nick’s passion for a family-life-work balance keeps him busy juggling ongoing university
commitments, his young family’s involvement for all things sporty like Surf Life Saving Australia, soccer, water-polo to name
but a few, and of course Aussie Rules Football (The Port Adelaide Football Club). He enjoys the NFL too! (Workshop 7.6)
Hallden, Kenneth oversees the claim operations for The Hartford’s Group Reinsurance Plus. He joined The Hartford in 1986
and has held several positions of increasing responsibility in the group life and disability division. Ken served as Senior
Manager, Account Services in GroupRe from 1997-2004, overseeing the account management, compliance, customer service
and technology functions. Ken assumed the position of Director, Operations and Finance for The Hartford’s stop loss business,
responsible for the functions of finance, claims, rating and service operations. He joined OptumHealth Specialty Benefits, a
subsidiary of United Health Group, in 2007 following their acquisition of The Hartford’s stop loss business responsible for
business integration and the oversight of the claim and service operations for business underwritten by The Hartford. Ken
returned to The Hartford in September, 2008. Ken holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a major in
insurance and finance, and a Master of Business Administration, both from The University of Hartford. (Workshop 7.7)
Hamilton, Joseph is a Partner at Mirick O’Connell and Chair of the Firm’s Litigation Group as well as the Life, Health, Disability
and ERISA Litigation Group. He concentrates his practice in life, health and disability insurance defense, and ERISA. Mr.
Hamilton serves as counsel for numerous life, health and disability insurers and self-insureds at all levels of state and federal
courts throughout Massachusetts. Mr. Hamilton’s representation includes the full spectrum of issues arising from both
individual and group coverage, under both state and federal law, including ERISA. Mr. Hamilton is a member of the Employee
Benefits, Life Insurance Law, and Health and Disability Insurance Law Committees of the American Bar Association; the Life,
Health and Disability Committee of the Defense Research Institute; The Association of Life Insurance Counsel; and the New
England Claims Association. Mr. Hamilton is a past Chair of the ABA’s Life Insurance Law Committee; and a Vice-Chair of the
ABA’s Health and Disability Law Committee. Mr. Hamilton regularly writes and speaks on issues related to life, health and
disability litigation. Mr. Hamilton received his B.S., magna cum laude, and J.D. from Boston College. (Workshop 3.6)
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Hastings, Kim is the Claims Manager at Sun Life Financial, in the Individual Insurance department of Canadian Operations.
She joined Sun Life immediately following graduation from Trent University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and
Business Administration. She began her career in new business holding customer service, process consultant and leadership
roles. Among many process improvement initiatives, she was instrumental in implementing tele-interviewing within the
underwriting process. She leads a team of 23 employees that handle Life, Critical Illness, Disability and Long Term Care
claims. (Workshop 7.5)
Hoffman, John is a Partner with Nawrocki Smith LLP and leads up the Insurance Claims Consulting Group. John is a graduate
of Hofstra University. He has extensive experience in providing forensic accounting and insurance consulting services. He
began his career as a staff accountant with American International Group in 1994. He joined the firm of Nawrocki Smith
in 1995 and is a partner in Forensic Accounting, Valuation and Litigation Support services. He has provided assistance to
counsel, deposition testimony and trial testimony in all aspects of litigation-related matters including mediation, arbitration
and litigation. He has been recognized as an expert witness in disability related litigation in both federal and state courts.
(Workshop 7.4)
Horsman, Sophia has over 20 years of experience in the Individual Disability Income insurance claims industry. In 2009 she
joined Munich Re and is an account representative with responsibility for IDI and Long Term Care clients. She holds multiple
designations, attends and presents at industry conferences and continues to look for ways to expand and enhance her
knowledge of the industry. (Workshop 4.3)
Houston, Kim is the Manager of Individual Life Claims at Munich Re. She has over 24 years of experience in individual life and
health claims. In her normal role she oversees the Individual Life Claims for Munich Re in Atlanta. She is currently working on
a global project that involves all aspects of the Munich Re Atlanta business with a focus on Life, Living Benefits, and Group
claims. Kim is a member of the Life Committee and has co-chaired the committee for the past three years. Kim has experience
in all aspects of claims processing and claims management, including process improvements. Kim is currently a member
of the ICA Executive Committee. Kim is a regular presenter at the ICA Conference as well as other industry conferences.
She received her undergraduate degree in Business Management from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL.
