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MANAGEMENT TEAM

Tom Ruggieri

CEO

Mark Smith

President

Kyle Stevens

Executive Partner

Landon Parnell

Executive Partner

Steve Kass

Executive Partner

Ed Forer

Chief Administrative Officer

Dana Bjornson

Chief Financial Officer

Ashley Cavanaugh

General Counsel

Steven Vallejo

EVP, Transportation
Co-Practice Leader

Derek Brooks

EVP, Transportation
Co-Practice Leader

Mark Kaufman

Southwest Executive
Vice President

Jenny Crane

Northwest Executive
Vice President

Glen Pomeroy

EVP, Personal Lines

Betty Sikora

Regional Executive
Vice President

Patrick Sikora

Executive
Vice President

Matt Leicht

Southcentral Executive
Vice President

Judy Hall

EVP, P&C Underwriting

Amy Leicht

EVP, P&C Underwriting

Dan Rieden

Executive Vice President, Workers’ Compensation

Mike Foley

Executive Vice President, Brokerage & Construction

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Ed Forer

Chief Administrative Officer

Edward Forer, currently serving as the Chief Administrative & Information Officer, brings an extensive background in operations, expertly bridging the gap between clients, business strategies, and technology. In his current executive leadership role, he emphasizes the importance of business intelligence within the Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance industry, viewing it as crucial for overall success. Forer’s career highlights include co-founding Advisen, a leading provider of data, media, and technology solutions for the commercial P&C insurance market, and serving as Vice President at Swett & Crawford, a renowned wholesale brokerage firm. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the prestigious Rochester Institute of Technology.

Dana Bjornson

Chief Financial Officer

Dana Bjornson, Chief Financial Officer, leads XPT Group’s financial strategy, focusing on sustainable growth and the company’s continued success. With over 40 years of experience in finance, Bjornson brings a wealth of expertise to the role. He began his career as a CPA at KPMG and has held numerous leadership positions across the insurance, mortgage, and investment banking sectors. Notably, he spent 22 years as CFO at George K. Baum & Company, a firm specializing in public finance and taxable fixed-income sales and trading, and most recently served as CFO at Mylo, a digital insurance agency.

Mike Foley

Executive Vice President Brokerage & Construction

Mike brings over 34 years of extensive E&S experience to his role as Executive Vice President, Brokerage & Construction at XPT Specialty. His journey began at AJ Renner in Los Angeles, where he honed his skills. Notably, he played a pivotal role in establishing and crafting the initial Residential Wrap Up Policy Forms during the 1990s.

His expertise lies in navigating challenging Primary and Excess Liability scenarios for both Residential and Commercial Construction Accounts. Additionally, he excels in handling heavy E&S exposures, particularly in Product Liability, Habitational, and Hospitality Liability sectors.

 

Jenny Crane

Northwest Executive Vice President

Jenny Crane is a veteran insurance professional boasting more than three decades of industry experience. Her extensive expertise serves as the driving force behind XPT’s expanding presence in the Pacific Northwest.

Jenny embarked on her insurance journey in the wholesale sector in 2004, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding solutions to clients throughout career. Prior to joining XPT in 2022,  Jenny held a leadership role overseeing the Oregon and Washington offices of a nationally renowned wholesaler for 18 year . It is in this capacity that she honed her skills, specializing in Binding Authority and Small Brokerage.

With a wealth of experience and a dedication to excellence, Jenny Crane stands as a key figure in the insurance industry, positioned to lead XPT in delivering customized solutions to clients in the Pacific Northwest.

Dan Rieden

Executive Vice President, Workers’ Compensation

With a career spanning over 35 years in the insurance industry, Dan is a seasoned professional who has dedicated 25 of those years to specializing as a Managing General Underwriter and Program Administrator. His expertise lies in the complex realm of Workers’ Compensation insurance, where he has made a significant impact through his unwavering commitment and exceptional achievements. Dan’s dedication to the insurance industry is evident through his professional qualifications. In 1997, he earned the prestigious designation of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), showcasing his deep knowledge and commitment to providing expert counsel to clients. Building on this foundation, he achieved the Certified Program Leader (CPL) designation in 2013, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the field.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dan has invested much of his focus on the creation and development of innovative workers’ compensation underwriting platforms. His visionary approach has led to the establishment of successful teams that have collectively generated an impressive portfolio, playing a pivotal role in supporting small to medium-sized businesses and ensuring their financial protection.

