Professional Development Day - Professors ­

Speaker Bios

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Fellows

Bruce AckermanAU10TIX
Andrew BaldwinAllied World
Dr. Simi GeorgeNeuralMetrics
Gerald HeimFerreira Construction
Robyn LauberBerkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance
Brett LeathermanFederal Bureau of Investigation
Richard LordNLC Insurance Companies
Suzanne LoughlinCrisisRisk Strategies, LLC
Michele LucanState of Connecticut
Catherine LyleTokio Marine HCC
John StandishCharlee.ai
James TollesZeroFox

Members

Karen BridgesWilson Elser
Jonathan MeerWilson Elser
Stuart A. MillerWilson Elser
Jana Slavina FarmerWilson Elser
Jura ZibasWilson Elser

Bruce Ackerman

VP of Sales- Americas and APAC

AU10TIX

Bruce Ackerman is speaking in the following session(s) :

Ever Changing Landscape of Biometrics Nov 8 2023 10:00AM

Bruce Ackerman has been heading up global sales for IDV/biometrics companies for the past 20 years.  He has worked with numerous data providers in the AML/KYC space to couple authenticating an ID with ensuring the person or entity is not on a watch list.
 
Bruce has sold and implemented these solutions in various industries including financial services (banks and non-banks), insurance, payment providers, social media, automotive, and e-commerce.
 
On a personal note, Bruce lives in the Jacksonville, FL area with his wife of 30+ years and has 4 children.  He is an avid golfer and has enjoyed riding a motorcycle (Harley-Davidson) for the past 20 years.
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Andrew Baldwin

Sr. Claims Analyst

Allied World

Andrew Baldwin is speaking in the following session(s) :

AI 2024 Successful Strategies Nov 8 2023 3:45PM

In June 2022, Andrew joined Allied World’s Cyber Claims Response Team where he handles primary and excess Cyber claims. Andrew investigates and manages claims under first and third party coverages arising out of data breaches, ransomware attacks, class action litigation, tracking technology, technology services liability, social engineering fraud, business email compromise, and media wrongful acts. Additionally, Andrew handles other complex professional liability claims for insurance companies, insurance agents and brokers, lawyers and other professionals.

Prior to joining Allied World, Jaclyn was an associate in the Hartford, Connecticut office of a national law firm handling complex civil disputes in state and federal court. His practice focused on professional liability claims involving construction defects, environment losses, and design professionals. Andrew also advised clients on accessibility issues, including representing clients in federal lawsuits and state administrative proceedings.

Andrew earned his Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University and his juris doctorate from Northeastern University School of Law. He is a member of the Massachusetts and Connecticut State Bars and is admitted to practice in the United States District Court, District of Connecticut and District of Massachusetts. Prior to law school, Andrew served as the Public Policy Manager for the Boston Society of Architects, overseeing lobbying efforts for the largest chapter of the American Institute of Architects. 
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Karen Bridges

Attorney

Wilson Elser

Karen Bridges is speaking in the following session(s) :

Welcome to the Dark Web Nov 8 2023 9:00AM

Karen Bridges handles breach response and other situations arising from the misuse of computers and related technology. She advises her clients on how to immediately contain exposure, including conducting forensic analysis, and deploys experts specially chosen to enhance protection of privileged and confidential communications. Karen also guides clients through the process of implementing measures designed to comply with legal obligations and prevent additional data intrusion.

Karen is part of a team of attorneys who advise on a variety of complex privacy frameworks, including those created under HIPAA/HITECH, FERPA, GLBA, BSA, GDPR and state privacy laws. Prior to joining Wilson Elser, Karen gained extensive e-Discovery experience handling a wide range of litigation matters.
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Simi George

Chief Data and Product Officer

NeuralMetrics

Simi George is speaking in the following session(s) :

Ever Changing Landscape of Biometrics Nov 8 2023 10:00AM

Dynamic and principled leader with a history of delivering global impact via cutting-edge products and data-driven management. Innovative professional who can merge learnings from varied industries to drive growth and profitability. Skilled in designing methods for team empowerment, negotiating across varied levels of the organizations, and demonstrating strong business acumen while remaining aligned with organizational objectives. World-class leader with drive, determination, record of high achievement and success in business, and an ability to quickly adapt to evolving environments and organizations.

SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS
? Currently oversee a Data, Intelligence, and Analytics matrixed organization supporting all lines of businesses and internal operations in the enterprise with millions of dollars in funding annually.
? Earned SCHOTT’s internal R&D Award for technical documentation in 2014—the highest accolade for original research leading to business value within the company—coordinating the idea from concept to market with profit.
? Contributed to $5M-$10M in annual revenue at SCHOTT after implementing new product developments and producing new items that were viable and offered on the market after achieving seven granted patents.
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Gerald Heim

Corporate Risk Manager

Ferreira Construction

Gerald Heim is speaking in the following session(s) :

Properly Handling Catastrophic Losses Reduces Insane Verdicts Nov 8 2023 1:30PM

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
 
October 2022 – Present                                                Ferreira Group of Companies
Corporate Risk Manager                                              Branchburg, NJ
 
 
September 2020 – Present                                          Riggs Distler & Co., Inc.
Corporate Risk Manager                                              Cherry Hill, NJ
 
Responsible for overall insurance program of large utility contractor based in NJ; duties include:

Development of insurance program structure that includes large retentions or deductibles for Worker’s Compensation, General Liability and Auto.   Insurance Program includes Management Liability, Contractor’s Equipment, Property, Builder’s Risk, Professional/Pollution, Underground Storage Tanks, New York Disability and other Project Specific type insurance      
Selection and negotiation of the insurance products and pricing
Negotiation of the insurance carrier terms and conditions that includescollateral requirements, claim services and dispute resolution
Manage insurance broker relationships and fee arrangements

Management and oversight of all claim issues for the Company
Implementation of a Medical Director Program and Injury Management Program tailored for mitigation of WC exposures
Selection and retention of claim management vendors including attorneys, nurse case managers, private investigators and engineering experts. 
Development of Emergency Response Program
Participated in the Covid-19 Management Response
Created template subcontract insurance provisions for inclusion in all Company subcontractor agreements  
Provide risk assessment for various Company projects
Communicate with upstream clients on all insurance and claim related matters impacting both entities   
January 2007 – September 2020                                Construction Risk Solutions, LLC (CRS)
Director Claims Management                                    Arthur J Gallagher & Co.              
                                Note:  Gallagher acquired Constructions Risk Solutions, LLC in January 2017
Minority owner in the formation of CRS in January 2017
Responsible for the claim/risk management services for CRS clients; services include:

Direct claim management and advocacy; 
 
 
Gerard S Heim
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Contract review for assessment of indemnity provisions, additional insured requirements and promise to procure required insurance for both upstreamand downstream construction contracts for jurisdictions all across the United States
Developed claim vendor management programs particular to and for CRS clients
Development and implementation of services and claim/risk initiatives specifically tailored for CRS clients;





 
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Robyn Lauber

Vice President, Private/Non-Profit Claims

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

Robyn Lauber is speaking in the following session(s) :

Ever Changing Landscape of Biometrics Nov 8 2023 10:00AM

Robyn Lauber is Vice President of the EPL/Private & Non-Profit Claims group at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance in New York.  In this role, she manages a team of five Claim Directors and oversees the handling of all EPL claims as well as Private Company and Non-Profit D&O, Fiduciary and Fidelity/Crime claims.  Prior to joining BHSI in November 2021, Robyn worked at AIG for over 10 years in both the EPL Claims group as well as the Cyber/Media/Technology Claims Group.  Before transitioning to Claims, Robyn practiced employment defense litigation for over five years in Newark, NJ.  She obtained a Juris Doctorate from Rutgers University School of Law – Newark and a Bachelor of Arts in History from New York University. 
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Brett Leatherman

Section Chief - Cyber Division

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Brett Leatherman is speaking in the following session(s) :

Welcome to the Dark Web Nov 8 2023 9:00AM

Brett Leatherman is Section Chief of cyber national security work for the FBI. Under Presidential Policy Directive 41, the FBI is the lead cyber threat response agency for the United States Government, and in this role, Mr. Leatherman serves as a senior executive managing the FBI’s strategy to impose risk and consequence on some of the most sophisticated state sponsored cyber adversaries targeting U.S. interests.
 
