Congratulations to Our 2024 IBANY Emerging Leaders!

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WHOLESALE BROKER CATEGORY

Regner

Randy Regner
AMWINS Brokerage of New York
Assistant Vice President

Hometown: Queens, NY
Education: Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Mentors: Marco Capetola (AmWINS); Thomas Lynch (JenCap)

I learned early on in my career how important our industry is. I continue to feel now as I did then; leadership is extremely critical in the insurance business. I embrace the adage that true leaders are not necessarily born into leadership, rather they answer the call to consistently help better those around them.

In describing my leadership journey, I must start at the beginning. As an intern at a wholesale broker, I gained an in-depth understanding of how our industry supports domestic and global commerce. The world is filled with risk, but we create innovative products and solutions that enable insureds to do business confidently despite those challenges. This drew me in, and the amazing professionals I met early in my career furthered my passion for the business.

AmWINS provides many unique opportunities to develop my leadership skills. Leadership development is one of the driving factors behind the firm’s success. My growth has included opportunities to mentor, coach, and develop underwriting associates. I serve on the St. Johns University panel for college students who express interest in working in insurance. I emphasize to them the importance of finding a great mentor who leads by example. AmWNS has provided me with opportunities to represent the company at various high-profile industry events.

Leadership is as much a willingness to continue learning every day as it is guiding others. I am extremely honored and grateful to AmWINS for the opportunity to lead within our organization, and most importantly ongoing mentorship and learning.

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RETAIL BROKER CATEGORY

Collias

John Collias
HUB International
Vice President of Private Client NJ Operation

Hometown: Wilton, CT
Education: BA from University of Connecticut, CAPI, CPRIA, CPCU
Mentor: Rose Dionisio, LTC Allen Diamond (ret.)

When I accepted a position at a local State Farm office straight out of school I wasn’t expecting to start a career in the insurance industry. Yet, although it took me a couple of years, I have found a passion for the Private Client market. Working on various risks with incredibly successful and interesting clients ensures every day is a different experience. I particularly enjoy working with my team to find solutions for our client’s complex risks.

I didn’t feel like I had a home in the insurance industry until I started at HUB International. The Private Client team based in Fairfield welcomed me and dedicated countless hours to providing me with the skills to deliver a top-tier client experience. I will always be indebted to Rose, Patti, Ebony, Mel, Phil, Marisol, Angela and the whole team for imparting their wisdom, coaching me and being great friends. Their support never wavered, even when I was activated as a member of the Army National Guard to support the state’s COVID response, including a subsequent overseas deployment, despite leaving them down a team member.

As I began to manage my own Private Client team based out of Summit I was fortunate to learn from Judy and Brad and was delighted to have the opportunity to work for Rose again. I am lucky to work with an excellent team of talented professionals and genuinely good people.

I have had excellent mentors both at HUB and the National Guard. Their invaluable guidance has helped me become the leader I am. I feel a responsibility to pass that mentorship on to the next generation of insurance professionals. I am thrilled to have that opportunity while I continue to develop and grow my team.

 

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ASSOCIATE MEMBER CATEGORY

McNamara

Matthew McNamara
Greater New York Mutual Insurance Company
Underwriter Manager

Hometown: Staten Island,NY
Education: University At Albany Bachelor of Arts: Economics
Mentors: James Lynch

Like most in our industry, I stumbled into insurance. After college, I knew I wanted to work in a business environment and applied to an underwriting training program at GNY. Little did I know this decision would shape my entire career. en years later I am still with GNY as an Underwriting Manager for the New York Metro Branch.

I am truly fortunate to have found such a great company to work for, especially in my first job out of college. From the beginning GNY has supported me, providing the tools and opportunities I needed to grow professionally. Their commitment to continuing education allowed me to obtain my CPCU designation. They even sent me to Hawaii so I could attend the conferment ceremony.

Through the years GNY has provided me with countless mentors who have shared their wisdom and experience, teaching me the nuances of underwriting and the insurance industry. Many of these mentors remain my trusted advisors, helping me navigate complex accounts and inspiring me with their insights. I’m deeply grateful to GNY for their unwavering support throughout my career.

Now, as an Underwriting Manager, I have the privilege of mentoring the next generation of leaders in our industry. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing young professionals grow and succeed, knowing I played a part in their journey.


Abrams

 

Daniel Robert Abrams
Ryan Turner Specialty
Associate Consultant

Hometown: Delmar, NY
Education: St. Lawrence University, BA in Economics, Minor in Statistics
Mentors: Joe Monfette, Gordon Robertson

What initially drew me to the insurance industry is its ever-changing and dynamic qualities. I love working in an industry that is in a period of rapid change and growth, which makes it interesting to solve complex problems. I also love being part of an industry that’s an integral part of the global economy.

