MPG Team Bios

Tammy Ackerson, Recreational Marine Underwriting Assistant

Tammy began with Marine MGA in 1996. Her 20 years in insurance include policy administration with New Hampshire Insurance, and she now works with the NAS program as an Underwriting Assistant in our Rec. Marine division. She lives with her family in Manchester, NH.

Erin Atiya, Inland Marine Underwriting Assistant

In 2003, Erin joined Marine MGA and now has seven years of industry experience, all of them with us. She’s a valuable member of our team of Underwriting Assistants and provides great value to our broker partners She resides in Manchester, NH, and can be found during the summer on Lake Winnipesaukee with her family.

Janet Ayers, Inland Marine Underwriting Assistant

Janet became part of Marine MGA in 1992 and has compiled 22 years of direct experience in the business, with a focus on Underwriting. She worked for New Hampshire Insurance in the Inland and Ocean marine sectors prior to joining Marine MGA and puts those same skills to work in her current role with the company. Janet currently resides in Campton, NH.

Ann Babbitt, Ocean Marine Underwriting Assistant

Annie joined Maritime Program Group in 2012 as an Ocean Marine Underwriting Assistant. Her 25 years insurance industry experience includes 11 years at New Hampshire Insurance Company and 15 years in healthcare insurance. Ann currently lives in Manchester, NH. She enjoys her pets, Cape Cod, and is an avid Patriots fan.

Don Bardinelli, Director of Development

Don started with Maritime General Agency in 2008. He has 17 years of programming experience, having previously worked at Nielsen Media Research. Don is responsible for managing all aspects of the software that is custom developed for MPG. He was born in Connecticut and now lives in Clinton, CT. with his family.

Penny Beaudry, Accounting Manager

Prior to joining Maritime Program Group in 2011, Penny spent the past 11 years in the P&C insurance industry as an Accounts Receivable Manager and most recently as a General Accounting Manager with Unitrin Direct. Penny enjoys spending time with her partner Ken going on long walks, beachcombing, and gardening.

Esther Bettum, ACSR, Commercial Underwriter

Esther became part of Maritime General Agency in 2005, yet her background in insurance goes back 22 years, with 12 spent in the marine sector. She has worked for Pilots Point Marina, and has direct experience in the daily business of professional marina operations. Today Esther leads the charge for the Chubb Rec. Marine program. A current resident of Lewis Run, PA, she enjoys stained glass as a hobby.

Debra Biegaj, Commercial Underwriting Technician

Debra began working with Maritime General Agency in 2000, but her experience in the insurance industry goes back 36 years. During her career she has earned her Property & Casualty license and worked for The Hartford in the commercial excess property area. She has a lifelong relationship with the shoreline and grew up racing sailboats in Long Island Sound. She devotes lots of time to raising her son and daughter with her husband, and still has a passion for sailing and the ocean.

Derek Bohan, Commercial Underwriting Assistant

Prior to joining Maritime Program Group in 2012, Derek spent the last several years working for Unitrin Direct as a personal lines underwriter. Derek has a CT P&C Producers License and a background that includes insurance sales. Derek was born in Hamden, CT and still lives there with his wife and son. He enjoys hockey, working out and boating.

Tim Boyle, Director, Private Client Services

Prior to joining Maritime Program Group Tim spent 10+ years working with high net worth insurance clients, most recently as Director of Personal Lines at large retail agency, Keevily Spero Whitelaw, Inc. Before that Tim was Office Head for Marsh Private Client Services in Norwalk, CT. Tim lives in Bethel, CT with his wife and daughter and enjoys running and golf. Additionally, Tim recently completed his first toughman triathlon.

Deborah Cameron, Administrative Assistant

Deborah started with Maritime General Agency in 2004. Prior to that, Deborah served as a Marketing Executive Assistant at Perrier, and in similar positions for Foxwoods Resort Casino and Sovereign Bank. Today Deb keeps our Rec. Marine team organized and on task. A Canadian native, she currently lives in Old Saybrook, CT.

Tamara Campbell, Inland Marine Underwriting Technician

Tamara began her service to Marine MGA in 2000, and has more than a decade of industry experience. She’s a valuable member of our team of Underwriting Technicians. She was born and raised in New Hampshire and now lives with her family in Candia, NH.

