Our work from home
JOURNEY EDITION 8
WELCOME Berkley Leaders Please join us in welcoming these new business leaders
Luciano Calheiros — Berkley Brazil
Luciano Calheiros started with Berkley Brazil on July 30th
2020. He graduated in Civil Engineering from Escola
Politécnica da USP; Calheiros has 25 years of international
experience in the insurance industry, of which 15 years in
management positions, his last role as CEO of the joint
venture between a global reinsurer and one of the
largest financial groups in Brazil.
“I am very honored to work at Berkley, which is a financially sound, respected and transparent insurance company. Berkley has a great reputation in the market and a highly qualified team. I take on the commitment to continue this successful work, which has earned the respect and recognition of brokers and customers”, comments Calheiros. “I identified with the culture, values and the way that leadership has conducted business so far. Those were the main reasons for accepting this very special invitation”, he adds.
Dennis Levesque — Preferred Employers
Dennis joined Preferred Employers Insurance on
January 2, 2020.
While a native of New Hampshire, where he spent the
first 14 years of his career working with a well-respected
regional carrier, Dennis has worked in the California
marketplace for 15 of the last 18 years with a national
carrier. His experience before joining Preferred/Berkley was in commercial lines underwriting, marketing and various leadership roles. Dennis is happy to be back with a regionally focused, specialty carrier in the San Diego area, joined by his wife of 30 years and part-time by his two college-aged daughters.
Brian Griffith — Berkley Aspire Brian was appointed President of Berkley Aspire in August of 2020. Prior to joining Berkley Aspire, Brian was the Chief Sales and Marketing officer at One Call Care Management where he was responsible for driving growth; achieved through the launching of sales, marketing, and business development initiatives across National and Regional Property & Casualty Insurance companies and Third Party Administrators in Workers Compensation. Preceding One Call, Brian served as Executive Vice President of QBE and led countrywide field operations and distribution for North America. He was directly involved in growing QBE’s largest distribution partner relationships for the multi-billion dollar operation. Brian spent his first 23 years in insurance at The Hartford where he began his career as casualty underwriter and advanced into many senior leadership roles including regional underwriting executive, vice president of strategy, and national head of sales and marketing. Brian graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Brian grew up in a small town near Hartford, Connecticut and after college found his way into the insurance business. He has worked in locations over the years in the New York City World Trade Center, Downtown Chicago, Kansas City, St; Louis and then back to Manhattan. He loves to spend time with his four children at their Connecticut lake house and enjoys golfing and fishing. He also has a passion for big dogs and owns three English Mastiffs.
Welcoming More Berkley Leaders
Scott Holbrook — Key Risk Where you are from? My family is from Asheville, NC—Holbrook Rd just west of the city. It was a family farm, now only my sister and nephew remain. I grew up in Northern VA and graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Business. What motivates you to work hard? Success and achievement when I was younger. Family rates higher these days. What’s your favorite movie? Why limit yourself to one. In no particular order…. Shawshank Redemption, Into The Wild, Apocalypse Now, Breakfast Club What is your proudest accomplishment? My children. Developing several senior industry leaders. Activity/interest no one sees coming? I ride a Onewheel. Google it.
Maureen Hackett — Berkley Luxury Group
FUN FACTS
Maureen took an alternative approach to the traditional,
executive bio. After all, it is 2020 and nothing is as it
should be! CLICK HERE to see some fun facts about
Maureen to give you a better understanding of Maureen
as a person.
For the traditionalists, you can learn about Maureen’s credentials on LinkedIn! Here is a quote that Maureen has relied on through the years: “You can’t have it all, all at once. Who – man or woman – has it all, all at once? Over my lifespan, I think I have had it all. But, in different periods of time, things were rough. And if you have a caring life partner, you help the other person when that person needs it.” ---Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Charles Thompson — Berkley Management Protection
Charles Thompson has joined WR Berkley as the President
of Berkley Management Protection to establish 6 regions
across the United States, focused on delivering a modular
suite of Management Liability products that leverages
a proprietary platform, analytics and an enhanced user
experience for Independent Agents, eAgents and Affinity
opportunities. Charles has honed his ability to problem-solve, to set strategy and to create an environment of interactive discussions and free exchange of ideas over the past 25 years with two global insurers. These components of his leadership have been formed and tested through experience with domestic and international markets, M&A deals, launching new products, launching a DTC platform and developing next level of management talent. Charles holds an MBA from Boston University and a BA from University of California, Berkeley. He resides in Cheshire, Connecticut with his wife Maria and two sons Samuel and Ian. They enjoy traveling to visit family in Brazil, Chile and California while sprinkling in a few other trips.
