Leadership Team

EDUCATION: Masters Business Administration, Fuqua School of Business, Duke University – Durham, NC Mike Connolly, Chief Revenue Officer, is part of the Provencher & Company Executive Team. With over 35 years’ experience Mike has become an accomplished innovator in the practice of sales strategy and business execution. He has built a successful career in sales, sales management, business leadership, and sales operations. His leadership has helped generate billions of dollars in new revenue over his 30 + year career. It is through his career experiences in working with clients, partners and leaders in business that he developed critical skills in generating consistent growth for the organizations he has worked with. Mike has developed successful go-to-market strategies and improved client relations for companies throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Europe, and Asia with active management responsibilities. Most recently, Mike operated as Senior Vice President of Sales of a multi-national service provider of automation and robotics technologies. Throughout his career in technology-based leadership roles he has transformed business growth for various evolving service and solutions businesses in such specialties as infrastructure, networking, data center, call center, security, cloud technologies, business automation and robotics. Mike’s responsible for all activities that create and or support revenue streams into our business. Ultimate accountability for driving revenue growth and aligning all revenue-generating departments: Sales, Marketing, Sales Operations and Customer Experience/Customer Success.

EDUCATION: B.S. Accounting, Towson University – Towson, MD AFFILIATIONS: Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants

EDUCATION: Accounting, Management & Business Administration, Southeastern Louisiana University; Nursing, Charity School of Nursing Delgado Julie joined Provencher & Company in 2005 and brings over 20 years of diverse experience to her job as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. In this role, Julie is executive lead for: Provencher’s Human Resource department, corporate strategy development, technology implementations and efficiencies; empowering staff by driving process improvement and training & development; operational excellence; and defining best-fit solutions to meet customer needs. With over two decades of experience working in the insurance & customer relationships industries, Julie has held a variety of roles, working with hundreds of clients. Her career with Provencher began in claims handling, during which time she worked with customers at all phases of the claim cycle. From that role, she transitioned to human resources and was responsible for implementation of our current HRMS, as well as developing training programs for all staff to facilitate a higher value customer engagement. Just prior to her current role with Provencher & Company, Julie was Director of Quality Assurance & Claim Operations, during which time she and her team worked to assure the claims process transpired smoothly and timely with both adjusters and clients throughout the course of managing our claim assignments. Her responsibilities included: overseeing all claims support staff, examiners, accounting team, trainers, and regulatory compliance department in our National Claim Center. Julie served an instrumental role in making sure daily and catastrophe assignments were distributed and work products were produced accurately and timely while following all state compliance statutes. Julie’s expertise in corporate strategy development, human resources and customer relations enhances her role as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Provencher & Company, LLC.

EDUCATION: Business Management; Central Louisiana Technical College, Alexandria, LA Jessica Porretto, Client Advocacy Representative, ensures delivery of client protocols for Provencher & Company, LLC. Jessica began her career in claims with Provencher & Company in 2019. With the unique skills and talents she has developed in the workplace and throughout her career towards client success, Jessica’s strong technical knowledge, analytical skills and attention to detail ensures reliable and timely responsiveness that improves our Clients daily business challenges. As Client Advocacy Representative, Jessica is focused on improving Client experiences, productivity and satisfaction while maintaining the standard of efficiency, urgency, and accuracy that our Clients have come to expect. Throughout her career, Jessica has positively influenced the improvement of business for Financial, Technical, Operations, as well as Sales and Marketing divisions of the organizations she has worked. Jessica’s experience in support and management roles for various industries, have fueled her passion for diversity, growth, and Client delight. Jessica’s professionalism, distinct capabilities, and business experience augment her role as Client Advocacy Representative for Provencher & Company, LLC.

As Compliance Administrator, Kristin oversees all company state and employer regulatory compliance. Kristin manages and implements policies & procedures that are designed to ensure accuracy with all applicable federal laws, regulations, and delegation requirements. Kristin also maintains all staff adjuster license records and is charge with filing business annual reporting for all relevant states and jurisdictions within the service of Provencher & Company, LLC. Throughout her career, Kristin has gained experience in office and customer account management, human resource management, and has been a model of excellence and leadership in client relations and customer satisfaction.