Brenda Champagne, Commercial Underwriter

In 2002 Brenda became part of Marine MGA and she has 28 years of industry experience. She worked at New Hampshire Insurance as a commercial lines underwriter in the Marine Department and Merchants Mutual as New England Regional Team Leader in commercial lines underwriting. She has worked extensively with boat dealers, marinas, and yacht clubs. Today she resides in Manchester, NH.

Tanya Drouin, Recreational Marine Underwriting Assistant

Tanya started working for Marine MGA in 1996. With 15 years of industry experience, Tanya has served as a file clerk as well as an underwriting assistant. She assists our Rec Marine team with rating, issuance and broker service. She was born in New Hampshire and today resides in Manchester with her family.

Jodie Ferraro, Ocean Marine Underwriting Technician

Jodie began her work with Windward Marine Underwriters in 2007 as an Assistant Yacht Underwriter. She now is an Ocean Marine Underwriting Technician with MPG. She has direct experience as Captain of an 80-foot traditional schooner, a 60-foot pilot boat, and she has worked as Chief Mate on vessels from 300-ton high speed ferries to 1600 ton auto ferries. Raised in Tempe, AZ, she now lives in Groton, CT.

Stephanie Ferreira, CLCS, Recreational Marine Underwriting Assistant

Stephanie joined the ranks of Marine MGA in 2010, having come from her position at a retail agency, where she worked in Commercial lines. Today she’s assisting our Rec. Marine division with rating, issuance and policy administration. She has five years of experience in the industry and resides in Manchester, NH with her family.

Hiromi Frady, Recreational Marine Underwriting Assistant

Prior to joining Maritime Program Group in 2012, Hiromi worked for Willis Programs as a rating specialist. Today, she is assisting our Recreational Marine division with rating, issuance and policy administration. She was born in Japan and resides today in New Durham, NH.

Anne Gallagher, Commercial Underwriter

Anne joined Marine MGA in 1993 as one of the founding underwriters for the highly successful North American Specialty Recreational Marine program where she still performs today. Anne boasts 31 years of experience in the insurance industry, much of which was compiled in Underwriting and Marketing at New Hampshire Insurance Company, and AINetwork. She grew up in NH and resides in Hopkinton, NH, where she enjoys college sports, cooking, and horseback riding.

Jarixa Garriga, Yacht Underwriting Assistant

Jarixa began working for Maritime General Agency in 2007 and now has several years in the insurance industry. She has served as an Underwriting Assistant for the Yacht Department and the Private Client Group and has deep banking experience as well. Born in Lancaster, PA, she lives in Clinton, CT today.

Sarah Gonzalez, Commercial Underwriting Technician

Hired by Maritime General Agency in 2002, Sarah became an Underwriting Assistant and holds a CT Producers License for P&C and is responsible for assisting in the underwriting, quoting and issuance of MPG’s Rec. Marine accounts. She grew up on the shores of Puerto Rico, and still loves the ocean as well as soccer, billiards, and photography. She lives in Clinton, CT, and has two daughters.

Charles “Ron” Hayes, ARM, Director of Brokerage

Ron began his career in the insurance business as a producer for Liberty Mutual in Portland Oregon. After a number of years, a number of office transfers, Ron managed the Sales Administration Department for the eleven Western states out of dual offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco. With no desire to move East, Ron made the switch to the broker side and moved back to Portland with one of the earlier and larger AON companies. He rose to Senior Vice President, managing the entire production efforts for the Portland office, with some additional NW regional responsibilities. Ron became owner of his own retail agency in 1994, adding program management, wholesale operations, and became a Lloyds coverholder over the next few years. Ron served as Chairman of Pacific Marine & Energy Resources, Inc. a retail broker, Chairman of Pacific Underwriting Professionals (PUP), a program manager, captive consultant, and wholesale brokerage. After the sale of the retail book, PUP was sold to Fortegra Financial/Bliss & Glennon where he served as Executive Vice President of the NW region and National Marine department. Ron has served on a number of boards, both industry related and non-profits. Ron is an avid jazz musician, collector of antique musical instruments, fly fisherman, and wine collector among many other interests.

Ray Henault, Director of Marine Claims Management Unit

Having started as the Marine Claims Manager with Marine MGA in 1993, it’s hard to imagine that Ray hasn’t seen it all. Now, as the Director of MPG’s Marine Claims Management Unit, Ray and his team help brokers navigate the claims process with constant and clear communications. Whether it’s a roadside trucking loss or peril on the high seas, Ray’s 18 years of experience works hard for our brokers. Ray did his undergraduate work at UNH and today he resides in Derry, NH with his family and is both an avid reader and gardener.