Welcoming More Berkley Leaders
Tim Nelligan — Continental Western Group
Tim joined WRBC/CWG on September 21, 2020; he is a seasoned industry leader with a successful track record of building high performing top talent teams. Tim’s work experience has deep knowledge both in insurance company operations as well as agency operations. Tim and his wife, Colleen were raised in the Midwest; however, they raised their three children in Texas. They are delighted to be back in the Midwest and look forward to relocating to Des Moines, IA. Tim is an avid sportsman, likes to have fun and enjoys giving back through charity work.
MIDWEST EMPLOYERS CASUALTY Berkley Owl Cupcake “Nailed it Competition” (aka the creation that looks most like the original creation)
Here is the cupcake the MEC Bakers were trying to “copy”
Congratulations to all the MEC Bakers—these are fantastic!
Virtual Destination Step Challenge
European Expedition—Our colleagues across the group were staying healthy and fit while learning a bit about geography as we “stepped across Europe” together
Kris Williams (Berkley Accident and Health) getting her lunch time steps with her dog Abby
Elaine Holzhauer (Berkley Net) step challenge morning walk
Laurie McKnight (Berkley Net) Laurie’s walking buddy
Sylvia Schafer (WRBC Support Services) Lucy begs Sylvia to give her a break—they did 7 miles one Saturday
Some inspiration from Jon Euzent (Berkley Net) “I actually started a new workout routine late last year. Little did I know, I was preparing for a competition that has pushed me beyond where I could imagine being today. Prior to the challenge, I was hitting a lull in my physical activities and brining in a new element (number of steps) made me strategically come up with different ways I can do a full body workout. I discovered I can actually burn more calories and get more steps through old fashioned running and power walking. I was averaging about 9 miles a day and now I’m over 12 with very little additional time invested. This competition taught me the importance of trying new things and continuing to push yourself. Time for a new pair of shoes!”
Linda Eppolito (Berkley Oil & Gas) “I really enjoyed watching (virtually) my teammates cheer each other on and encourage and challenge one another. It was fun to watch daily to seeing overall what place we were in compared to the other teams. Between ZOOM Spin classes, cycling outside, Peleton Classes and weight-lifting the steps just added up. No one enjoyed this challenge as much as my dog Bucket! He gives big kisses after the walks.”
Midwest Employers Casualty The Hipsters Step Challenge Team
Here is what The Hipsters had to say about the step challenge: The Hipsters MEC team, consisting of Sharon Erny, Marcie Owens, Paul Roderick and Courtney Waltz, Claims staff in the Claims Department, and also Fernando Branco, Patty Reinecke, Lynn Buie-Carter, Kathy Stacy, Tina D’Andrea and Peggy Ford, Medical Staff in the Claims Department, came together to tackle the Berkley European Expedition Challenge to ward off COVID exhaustion. Our team came together not just for the purpose of warding off Covid exhaustion, but also as a way to promote team building, have some fun and encourage healthy activities. The Berkley European Expedition Challenge was just the ticket we needed to work as a team and keep everyone engaged with each other while working from home. Having fun with the challenge also provided us a chance to keep our personal relationships strong, while also encouraging everyone to lose, or ward off, the “COVID fifteen”. We then also viewed some gorgeous European sights since that is as close to travel as anyone is getting at this time. Added to the challenge was the friendly rivalry with two other MEC teams, The Traveling MEC’s and Walk Now Wine Later. This internal rivalry amped up the competitive nature of everyone, and allowed all of us to have even more fun. The Hipsters Team dug deep to complete the challenge, and we completed the challenge 10 days early. Completing the challenge early was not enough, and we are working hard to obtain a finish in the top five. This challenge came at a great time for us. Everyone enjoyed the competition, and it is nice to work together and share encouragement in areas outside the normal course of work. We have already won, but continue to push each other to achieve more.
