Our Executive Team
We owe much of the success of our company to our people. Learn more about our Executive and Underwriting teams below.
HOWARD SIEGELChief Executive Officer CONTACT
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ABOUT HOWARDHoward Siegel became President and CEO of Irwin Siegel Agency (ISA) in June of 2000. Mr. Siegel joined ISA in 1979 as a Personal Lines underwriter after receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Ithaca College and his Property and Casualty License. By 1984, Mr. Siegel had advanced to Commercial Lines underwriting and was instrumental in introducing the first comprehensive insurance package for providers of services to people with developmental disabilities. In 1994 Mr. Siegel was named Executive Vice President and COO. Mr. Siegel is a strong supporter both personally and professionally with local, state, and national organizations that enhance human service programs. In 1994, Howard developed the Award for Improvement in the Quality of Life for People with Disabilities to honor direct support staff. Howard has also sponsored several other awards, including the American Association on Mental Retardation’s Robert Guthrie Award for Advances in Biochemical and Molecular Genetics, United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association’s Irv Rutman Award and the President’s Committee on Mental Retardation- John F. Kennedy, Jr. Award for Excellence as a Direct Support Professional. Mr. Siegel currently serves his local and professional communities as a board member for a newly formed federally qualified health enter (FQHC) operating in the Bronx, as a board member for the Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency as well as serving on the board of the Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress. He is also a member and past president of the Monticello Rotary Club. He has also served as President for the Rock Hill Business and Community Association, Inc., and a past trustee of NYSARC Trusts. Additional memberships include the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, which in 2010 awarded him with their Business Person of the Year Award and the National Safety Council, which in 1998 awarded him their Distinguished Services to Safety Award recognizing him as a leader of “Best Practices” in safety for those with disabilities. Previously, he has served as an Advisory Board member of Reaching Up, Inc., as well as a board member of the Town of Thompson Planning Board, the Partnership for Economic Development, and the Holiday Mountain Ski Commission. ISA’s Developmental Disabilities Program continues to be the cornerstone of the agency’s Human Service programs today. Through Mr. Siegel’s direction, ISA is positioned as a leading provider of insurance and risk management services to the Human Service field. Mr. Siegel has guided ISA’s transition to becoming a program administrator in the program division of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and Chubb. As CEO of a company that embodies his vision, Mr. Siegel is ideally placed to address critical issues within the human service field and carry on ISA’s mission of “Supporting Those Who Support Others.™” |
Jennifer Johnston, Executive Vice President
JENNIFER JOHNSTONExecutive Vice President CONTACT
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ABOUT JENNIFERMs. Johnston is an accomplished career insurance executive. With a 26-year background in the insurance industry, she has held positions with national Managing General Underwriting Programs and several Insurance carriers. Ms. Johnston is skilled at assessing the level of risk associated with a broad range of clients and industries to maintain a profitable portfolio. Ms. Johnston’s highly analytical and detail-oriented approach to underwriting large and complex accounts and cultivating strong client and broker relationships makes her the perfect fit as Executive Vice President. |
Brad G. Storey, MSW, Executive Vice President
BRAD G. STOREY, MSWExecutive Vice President CONTACT
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ABOUT BRADBrad G. Storey, Executive Vice President: Mr. Storey brings an invaluable wealth of expertise and experience in the human & social service field to ISA. By training a social worker, Mr. Storey has broadened our industry-specific risk management resource offerings, developed a national network of consultants and partner services and dedicated himself to supporting and empowering our insured organizations. |
Bryan Delaney, Vice President, Information Technology
BRYAN DELANEYVice President, Operations CONTACT
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ABOUT BRYANBryan Delaney, Vice President of Operations, at Irwin Siegel Agency (ISA) oversees the operations of several critical infrastructure departments including Information Technology, Marketing, Accounting, Sales and the Private Client Group Division. Mr. Delaney first joined ISA in 1996 as a Computer Technician while earning his AAS Degree in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Math and Science from Sullivan County Community College. Mr. Delaney, a licensed NYS insurance broker since 1997, was instrumental in the development of ISA’s Agency Management System that tracks all aspects of the business, including the document management system, claims, policy printing, and data migration. An innovative thinker and problem solver, Mr. Delaney established himself as a top candidate for advancement and quickly rose through the ranks of the Information Technology Department to Senior Computer Technician in 2000, Network Administrator in 