Lina S. Jayme, CIC, AAI, CPIW, VP of Brokerage

Lina taught Physics and Mathematics in a private high school in Manila, Philippines after she graduated from M.I.T. with degree in B.S. Mathematics. Her family moved to Guam in 1972 where she transitioned to selling all lines of insurance as a Broker. In 1976, the family moved to Portland, OR where she was employed by Fred S. James & Co of OR (became Sedgwick of OR and now Marsh, U.S.A), for 17 years. She served in various capacities; rating supervisor, agency underwriter, manager of Commercial Training and Education Dept, and Asst. Vice Pres. of Marketing. In 2002, Lina became a principal and President of Pacific Marine & Energy Resources, Inc., a retail agency specializing in insurance for marine and related industry until 2010. Prior to MPG, Lina was the Senior VP, Marine Brokerage Division of Bliss & Glennon, Inc. Her passion for continuous education has helped her attain three professional designations, CIC, AAI, and CPIW, and working on 4th, the AMIM. Lina is a Surplus Line Signatory in Oregon. For community involvement, Lina co-founded the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon in 1996 and served as Executive Vice President for 4 years. Lina’s family consist of a retired electrical engineer husband, 2 children (Journalist and IT Manager), and both are proud grandparents of 4 boys and 1 girl, ages 1 to 8 years old. Cooking, crocheting, dancing and solving Cross-Word and Sudoku puzzles are her favorite past times.

Maura King, Commercial Underwriting Technician

She has 26 years of experience in Commercial Insurance and joined Marine MGA in 2008. Maura has a comprehensive background in P&C, Workers Compensation, Regulation and Compliance. She has worked both at carrier and company levels with New Hampshire Insurance Group & Mountain Valley Indemnity/White Mountains Insurance Company as well as Specialized Program Companies with North American Specialty Insurance Company & Syndicated Services Company. She grew up in Clinton, CT but now lives in Barnstead, NH.

Suzanne Lishnoff, Account Representative, Private Client Services

Suzanne Lishnoff joined MPG in March 2012 having worked for DFM Insurance of Old Greenwich, CT and William Raveis Insurance in Shelton, CT where she was the Personal Lines Sales Director. Born and raised in Washington Twp, NJ, Suzanne now resides in Naugatuck, CT with her husband and 2 children. Suzanne’s interests include reading, cooking, gardening, the beach and boats.

Barbara Minges, Executive Assistant

Prior to joining Maritime Program Group on May 2012, Barbara worked as Executive Assistant at the Institutes for Pharmaceutical Discovery in Branford, CT and Daniel Hand High School in Madison, CT. She is a volunteer firefighter in North Madison, enjoys boating, camping and lives in Madison, Connecticut.

David Morrill, Inland Marine Program Manager

In 1995 David joined the ranks of Marine MGA. His 25 years in the insurance field include extensive experience as an Inland Marine Underwriter for New Hampshire Insurance, as well as Peerless Insurance. Today David leads our team of inland marine underwriters and is responsible for development of our Inland Marine Programs. He grew up in Concord, NH, and lives there today with his family. David coaches softball and soccer and is known to swing a golf club.

Sandra Molan, Executive Assistant

Starting with Marine MGA in its early years in 1991, Sandi has helped build the foundation upon which MPG now operates. She brings over 27 years of experience to her position as an Executive Assistant at MPG. She previously worked for the New Hampshire Insurance Company, where she served as a departmental supervisor. She is a lifelong New Hampshire resident, and currently lives in Manchester with her family.

Kellie Mosher, CIC, Commercial Underwriter

Kellie joined Maritime General Agency in 2002, after compiling extensive experience as a Senior Underwriter for SAFECO. She started with MPG as an Assistant Underwriter and worked her way up into one of the Commercial Underwriting positions where she’s responsible for a book of business for the New Hampshire Insurance Company Rec. Marine portfolio. She obtained her CIC designation in 2007. Raised in Buffalo, NY, Kellie now enjoys sailing along the shoreline of CT and currently resides in East Haddam, CT.

Dawn Novelli, Director of First Impressions

Dawn joined MPG in 2005 as Communication Center Coordinator, bringing with her more than 20 years of administrative and communication experience. Dawn is well-known for making an incredibly positive first impression for our many inbound callers and visitors. Located in our Westbrook, CT office, she manages the flow of communication for our many locations. Dawn and her family reside in Guilford, CT.

