OUR TEAM
A dynamic group of insurance industry thought leaders uniquely positioned to empower our clients through our commitment to solving complex risk mitigation challenges
Insurance Leadership
Pat Blandford
Founder & CEO
Former CEO of Tokio Marine Highland, a specialty property MGU in private flood, builders’ risk and fine arts. Pat grew the business from $170 million to $450 million in GWP while significantly improving the company’s underwriting profitability.
Nick Sedlak
Head of Underwriting
Nick’s held leadership roles at AIG, Berkley One, Nationwide Private Client and ACE Private Client. He has experience building high-net-worth insurance and commercial property teams.
Chris Barks
Head of Operations
Chris, a seasoned operations executive, brings 20+ years of financial services and insurance experience, notably leading transformations at IBM and Tokio Marine Highland. His strategic expertise fuels our growth and operational efficiency.
Jason Grodensky
Head of Distribution
Jason has more than 20 years of retail and wholesale distribution experience and relationships. He formerly worked as a leader at AmWINS and MarketScout, and as a director on the National Board of the LAAIA.
Mary Benjamin
Head of Human Resources
Mary is a seasoned HR professional with two decades of experience in the field. She brings a wealth of expertise cultivated across various sectors within the insurance industry, including Fortune 500 companies.
Jim Jirsa
Head of Analytics and AI
Jim spent five years as VP of Data Science at Performance Trust Capital Partners focusing on Analytics and Machine Learning before joining Green Shield. He currently holds an BS from Saint Louis University, a MS from Notre Dame, and is working on another MS in Applied Math from Depaul University.
Douglas Mann
Head of Strategic Partnerships
Douglas has spent 25+ years focused on advising Insurance companies on their executive recruiting/talent acquisition strategies and market sector alliances, advancing innovation for re/insurance carriers, brokers, MGAs, and InsurTechs.
Ursula Merten
In memory of Ursula Merten, a cornerstone of our foundation. Forever in our hearts.
Risk Mitigation
Paul Brady
Head of Wildfire Insights and Mitigation
Paul spent more than 14 years as a wildland/Hotshot firefighter. He then worked for more than 5 years building wildfire mitigation strategies at AIG.
Gary Raphael
Head of Business Development
Gary has more than 30 years of experience in executive risk mitigation, loss control and claims with multiple companies including AIG, ACE and Fireman’s Fund.
Brian Bastian
Head of Product
Brian is an experienced product leader in B2B SaaS, CAT risk management, spatial analytics and geospatial solutions. He previously held roles at Guy Carpenter, JLT Re, Vencore, and Accuweather.
Strategic Advisors
Bill Keogh
Strategic Advisor
Bill formerly worked as CEO of Advisen, Ltd, former president of EQECAT, and former Global Group executive officer of client development at RMS.
Kiran Achen
Strategic Advisor
Kiran currently serves as CIO and Digital Officer at Delta Dental of Missouri. He has more than 23 years of IT experience in the insurance industry, including previously serving as CIO at Tokio Marine Highland and in various leadership roles at CNA.
Ashish Pujari
Data & AI Strategy
Ashish is a data and AI consultant with more than 20 years of IT experience specializing in big data and machine learning. He’s served as a principal ML/AI Architect on cloud-based solutions including roles at Amazon, Credera, and Pegasystems.
Let’s Connect
Learn about our proactive approach to prevent and protect properties against catastrophic loss