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.

Janet Ayres, 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.

Don Bardinelli, Director IT Services

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 the development and maintenance of the various custom marine underwriting platforms for MPG. He was born in Connecticut and now lives in Stratford with his family.

Jeff Benjamin, Recreational Marine Program Manager

Jeff started with Marine MGA in 2009 as Recreational Marine Program Manager for the North American Specialty program. For the 16 years prior to joining Marine MGA, he worked for North American Specialty where he helped develop the Marina & Yacht Dealer Program with Marine MGA. His 30 years of industry experience includes work with New Hampshire Insurance/AIG as well as SwissRe. He currently resides in Goffstown, NH, and enjoys golf, camping, and coaching youth athletics.

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.

Erin Boyce, 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.

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, Marine Underwriting Assistant

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 Assistants. 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.

Chris Clark, Project Manager

Chris started with Maritime General Agency in 2003 as a Yacht Underwriter. With 9 years of experience in the insurance industry, he once served as an Insurance Fraud Investigator and as manager of a West Marine store on Cape Cod. Chris’ background in technology and engineering from RPI helped position him as our Project Manager with oversight of all our custom technology platforms. Raised in Yarmouth, MA, he enjoys boating and today lives with his family in Portland, CT.

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, Yacht Underwriter

Jodie began her work with Windward Marine Underwriters in 2007 as an Assistant Yacht Underwriter. She now is a Yacht Underwriter 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.

Marybeth Foley, Executive Assistant

When she joined Maritime General Agency in 2006, Marybeth had more than 25 years of experience in Administration and Marketing, including ownership of an advertising company and serving as Director of Administration of a major hotel technology firm. She has written and conducted seminars on creating productive work environments. All of those skills are being put to good work in her role as Executive Assistant and Marketing Support for MPG. A native of Portsmouth, VA, she currently lives in Clinton, CT and has a range of interests, including teaching for Literacy Volunteers.

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.

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.

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.

Laura LeBlanc, Senior Commercial Underwriter

Prior to joining Maritime General Agency in 2010, Laura built a deep base of knowledge in the industry at Aetna Casualty & Surety as an Underwriter and Marketing/Sales representative. She also worked for St. Paul in a variety of positions including Senior Underwriter, Territory Manager, and Agency Services Manager and most recently at Hanover Insurance Company. In her role at MPG Laura is responsible for underwriting a book of Rec. Marine business on behalf of New Hampshire Insurance Company. Currently a resident of Westbrook, CT, she enjoys golf, tennis, and photography.

Chris McKinnon, Yacht Underwriter

Chris joined Maritime General Agency in 2010, after serving as a Yacht Underwriter at Middle Oak Mutual. His background in boating extends to many different areas including serving as a first mate aboard two motor yachts and working aboard a commercial tugboat. He has surfed the waves off Costa Rica, spent summers crabbing on the Jersey Shore, and today resides in Guilford, CT.

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.

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.

Rita Peabody, Inland Marine Underwriter

Rita’s tenure with Marine MGA began in 1990 and she possesses 40 years of insurance industry experience. She worked as an Underwriting Supervisor in the Marine Department at New Hampshire Insurance, where she served for 20 years. Rita also has experience in Claims, Education, and she enjoys cruising. Her home is in Manchester, NH.

Lisa Rogers, Inland Marine Underwriter

Lisa began working for Marine MGA in 1997 and has more than 26 years of industry experience. Before joining us, she was a licensed P&C agent in VT. She also has worked in Trucking Insurance, Cargo, Physical Damage and Truckers Auto Liability. Lisa grew up in Burlington, VT, and today lives in Londonderry, NH, with her family where she enjoys downhill skiing, motorcycles, and fishing.

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.

Darlene Savageau, Ocean Marine Underwriting Assistant

An Marine MGA employee as of 1996, Darlene worked for New Hampshire Insurance Company for 10 years as an Underwriting Assistant. She handles Markel quotes, issuance, renewals, and other core functions for our Ocean Marine division. She lives in Manchester, NH, where she also was raised.

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.

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 Underwriting Assistant

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 Underwriting Assistants 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.

Julie Upp, Yacht Underwriting Assistant

She began work for Maritime General Agency in 2004, and rejoined the company in 2010 after a stint overseas. She now has more than 10 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 Jacksonville, FL.

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.

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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