Mallory Ortiz, Commercial Underwriting Technician

Mallory was hired by Maritime General Agency in 2005 after beginning her career in banking at NewAlliance. She has earned her P&C license and is responsible for assisting in the underwriting, quoting and issuance of MPG’s Rec. Marine accounts. A resident of Clinton, CT, where she enjoys spending time on her family’s yacht, reading, working out, and relaxing on the beach.

Stephanie Sacco, CIC, Commercial Underwriter

Stephanie joined Maritime General Agency in 2002 and has 30 years of insurance industry experience. She has worked for Smith Brothers and RC Knox, two CT firms where she serviced large commercial accounts. She has also worked for American Direct, as an Underwriter for small business and for Brown & Brown, where she was a Marketing Representative for a New England Professional Malpractice program. Currently Stephanie is one of a team of Commercial Underwriting positions where she’s responsible for a book of business for the New Hampshire Insurance Company Rec. Marine portfolio. She lives with her family in Old Lyme, CT, and enjoys walking, boating, and gardening.

Ned Sawyer, Ocean Marine Underwriter

In 2006, Ned joined Maritime General Agency. He began his insurance career as a Yacht Underwriter prior to committing his talents to learning the business side of water - Ocean Marine. Ned has extensive maritime experience; he earned his BA in Marine Policy and minored in Fisheries Technology at URI. He was a service professional in a New York marina, and his family includes three generations of commercial lobster fishing. Today he lives in Groton and remains very close to the ocean in every respect.

Amye Soboleski, Yacht Underwriting Assistant

After taking a hiatus to raise her three children, Amye Soboleski rejoined MPG in 2012 as a Yacht Underwriting Assistant. Amye previously worked at The Hartford in Personal Lines. She received her BA in Anthropology and Spanish from Central Connecticut State University and recently completed her MBA through the University of Phoenix. Amye grew up on the Connecticut shoreline as a boater and while living in San Diego spent time crewing on yachts on the West Coast, Central America and the Caribbean. She currently resides in Ivoryton, CT with her three sons, husband and two dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, bicycling, gardening and spending time with her family.

Melissa Sousa, CPCU, AU, AIS, ARM, AINS, Commercial Underwriter

Melissa joined Maritime Program Group in 2011 with 10+ years of industry experience. She previously worked at Willis of NH as a Production Underwriter for both the recycling and waste hauling programs. When not studying for another exam, she enjoys spending as much time as possible with her family, especially her grandchildren. Melissa currently resides in Rochester, NH.

Suzanne Steele, Commercial Underwriting Assistant

Suzanne was hired by Windward Marine in 2008 for her strong skills in customer service and communication, which support her role as Underwriting Assistant. She grew up in Butler, PA and currently resides in Lewis Run, PA.

Michael Terrier, USCG, CFM, LUTCF, Senior Yacht Underwriter

Michael joined Maritime General Agency in 2003, but he has served the insurance and finance industries for more than 22 years with companies such as MetLife, American Phoenix, and Merrill Lynch. Equally impressive is his experience on the water – as a charter captain, Merchant Marine Officer, and U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain. Michael has logged more than 2000 days at sea from Maine to the Florida Keys, Central America, the Pacific, and more.

Marisa Tranghese, Commercial Underwriter

She joined Maritime General Agency in 2007 having just graduated from Bay Path College. She’s quickly become a valuable member of our commercial team of Underwriters as well as being the team leader for the oversight and implementation of our underwriting technology platform. Marisa resides in Niantic, CT, just a few yards from Rocky Neck State Beach.

Shari Trefil, Senior Broker - Recreational Marine

Shari has over 23 years of experience in the insurance industry, having spent the last four years serving as a Branch Manager for Britt/Paulk’s Marine Division. Prior to that, Shari worked with Universal Insurance out of Grand Rapids, MI, where she was the Marine Department Manager overseeing both retail and wholesale marine risks. Shari started her insurance career as a State Farm agent selling personal insurance, including a lot of boat insurance. Born and raised in Michigan, today Shari resides in Port St Lucie, FL where she enjoys boating, fishing, attending car shows and spending time with her family.