Dan’s remarkable journey in the insurance industry is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to providing top-notch insurance solutions. His pioneering work in Workers’ Compensation underwriting has left an indelible mark, making him a respected figure in the industry.

Amy Leicht

EVP, P&C Underwriting
Amy was president of Craig & Leicht, XPT Specialty’s latest acquisition. Amy started down the insurance path at a very young age like her brother Matt, separating policies for her parent’s wholesale insurance company after school as early as 5th grade! She worked for her parent’s business on and off until college, and has now been working full time in the industry for 20 years. She attended Stephen F. Austin State University where she graduated with her Bachelor of Applied Science in marketing in 2001. She has worked in both small and large wholesale establishments but prefers working as a small business owner because it’s easier to maintain closer relationships with retailers and adapt quickly to individual needs. Amy loves traveling and considers herself to have extreme wanderlust.

Judy Hall

EVP, P&C Underwriting

With nearly three decades of dedicated service, Judy Hall is a valued member of the XPT family, having joined the organization when it was known as Western Security Surplus. Her remarkable journey with the company spans almost 30 years, showcasing her unwavering commitment and expertise in the insurance industry.

In her current role as Executive Vice President (EVP) of Property & Casualty (P&C) Underwriting, Judy holds a pivotal position within XPT. Her primary focus lies in the MGA sector, specializing in contract binding for P&C insurance.

As EVP, Judy assumes responsibility for overseeing the production and outcomes of XPT’s binding market contracts. Her meticulous approach and dedication ensure that these contracts are not only efficiently managed but also yield optimal results for both the company and its clients. Additionally, Judy plays a crucial role in collaborating closely with the renewal team, contributing to the seamless renewal process for numerous XPT Specialty brokers.

Matt Leicht

Southcentral Executive Vice President

Matt served as chief executive officer of Craig & Leicht, which was XPT Specialty’s latest acquisition. He started in the industry at 15 when Mom and Dad put him to work as an intern in their own brokerage firm. He attended the University of St. Thomas in Houston where he graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics. Matt took his first leadership role at the Texas Surplus Lines Association Inc in 2005 when he served on the host committee for the annual and midyear conventions. In 2018, Matt was elected president of the TSLA. He also has certifications both as a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC). When Matt isn’t playing in a foursome with all lefties, he’s spending time with his wife and three kids.

Patrick Sikora

Executive Vice President

Patrick has been in the Insurance Field since the late 1980’s starting out as an insurance regulator for the Department of Banking, Insurance & Securities which is now known as the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation.

Patrick is the head of the Personal Lines Dept. and is responsible for setting up various insurance programs for the office. He also underwrites Professional and Property and Casualty Lines and oversees the Hospitality Program.

He has served as Vice President of the Vermont Society of Financial Examiners, President of the Agency Advisory Board for the IAT Specialty Group and has been involved as a local high school athletic coach.

Patrick resides in East Montpelier Vermont with his wife, Betty and has three adult age children. In his spare time, you can find Patrick on the golf course or spending time with his grandchildren.

Glen Pomeroy

EVP, Personal Lines

Glen Pomeroy has over 20 years of experience in the insurance field after graduating from Indiana University with a degree in Public Finance with a minor in Economics.  Glen Pomeroy previously held the position of owner and President of Insurance Brokers Incorporated (IBI), which was acquired by XPT Specialty in early 2022. Glen and his team of experts specialize in a broad range of personal, commercial and E&S insurance products throughout the Midwest and surrounding states.  Glen’s primary objective in his insurance career has been to provide opportunities to his retail customers with an emphasis on product innovation and mutual success.

