Speaker Bios

Sarah Gundersen

EVP and Head of E & S Casualty

Sara Gundersen is the Executive Vice President and Head of E&S Casualty at Sompo North America, based in New York
With extensive experience in the insurance industry, Sara leads a team dedicated to providing exceptional underwriting services and innovative solutions. Her leadership and expertise have been instrumental in driving the success of various training programs, including the North America Enhanced Training for Underwriting Support Teams
Sara is committed to fostering professional growth and development within her team, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their roles. She was recently interview during the WSIA in Arizona. Listen to her  Interview on WorkVivo.

Ross Paxton

Senior Vice President for Casualty Underwriting

With a wealth of experience in the insurance industry, Ross specializes in excess and surplus (E&S) casualty underwriting. His expertise includes risk assessment, policy development, and strategic planning, making him a key leader in his field. Ross's commitment to excellence and his ability to navigate complex underwriting challenges have earned him a reputation for delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service.

Chris Howe

Christopher Howe is the Senior Vice President and Western Region Leader for E&S Excess Casualty at Sompo International. In this role, he is responsible for underwriting business on behalf of several companies, including Endurance American Insurance Company, Endurance American Specialty Insurance Company, Endurance Assurance Corporation, and Endurance Risk Solutions Assurance Company. His authority in underwriting is extensive, covering various lines of business and policy limits.

Mr. Howe's career at Sompo International is marked by significant contributions to the field of underwriting and risk management. He has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing strategies that enhance the company's ability to manage and mitigate risks effectively. His expertise in underwriting and his leadership in the Western Region have been instrumental in driving the success of Sompo International's E&S Excess Casualty division.

Gary Davis

Vice President, Aviation Underwriting

Gary Davis is the Vice President at W. Brown & Associates Insurance Services, LLC, a Sompo Company. Based in Irvine, California, Gary has been instrumental in leading the US Aviation department. With a wealth of experience in the insurance industry, Gary has consistently demonstrated his expertise and commitment to excellence. His role involves overseeing various aspects of aviation insurance, ensuring that clients receive top-notch service and support. 

In addition to his professional achievements, Gary is known for his collaborative spirit and ability to work effectively with colleagues across different departments. His leadership style is characterized by a focus on teamwork and innovation, which has helped drive the success of W. Brown & Associates. Gary's passion for the industry and his commitment to continuous improvement make him a respected figure in the field of aviation insurance. His contributions have not only enhanced the company's operations but also set a high standard for others to follow.

Dena Madriaga

Vice President, Operations, US Aviation

 

Dena Madriaga has over 25 years of experience in the aviation insurance industry. She began her career at W. Brown & Associates as a typist before moving into an underwriting assistant (UA) role, eventually advancing to a Senior UA position. In 2021, she transitioned into underwriting while continuing to guide the UA team. Recognizing the need for dedicated UA leadership, she took the initiative to step into a dual role as both underwriter and UA supervisor in 2023. In this position, she streamlined processes, enhanced efficiency, and fostered team development, paving the way for the creation of a formal supervisory role. In 2024, she was promoted to Operations Manager, where she now oversees policy issuance workflows, champions best practices, and drives operational excellence.

 

Erin Jacobs

Senior Operations Analyst

Speaker Topic:  Empowering Assurance: Navigating Your Future with   Sompo's Control Self-Assessment (CSA) Team

Erin Jacobs' professional journey began uniquely at the age of 17 when she enlisted in the Army National Guard while still a Junior in High School. This early experience catalyzed her rapid mental and emotional development. Following her military service, Erin spent a couple of years at AutoZone and several years in management with CVS. In 2014, she joined Sompo International, where she has experienced substantial professional growth. Her roles have included Underwriting Technician, Underwriting Assistant, Small Business Underwriter, and currently, Senior Operations Analyst. Erin takes immense pride in her professional accomplishments at Sompo and values the growth opportunities the company has provided. However, her most cherished roles are as a Wife and Mother and she considers these to be her greatest achievements.