Bill Turner, Director of IT

Bill joined MPG in 2013 as Director of IT. He comes to us with extensive experience in Information Technology, LAN/WAN communications and Computer Security. Bill is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and previously served for several years as a Security Architect at a large telecommunications manufacturing company before joining our team. Bill is a co-inventor of patented software technology which improves the performance of 3G mobile data networks. He earned his M. Sc. in Information Technology Management from Regis University where he was awarded Graduate Honors. Currently residing in Higganum, CT with his family, Bill is a lifelong boater, and enjoys sailing to numerous destinations along the Northeast coastline.

Julie Upp, Yacht Underwriting Technician

She began work for Maritime General Agency in 2004, and rejoined the company in 2010 after a stint overseas. She now has more than 12 years of experience in insurance and finance and previously worked for Royal & SunAlliance as an Underwriting Assistant supporting the Yacht Department. Today she lives in Salisbury, NC.

Kristen Virgilio, Marketing, Private Client Services

Kristen started working full time with Marine MGA in 1996 after graduating from Colgate University with a degree in sociology and economics. She spent the next 13 years learning the arts of marketing and underwriting specialty insurance from the industry's best. During that time, she relocated to Charleston, SC in 1998 to open a regional office where she worked until a move forced her into temporary retirement in late 2009. A wife and mother to two, Kristen currently lives in Gloucester, MA where she enjoys paddle boarding, scenic jogs and photography.

Mary Waddleton, Yacht Underwriter

Mary became part of Maritime General Agency in 1998. Her insurance career began at The Hartford Insurance Company and she began her yacht insurance career with Gowrie Barden & Brett. With a lifetime of passion for the water, Mary once sailed her 30’ Lippincott to the Bahamas, embarking on a two-year adventure after which she became a first mate and stewardess on private yachts along the full Eastern Seaboard as well as in the Caribbean. She is an avid boater, a resident of the CT shoreline, and mother to a son serving in the U.S. Navy.

Andrea Ward, Yacht Underwriter

Andrea began working for Maritime General Agency in 2004 as an Underwriting Assistant and gradually earned her spot as a Yacht Underwriter where she manages the renewals for New Hampshire Insurance Company. She previously worked as a paralegal, compiling deep experience in business law and environmental litigation. She has a BS in political science and currently lives in Guilford. Andrea enjoys hiking, cycling, and kayaking.

Pauline Whalen, Ocean Marine Underwriting Technician

Pauline came on board with Marine MGA in 1996 and has more than 28 years of experience in the insurance industry. Previously, she worked at New Hampshire Insurance in both the Inland Marine and Ocean Marine areas. Her true loves remain the ocean and her two daughters. Currently she resides in Manchester, NH.

Sue Williams, Yacht Program Manager - Windward

Sue’s tenure began with Windward Marine Underwriters in 2005. She has more than 24 years of experience in underwriting private pleasure and commercial risks. She worked in Cigna’s Yacht Department, the Zurich Yacht Department, and the Royal and SunAlliance Yacht Department and has an impressive range of experience in underwriting, analyzing, and supervising. She lives with her family in Concord, NC.

Susan Winter, ASLI, Recreational Marine Underwriting Technician

Susan joined Maritime Program Group in 2011 with 14 years commercial insurance experience including property & casualty and work comp. She has worked for all types of insurance businesses including carriers, agencies and MGA’s including Safeco, Russell Bond & Co in NY and Willis Programs. Susan grew up in Portsmouth NH, has lived in Colorado, Western NY, and South Carolina and currently resides in Windham, NH and is presently working on her Bachelors Degree at SNHU.

Ann-Marie Woodlock, Claims Assistant

Ann-Marie began work for Marine MGA in 1991 and is a 25-year professional in the insurance industry. Her expertise is put to use in our claims department where she helps organize and administrate the claims process for our brokers. A lifelong NH resident, today she lives in Manchester.

Bill Worden, Western Regional Manager

Bill joined Maritime General Agency in 2007 with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Today, as MPG’s Western Regional Manager, he has worked in practically every position of the business, with extensive background in recreational and commercial marine insurance with carriers such as Travelers, CIGNA, and Zurich. Currently Bill heads up production and marketing for MPG’s key relationships in our Western territory. Boating is in his blood; the family tree includes captains, harbormasters, marine engineers and boat builders. Bill lives in California (where he graduated from University of California Santa Barbara) with his wife, and enjoys sailing as well as power boating. He has extensive experience racing sailboats and restoring classic runabouts.

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