Spending Time Outdoors
Jennifer Gilsinn (Midwest Employers Casualty) Jennifer’s family recently adopted this sweet rescue dog, Charlie; walking has become a family affair!
Haydee van Middelkoop (WRBC) Haydee enoys some time outdoors walking with her two little girls, Sofia and Eva.
Debbie Evans (Berkley Healthcare) This picture represents both Return to the Office and the Step Challenge; Debbie is getting her steps in by running in front of the Chesterfield office building while taking a break from working at the office on Swingley Ridge!
The Journey European Expedition
Continues
Berkley Surety
Bob Kelley starts out his day on the Belmar, NJ beach with a beautiful sunrise. Amanda LaPlatte enjoys an Ashbury Park, NJ beach sunrise to get her steps in while her son, Dylan, encourages her to keep going!
Berkley Southeast Insurance Group
From Lisa Moore: The Birmingham and Meridian offices joined forces as Southern Dis-Comfort to take on the humidity and get healthier during the recent Step Challenge. What a great opportunity to not only get moving, but to also build relationships with co-workers and encourage each other along the way! There was some healthy competition between some rivals which helped keep us moving too. At this moment, our team has taken 1,626,877 steps and we are in 20th place! Great job everyone! Team Members: Tricia Bihn, Frank Bowyer, Jeffrey Carver, Don Fincher, Geoff Glenn, Chelsea Herges, Mitch Miller, Lisa Moore, Abby Weathersby, Melissa Williams.
BERKLEY NET Step Challenge
Steph Hyser shares photos of her walks during the step challenge, including getting up and walking when it was 80 degrees one day then 35 degrees the next!
Acadia Steppers PHAEDRA GALLANT, Greenville, ME
LAURA BREWER, Crystal Lake DAWN-MARIE RAU, Liverpool, NY
BERKLEY LIFE SCIENCES European Expedition Team “Up and Atom” Tracey Hall, Donii Fox, Beth Vacanti, Andrea Hopkins, Sabrina Jackson, Cindy Khin, Mildred McPherson, Deborah Hawkins (Berkley Environmental), and Melissa Powers
European Expedition Team “Lost in Pace” Kelly Newton, Emily Urban, Jennifer Widmer, Claire Pollard, Annette Case, Michael Brokaw, Lisa Krist, Johanna Brand, Eric Jacobs
BERKLEY
LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN MANAGERS
This team ended up 16th in the overall challenge, team members were: Juan Dupuy, Francisco Ramirez, Elliott Garcia, Manuel Cordero, Rodney Taylor, Magali Jarrin (team captain), Sasha Hursh, Haydee van Middelkoop, Catherine Mandis, and Yngrid Smith-Li.
More Regional Company Steppers Union Standard Insurance Group — Alice Conway with her dog “Gavin” during their daily walk.
Berkley Regional Shared Services — Jeff Overbey shares a couple scenic views of his walks in Texas; one is taken from a bridge that overlooks a creek that runs through his neighborhood.
DESTINATION
Step Challenge — European Expedition
The Destination Step Challenge was held September 8-29, 2020 with teams traveling to new destinations, learning about the location and discovering recipes along the way, while virtually exploring the world on an interactive map interface.
THANK YOU to all 1,043 employees that participated across 129 Teams! All participants will receive a Berkley lunch tote.
The team leading at the half-way point of the challenge was the “BNETIAN Misfits from Berkley Net Underwriters”. The following employees were on this team: Anthony Pokorny, Brian Nash, Jeffrey Faulkner, Taylor Williams, Kristen Borden, Christina Culp, Daniel Kim, Kyle Davitt, Corbin Dedrick, and Michael Marcos. CONGRATULATIONS for leading at the half-way point! In recognition for pulling ahead early in the challenge, each team member will receive a Berkley wireless speaker.