Mr. Leatherman previously held several roles in the FBI’s Dallas Division, most recently as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge for National Security, where he managed teams responsible for preventing and investigating counterterrorism, counterintelligence, weapons of mass destruction, and cyber threats throughout North Texas. Also in Dallas, Mr. Leatherman served as Senior Supervisory Resident Agent of the Frisco Resident Agency, managing criminal investigations inNorth Texas.
 
Prior to being assigned to the Dallas Division, Mr. Leatherman held several leadership roles at FBI Cyber Division. Mr. Leatherman first worked as a Supervisory Special Agent in a cyber national security unit overseeing work to identify and mitigate state sponsored cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure, private sector organizations, and government agencies. Mr. Leatherman was then promoted to Assistant Section Chief of the Cyber Operational Engagement Section, managing FBI initiatives to collaborate with domestic and foreign partners to protect U.S. interests. In both roles, Mr. Leatherman worked extensively with the United States Intelligence Community, foreign, and private sector partners to promote a whole of government approach to address cyber threats.
 
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Richard Lord

Vice President- Claims

NLC Insurance Companies

Richard Lord is speaking in the following session(s) :

AI 2024 Successful Strategies Nov 8 2023 3:45PM

Richard is the Vice President of Claims and Chief Claims Officer at the NLC Insurance Companies, a group of Mutual Property and Casualty Insurers in New England including New London County Mutual and Hingham Mutual.  Prior to joining NLC, Richard spent 14 years in numerous positions within the claims operation at Vermont Mutual Insurance.  Richard was in the private practice of law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts before making the jump to the insurance arena. In addition to his law degree, Richard holds a B.A. in Economics, a Master’s In Business Administration, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Data Science and Business Analytics.  He has obtained his CPCU, CLMP, SCLA and numerous other insurance designations throughout his career.  He is best described as an “InsureTech Geek” focusing on technological solutions to solve today’s insurance claim management issues.  When he’s not working, he is learning to code in Python, and broadening his understanding of Neural networks, Machine and Deep Learning – no really.
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Suzanne Loughlin

Executive Vice President

CrisisRisk Strategies, LLC

Suzanne Loughlin is speaking in the following session(s) :

Active Shooter Scenarios Nov 8 2023 2:30PM

Suzanne Rhulen Loughlin is a founder and General Counsel of CrisisRisk Strategies, LLC, an insurance program improvement firm that focuses on crisis as a differentiator in reducing frequency and severity of claims.

Suzanne has extensive consultative experience in crisis management and crisis communications planning and response on behalf of clients ranging from some of the world’s largest global companies to educational institutions (P-12 and higher education, public and private) and governmental entities.

Suzanne’s hands-on crisis management experience, combined with her training and practice in legal exposures, enables her to provide critical decision support to clients in urgent crisis events. Suzanne is a regularly requested speaker by associations and organizations in all industry sectors, and she has inspired hundreds of groups and thousands of listeners.

Before founding CrisisRisk, Suzanne co-founded Firestorm Solutions, a nationally recognized crisis management firm, served as Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel of a NASDAQ company, Director and Chief Administrative Officer of a NYSE insurance holding company, a litigator with a major New City law firm handling professional liability matters and Managing Attorney of a law firm with multiple offices throughout the country.

A licensed attorney in New York, she has also completed extensive Emergency Management Institute training, including Emergency Management Professional Development Series Certification from FEMA.

Very active in the New York Hudson Valley region, Suzanne serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations as well as Rhinebeck Bank. She has received numerous awards for her service, including the Anti-Defamation League’s prestigious ‘Americanism Award’.
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Michele Lucan

Deputy Associate Attorney General

State of Connecticut

Michele Lucan is speaking in the following session(s) :

2023 Data Privacy Regulation and Compliance Nov 8 2023 11:15AM

Michele Lucan is a Deputy Associate Attorney General at the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office and Chief of its Privacy Section. Michele joined the Attorney General’s Office in 2008 and first served in its Consumer Protection Division, where she investigated and pursued enforcement actions against a variety of unfair and deceptive business practices under the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. In 2013, Michele was appointed to a multidisciplinary Privacy Task Force that was created to focus the Office’s response to privacy concerns and data breaches. In early 2015, a dedicated Privacy Section was formed and Michele was assigned to the Section from its inception. She has since worked exclusively on matters involving consumer privacy and information security. Michele is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)/ U.S. She received her B.A. from Loyola University in Maryland and her J.D. from the Quinnipiac University School of Law. 
 