Howe, Phil is Of Counsel of the law firm of Lecomte, Emanuelson and Doyle (Quincy, MA), where he practices insurance
litigation with a specialty in life, health and disability. Mr. Howe received his BA from Holy Cross in 1967 and his JD from
George Washington University Law School in 1970. He is a member of the bar in California and Massachusetts and has tried
cases in both states. He is the author of a quarterly newsletter analyzing the developments in Massachusetts insurance law
and of numerous case summaries published in the Defense Research Institute’s Life Health and Disability News. He has
negotiated settlements in well over 100 cases. He worked previously as house counsel for litigation at New England Life.
He also provides services pro bono with the Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association and the Dial A Lawyer
Program of the Massachusetts Bar Association. (Workshop 6.5)
Jaekel, Martin O. is the President of Whitehall Bureau of Canada and Whitehall Bureau of America. He is a Certified Fraud
Examiner, an Officer of the Canadian Association of Private Investigators, Director of the Council of Private Investigators in
Ontario and a member of World Detective Association and Council of International Investigators. Martin has been a licenced
investigator since 1984 and has operated his national Canadian operations since 1996. He has been a Fraud and Abuse
committee member for the ICA for several years.(Workshop 7.6)
Jones, Rebecca is a lead consultant with Allstate Life Insurance Company. She has many varied duties in her role,
including oversight of escalated claims involving fraud/liability issues/beneficiary disputes, training of staff, projects and
implementation of operational/process improvements. Becky has thirty years of experience in life/annuity claims, and her
background includes claims management and SIU investigations. Becky has a B.B.A from Loyola University and has earned
the FLMI, FLHC, and ACS designations. (Workshop 6.6)
Jordan, Colleen is Assistant Vice President and Special Counsel with Unum Group in Worcester, MA. She is a graduate of St.
Lawrence University and Northeastern University School of Law. Prior to attending law school, Colleen handled Individual
Disability claims for The Paul Revere Insurance Company. Colleen litigated Property and Casualty matters as Counsel for
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, and has served as Counsel for Unum and its affiliated companies, supporting various
products and services, since 1997 Colleen has extensive experience in with Individual Disability, Group LTD, ERISA and badfaith matters, pre-litigation and in state and federal court litigated matters. She has presented on panels for the Defense
Research Institute (DRI) and at New England Claims Association (NECA) meetings. (Workshop 3.6)
Kanehl, Chris has been performing investigations for over 29 years. He is an Associate Manager of the Special Investigation
Unit at Prudential Life Insurance Company where he has been employed for 9 years. His responsibilities include investigations
for individual life claims, underwriting and fraud. Chris also conducts Fraud Awareness training within Prudential entities.
Prior to joining Prudential, Chris was employed with the New York City Police Department for 20 years. As a Detective, he
investigated a various array of crimes ranging from homicide and suicides to car theft. (Workshop 5.6)
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Kay, Jason has over 14 years of DI claims experience at Northwestern Mutual- the majority of his time has been dedicated
exclusively to administering psychiatric and substance use disorder claims. Since 2009, he has been a Lead Consultant in the
DI Benefits Division and, in this role, is responsible for providing technical guidance and oversight to claims staff on individual
disability income and life insurance waiver of premium claims. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Jason spent a number
of years providing services in a variety of mental health and addiction treatment settings. He has a bachelor’s degree in
Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work, and is licensed in Wisconsin as an Advanced Practice Social Worker and as
a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor. (Workshop 4.4)
Kenigsberg, Jay D. represents major domestic insurance carriers in a wide variety of coverage disputes, including actions
involving pollution liability, individual disability, and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) claims. Jay began
his career as an Assistant District Attorney under Elizabeth Boltzmann in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.
While there, Jay handled several investigations, including one that gained national attention involving fraud in the grave
monuments industry. Jay also worked within the Narcotics Division where he conducted several successful trials involving
the crack-cocaine epidemic then gripping the County. Over the course of more than twenty years with Rifkin Rader, Jay has
successfully argued motions for summary judgment before both federal and state courts, and frequently has represented
clients in reinsurance disputes before arbitration panels. He not only litigates – he also routinely advises leading insurers
throughout the country on insurance coverage law. Jay is a prolific author and speaker and is a frequent presenter at Medley’s
conferences, the Eastern Claims Conference in New York, and the International Claims Association conference in Florida.
Jay organized one of the first area conferences on federal brownfield legislation and his articles on brownfield development
law and related issues have appeared in the Insurance Advocate and the Real Estate Finance Journal. He also is co-author of
“Advanced Civil Discovery for the Litigation Paralegal in New York,” published by The Institute for Paralegal Education. Jay is
a member of the Life, Health and Disability Committee of the Defense Research Institute, the International Claims Association,
and ARIAS-US. He also has served on the board of directors of Sustainable Long Island, a community planning organization.