Since joining RT Specialty, I’ve had ample opportunities to grow and strengthen my career. I’ve had the privilege of attending networking events, like IBANY, to build connections and learn from others’ experiences. I’ve also been able to talk about insurance in the “wild”, and teach and collaborate with others on new ways to problem solve and approach issues.

As I continue to progress in my career, I hope to continue to be able to collaborate and build partnerships with others across the field. I also hope to tackle existential threats, such as our response to climate change and social inflation, to make a positive impact on the future. I’m excited to continue working in this high-powered industry and become a future leader for others, as my many mentors have done for me.

 

Bencivenga 

Michael Bencivenga
ARC Excess & Surplus LLC
Senior Broker

Hometown: Mineola, NY
Education: Hofstra University MS in Accounting, Quinnipiac University BA in Finance
Mentors: Joseph Gravier; Michael Cavallaro; Robert DiRico, Stephen Cavallaro

Graduating college I had not yet landed on my “career” job. I went back to school for a master’s in accounting and took work for a moving company, waiting tables, and coaching PeeWee football with my father. I was fortunate to coach alongside Mike Cavallaro, who introduced me to Joe Gravier, who gave me a rundown of the insurance industry and lines of coverage ARC handles. Joe subsequently hired me and brought me on as a member of his team. Here we are 13 years later and I have never looked back.

While being an insurance broker was never a job I dreamed of doing, I feel privileged to have stumbled into this business. I have attended numerous amazing events and built even more amazing relationships, which I feel is a fundamental part of success in this job. I was even fortunate enough to meet my wife!

Every day is something new while being a broker. Interesting and complex risks hit my desk that keep me interested in my work. I love collaborating with my team and coming up with solutions for our clients.

I thank ARC for selecting me as their Emerging Leader and for their continued support in my career. I have learned a lot over these past few years and am truly honored to consider my colleagues my family.

 

Capobianco

Stephanie Capobianco
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance
Assistant Vice President

Hometown: Sterling Heights, Michigan
Education: Michigan State University, BA 2008; Wayne State University, J.D. 2011
Mentor: Courtney Koch, Sean Taylor

My initial exposure to insurance was while practicing law as an insurance defense attorney. Bright-eyed and eager to learn, I soon realized I was playing a role in the large and impactful field of the insurance industry and, specifically, insurance claims. Intrigued by the variety and depth of legal issues, coupled with risk and business analysis, resolution-driven strategies and exposure to national and global matters, I decided to transition to insurance claims. What I did not fully realize until that transition, was the fulfillment I would get in fostering meaningful relationships with insureds, teammates and business partners to work together towards achieving the best possible results.

My current role managing a casualty claims team has been my most rewarding. I have continued to grow these relationships by collaborating internally and externally. I have been involved at a micro and macro level in developing and learning from a team and feel like I make a real impact within the larger organization. I am fortunate to be able to work with and learn from such an inspiring and hardworking team daily. I am also lucky to have had great leaders to learn from.

My hope for the future is to see continued diversity, in all respects, across all functions in the insurance industry. We are best and most successful when we learn from each other’s differences and various perspectives.

 

Cheng

Nathaniel Cheng
Arthur J. Gallagher & Company
Broker Placement Specialist- Property

Hometown: Queens, NY Education:
BA in Communications: Advertising, minor in Business from Boston University
Mentors: My family, Zach Diamond and Kevin Dervin

Graduating from Boston University, I entered advertising with high aspirations to be the next Don Draper from Mad Men. After several years as a media buyer and planner, I was unfulfilled. Technology rendered digital media placements monotonous. That’s when I discovered the insurance world provided the opportunity to remain a conduit between the client and the marketplace, providing expertise in protecting businesses.

I am very grateful to Gallagher -- particularly to Brendan Gallagher, Darcy Salmon and Kevin Dervin who took a chance on a bemused young professional with no insurance background, but hungry to learn more and get his foot in the door. Through the Achieve Program, Gallagher invested tremendous time and resources in an intensive crash course in insurance that gave me a great foundation. I was fortunate to be assigned to one of the best teams in the firm, NYC Property. That team welcomed me with open arms during COVID and had the patience and resilience to answer my endless questions.

The art of the deal fascinates me, and there are plenty of deals in insurance that offer a variety of risks, exposures, complex coverage, and program structures. It takes dedication to understand the inner workings of each client and gain their trust in you to be their strongest advocate in the marketplace. My hopes for the future are to pass along the genuine passion I have found in brokering insurance and continue to foster inclusivity and equality while deepening my property knowledge and expertise.

 

Conte

Peter G. Conte
Honig Conte Porrino Insurance Agency Inc.
Senior Account Manager

Hometown: New Jersey
Education: American University, MSRE
Mentor: F. Michael Conte

Although I am from an insurance family I never thought I would join the industry. I worked in real estate in Washington DC until my father asked me to move to New York to work for him at Honig Conte Porrino. I soon left my job for New York City and a new career. Six years later I can say, I haven’t looked back. I made the right decision, and I am humbled and honored to be part of this wonderful industry.

