The Team
Our team of underwriters has broad, in-depth experience to support the products offered, giving you access to best-in-class underwriting skills and proficient guidance for your clients.
Derek Schiavone
PRESIDENT
Derek has 20 years of insurance experience and has underwritten a variety of risks throughout his career. He has expertise in underwriting and developing programs for construction, real estate, and sports & hospitality. Within the construction space, he has underwritten and created excess casualty products for national wrap ups (OCIPS & CCIPS) as well as New York construction projects and practice programs for general contractors and trade contractors. Within the real estate space, he created excess casualty products targeting some of the largest and most respected real estate ownership groups in the country. He as also underwritten and created programs for professional sports organizations and hospitality groups.
Jeff Wilkening
VICE PRESIDENT
Jeff has over 25 years of Insurance Industry experience and over 20 years underwriting risks with operations across the US. Jeff greatly values his relationships with E&S insurers, insurance agencies & brokerage firms, and is focused on finding the right solutions for brokers and clients. Jeff prides himself with strong work ethic & exemplary service skills and feels it is essential in building those long-lasting, trustworthy relationships. Jeff is a graduate of DMACC and The University of Iowa and has received his Associate in Underwriting (AU) and Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations.
Joe Colombo
VICE PRESIDENT
Joe is an experienced underwriter that demonstrates a strong understanding of all lines of coverage in multiple business sectors. Joe has worked on and has a deep knowledge base for all lines of coverage in all sectors of business in the NY and National Insurance Marketplace. However, Joe has a special affinity for the NY Construction Marketplace including, but not limited to practice and project specific programs for GC’s, trade contractors, and specialty trade contractors. Joe uses his retail experience as a strong foundation for a successful underwriting career. Joe received his bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield Connecticut. He is a licensed Property & Casualty Broker and has Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation.
Lindsay Clemenson
Assistance Vice President
As an underwriter for Specialty Underwriting Insurance Solutions, Lindsay uses her creativity and problem-solving to find solutions for our clients and establishes business relationships with her service skills. She has a background in multiple areas within insurance, which allows her to look at risks from multiple perspectives. She is a licensed Property & Casualty and Excess & Surplus Lines broker. She has obtained her CPCU from The Institutes and her Master’s in Business Administration from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
Laurel Howell
Underwriting Assistant
Laurel Howell has almost 20 years in the insurance industry within Underwriting, Non-injury liability claims, Recruiting and Corporate Training. Her underwriting background includes knowledge of professional liability, personal lines, and specialty construction casualty with CRIS certification. She is heavily involved in various community outreach programs and non-profits in her area.
Neeraj Jeswani
Vice President
Neeraj is an experienced data analyst and actuary. With ten years of experience in business, five specifically in the insurance industry, Neeraj provides a fresh perspective. He is a true “jack-of-all-trades” and handles actuarial pricing, finance, and data analysis for Specialty Underwriting Insurance Solutions. Throughout his career, Neeraj has worked in health, property, and casualty insurance. As the Vice President of Operations and Analytics, Neeraj ensures the implementation of effective operations to achieve the desired objectives. Neeraj is a graduate from Florida State University and has a Masters in Statistical Data Science.
Specialty Underwriting Insurance Solutions (SUIS), Division of Specialty Program Group, LLC