Most recently, Jay was appointed co-chair for the International Claim Association’s reinsurance committee, where he is
organizing workshops and roundtables for the committee’s annual education conference. (Workshop 4.7)
Kennedy, Stephen serves as lead counsel representing insurers and reinsurers in complex coverage disputes involving a
wide range of issues across all lines of business, including accident and health, energy, environmental, general liability,
political risk, property, and trade credit, and represents insurers and reinsurers in high dollar bad faith claims. Stephen also
has substantial experience advising insurers and reinsurers with respect to contract drafting, risk management and regulatory
matters. He is an active member of industry organizations including the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration
Society US, having recently served on a three-member task force that authored the ARIAS US Rules for the Resolution of
US Insurance and Reinsurance Disputes as well as the ARIAS US Streamlined Rules for Small Claim Disputes. Stephen is a
regular speaker at industry seminars sponsored by ARIAS US, HB Litigations and the Practicing Law Institute. He has also
written numerous articles in industry publications including the Journal of Insurance Coverage, Reinsurance Magazine, ARIAS
U.S. Quarterly, Insurance & Reinsurance International Comparative Legal Guide, and ABA Tort & Insurance Law Journal.
Stephen has been recognized for his work by Euromoney Guide to the World’s Leading Insurance and Reinsurance Lawyers,
Who’s Who Legal Insurance and Reinsurance Lawyers and New York Metro Super Lawyers. (Workshop 4.7)
Ketchum, Laura joined Smith Group’s team of claim management experts in September 2005. In addition to client specific/
claims related services, Laura facilitates group disability industry surveys and quarterly conference calls for claim organization
leaders and administrators at our respective client companies. As an attorney and active member of the Maine Bar, Laura
is responsible for reinsurance treaty and consulting contract oversight, and she assists Smith Group and our clients stay
apprised of impactful disability case law decisions, state and federal regulatory updates. Prior to joining Smith Group, Laura
had eight plus years of disability claim experience with Unum, including over four years at a Manager/Director level. Laura
graduated from the University at Southern Maine, Portland, Maine, in 1991 with a Bachelor’s degree in History, and she
obtained her Juris Doctorate from the University of Maine School of Law in 1995. (Workshop 7.7)
Leiderman, Richard started his career in insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee (BCBST) in 1986. He has worked
for Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company in Chattanooga, TN and Colonial Life and Accident Company in Columbia,
SC. At present, he works for Protective Life Insurance Company where he is the Assistant Vice President Claims. Richard has
a Master of Business Administration degree from The Citadel in Charleston, SC, a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree and is a
member of the Tennessee Bar. He also holds the CLU and ALHC designations. (Workshop 5.2)
Leigh, Lizzy is a behavioral research analyst in Swiss Re’s Research and Development department in London. She joined
Swiss Re after obtaining her PhD in Health Psychology from University College London. Transferring her expertise from
psychology, she sits in a core team of researchers who are bringing insights from behavioral economics into the world of
insurance in order to better understand and predict customer behavior. Through the means of live field tests with clients
around the globe, they are helping to improve outcomes in the fields of sales, underwriting, retention and claims. In addition,
she contributes to other research initiatives in Swiss Re, including improving health behaviors of employees and increasing
their charitable donations. (Workshop 5.7)
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Lesko, Robert is a Partner with Wilson Elser, a national law firm with 28 offices in 16 states as well as the District of Columbia
and London. Rob has more than 20 years of experience representing financial services industry clients, including brokerdealers, insurance companies, TPAs and fraternal benefits organizations, in litigation and arbitration proceedings throughout
the country, especially NY, NJ, and PA. He is active in several industry organizations committed to the education of industry
and outside counsel, including the International Claim Association, the Defense Research Institute, the Association of Life
Insurance Counsel, and the Association of Fraternal Benefits Counsel. He also serves on several boards of directors for local
organizations and as a trustee and director of a national pension and welfare plan. (Workshop 2.3)
Linzey, Robert is Vice President in MetLife’s US Life Claims Operations in Somerset, New Jersey. Mr. Linzey currently heads
up Investigations, Controls & Advisory Services. He is responsible for the investigation of all individual life claims, the timely,
accurate and consistent payment of individual life death and disability claims and for providing guidance and direction
on challenging individual life insurance and annuity product situations. He is also responsible for mitigating compliance,
financial and regulatory risk and ensuring that MetLife’s policies and procedures are in compliance with any applicable state
rule, law or regulation. Mr. Linzey earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance at St. John’s University. He is a FINRA Registered
Principal and a member of the Fraud and Risk Management Committee of the International Claim Association. He has been
a speaker at the Eastern Claim Conference and the ICA Annual Education Conference. He is happily married living in New
Jersey with his wife, three wonderful young men ages 23, 20 and 9 years old, along with a Golden Retriever and Chocolate
Lab. (Workshop 3.5 & 4.1)
MacDiarmid, Don was born and raised in south central Texas. He had an eleven year law enforcement career and rose to the
rank of Assistant Chief of a suburban San Antonio police department. He graduated from Southwest Texas State University
and attended the FBI National Academy at Quantico, VA. From 1983 to 2002, Don was employed in a variety of positions with
property and casualty insurance companies as a Special Investigator, Senior Investigator, Fraud Specialist and Regional SIU
Manager. He investigated potential insurance fraud and corporate security issues throughout the United States. He has been
admitted to testify in U.S. District Court as an expert in insurance fraud. Since 2002, Don has been employed by John Hancock
Life Insurance Company. He is currently a Lead Investigator and responsible for conducting investigations throughout the U.S.