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Catherine Lyle

SVP - Head of Cyber Claims and Incident Response

Tokio Marine HCC

Catherine Lyle is speaking in the following session(s) :

Welcome to the Dark Web Nov 8 2023 9:00AM

Catherine C. Lyle is an attorney heading cyber claims as well as incident response within Tokio Marine HCC - CPLG. Ms. Lyle's work focuses on ensuring TMHCC's quick resolution of cyber events for clients as well assisting during litigation and class actions arising out of professional liability policies for technology, media, and telecommunication companies, as well as cyber liability policies for non-technology companies. Ms. Lyle is a frequent speaker and author regarding Cyber law and claims. Prior to working for TMHCC she was the global head of claims for Coalition and worked within Swiss Re Corporate Solutions handling cyber claims, was an attorney for General Electric as well as an Assistant Attorney General for The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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Jonathan Meer

Partner

Wilson Elser

Jonathan Meer is speaking in the following session(s) :

Ever Changing Landscape of Biometrics Nov 8 2023 10:00AM

Jonathan Meer focuses his practice on insurance coverage, including monitoring and coverage determinations, with a concentration on directors and officers (D&O), professional errors and omissions (E&O), lawyers’ (LPL), employment practices and cyber liability programs. Jonathan represents the interests of primary and excess insurers based in the United States, China, London and Bermuda in high-exposure claims against directors and officers of public and private companies, nonprofit boards, financial institutions and insurance companies. He has addressed claims related to shareholder class actions seeking multimillion-dollar damages against public companies and their directors and officers, as well as other high-profile fraud cases involving a variety of issues.

In addition, Jonathan’s litigation practice focuses on commercial litigation and professional liability. He has experience with matters arising under E&O policies covering attorneys, co-op boards, software developers, engineers, consultants, agents and other professionals. Jonathan’s practice also includes employment matters involving all types of discrimination and harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination claims.

Jonathan is active in firmwide development activities, including serving on Wilson Elser’s Associate Focus Committee and the firm’s Peer Mentor Committee.
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Stuart A. Miller

Attorney

Wilson Elser

Stuart A. Miller is speaking in the following session(s) :

Properly Handling Catastrophic Losses Reduces Insane Verdicts Nov 8 2023 1:30PM

Active Shooter Scenarios Nov 8 2023 2:30PM

Stuart A. Miller is a Partner in the New York and White Plains offices. Admitted in both Florida and New York, he handles claims in both states. He has extensive experience in state, federal and appellate courts, with an emphasis on national account management, transportation litigation, product liability defense, and general tort liability defense and labor law litigation.

Stuart manages several Fortune 500 accounts where the clients have substantial self-insured retentions. He works with a national team of Wilson Elser attorneys to handle all types of claims, including trucking, construction, premises security and liability, loss subrogation and complex product liability. He strategizes with the account risk managers and general counsel on case management and corporate consistency.

In addition, Stuart has been designated as national counsel on behalf of nationally recognized transportation and logistics companies. In that role, he acts as the gatekeeper and national coordinator of all the company’s liability claims. He attends mediations, settlement conferences and trials throughout the United States, working alongside local counsel.

In the area of transportation, Stuart oversees a National Emergency Response Team which responds to catastrophic trucking losses. Stuart defends several national long hauling and local trucking companies, taxi and livery fleets, buses and ambulette companies in catastrophic personal injury, uninsured motorists, no-fault and PIP subrogation cases.

A seasoned trial lawyer, Stuart’s role in the defense of a personal injury case in federal court was featured in a front page article in the New York Law Journal. In the article, the judges referred to Stuart’s “aggressive” summation at the trial. Stuart obtained a defense verdict on proximate cause in the case that involved multiple neck and back surgeries. The case was later affirmed by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

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Jana Slavina Farmer

Partner

Wilson Elser

Jana Slavina Farmer is speaking in the following session(s) :

2023 Data Privacy Regulation and Compliance Nov 8 2023 11:15AM

Jana Farmer represents client interests in connection with design professional matters and architects’ copyright; intellectual property matters involving copyright, sale and transfer of rights in artwork; protection of valuable creative assets; and general commercial disputes. In addition to handling cases before New York state courts, she defends clients in federal courts and in arbitrations and employs mediation to facilitate the cost-effective resolution of disputes. Jana also has experience conducting e-discovery and cross-border discovery in complex cases with large volumes of electronic evidence. Her clientele includes architects and engineers in design professional liability matters, participants in all stages of the creation and transfer of ownership in works of art, and business owners in other intellectual property and general business matters.

