Speed Mentoring: One-on-One Conversations with Successful Insurance Professionals
Location: Manhattan Ballroom I
Mentors:
 Heidi Darling, Claims Focus Group Leader - Treaty & BPS, Beazley
Heidi is the Claims Focus Group Leader for Treaty and BPS Claims. Heidi had practiced law in Boston, MA and St. Louis, MO before returning to her home state of Connecticut where she began her insurance career in 2015 handling Employment Practices Liability Claims for a large carrier. In March 2019, Heidi joined Beazley’s Employment Practices Liability Claims team where, in addition to handling a variety of complex EPL matters, she was the PEO and BIPA Point Person for the team. Heidi enjoys working closely with the underwriting teams to build and maintain relationships with clients and brokers. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Connecticut and graduated from New England Law, Boston.
 Marci DeVries, CEO, Fraudsniffr
Marci De Vries-Todtz, PI, CSMIE, OSINT-TDR is the CEO of Fraud Sniffr, Inc., a technology company focused on retrieval and storage of online data trails regarding persons of interest in an investigation. The system she developed for Fraud Sniffr [FS Observr] is a repository for secure data sharing and chronological data updating over the life of an investigation.
She has been involved in social data and content search for nearly all of her 30-year career, with deep roots in data mining and interfacing with online algorithms. She spent five years a lecturer in the Whiting Engineering School at The Johns Hopkins University, teaching about social media. She is also a licensed private investigator and a frequent technology columnist for the Insurance Resource Letter (IRL). She was also a syndicated technology “Tech Talk” columnist for American Business Journals for several years.
She received her BA from Western Michigan University, her Master’s from American University and a Certificate of Digital Communication from Georgetown University.
 Michele Fenice, VP, Chubb
Michele Fenice is Vice President, Regional Claim Executive for Chubb’s New York Region. She partners with field leaders, underwriting teams, and business consultants to support and grow regional business, while also serving as the main contact for claim-related matters with agents, brokers, and clients across all lines and segments.
Since joining Chubb in 2004, Michele has held leadership roles including heading the national Employment Practices claims team. Prior to Chubb, she was Assistant Vice President at Gulf Insurance Group, overseeing Fidelity and Financial Institution claims, as well as managing a satellite office. Earlier roles include positions at Bear Stearns, AIG, and practicing law at Gorlick, Kravitz & Listhaus.
Michele holds a B.A. in English from Albright College and a J.D. from New York Law School.
 Michelle Han, Senior Claims Specialist, Hudson Group
Michelle Han is a Senior Specialist at Hudson Insurance Group, a well-established insurance provider founded in 1918 and employing over 400 professionals. Based in New York City, Michelle brings a wealth of experience to her role, having previously held key positions at Berkley Environmental (a Berkley Company), Atlas Financial Holdings, Esurance, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Communications from Adelphi University, graduating in 2007.
 Jessica Johns, Senior Director, Chubb
Jessica is a seasoned insurance professional with over 15 years of experience in claims management. As AVP Executive Claim Director at Chubb, she leads complex casualty claims, specializing in excess liability. She has held key leadership roles at Chubb and previously worked at Travelers, Esurance, and Mercury Insurance. A Certified Claims Professional and Certified Arbitrator, Jessica holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Georgia and is based in Atlanta, Georgia.
 Zohar Lushe, Senior Claims Counsel, Sompo
Zohar Lushe is a part of the Employment Practices Group at Sompo International, serving as Senior Claims Counsel to her Insureds across the country. Zohar is based in New York and brings a wealth of experience in EPL Claims handling, with more than 11 years of combined experience handling EPL claims for two global insurers. Zohar handles Claims related to employment discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, and other employment related disputes. Zohar has participated in hundreds of employment mediations and serves as an Executive Committee faculty member of a mediation course annually.
Zohar earned her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and Hofstra University. Zohar earned her J.D. from Touro Law. She is admitted to practice in New Jersey and maintains insurance adjuster licenses in all states. Zohar is a Certified Claims Professional (CCP) and has recently earned the designation of Advanced Claims Professional (ACP).
 Laurie Mandell, Claims Manager, Chubb
Laurie Mandell is an Assistant Vice President, Claim Manager for Cyber & Privacy Liability Claims at Chubb, where she previously handled and managed Employment Practices Liability claims. She brings over two decades of experience in complex claims handling and insurance defense litigation. Her career spans roles at CNA Insurance, where she was responsible for EPL and Not-for-Profit D&O matters, and earlier practice at insurance defense firms. Laurie holds a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and a B.S. from Cornell University.
 Lynn Menschenfreund, VP of Claims, Core Speciality
Lynn Menschenfreund brings over 30 years of experience as both a lawyer and senior claims executive, specializing in complex claims, litigation management, and high-severity losses.
Lynn has led claim teams across diverse lines, including excess/umbrella, environmental, construction, and medical malpractice. She has held senior roles at top carriers such as Everest, Chubb, Markel, and AIG, and previously practiced law at LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae. A former Dean of CLM’s School of Casualty Claims (2013–2016), Lynn also volunteers at the NJ Community Food Bank.
 Caryn Silverman, VP & Senior Legal Counsel, Berkley Corporation
Caryn Silverman is a senior claims executive with over 30 years of combined experience in the insurance industry and private legal practice. She is a results-driven, collaborative leader known for innovative claims strategies, hands-on team management, and effective resolution of complex matters.
Caryn has led high-performing claims teams across a broad range of lines, including professional liability, errors & omissions, cyber, technology, media, healthcare, casualty, and environmental. She builds strong, trusted partnerships with both internal stakeholders and external partners, consistently driving operational excellence. Caryn has also developed and implemented successful litigation management programs that enhance efficiency and outcomes.
|