and in foreign countries. His current responsibilities also include oversight of domestic and foreign claim investigations. In
this capacity, he works closely with Claims management and personnel, Underwriters, Compliance and Law departments. He
also provides assistance to law enforcement as required. Don is a Certified Fraud Examiner (25 year member) and serves on
the Board of Directors of the San Antonio, TX Chapter. He is an Associate, Life Management Institute, an Associate, Life and
Health Claims, a Long Term Care Professional and a Fraud Claims Law Associate. He has been a member of the International
Association of Special Investigation Units since 1984. (Workshop 4.2)
Maddestra, Beth started in the insurance industry just out of college and worked for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Central
New York in the policyholder service department. After moves from New York to Massachusetts and then to Arizona in 1997,
she found her career home at London Insurance Group/Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance in Phoenix, AZ. She spent 12 years
within the marketing department managing various areas such as agent licensing, underwriting, final expense new business,
preneed, and Medicare supplement. She now manages the claims department for final expense and preneed. This is her
fourth year with ICA and third year on the Life committee. (Workshop 1.2)
Mangan, Maggie joined Northwestern Mutual as a medical specialist in the Medical Consultant Division in November 2004.
In this role, she provided cardiovascular consultation and medical education for Life and DI underwriting. Since May 2008,
Maggie has been a member of the Disability Benefits division Medical Team. In her current role as a Medical Consultant, she
provides medical consultation and medical education for disability claims. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Maggie
worked as a nurse in the areas of emergency medicine and post anesthesia care after earning her bachelor’s degree in
nursing from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in May 1994. Maggie was an instructor of Advanced Cardiac Life Support for
American Heart Association from 1998 - 2012, and served as an officer in the Army Reserves for a Milwaukee based combat
support hospital unit from 1995 - 2004. (Workshop 4.4)
Marquez, Richard is the managing director and partner of Diligence International Group, LLC, a leader in international
investigations and anti-fraud solutions and services for the financial services industry. With more than 30 years of experience
in foreign investigations and information/database technology, Mr. Marquez is the pioneering architect of the data verification
workflow used by leading carriers to process most life insurance applications. At Diligence, Mr. Marquez is responsible for
managing and directing foreign investigations in every part of the world. Before Diligence, Mr. Marquez worked for 28 years
at Prudential Financial, most recently as a consulting director. He was responsible for all of the firms foreign investigations
and managed investigations in every part of the world, leveraging a network of foreign investigators and law enforcement
contacts that he personally developed over his career. He is a graduate of the University of North Texas where he obtained a
Bachelor’s degree in business administration. (Workshop 1.6)
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Marquez, Jose Rodolfo started his career in investigations after spending 17 years with the Colombian Ministry of Defense,
where he commanded Intelligence Units for multiple military branches. Additionally, he played an instrumental role while
serving as an instructor at all levels of the Columbian military with an emphasis in special training relating to intelligence and
security. He was responsible for monitoring all intelligence activities in Colombia and other regions of South America. He had
a Special Commission being assigned as an Intelligence Officer for the Multinational Peace Force in Egypt. After leaving his
post in Egypt, Mr. Marquez became head of security for major industrial and petrochemical companies in Colombia, such as
British Petroleum Exploration, Brinks Corporation and Laurel Risk Management. Over the last four years, Mr. Marquez has
worked for Diligence International Group as the Director of Operations in South America and the Caribbean, responsible for
managing all major investigations and intelligence activities. Mr. Marquez has been a force in making Diligence International
Group a premier due diligence Company in all areas of his expertise. (Workshop 1.6)
Matyja, Laura is a Corporate Vice President for New York Life Insurance Company. She oversees their Cleveland office
claims operation which is responsible for processing life, annuity and waiver of premium claims. She has over 10 years of
experience with Life and Annuity Claims. Laura graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Business
Administration in Finance. (Workshop 7.2)
McAdams, Curtis is an Account Representative with Munich Re. He joined Munich Re in 2009 and has more than 20 years of