AND THE WINNER OF THE OVERALL CHALLENGE IS... “Senior Support System” from Berkley Surety Group with 4,650,516 Steps Winning Team: Michael Hurley, John Costa, David Edwards, Katelyn Laing, Amanda LaPlatte, Ryan Kyle, Bob Kelly, Brian Rispoli, Vin Forte, and Jodi Legora
COMING IN 2ND PLACE... “BINtastic Walkers” from Berkley Industrial Comp with 4,388,074 steps Leland Walker, David Rapacchietta, Evie Morris, Duane Hathaway, Stacy Weselius, Rosemary Courington, Taylor Anderson, David Zimmerman and Cindy Housel
STRONG 3RD PLACE FINISH... “Phileas BOG” from Berkley Oil & Gas with 3,928,484 steps James Clogg, Linda Eppolito, Timothy Jensen, Jonathan Toth, Chris Reichardt, Isaac Merchant, Mindy DenBesten, Carol Randall, Jonathan Pless and Christopher Tlucek
BERKLEY NET Gabby Illescas — Gabby says she is spending more time at her daughter’s desk. Julie Phillips — Happy first day back to actual school boys! 7th and 5th. I think I am the happiest!! #gettolearningboys! Devin Kruger — Here is the back to in person school photo for the Kruger Kids! Kristen Borden — Devyn, who is distance learning in 10th Grade and our live-in college student, Laura, who is a future Marine and Senior at George Washington University.
Jesse Faneuil — Owen’s first day of kindergarten
WRBC
SUPPORT SERVICES
Nancy Tejeda — (W. R. Berkley Corp) Jake’s first day of Kindergarten
Ryan Mcintosh — (WSS Regional Subrogation Services) My son (1st grade) had to answer the question for part of his assignments at home last week, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” His response is below. I’m torn… on one hand, I’m proud that he want to do what I do, but on the other hand, I feel like he should want to be a fighter pilot, baseball player, fireman, astronaut, or something a little more adventurous than Insurance Man. LOL.
BACK TO SCHOOL Berkley Healthcare — Georgetta Corona’s son Rocco Berkley Luxury Group — Chad Sjoquist’s daughter Emily Special Risk — Don Roberts’ kids Pete (1st grade) and Dorothy (2nd grade) Vela — Nina Ouabi’s son starts 7th grade Vela — Ana Idewu’s daughter Noemi (first day of virtual Kindergarden)
Union Standard Insurance Group and Berkley Entertainment
Thanks to Jenny Rieger, Margaret Walters, Aehrar Tasavoff, and Dixie Pedersen Âfor sharing their back to school pics.
Acadia Welcomes Kids Back to School
ACADIA
Some Virtual Learners & Some Traditional Students
Thanks to Acadia
for sharing more Back to School Pics.
BERKELY ACCIDENT & HEALTH
Matthew Bryon’s daughter Harper starts 1st Grade Katie Matuson’s daughter Lily starts 1st Grade, with Charlotte helping out Dale Sagen’s kids are starting 2nd Grade, Kindergarten, and Preschool Liz Jensen’s son Caleb starts 1st Grade
BERKLEY FinSecure
Ryan Wenzel’s three DAUGHTERS going off to their first day of school—Harper is the 3-year old, Cameron is the 2-year old, and Tessa is the 5-year old.
Andrea Sullivan’s PUPPY starts his first day of school too!