EDUCATION: Business Management, Southeastern Louisiana University AFFILIATIONS: Samantha Verneuil is the Director of Claim Operations at Provencher & Company, LLC. Having earned a variety of skills and strengths in the workplace, Samantha’s close attention to detail assures accurate and prompt delivery of custom protocols to clients of the firm. Samantha’s experience with management and client service is grounded in prior work experience as Lead Claims Processor and Claim Operations Manager for the firm. Holding responsibility for oversight of all file related tasks from file set up & assignment to invoicing of the claim files, ensuring employee growth and satisfaction, and review of new client files in accordance with best practices, her duties included ongoing client communication. Her experience and responsibilities included licensing compliance, territory and adjuster availability. Samantha has created and maintains training documents for new staff, including systems training for all employees. Her prior management experiences have provided her with the dual foundations of customer and public service interaction. Self-described as a lifelong learner, Samantha maintains contact with industry peers and ongoing education through membership in several professional claims associations. She is active in her community, and volunteers her time regularly. Samantha enjoys time with family, and lists her personal interests as crafting, reading, and travel. Samantha’s training, experience, and close attention to industry and regulatory best practices define and provide the framework for her role as Director of Claim Operations for Provencher & Company, LLC.

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science, Psychology, University of Montana, Missoula, MT Jackson Lefens, Client Manager, oversees assigned Client accounts and ensures delivery of custom Client protocols for Provencher & Company, LLC. With over 13 years’ experience building Client relationships, Jackson possesses the natural ability to establish trustworthy partnerships with Clients and is extremely devoted to meeting protocols and exceeding expectations. Throughout his career, Jackson’s creative approach and expertise in being able to relate to and understand the wants and needs of Clients, has allowed him to maintain valuable relationships. His unique skills and techniques have led to uncovering numerous opportunities that tremendously benefitted everyone and made partnerships forever stronger. Out of all of his accomplishments, Jackson is most proud of collaborating to create a company solely based on his community’s needs for a recycling program. His broad understanding of business practices has enabled him to acquire a wealth of knowledge to create present value-added solutions and capabilities. Jackson’s diligence for delighting Clients and drive for the development of new Client relationships, adds significant value as Client Manager, for Provencher & Company, LLC.

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science, Marketing, Providence College, Providence, RI; Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI); Construction Risk & Insurance Specialist (CRIS) Ryan Foley, Client Manager, oversees assigned Client accounts and ensures delivery of custom Client protocols for Provencher & Company, LLC. Ryan began his career as a Financial Advisor over 15 years ago and has worked in the Insurance profession for almost 3 years. His wealth of knowledge has allowed him to develop a broad range of expertise in all facets of Client relationship management. Skilled in collaborating with business owners and entrepreneurs, Ryan has implemented new software and programs by creating risk management and surety offering frameworks to produce solution-based platforms for a multitude of Clients. By leveraging his leadership skills, Ryan has trained numerous teams within the Professional Developmental Program to exceed their goals and expectations, culminating with a 90% success rate over a three-year period. With planning, analysis, and communication, Ryan maintains and solidifies existing Client relations while also creating new ones. He has a beneficial combination of skills and takes pride in the quality of his business relationships. Ryan’s unique experience, with the varied aspects of Client management, brings substantial value as Client Manager, for Provencher & Company, LLC.

Jeff Meserve, Client Manager, oversees assigned client accounts and assures delivery of custom client protocols for Provencher & Company, LLC. With over 10 years of experience developing Client relationships, Jeff has been successfully fostering deep client partnerships driven by his commitment to exceeding client expectations and the delivery of service excellence. Jeff’s experience spans from managing & mentoring, to planning & developing strategies to strengthen partner relationships in a highly collaborative approach. Jeff’s background in compliance allows him to evaluate organizational structures while assessing trends that enhance brand success to maximize Client benefits. Jeff has established trusted partnerships throughout his career. Jeff has a wealth of knowledge in Client and Partner development. With planning, analysis, and communication, Jeff maintains and solidifies existing Client relations while also creating new ones. He has a beneficial combination of skills and takes pride in the success his Clients achieve as a result of their work together. Jeff’s diligence for delighting Clients and drive for the development of new Client relationships, adds significant value as Client Manager, for Provencher & Company, LLC.