experience in claims management and adjudication. While his experience is primarily in life claims, he also has experience with
disability and property and casualty claims. He has been a member of the International Claim Association since 1995 and is
currently serving on the Life claims committee. Curtis is a C.P.A. and also holds the A.L.H.C. designation. (Workshop 1.1 & 3.2)
McWatters, Jane is an Assistant Vice President of American Fidelity Assurance Company in Oklahoma City and she currently
serves as the Benefits and Operations Manager for the Life Division. She has been with American Fidelity for 18 years. Her
responsibilities include life and annuity death claims, waiver of premium, critical illness and disability, encompassing fully
underwritten policies and worksite jet issued policies. The business under her oversight comes from both the US and Latin
American markets. (Workshop 6.2)
Middleton, Maureen is a Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of Primerica. Her responsibilities include handling
of life insurance litigation (claims and non-claims), supervision of the Consumer Relations (Insurance) department and
daily support to the company’s Claims department. After graduating from law school, Maureen worked in private practice,
handling litigation involving, among other things, civil and criminal antitrust, employment, civil rights and various business
litigation issues. She has served two “tours of duty” at Primerica - the first one lasting from early 1987 through early 1991
and the second one commencing in early 2000. Maureen obtained her B. A. with Honors from the University of Florida in
1978. She received her J.D. in 1981 from the Spessard L. Holland Law Center of the University of Florida, now known as the
Fredric G. Levin College of Law. She is licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia and admitted to practice before the
state and federal courts of Georgia, as well as the United States Supreme Court. (Workshop 1.8)
Murphy, Teresa is the Senior Manager of Life & Annuity Claims for Great American Insurance Group. She oversees the
adjudication of life & annuity death claims and also deals with the company’s small block of waiver of premium and disability
riders. She is a summa cum laude graduate from the University of Cincinnati and is a member of the ICA Life Committee.
(Workshop 7.2)
O’Mahony, Johnny has over 14 years of experience in the insurance industry. His areas of specialty include operations,
strategic planning, general management, claims administration and risk management. Johnny is currently the General
Director and Chief Claims Risk Manager for Life Claims. Johnny has served as Vice President of Operations, Director of Claims
and Chief Claims Risk manager within various insurance companies over the last 13 years. He has successfully led day to day
operations of varying size. Prior to the insurance industry Johnny served 4 years in the United States Marine Corp. Johnny
O’Mahony is currently the General Director of Claims and Chief Claims Risk Manager for Life Claims at the John Hancock Life
Insurance Company. Johnny has spent the last decade in various management roles for major Life insurance companies.
His current responsibilities include the management of the Life claims and Titles operations at John Hancock and the direct
management of the Verus Audit for the Life Business unit. Johnny serves as Co-Chair of the International Claims Association
Life Committee. He has a B.S.–Management from the University Massachusetts, Boston. (Workshop 7.1)
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Pett, Kristina is a founding member of Pett Furman, PL concentrating her practice in the defense of life, health and disability
companies in a wide range of areas. A significant portion of her practice is devoted to defending these companies in suits
for benefits governed by either ERISA or state law. She also handles suits involving insurance fraud, bad faith and unfair and
deceptive trade practice claims. In addition, Ms. Pett is involved in suits concerning allegations of misrepresentation in the
marketing and sale of insurance products. She also represents these companies in suits by agents for, among other things,
wrongful termination. In addition, Ms. Pett also has extensive experience in Title VII, ADA, ADEA and general employment
litigation as well as toxic torts, product liability, intellectual property, and other general commercial litigation. She, moreover,
has significant trial, appellate and alternative dispute resolution experience in all of these types of cases and is an AV®-rated
attorney. Ms. Pett is a frequent lecturer in a variety of life, health, disability and ERISA topics. She has spoken at the Eastern
Claims Conference, the International Claims Association annual meetings and the American Conference Institute. Moreover,
Ms. Pett has authored numerous publications on a variety of topics including ERISA and Title VII issues. Ms. Pett is a member