LEARNING
from Home
Berkley Fire and Marine — Kerri Sulminski’s children are participating in the hybrid school option (home Monday - Wednesday with in-person school Thursday and Friday)
Berkley Global Product Recall — Yelena LaForgia’s twin daughters, Eva and Emily, in their virtual 2nd Grade Classroom
medi
Continental Western Group Drive-Up School Supply Drive
This year Continental Western Group and Berkley Agribusiness had to innovate in organizing and hosting their Annual School Supply Drive. They held a Drive Up, Drop Off Give Back and Enjoy a Snack event where associates drove up to a decorated tent to drop off their backpack or school supply donation. Associates were greeted by local Berkley leaders dressed up as school supplies and provided a prepackaged thank you snack. There were even some dancing school supplies as the cars drove up! It was a great way to collaborate and help children in need in their local communities, while having some socially distanced fun and engagement with their associates! A huge thank you to the following Berkley units that participated across three locations: Berkley Agribusiness (BAR), Berkley Aspire (RSI), Berkley Classics (CLA), Berkley Financial and Statutory Services (FSS), Berkley Regional Shared Services (RSS), Berkley Select (MLM), Berkley Surety Group (BSG), Berkley Technology Services (BTS), Continental Western Group (CWG), Specialty IT Services (SIT) and WRBC Support Services (WSS)! Click on the picture below to see how much they donated and some pictures from the event!
Berkley Technology Services
Amy Giesking, Maria Liappis, Penny McEntee, Robin Middendorf, Marsha Smothers, and Brett Loss are all ready to send their kids back to school!
BERKLEY Industrial Comp These kids are all ready to get back to school.
BACKto SCHOOL
Berkley Offshore Uderwriting Managers — Mandi Nickerson (Jack in 1st Grade) Berkley Professional Liability — John Favilla (Anthony starts High School and Kiara starts 7th Grade at St. Edward the Confessor) Berkley Professional Liability — Paul Brophy’s family starts their home schooling journey Berkley Oil & Gas — Diana Quicano’s daughter Yadhi’s first day of virtual school
BERKLEY Oil & Gas
Jessica Santellana — Making virtual school work for their family
Berkley Life Sciences
and Berkley Healthcare
Janette Adair’s grandsons, Ryan (6th Grade) and Rylee (2nd Grade) Sabrina Jackson’s son Saiir returns to East Stroudsburg Univeristy to study Sociology Melissa Powers’ twins, Brendan and Carolyn with younger brother Patrick Kristen Kenst’s son, Brendon Simon (2nd Grade) and Beau Simon (2 year old)
BERKLEY
MID-ATLANTIC GROUP
Stephanie Hardy’s son Ryan “Ryan had a great first day of Kindergarten, despite how different it looks this year. He is lucky enough to not know any different. He said, ‘I can’t wait to have my own computer and be in a little square like my Mom!’ Their new skill? Learning to mute and unmute their microphones! We hope to start in-person learning soon. Then, he will finally get a chance to ride the bus!”
Connie Boyd’s Twin Grandsons “Here is a picture of my twin grandsons on their 1st day of kindergarten. It’s a new day for kindergarten so special signs were required. My daughter is a teacher who made the signs!”
BACK TO SCHOOL
Berkley Luxury Group — Chad Sjoquist’s daughter, Emily (first day of Pre-K) Midwest Employers Casualty — Matt Yehling’s son Matt (Tommy is in 2nd Grade, Nick is in Kindergarten, and Hannah is in Preschool) Midwest Employers Casualty — Danielle Schroeder’s son Hayden (Senior in HS) Midwest Employers Casualty — Karen Schmalz’s grandson Liam (2nd Grade)
Back to School in Mexico
Ricardo Mendez’s daughters Sofia and Daniela: Sofia Mendez—14 años En 3ro Secundaria and Daniela Mendez—10 años en 5º de Primaria. Javier Garcia’s daughters Delfina and Camila: Delfina 4 añitos y Camila 2 añitos, Se hace la que estudia para imitar a la hermana. Se sienta todos los días con los videos educativos Leonardo Sanchez’s son Emiliano: Emiliano de regreso a clases
PREFERRED Employers
Thanks for sharing your back to school pictures Latifa Rooshen, Matt Kellogg, Dave Sheets, and Allison May
BERKLEY ONE
Phani Penumarty’s kids’ first day back to virtual school; they did not wear any shoes symbolically as its only virtual school
ACADIA
Theresa Stasny, Sailu Neupane, Jeffery Mitchell, and Debbie O’Sullivan
Employee AppreciationallDay have kids ready to start learning more this Fall.