Drawing on her international background, experience working with multinational clients and exposure to other cultures, Jana crafts an approach based on an understanding of differences in attitudes and perceptions. With a background in the performing arts, Jana is known for her discipline and extraordinary focus on a carefully conceived resolution plan designed to determine likely exposure, identify options and ultimately conclude in outcomes that make sense for the client. Jana interned with an international law firm while at St. Petersburg University in Russia, focusing on transactional work for a major auto manufacturer and on drafting client alerts on tax issues.

Jana is tuned into the issues arising out of the need to obtain appropriate insurance coverage in transactional matters and insurance-related claims in the general liability, fine art, architects and engineers, directors and officers, and other professional liability policies, representing the interests of underwriters and their insureds.
 
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John Standish

Chief Innovation Officer / Co-Founder

Charlee.ai

John Standish is speaking in the following session(s) :

AI 2024 Successful Strategies Nov 8 2023 3:45PM

John Standish is a Co-Founder, Chief Innovation, and Compliance Officer for Charlee.ai. and responsible for the Charlee™ artificial intelligence solution for the insurance industry. Before joining Charlee.ai, John was a consultant and Alliance Partner to the SAS Institute in the State and Local Government, Security and Intelligence, and Financial and Insurance Practices.  

John also provides consultation services for the insurance industry for first-party bad-faith litigation involving fraud investigations and state-mandated compliance. In legal proceedings, John is qualified and has testified as an expert for insurance fraud, investigations, anti-fraud compliance programs, and insurance technology. 

John is a 32-year veteran of California law enforcement, first serving in the California Highway Patrol and the California Department of Insurance, Fraud Division. John retired as the Chief of the Fraud Division and has over 25 years of experience investigating insurance fraud, supervising, and managing state and federal investigations in California. 

John graduated from the University of San Francisco with a degree in Organizational Behavior and the California Peace Officer Standards Training Commission (POST) – Command College, Class 44. 
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James Tolles

VP Response

ZeroFox

James Tolles is speaking in the following session(s) :

Welcome to the Dark Web Nov 8 2023 9:00AM

Jamie Tolles is the Global Leader of ZeroFox’s Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) team and joined ZeroFox from Ernst & Young to define, develop and lead our global incident response offerings. Jamie has a proven track record successfully managing and responding to complex security incidents and investigative matters for a wide range of organizations including numerous high-profile matters. He is highly skilled in developing incident response plans, coordinating response efforts, and communicating effectively with stakeholders during a crisis. Jamie has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and techniques used in incident response and the attack trends leveraged by threat actors.

 
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Jura Zibas

Attorney

Wilson Elser

Jura Zibas is speaking in the following session(s) :

AI 2024 Successful Strategies Nov 8 2023 3:45PM

Jura Christine Zibas is co-chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property practice and a member of the Information Governance Leadership Committee. She has an extensive technology background and focuses her legal practice on intellectual property and related commercial matters. Relying on her scientific and analytical skill sets, Jura assists in solving legal issues that involve intellectual property rights, cybersecurity and complex business disputes.

Jura has broad experience with matters involving the protection, licensing and acquisition of patents, copyrights and trademarks, as well as privacy and data security issues. Trained in chemistry and dentistry, Jura also handles complex civil matters that involve a scientific, software or technology component, including the defense of medical institutions, dentists, physicians and other medical professionals in malpractice cases. Jura’s work on intellectual property, data privacy and security matters, and complex civil matters includes the management of clients’ risks and expansion activities. Further leveraging her experience in complex disputes, she has represented large online retailers in data breach and intellectual property cases and a medical equipment company in government investigation and regulatory issues. In addition, she has advised on cyber risks in protecting millions of patient health information records and data privacy breach cases for various businesses. When resolving government investigations, Jura assists durable medical equipment companies and pharmacies with compliance and regulatory oversight in dealing with federal and state regulations. She represented clients in lengthy corruption and money laundering cases brought by the U.S. Attorney and defended a utility company executive in the bribery of public officials.
 
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