Betty Sikora

Regional Executive Vice President

Betty has been in the Insurance Field since 1984, starting out as a retail insurance agent. She began her career in the MGA/Wholesale Insurance field in 1989 where she worked as an underwriter and then moved up to Vice President of Underwriting. In 1998 Betty and her husband Patrick started S&H Underwriters, later acquired by XPT Specialty.

She is active in the local insurance professional association and has served as President in the past. She has served on various committees within the association including Safety, Meetings & Events and Education. Most recently in 2016 Betty was awarded Insurance Professional of the Year by the Champlain Valley Association of Insurance Professionals.

Betty resides in East Montpelier Vermont with her husband Patrick and golden retriever Peyton. She enjoys running successfully completing several half marathon’s and her one and only full marathon in 2013.

Ashley Cavanaugh

General Counsel
As XPT Specialty’s Deputy General Counsel, Ashley Cavanaugh guides practice group leaders by identifying and managing legal risks to support business success. Ashley began her legal career in 2008 and was most recently Associate General Counsel at AIG. She was also head of litigation for a large part of the business handling class actions and single party litigation.

Mark Kaufman

Southwest Executive Vice President

Kaufman has over 34 years of experience in excess and surplus lines and most recently held the COO position for Monarch E&S Insurance Services, where he worked for the past 24 years. Kaufman is currently serving as President of CIWA, the California Insurance Wholesalers Association, and has been recognized by local independent retail associations for his continued support. He holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University.

Steven Vallejo

EVP, Transportation Co-Practice Leader

Steven Vallejo founded SVA Underwriting, which was later acquired by XPT, and served as President. He has over 30 years of Property and Casualty underwriting experience in the Commercial Auto and Transportation Insurance industry specializing in Auto Liability, Physical Damage, Cargo, and General Liability. Prior to founding SVA Underwriting Services, Inc. Steven was a Managing Partner and the Vice President at Transportation Coverage Specialists, Inc., one of the largest Managing General Agencies in the United States. Steven holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Iona College.

Derek Brooks

EVP, Transportation Co-Practice Leader

Derek began his career at WE Love in 1999, becoming part of XPT Specialty in 2018. His duties include underwriting operations, company workflow management, staff training, system implementations, and new broker appointments. Derek attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is actively a member of the AAMGA Under Forty Organization.

Landon Parnell

Group Executive Vice President

Prior to XPT Specialty, Landon Parnell achieved great success as President of LP Risk, developing technical knowledge of underwriters and the market relationships of brokers, while making service the main priority. As Group Executive Vice President for XPT, Landon has played a key role in strengthening the knowledge of the transportation division along with increased growth of other industries including construction and hospitality.

Kyle Stevens

Group Executive Vice President

Kyle Stevens began his career with Western Security Surplus, later becoming XPT. He has held various positions including COO and President/CEO/Owner, now serving as Group Executive Vice President. Kyle has played a key role in XPT’s industry leading growth and commitment to service through new product development, services and technologies to best serve clients.

Mark Smith

President

Mark M. Smith serves as President of XPT Specialty, making a significant impact on the company’s leadership, corporate development and growth strategies. With a successful history of over 30 years building, expanding and developing major wholesale platforms, Mark brings a wealth of expertise to his role.

In his capacity as President, Mark spearheads business development initiatives, focusing on recruiting top producers and forging strategic partnerships. His role also involves fostering organic growth, renewal retention, expanding market access, leading new product development, and providing exclusive products to client agencies. Under Mark’s leadership, XPT is committed to further enhancing its position as a leading wholesale brokerage firm. 

Mark’s impressive career journey includes leadership positions with prominent industry players such as Stewart Smith Group and AmWINS Brokerage. He has also contributed significantly to business development at RT Specialty and Swett & Crawford. Most notably, Mark is a Founding Partner of XPT, demonstrating his commitment to the company’s vision and success.

With a proven track record in business development and a deep understanding of distribution dynamics, Mark Smith is poised to lead XPT Specialty into a new era of growth, collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

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