of the Trial Lawyers Section of the Florida Bar and a member of the Life, Health & Disability Committee of the Defense
Research Institute. She has also served as a regional editor for “The Job Description.” Ms. Pett has been recognized with an
Extraordinary Service Award by one of her Fortune 500 clients. Ms. Pett is a 1989 cum laude graduate of Temple University
School of Law. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the George Washington University in 1985. She is a member of
the Florida and Pennsylvania Bars and is admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of
Appeals for the 4th and 11th Circuits and the United States District Courts for the Southern, Middle and Northern Districts of
Florida and Western District of Pennsylvania. (Workshop 2.1)
Pohls, Robert is the Principal of Pohls & Associates, a California law firm that represents life, health, disability and long term
care insurance companies in bad faith, ERISA and other complex forms of litigation. Rob is an active member of DRI’s Life,
Health and Disability Committee and a former chair of the ABA’s Health and Disability Insurance Law Committee. He also is a
member of the Association of Life Insurance Counsel and the Northern California Life Insurance Association. (Workshop 1.5)
Riendeau, Karen has been with Munich Re for 11 years. She is an Account Representative on the complex life claims team
responsible for adjudicating high risk complex claims, analyzing trends and managing client accounts. Prior to joining Munich
Re she held various roles at direct companies for over 20 years handling contestable, litigated and fraudulent claims. She has
been an active member of the International Claims Association since 1995 and is currently serving on the Reinsurance and
Marketing and Membership Development Committees and is a member of the Annual Conference Team. Karen holds the
FLHC, FLMI, ARA, and ACS industry designations. (Workshop 1.1)
Rice, Barbara joined Keane’s Consulting and Advisory Services team in February 2013 as the State Compliance Liaison. She
brings over 20 years of unique and diverse experience as a former state unclaimed property administrator. Prior to joining
Keane, Barbara served as an unclaimed property administrator for the state of South Carolina. Prior to working for the state
of South Carolina, she served as the Deputy Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce with direct responsibility for the
management of the unclaimed property program. Before joining state government, she was Vice President of The Clinton
Oil Company, an Ohio independent oil and gas producer, and President of Clinton affiliate, LDC securities. Previous to her
employment with Clinton, she was employed by The Ohio Company, a regional investment banking firm at which she held
various management positions. Barbara was also an active member of the National Association of Unclaimed Property
Administrators (NAUPA) and was a frequently featured speaker, both locally and nationally, on the topic of unclaimed
property. She was awarded the NAUPA Presidential Distinguished Services Award in 2000 and 2006 and the NAUPA Lifetime
Achievement Award in 2008. Barbara received the Unclaimed Property Professionals Organization’s (UPPO) Shining Star
Award in 2005 and the UPPO Holder’s Choice Above and Beyond Award in 2009 and 2012. Barbara received her Bachelors of
Science degree from Kent State University. (Workshop 4.8)
Roarke, Bob is the managing partner of Wilson Elser and serves as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Bob
represents domestic and international insurance carriers in coverage analysis and litigation matters, including bad faith
and subrogation claims. Bob’s practice spans a broad range of professional and general liability policies, with a focus on
specialty risk and contingency coverage matters. Bob has handled numerous high profile claims under policies for malicious
product tampering and accidental product contamination, kidnap and ransom, event cancellation, and high-limit disability
for professional athletes, entertainers and wealthy individuals. Bob joined the firm in 1975 as a paralegal, assisting with
administrative as well as legal matters. After graduating from law school, his strong work ethic and dedication propelled him
from associate to the level of partner and then deputy managing partner with ever-increasing responsibility for Wilson Elser’s
business operations. In his current role as managing partner, Bob is involved with all major management issues facing the
firm, including conducting due diligence in connection with the acquisition of or merger with other law firms; determining
the firm’s resource requirements to support the growth plans for practices and offices; assessing attorney staffing levels; and
negotiating the firm’s real estate transactions. (Workshop 1.4)
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Russom, Alayne is the Code of Conduct Program Manager at Thrivent Financial. In this role, she enhances and protects
Thrivent Financial’s reputation by evaluating Thrivent’s ethical culture, and develops and executes plans to strengthen it.