Kandy Ray, Consultant, Business Interruption, of Provencher & Company has over 30 years experience in business office management, bookkeeping and business accounting, as a Business Interruption Loss Calculator and Financial Analyst for a national independent adjusting company. During her career, Kandy has served as staff and management within various industries, gaining a working, practical knowledge of their internal accounting systems.  A strong background in accounting prepared her for the financial management of a successful, multi- location family business. Experience gained from service in a high level accounting firm in the state of Florida and management of various catastrophes has prepared her for the position she now holds today with Provencher & Company.

EDUCATION: B.A. Business Administration Accounting, Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA Harvey Busby, Jr., Director, Forensic Accounting & Regulatory Compliance, of Provencher & Company, has over 25 years experience in the insurance and accounting arenas.  Most recently, he owned his own accounting firm, H.G. Busby & Associates, until its acquisition by Provencher & Company in 2013. Throughout his career, Harvey has handled thousands of claims involving income loss, business interruption (lost profits), inventory loss and fraud including during some of the largest disasters in US history including, hurricanes Hugo, Andrew and Katrina, the Oklahoma City bombing and the Deep-Water Horizon oil spill. Prior to owning his own firm, Harvey worked for RGL Forensics as an accounting manager, and as an accountant for Lockheed-Georgia. Harvey is also a speaker and instructor on economic damage topics pertaining to business income and asset loss calculations, accounting records and analysis, and fraud investigations.

EDUCATION: AA – Accounting, University of Southwestern LA

AFFILIATIONS:

Jodi T. Venable works as a Business Interruption Case Manager in the Forensic Accounting & CPA Expert Services Unit at Provencher & Company, LLC. With experience and training in both claims administration and accounting, Jodi has developed an analytical mindset that guides her to excel in her role. Her attention to detail assures accurate delivery of custom protocols to clients of the Company. Jodi began her career as an Office Manager in a medical/dental practice in Lafayette, LA. Here she coordinated patient care, scheduling, and insurance claims information. She then moved to several Accounting Supervisor/Office Manager roles with additional responsibilities as Safety Coordinator in the Oil/Gas Services industry. In these roles, she supervised multiple departments and employees, handled A/P and A/R, HR, vendor relations and payroll. Jodi then began a General Adjuster Claims Assistant role, where she was responsible for purchasing and reconciliations, ALE, business Loss of Use, and desk file review of CAT reports. She gained experience with DOD contractors in Site Sustainment for the USMC. Here she earned a Secret Security Clearance. Jodi has served in positions of increasing responsibility with engineering technology and forensic engineering firms in Louisiana for over a decade. Jodi lists travel and family time as personal interests. A self-described lifelong learner, Jodi’s training and close attention to industry and regulatory best practices enhance her role as Business Interruption Case Manager for Provencher & Company, LLC.

Brad Gipson, General Adjuster, is a member of the Major Case Unit, assuring delivery of custom client protocols for Provencher & Company, LLC. Brad has garnered over ten years’ experience and training in a wide variety of complex, catastrophic, and daily claims management assignments. He has been responsible for successful claims resolution in Insurance Carrier, Independent Adjuster, and in Reinsurer settings. Brad’s insurance career began in a carrier setting, where he provided technical support to a field force of 200 agents. He was responsible for training and implementation of company programs, policies, and procedures. With a strong understanding of coverage, he moved to claims, bringing problem claims to fair and timely resolution. He trained new adjusters, and continued his personal technical training. As a multi-line adjuster, Brad has delivered successful resolution involving complex catastrophe, commercial and residential property, and liability assignments. He is proficient with multiple claims reporting platforms. Brad has provided expertise and advice for many agricultural claims programs. Brad enjoys outdoor time with his wife and their three children. He is an avid golfer. As a dedicated student of the industry, Brad brings substantial experience to clients of Provencher & Company, LLC