2001, and Assistant Vice President of Technology in 2003. In his role as Assistant Vice President of Information Technology, he developed critical ISA systems for tracking premiums and losses, rate achievement, and development of actuarial data, which provides ISA the depth of knowledge required to manage the book of business. In addition, his intimate knowledge of the agency’s management system allows for the expeditious changes to technology to keep up with market and process changes. Mr. Delaney’s extensive knowledge and expertise of ISA’s programs, policy administration, underwriting process, and accounting knowledge coupled with his desire and passion for professional development established him as the Vice President of Private Client Group in 2007. During this time, Mr. Delaney continued to serve as the Vice President of Technology. Mr. Delaney played a vital role in launching ISA’s Private Client Group program from developing carrier relationshto the creation and execution of marketing plans. Mr. Delaney plays an active role in the local community through his volunteering for several youth sports, active participation in the local Lions club, and serving his local town in several other capacities. |
Zachary Siegel, AVP, Distribution
ZACHARY SIEGELAVP, Distribution CONTACT
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ABOUT ZACHARYZachary has been with Irwin Siegel Agency for eleven years in a variety of capacities. Having started his career as a specialty lines underwriter, Zachary quickly grew into a business development role. In Zachary’s current role, he provides oversight to the marketing and business development team where he brings growth opportunities as well as operational efficiency to these departments. Zachary continues to lead broker relations initiatives as well as oversight of new business. |
Jacob Lerner, AVP, Operations
JACOB LERNERAVP, Operations CONTACT
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ABOUT JACOBJacob Lerner, AVP, Operations, is responsible for executing the agency’s strategic vision for several critical departments, including Production Support, Marketing, Information Technology, and the Private Client Group Division. Jacob earned his Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University in Economics with a minor in International Business. Jacob joined ISA in 2008, following his tenure at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). His time with PwC included both the consumer products and real estate sectors, providing client management with independent assessments of business risk, regulatory compliance, internal controls, and the efficiency/adequacy of business systems and processes. A licensed insurance broker since 2008, Jacob began his career with ISA in a production support role. He quickly migrated into an operations role based on his experience working with efficiency in business processes. A logical and innovative thinker, Jacob was highly involved in the implementation of ISA’s Agency Management System 2.0. He continues to work on refining workflow processes and logistical applications in underwriting, marketing, and technology. Jacob’s focus on workflow and efficiency have afforded the business with both a thorough and efficient process to support double digit growth over the last several years. Jacob has successfully integrated new carriers, acquisitions, and industry partners programs into our infrastructure through his detailed program management and assistance to the technology team. Jacob is active in our community, currently serving as President of the Monticello Rotary as well as a board member of the Sullivan County Center for Workforce Development. |
Patti Bonnell, AVP, Underwriting
PATTI BONNELLAVP, Underwriting CONTACT
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ABOUT PATTILeading the Berkshire Hathaway Division, Ms. Bonnell has more than 33 years of experience in the insurance industry. Her in-depth knowledge and deep understanding of exposures and coverages have played a vital role in working with coastal territory and the larger, more complex risks. |
Brandon Hunt, AVP, Technology
BRANDON HUNTAVP, Technology CONTACT
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ABOUT BRANDONBrandon has been with Irwin Siegel Agency for nine years and has grown from his intern position to the department leader. He interfaces with our parent company, carrier, industry partners, and internal employees to ensure our applications meet the needs of both the business and today’s technology and security standards. In addition, Brandon continues to lead our technology initiatives into the future by consistently updating all modules to the latest versions of development tools to be implemented on today’s software platforms and into the future. |
Dawn Martin, VP of Underwriting
DAWN MARTINVP of Underwriting CONTACT
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ABOUT DAWNMs. Martin’s proven technical expertise in underwriting, strong client and broker relationships, and strategic planning and operational management skills secured her position to oversee the Underwriting Department. In addition, she has been instrumental in researching and developing new product lines and programs, such as a proprietary Active Assailant Product specially geared toward the Human Services Industry. Ms. Martin was earlier responsible for the underwriting and managing ISA’s premier accounts while supervising the Specialty Lines Unit. |
Mark Madsen, AVP, Private Client Group
MARK MADSEN, AUAVP, Private Client Group CONTACT