Alayne reports to the Board of Directors on ethical culture, clarifies policy questions and advises individuals on possible
actions. She writes ethics related communication pieces for all field and corporate audiences and develops training for
their board, field, and corporate audiences. Alayne collaborates with other investigation units to investigate allegations of
misconduct, and reports investigation results and recommends courses of action to decision makers. Alayne also administers
Thrivent Financial’s external reporting hotline relationship and triages incoming cases. Alayne oversees Thrivent Financial’s
enterprise wide fraud management program. Prior to becoming the Code of Conduct Program Manager, Alayne was a Senior
Litigation Paralegal in the Law Department at Thrivent Financial where her primary responsibilities included assisting in
managing litigation brought against Thrivent Financial through their Member Dispute Resolution Program and the court
system. Alayne also managed competing death claims for the company. Alayne has 20 years of experience in the legal field,
and ten years of experience in the insurance industry. (Workshop 6.6)
Scarponi, Evan is Director of Long Term Disability Claims for Prudential. He has more than 12 years of experience in the group
insurance claims industry in roles with Prudential and Unum, primarily leading long term disability claim operations. Evan is
a graduate of Northeastern University in Boston, MA and holds and Masters in Business Administration from the University of
Southern Maine in Portland, ME. (Workshop 5.4)
Scullion, Doug is a member of Dentons’ Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice. He has worked for more than 20 years on
behalf of clients in the US and Canada, assisting them with their most complex matters and disputes. He routinely litigates
cases across the country and uses his extensive experience to achieve cost-effective and creative solutions for his clients.
Doug handles a wide variety of cases including class actions, arbitrations, consumer protection, breach of fiduciary duty
and fraud claims, as well as ERISA matters. Doug is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley School of Law (LLM,
2001); the University of British Columbia (JD, 1993) and the University of Western Ontario (1993). (Workshop 6.7)
Shaw, Nazim is the Senior Manager, Life Claims with John Hancock Life Insurance Company for the last 5 years. He has been
with John Hancock for more than 25 years and held positions in Compliance, Accounting, Call Center, Product and Training
and Development. In addition to managing a life claims team in Toronto, he also manages a small team of waiver claim
analysts in Boston. (Workshop 6.3)
Smith, Ernest is a Partner with Nawrocki Smith LLP and leads up the Special Services Practice which includes providing
Internal Audit, Internal Control Review and Evaluation, Forensic Accounting and Risk Management Services for-profit,
not-for-profit, school districts and other related entities. He has extensive experience as a Financial Investigator regarding
integrity, internal control and evaluation, fraud and other related situations. He has led numerous training services for his
clients and professional staff on various topics relating to internal audit, internal control review and evaluations, fraud and
forensic investigations and practice standards. He is a member of several committees within the New York State Society
of CPA’s including the Public Schools Committee and the Professional Ethics Committee. He has provided assistance to
counsel, deposition testimony and trial testimony in all aspects of litigation-related matters including mediation, arbitration
and litigation. He has been recognized as an expert witness in accounting related matters in both federal and state courts.
(Workshop 7.4)
Sucic, Tony is a Corporate Vice President of Claims for New York Life Insurance Company. He oversees the individual life/
annuity claims teams and call centers in New York, Dallas, and Cleveland. Tony joined New York Life in 1999 has spent time
in various management roles for the company. He came to Claims in 2009 to oversee the claims operation and later manage
the Verus Audit. Tony holds a Bachelor‘s degree in Business and Public Management from State University of New York.
Sullivan, Timmon is a shareholder in Ogden & Sullivan, P.A., a Tampa, Florida law firm which represents clients in state and
federal courts throughout the state of Florida. His practice includes the litigation, mediation and trial of claims and lawsuits
brought against Motor Carriers. Mr. Sullivan is board certified as a civil trial lawyer by the Florida Bar and is an Advocate
level member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He is an active member of Federation of Defense and Corporate
Counsel, Florida Defense Lawyers Association and DRI. Mr. Sullivan is a member of The American College of Trial Lawyers.
He was named Florida Trial Lawyer of Year in 2012 by the Florida Chapters of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).
(Workshop 2.3)
Swinton, James joined Munich Re in 2000 and currently is Second Vice President of Underwriting Risk Management. James’
professional underwriting career began with Minnesota Life and has held positions with Canada Life and Transamerica Re.
James has served as President of the Georgia Home Office Underwriting Association (GAHOU), the Southeastern Home
Office Underwriters Association (SEHOUA) and served as a member of the AHOU Program Committee. In additional he holds
the insurance industry designations of FLMI and FALU. (Workshop 1.1)
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Taylor, Brad has been involved with insurance investigations for the past 14 years and has been with the Prudential Life
Insurance Special Investigation Unit since 2007 serving as both an investigator and currently the SIU Manager for individual
life. Brads duties include the management of field investigation staff, providing annual fraud awareness training as well as
carrying an active caseload. Previously Brad was a police officer in Ohio for 7 years and spent time with Progressive Insurance
Company gaining experience in claims handling, fire and theft investigation and eventually as a senior member of their field
investigation staff developing major case investigations in the Midwest. Brad holds a BSAS in Criminal Justice as well as an
MBA from Youngstown State University and received his CFE certification in 2009. (Workshop 4.6)
Thornsbury, Rosanne has been in the life insurance industry for over 25 years. She is the Director of Claim Financial Control
and Reinsurance in the Business & Technology Optimization Department of the Lincoln Financial Group in the Greensboro,
North Carolina, office. Her responsibilities include the financial, regulatory, and compliance controls, claim system
maintenance and support, and coordination of internal/external audits for the claim department. She is also responsible for
the processing, reporting and treaty compliance of reinsured claims. Rosanne is a graduate of the University of Kentucky.