EDUCATION: B.S., Industrial Technology, Minor, Business Administration – East Carolina University; Associate in Claims – AIC Stuart Retallick, Director of Field Operations/EGA, is part of the Provencher & Company Management Team. With over 25 years’ experience in the property & casualty insurance industry, Stuart has been a Florida domiciled General Adjuster handling major losses and supervising field adjusters. Stuart began his career as a forensic engineer investigating marine, industrial, structural failures and fire before becoming an adjuster on both the carrier and independent side. Stuart has regularly conducted training classes in construction design and estimating as well as interpretation of policy coverage. Stuart has been involved in every major hurricane impacting the east coast since 1989 and is well versed in the complexities of wind vs flood. As Executive General Adjuster, Stuart is recognized as an expert in multi-million-dollar loss handling, with extensive experience in complex losses ranging from high value and historic homes and buildings, water treatment plants, agriculture, wildfires, municipal schools, universities, and other governmental entities. He also has experience with manufacturing plants, including cogeneration steam/electric power plants and fossil fuel pipeline and storage claims. He is a qualified expert witness in commercial property coverage providing depositions and courtroom testimony. He is also an experienced Appraiser and Umpire. He will also offer large loss oversight and hands on handling when needed, especially in an Expert capacity. Stuart’s extensive leadership experience, skill set and professionalism, augment his role as Director of Field Operations/EGA.

EDUCATION: A.A. Criminal Justice, University of South Alabama; McGill Toolen Institute. Kenneth Jones, Executive General Adjuster, is a member of the Major Case Unit, assuring delivery of custom client protocols for Provencher & Company, LLC. Kenneth has an extensive building construction background, having worked in and later managing his family’s construction business since his early twenties. His ability in understanding all components in the completion of commercial and residential construction projects is invaluable in the insurance industry. During his adjusting career, Kenneth has handled both residential and commercial lines losses and assisted in re-inspections of both. He is an experienced adjuster capable of handling large losses in excess of $25 million. In a managerial capacity, Kenneth has been a consulting director and administrator for various companies in claim preparedness. He also has experience handling heavy and industrial equipment, new construction, and builder’s risk.  This knowledge of the intricacies associated with the claims process provides Kenneth with the resources in expediting a client’s protocols and procedures. Kenneth has a long history in handling catastrophe losses, including those for Hurricane Andrew, Katrina, the Northridge Earthquake and most recently Hurricanes Florence and Michael. Also, he has been deployed for many wind, hail, ice and flood events across the country. This intimate experience with major catastrophes allows Kenneth to traverse the claims process in facilitating the settlement of losses, during high volume claim activity. Kenneth is a highly experienced Appraiser. His appraisal experience spans 25 years, assuring clients of timely resolutions during the process. His knowledge, expertise and dedication to understanding the facts and the truth, provide the essential tools for the Appraisal Panel in the settlement of a loss. Kenneth’s unique experience with varied aspects of loss management and successful claim resolution brings substantial value as Executive General Adjuster for Provencher & Company, LLC.

EDUCATION: B.S. in Education, Millersville University – Millersville, Pennsylvania Brian Single, Senior Claim Examiner and General Adjuster, for Provencher & Company is a seasoned professional with over 24 years of experience in the adjusting and investigating of multi-line insurance claims. Brian, who began his career as an educator, has worked in the insurance profession for both insurance companies and as an independent adjuster. Brian has developed an expertise in coverage analysis, personal lines and commercial lines property & casualty adjusting and investigation techniques and has been a speaker at seminars and training sessions. Brian currently oversees the handling of all liability claims and assists in the investigation of those claims. Brian has experience in investigating, evaluating and settling a wide variety of general liability losses. In addition, Brian reviews all aspects of adjuster reporting and provides practical solutions, recommendations and suggestions to assist our adjusters to meet the expectations of our clients.

David Ryan, Supervisor Examiner, oversees assigned client accounts and assures delivery of custom client protocols for Provencher & Company, LLC. An energetic and enthusiastic professional, David has gathered 14 years of experience in the adjustment of property claims both residential and commercial, in the catastrophic and daily claims arena. He has been responsible for successful claims resolutions in both the Insurance Carrier and Independent Adjuster settings. David began his insurance career in an Independent Adjuster setting, where he handled complex losses involving high-value homes, properties on the historic register, and agricultural losses. David then moved into the carrier setting as a multi-lines adjuster delivering successful resolution to claims involving complex catastrophe, commercial and residential property, and property liability. A student of the industry, David continues to hone his skills and has developed a strong understanding of coverage. David’s unique experience with varied aspects of loss management and successful claim resolution brings substantial value to our team. In his spare time, David enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and three children. He will often be found riding horses, fishing, hunting or just enjoying the outdoors with friends and family.