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ABOUT MARKMark Madsen is an Assistant Vice President for Irwin Siegel Agency’s Private Client Group. Mr. Madsen joined ISA in 1996 and has since held various positions within the company in Accounting, Risk Management, and Marketing. In 1997, Mark earned his New York State Property and Casualty Brokers License and by 2004 had also earned a License in Life, Health and Accident Insurance, as well as an Associate in Underwriting designation through the Insurance Institute of America. His extensive knowledge and experience of ISA’s programs, administration process, coupled with his desire to succeed—establish Mr. Madsen as an instrumental and motivated member of ISA’s senior management team. |
Jenny Mellan, AVP, Compliance
JENNY MELLANAVP, Compliance CONTACT
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ABOUT JENNYJenny Mellan is a 1990 graduate of Concordia College in Bronxville, NY. She originally became involved in the Insurance Industry in 1991 when she became a Registered Representative for First Investors Life Insurance Company licensed for Life, Accident & Health and Variable Annuities. Ms. Mellan joined the ISA Policy Administration Department in 1998. She held various positions within the agency prior to joining the Compliance Department in 2000 as a Compliance Associate. In that same year, she also earned her New York State Property and Casualty Brokers License. Her hard work and commitment to the company earned her a promotion to Compliance Officer in March of 2005, Director of Compliance in September of 2007, and AVP of Compliance in May 2022. |
Rich Geoghan, AVP, Specialty Lines
RICH GEOGHANAVP, Specialty Lines CONTACT
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ABOUT RICHRich has been with Irwin Siegel Agency for eighteen years. Most of those years were spent in the specialty lines unit, first as an underwriter, then as Director, and now as AVP. In Rich’s role he oversees the Specialty Lines Unit which has expanded to include our small business product. In addition, Rich is continually taking on and searching for new ancillary products that complement our main package programs. |
Debbie Rueger, AVP, Underwriting
DEBBIE RUEGERAVP, Underwriting CONTACT
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ABOUT DEBBIEDebbie Rueger, Assistant Vice President of Underwriting at Irwin Siegel Agency, holds a Bachelor of Science, magna cum laude from Rosemont College. With more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, Ms. Rueger has held various roles throughout her career. Starting as a rater for a small mutual insurance company, she then worked her way up to become an underwriter specializing in environmental contractors and consultants at ECS, Inc., now XL Environmental, Inc. She continued her journey at Philadelphia Insurance as a senior underwriter working on large human services accounts and in their religious organization program. Ms. Rueger then joined Harleysville Insurance, now Nationwide, as an Underwriting Consultant in their new human services program, eventually rising to the director role for the Human Services team. Ms. Rueger also served as the Head of Human Services at Cap Specialty before returning to Nationwide as a Human Services Territory Manager. Since joining ISA as a senior underwriter in May 2023, Ms. Rueger quickly assumed leadership responsibilities to prepare for her transition into her current role. She has cultivated strong agency partnerships in every stage of her career, earning a reputation as a reliable resource for her team, agents, and brokers. Ms. Rueger has also conducted training sessions for her team and various departments, showcasing her expertise in managing large, complex accounts. Ms. Rueger is an active member in her church and community, supporting local organizations for the developmentally disabled, foster care agencies, and food banks. |
Karen Cipriani, AVP, Claims
KAREN CIPRIANIAVP, Claims CONTACT
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ABOUT KARENMs. Cipriani, AVP of Claims at Irwin Siegel Agency, works directly with our insureds and carriers on high exposure and complex claims and coverage issues. She is a resource for clients, brokers, carriers, and their adjusting teams and leads the claims response on our new Excess and Surplus program. In addition, she works collaboratively with our risk management and underwriting groups to identify claim trends, policy language concerns, coverage issues, and other claim concerns that may impact our insureds. Ms. Cipriani strives to implement the ISA claims philosophy to protect our insureds’ best interests with compassion for the communities they serve. |
Jason Levine, CPCU, Director of Underwriting, Large Accounts Division
JASON LEVINE, CPCUDirector of Underwriting, Large Accounts Division CONTACT
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ABOUT JASONJason R. Levine, Director of Underwriting, Large Accounts Division at Irwin Siegel Agency (ISA), first joined ISA in 2014 as a policy administrator after receiving his BA in Sociology from the University at Albany, SUNY. Mr. Levine quickly established himself as a top candidate for advancement and proceeded to rise steadily through the ranks of the underwriting department. Looking to advance his knowledge and expertise in the insurance industry, Mr. Levine obtained his New York State Property and Casualty Broker’s License in 2016. Mr. Levine went on to earn the prestigious Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation in December 2018. After gaining experience and insight into ISA’s different commercial programs, Mr. Levine settled in the Large Accounts Division, where he excelled in meeting the demands of working with ISA’s largest and most complex accounts. In his current role as Director of Underwriting, Mr. Levine oversees the underwriting and servicing of ISA’s largest and most complex accounts. Additionally, Mr. Levine utilizes his intimate insight into the human and social services industry and his general expertise in insurance to advocate for his clients while producing creative and industry-leading coverage solutions for any exposure. Mr. Levine was recently named to Insurance Business America’s 2021 Rising Stars list of leading young insurance professionals from around the country. |