(Workshop 7.3)
Tomaselli, Kimberly has over 18 years of experience with Individual Disability Insurance. She currently is the Claims Manager
for the Living Benefits Department at Munich Re. Ms. Tomaselli joined Munich Re in July 2012 as an Account Representative.
Prior to joining Munich Re, she worked for Disability Management Services, Inc. (DMS) as a Director of Claims. In addition to
her IDI claims experience she also has a financial background and worked in public accounting with PricewaterhouseCoopers,
specializing in Audit and Tax Accounting. With her extensive knowledge of financial information, Ms. Tomaselli provides
training on how to analyze financial documentation in relation to claims with her clients. Ms. Tomaselli holds designations
of Fellow of the Life Management Institute (FLMI), Associate Life and Health Claims (ALHC) and Associate Reinsurance
Administration (ARA). Ms. Tomaselli earned her certification as a Certified Public Accountant in 1997 and is licensed in the
State of New York as an Independent Insurance Adjuster. (Workshop 4.3)
Trexler, Don is a Corporate Vice President of Claims for New York Life Insurance Company in their Dallas Service Center. He
oversees the life/premium waiver/annuity claims team and the claims call center. Don has over 30 years in the insurance
industry with experience in a variety of areas including life, disability, long term care and health for both individual and group
insurance. Prior to joining New York Life, Don held leadership positions with Dearborn National, Penn Mutual, CIGNA, Penn
Treaty and Prudential. Don holds a B.S. degree in Public Administration from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and has
served on the ICA Life Committee for over four years. (Workshop 6.4)
Trigg, Mark is the Life Claims Operations Manager with Nationwide Insurance in Columbus, Ohio, with oversight of death
benefit claims, contestable claims, long term care and waiver of premium claims. He is a 30-year employee of Nationwide
and has been in Life Insurance Operations since 1999. Besides life insurance, Mark has previous claims experience in
the healthcare industry, and class action lawsuit processing. He has a combined 19 years of experience in operations
management. A graduate of Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, Mark also has his ACS with LOMA. (Workshop 6.4)
Tucker, Stacy Monahan is a partner at Ropers Majeski Kohn & Bentley practicing in California and Washington states. She
specializes in the representation of insurers in ERISA, bad faith and coverage with a focus on life, health and disability
litigation. Stacy has represented insurers as both an attorney and as a management consultant for almost 20 years. She has
extensive litigation and appellate experience and has filed successful appellate briefs before the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Ninth
and Federal Circuits. Stacy obtained her J.D. from The University of Chicago Law School and her B.A. from the University of
Chicago. Prior to joining the partnership at Ropers Majeski, Stacy was a litigator at Jones Day and at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart
and Sullivan.” (Workshop 6.5)
Windstead, Guy is the Vice-President of Security National Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Security National Financial
Corporation that provides synergy products and services to funeral homes and funeral service companies across America.
He consults regularly with funeral home owners, firm managers and marketing groups from a variety of sizes to help create
solutions for securing heritage, marketing needs, product development and sales programs. Prior to his current position, he
worked as a Regional Director of Sales which was a transition from his back ground as a third generation funeral director.
Raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Guy now lives with his wife, Shelley, and their son Jack in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is
a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and a member of various professional and philanthropic organizations.
(Workshop 5.1)
Zinck, Tracey has 25 years of experience in health and group disability insurance. Prior to joining Disability RMS in 2005,
Tracey held management positions with Anthem and Unum Reinsurance. She is a frequent speaker on health, workers’
compensation, and long term disability insurance and was published in The National Underwriter. Tracey earned her
bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, from Quinnipiac University and received a Juris Doctor degree from Quinnipiac
University School of Law. She holds all required Third Party Administrator state licenses. Tracey has been active on the ICA
Disability Committee since 2010, serving as co-chair for several years. In 2015 she also joined the Executive Committee.
(Workshop 4.3)
ICA
•
www.claim.org

2015 Annual Education Conference September 27

Transcription

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