EDUCATION: B.S. in Environmental and Business Economics, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences – Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ; Associate in General Insurance – AINS; Associate in Claims – AIC Matthew Lavit, Supervising Examiner for Provencher & Company oversees assigned client accounts and assures delivery of custom client protocols for Provencher & Company, LLC. Matt has garnered a wealth of experience having worked with a National & International insurer handling residential and commercial property claims including business interruption losses. He is also a Captain in the Army Reserve serving the last 9 years as an Engineer including the last three years in command of a construction company. In this role, he is responsible for managing and training nearly 200 reservists with skills in heavy equipment operation, masonry, carpentry, plumbing and electrical. He is also responsible for all QA/QC of construction projects ensuring his team is meeting specifications given by the plans. During his deployment to Afghanistan, Matt managed over 100 projects and assisted in the master plan for the redesign of 2 bases. He has also received over 80 hours of Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) training, managing the Department of Defense response to requests for assistance (RFAs) from civil authorities for domestic emergencies like hurricanes and other natural disasters. Matt’s unique experience with varied aspects of loss management and successful claim resolution brings substantial value to our team. Matt spends as much time as possible with his wife and two children. In his free time, Matt enjoys woodworking making small furniture and playing hockey.

EDUCATION: B.S. in Criminal Justice, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois Chuck Wojciechowski, Supervising Examiner, GL General Adjuster, oversees assigned Client General Liability accounts and ensures delivery of custom Client protocols for Provencher & Company, LLC. Chuck has extensive skills investigating & settling claims, both field and desk assignments, with settlement amounts exceeding $3,000,000.00. Chuck’s years of handling General Liability exposures include School Districts, Municipalities, Trucking Companies, Construction Companies, and non-profit entities as well as AL, GL, Product Liability, Liquor Liability, Subrogation matters and other exposures. With over 20 years of Litigation Management experience, Chuck is a well-seasoned negotiator and communicator. He has hands-on experience assisting insureds and attorneys with numerous litigated matters; from initial Discovery through trial. Chuck is well versed in dealing with the complexities that arise when working General Liability, Product, and Construction Defect claims. He frequently increases his knowledge base by attending seminars and classes to improve his skills and innovations. Chuck’s distinct General Liability experience, with various elements of claim files and account management, adds significant value as Supervising Examiner, GL General Adjuster, for Provencher & Company, LLC.

EDUCATION: B.S. in Business Administration & Economics, Houghton College – Houghton, New York CERTIFICATIONS: Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU); Associate in Claims (AIC); Chartered Insurance Operations Professional (CIOP) John Amick, Supervising Examiner, General Adjuster, oversees assigned Client accounts and assures delivery of custom Client protocols for Provencher & Company, LLC. John is a multi-line insurance professional with over 30 years’ experience in claim handling, quality control, and    claims management.  His old fashioned values of fairness, integrity and respect are the attributes that make him the successful leader he is today. John’s experience spans all lines of business for both personal and commercial claims including property, casualty and auto.  As Assistant Vice President and Vice President of a mutual insurance company, John fully understands the pressures most of our clients face which gives him a unique perspective and ability to partner with clients bringing successful outcomes. John’s education includes a B.S. degree from Houghton College in Business Administration/Economics, AIC and CPCU designation from The Institute and CIOP (Chartered Insurance Operations Professional) designation from the CIOP Institute in NY.  John has been involved with the Vermont Claims Association and the Vermont Chapter of CPCU. John’s ambitious personality and unique experience with varied aspects of loss management and successful claim resolution brings substantial value to our team at Provencher & Company, LLC.

Carol Prewitt, Supervising Examiner, oversees assigned client accounts and assures delivery of custom client protocols for Provencher & Company, LLC. Carol is a multi-line insurance professional with over 10 years experience in handling large property, industrial, and catastrophe claims. Her background in the industrial construction field brings a unique perspective to claim handling. Throughout her career, Carol has successfully managed, investigated, and settled claims in a variety of areas, such as commercial and industrial properties, environmental accidents, loss disputes and litigation, and large residential catastrophe claims. She has provided additional services such as adjuster training and coaching and has experience with reading blueprints and engineering specifications. Her unique knowledge has allowed her to bring claims to a successful resolution. Carol Prewitt’s experience with varied aspects of claims management and successful resolution brings significant value to the team of Provencher & Company, LLC.