KUDOS
to All the Parents
Berkley Southeast Insurance Group Tish Pollard’s boys are working from their virtual classrooms
Berkley Surety Amanda LaPlatte’s son Dylan needs lessons in picking up one toy or book before getting another out. Is this what your house looks like at the end of the day? Kudos to all the working parents out there!
Berkley Southeast Insurance Group Alison Tauchman’s son’s first day of Kindergarten
Berkley Southeast Insurance Group Melissa Ennis’ daughter, Bailey (9th Grade) had the choice to do virtual, but couldn’t wait to get back in the classroom
Returning to the Office We are stepping up our game. While some of us return to the office, children to their classrooms, virtual and in person, and staying positive and having fun together!
Berkley Latin America and Caribbean Managers are all back in the office
VELA
Welcomes Berkley Employees Back to the Offices
The Chicago office welcomes back Christoph Ritterson (Berkley One), Cindy Russell (Berkley Alliance Managers), Chris Finkley (Berkley Human Services), Feliks Shvab (Berkley Technology Services), John Contreras (Vela Insurance Services), Jeff Schweitzer (Vela Insurance Services), Megan Gliori (Berkley Select), Mia Robin (Berkley Select), and John Henry (Berkley Select). The Atlanta office is ready to go. They have PPE, signs and arrows everywhere!
Berkley Technology Services BTS Wilmington, Deleware Office — October 5th Preparation
All cubes, desks, chairs, printers, counter tops, offices, etc. have been disinfected. The team continues to work diligently to maintain the cleanliness of the office and keep things sanitized inside and out. For everyone’s safety, all door handles, crash bars, and elevators have been treated/ covered with Nano Septic self-cleaning skins. To prevent crowding, assist with direction, and maintain social distancing requirements, we have installed directional arrows and reminders throughout the building on all floors. Water fountains have been disinfected and closed. Precautionary measures and steps are reviewed on a daily basis to make sure the facility is kept clean and safe for all the occupants throughout!
Berkley Accident & Health We welcome back Brad Nieland, Frank Jancura, Linda King, and Susan O’Connell (a big thank you to Linda and Sue for helping take temperatures!) We also welcome back Connor Pittfield, Peter Johnson, Cindy Bright, Stephanie Goode and Tom Skurat to the Hamilton, NJ office...6 feet apart!
Preferred Employers Insurance and Berkley Alliance Managers Dave Sheets (PEI) continues to work from home Cindy Russell (Berkley Alliance Managers) — First day back in the office on 9/22/20 since leaving to WFH in March 2020 Mellisa Catania, AG Graha, and Luma Kassawa (PEI) — We thank this skeleton crew for keeping Preferred Employers Insurance up and running
VERUS
and Berkley Mid-Atlantic Group
“BMAG and Verus came together to create a plan where we start with temperature taking with our Skeleton Crews to prepare for our return to office. A lot of effort went into a temperature taking area, complete with touchless thermometers and committed employees! Many thanks to Tom Owens, Dana Manning, Tara Hatfield, Annette Tengquist, and Vernette Jones for their hard work!”
BERKLEY HEALTHCARE Attached is a picture of the RTO for Group 1 in the Chesterfield, MO Berkley Healthcare office. Pictured are Dan Asahl, Debbie Evans and Dustin Full. RTO date was September 21st.
BERKLEY ONE
Our Risk Management team is back on the road. Attached are pictures of Jill Scanlan, Randy Sauer and Jerry Forrest ready to do an insured visit. Also pictured is Jeff Heimerl, and outside Claims Adjuster that is on site at an insured’s home adjusting a loss.
From our VP of Risk Management, Dan Cuccia: “As our country continues to heal from the Coronavirus Pandemic, Berkley One believes it’s an appropriate time to safely return to work and once again provide our clients with best-in-class, in-person risk management consulting. Being experts in our field, we practice what we preach and model responsible behavior by wearing PPE during client visits and follow all CDC recommendations to keep our employees and clients safe. After several months of quarantine and working virtually, it’s nice to be back in the marketplace and interacting with clients.”
BERKLEY Industrial Comp
BIN is ready to start phase one of their Return to Office plan.
Click on the photo below to watch the cute video they prepared for their staff.