Jennifer DuBois, Director of Underwriting
JENNIFER DUBOISDirector of Underwriting CONTACT
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ABOUT JENNIFERJennifer L. Dubois first joined Irwin Siegel Agency (ISA) in 2007 and obtained her New York State Property and Casualty Broker’s License in 2013. A Promotion to Underwriter followed in 2019 and Jennifer continued to grow her product knowledge while transitioning to our Specialty Lines Division, furthering her education with an IRMI Certification as Management Liability Insurance Specialist (MLIS) in July 2020. Jennifer received a Bachelor of Science from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Mathematics/Specialization in Actuarial Science, and a Minor in Business Administration. |
Barbara Press, Director of Underwriting, Small Business Unit
BARBARA PRESSDirector of Underwriting, Small Business Unit CONTACT
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ABOUT BARBARABarbara Press joined the company in 2016 as a senior underwriter, bringing with her 32 years of experience as a retail broker. During her time as a broker, she worked in both personal and commercial lines, with a specialization in social service accounts within the public entity area. Barbara obtained her New Jersey State P&C broker’s license in 1985, followed by her NY State P&C license in 1991. In 1992, she decided to serve her country and joined the US Navy until 1998. Even during her time in the Navy, she continued to work in the insurance industry in California during her personal time to stay up to date with industry trends and maintain her license. In her current role as Director of Underwriting, Ms. Press oversees the underwriting and servicing of the small business unit while also retaining a profitable renewal book of business and writing new mid-size business. She plays an integral role in managing, coaching, and developing staff to develop an effective level of underwriting expertise, indefatigably. She has a genuine passion for underwriting and helping others and relishes in her role as an underwriter and team leader. |
DENISE BASSIClaims Manager CONTACT
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ABOUT DENISEDenise J. Bassi, Claims Manager, received her Associate’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Sullivan County Community College in New York. In 1998, Denise earned her Property and Casualty Broker’s License. She has been working for Irwin Siegel Agency since 1994, where she began as a policy administrator. Through the course of her employment, Denise worked in various positions, expanding her knowledge. Denise’s ability to work in several capacities within ISA also made her highly effective in assisting new employees’ training and development. From rating a policy to underwriting, Denise’s multifaceted tenure at ISA has given her an extensive understanding of both our insured client’s programs and the coverage we provide. Denise also worked in ISA’s accounting department, where she assisted clients with some of their intricate billing concerns. Since 2008, Denise has served as a claims liaison. As a claims liaison, Denise advocates for insured clients and ensures their claims are handled fairly, settled promptly, and provides adequate information on the claims handling process. In addition to working closely with the carrier’s in- house, and field adjusters, Denise works closely with National Coordinating Counsel (NCC) John McKeon. Thanks to Denise, ISA can provide insured clients with the best claims service possible. |
Our Underwriting TEAM
Our Underwriters average 15+ years experience and understand the unique insurance needs of Social Service providers. They stay abreast of state, program and industry developments that could affect your accounts. Along with an extended team of Underwriter Assistants, Risk Management Coordinators, and Claims Specialists, they are here to provide unparalleled service throughout the life of every policy.
Our Private Client Group Team
Our PCG underwriting team has years of experience assisting agents and brokers to provide comprehensive insurance programs and complete solutions for clients.
Mark Madsen, AVP, Private Client Group
MARK MADSEN, AUAVP, Private Client Group CONTACT
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ABOUT MARKMark Madsen is an Assistant Vice President for Irwin Siegel Agency’s Private Client Group. Mr. Madsen joined ISA in 1996 and has since held various positions within the company in Accounting, Risk Management, and Marketing. In 1997, Mark earned his New York State Property and Casualty Brokers License and by 2004 had also earned a License in Life, Health and Accident Insurance, as well as an Associate in Underwriting designation through the Insurance Institute of America. His extensive knowledge and experience of ISA’s programs, administration process, coupled with his desire to succeed—establish Mr. Madsen as an instrumental and motivated member of ISA’s senior management team. |
