Speaker Bios
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Fellows
Bruce Ackerman | AU10TIX |
Andrew Baldwin | Allied World |
Dr. Simi George | NeuralMetrics |
Gerald Heim | Ferreira Construction |
Robyn Lauber | Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance |
Brett Leatherman | Federal Bureau of Investigation |
Richard Lord | NLC Insurance Companies |
Suzanne Loughlin | CrisisRisk Strategies, LLC |
Michele Lucan | State of Connecticut |
Catherine Lyle | Tokio Marine HCC |
John Standish | Charlee.ai |
James Tolles | ZeroFox |
Members
Karen Bridges | Wilson Elser |
Jonathan Meer | Wilson Elser |
Stuart A. Miller | Wilson Elser |
Jana Slavina Farmer | Wilson Elser |
Jura Zibas | Wilson 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 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.
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
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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
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;
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
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
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.
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
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 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’.
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
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
Jonathan Meer
Partner
Wilson Elser

Jonathan Meer is speaking in the following session(s) :
Ever Changing Landscape of Biometrics Nov 8 2023 10:00AM
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.
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.
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
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.
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 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.
James Tolles
VP Response
ZeroFox
James Tolles is speaking in the following session(s) :
Welcome to the Dark Web Nov 8 2023 9:00AM
Jura Zibas
Attorney
Wilson Elser
Jura Zibas is speaking in the following session(s) :
AI 2024 Successful Strategies Nov 8 2023 3:45PM
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.