Its rapid evolution is what keeps me in the industry. There are always new challenges retail agents must face, and overcoming them takes ingenuity and flexibility. I get the added benefit of facing those challenges with my father, mother, younger brother and an amazing team by my side. I am fortunate to be mentored by the best insurance broker in the industry, F. Michael Conte. Working beside him to serve our clients and insure them from risks that can negatively impact their lives is the most rewarding experience of my life.

The New York insurance community has played a huge role in my career. I encourage everyone to join trade associations and get involved. My service as chair of the IBANY Communications Committee, executive vice president of CIBGNY, board member of the YIPs, alternate member of the NYAIP, and board member of Big I Tri-County has allowed me to meet people who have helped support and educate me. I look forward to a life in the industry and continuing to celebrate insurance with the friends I have made along the way.

 

Drewry

Hillary Drewry
Ascot Group
Assistant Vice President, Inland Marine

Hometown: Pennington, NJ Education: BA from St. Lawerence University Mentor: Jeannette Weismantel My insurance journey, particularly inland marine insurance, is a familiar story. My dad Jim Drewry had a lengthy career in the industry. I grew up hearing about insurance and thought how boring is that? Little did I know one day I would be making a lifelong career of it and haven’t looked back.

I enjoy the multifaceted nature of underwriting, which demands a blend of various skills. In my role as an underwriter, I must have strong interpersonal skills, harness creativity, and think critically. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities for learning; there's never a dull moment.

I started my career with an internship at the Inland Marine Underwriters Association. I transitioned a role as an associate underwriter and eventually progressed to become an underwriter. In my work as Assistant Vice President - Inland Marine at Ascot Group I oversee my own portfolio of business while managing a team. I've recently had the privilege to participate in various projects enabling me to employ my accumulated skills and acquire new ones along the way. It is exciting to grow and develop personally and professionally in a dynamic environment.

I have the good fortune and opportunity to work alongside individuals with immense amounts of knowledge. I strive to absorb as much as possible from their expertise. I believe fostering relationships and gaining knowledge have been fundamental to my success. I hope to continue this journey and dedicate time to others who are starting their paths in the industry. The support and guidance of my past and present bosses, colleagues, trading partners, and of course my dad, have been key in shaping where I am today.

 

Malafronte

Albert Malafronte
Segal Select Insurance Services, Inc.
Associate Consultant

Hometown: Long Island, NY
Education: Sacred Heart University BA in Media Studies & Communications; Fordham University Gabelli School of Business MS in Strategic Marketing Communications
Mentors: Diane McNally, Matt Jackson

A Long Island native, I was originally motivated to pursue a career in the industry to combine my two passions -- communication and business -- in a creative way. I was fortunate that Segal fostered an environment that allowed me to do just that. I’m now licensed in New York State as both a Property & Casualty and Life, Accident & Health Broker. I also hold the Registered Professional Liability Underwriters (RPLU) designation from the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) and am a New York State Notary Public.

Joining Segal in 2021, I’ve had career mentors such as Diane McNally and Matt Johnson who have continually provided me with opportunities to advance my career, further my education, and develop new systems for Segal. I now specialize in both financial and benefits lines. I hope to grow into further leadership opportunities within this organization and to continue to evolve as an insurance professional.

 

Tassan Headshot

Evan J. Tassan
Allied World Assurance Co.
Assistant Vice President, North American Excess Casualty Division

Hometown: Cold Spring Harbor
Education: University of Rhode Island
Mentors: Adam Powell; Chris Spano

My insurance career began in the Summer of 2014 as an intern at Aon in the Construction Services Group. I was immediately hooked on the energy of the office and the impressive rhythm of productivity amongst the team. After graduating in 2015, I joined Aon and, over three years, I was fortunate to have numerous enriching experiences and forge connections with individuals who would influence my career trajectory.

I’m grateful to and honored by Allied World for its continued support. Reflecting on my six years with AWAC, I am filled with anticipation for the future and the continued journey ahead. I am incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by outstanding leaders.

When I pivoted to underwriting, I eagerly anticipated gaining fresh perspectives on the industry. I was thrilled to become part of a community that prioritizes collaboration and diligent effort and celebrates the triumphs of its members. I am grateful for each day, as it challenges me to grow and expand my knowledge. As an underwriter, I enjoy embracing the intricacies of this role, in its blend of technical proficiency and the art of negotiating deals with our esteemed brokers.

I am lucky to have been shaped by exceptional mentors so far in my career, so I was exhilarated when Allied World allowed me to mentor emerging underwriters. One thing that keeps me in the industry is my philanthropic efforts. The industry has afforded me unique opportunities to contribute and give back. For example, Allied World has partnered with Educational Alliance to host several events, including sponsoring basketball games and hosting holiday potluck dinners. Alongside my teammates, I find immense joy in these experiences.