Category: Property & Casualty Team

Responsibilities
Patrick Bucalo is responsible for coordinating daily account service needs, acting as the client’s outsourced risk management department. He conducts contract reviews, performs coverage analysis, implements program adjustments, coordinates client claims, and oversees safety and loss control services. Partick also negotiates and implements property and casualty insurance programs tailored to industry trends and market conditions for commercial clients in various industries such as construction, hospitality, real estate, and transportation.

Background
Prior to joining Conner Strong & Buckelew, Patrick was Vice President at a large regional insurance brokerage firm in Philadelphia where he started his insurance career. During his 20-year tenure with his previous employer, Patrick held various roles in Account Management, overseeing clients across a wide range of industries.

Education
Gwynedd-Mercy College – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Responsibilities
Donna Chiancone is directly responsible for the critical exchange of underwriting and bond processing data between the customer and Surety. Donna plays a key role in the maintenance and maximization of surety capacity for the firm’s clients, with a focus on both construction and commercial accounts. With well over a decade in the surety business, Donna is highly experienced in developing and maintaining relationships.

Background
Donna has nearly 30 years of experience within the insurance industry, with a varied background that includes claims, commercial and personal lines client management. With nearly 15 years of specialized experience in Surety Bonds, she has acquired an impressive knowledgebase as well as an exceptional level of professional respect from customers and Surety companies alike.

Professional Designations
Certificate, Surety Level II from the NASBP
Certified Insurance Service Representative
Holds Property and Casualty Licenses in all 50 states
Notary Public State of New Jersey

Responsibilities
Brian Dietrich works closely with clients to develop innovative risk management solutions and insurance programs that offer optimal protection at the most competitive costs. He is responsible for program design and proper placement of policies with top insurance carriers in an ever-evolving marketplace. As Account Executive, Brian oversees the service team designated for each account, ensuring timely, informed, and professional support for every client.

Background
Brian has enjoyed a career in the insurance industry holding positions in management, sales, and service support. With a strong focus on proper insurance placement, he leverages his expertise to help organizations understand their exposures, protect their assets, and mitigate risk. His experience includes coordinating key agency services such as coverage and exposure analysis, contract review, loss forecasting, claims coordination, and safety and loss control initiatives.

Brian began his industry career with an internship at IBM, which led to positions with an insurance carrier, a risk management advisory firm, and successful insurance agencies.

Education
Susquehanna University, Sigmund Weis School of Business – Bachelor of Science in Management and Marketing

Professional Designations
Certified Risk Manager (CRM)
Certified Insurance Consultant (CIC)
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS)
Ethics Certified (EC)

Responsibilities
Maxwell Fetter is responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships on an assigned book of business. He conducts thorough risk assessments to identify potential exposures and vulnerabilities. Max is also skilled in leveraging market relationships to negotiate competitive premiums and secure optimal coverage for clients. He works closely with internal teams to deliver seamless and coordinated service to clients.

Background
Max launched his insurance career with the Graham Company in 2014 as an Analyst after earning his MBA. During his seven years with the company, he steadily advanced to the role of Associate Account Manager. In 2021, Max transitioned to AJ Gallagher Risk Management Services as an Account Executive – Key Accounts, focusing on managing large, complex clients.

Education
University of Pittsburgh – Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis

Temple University, Fox School of Business – Master of Business Administration in Corporate Finance & Marketing Management

Professional Designations
Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)
Associate in Risk Management (ARM)

Responsibilities
Michael Helfrich is responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships on an assigned book of business. He conducts thorough risk assessments to identify potential exposures and vulnerabilities. Michael is also skilled in leveraging market relationships to negotiate competitive premiums and secure optimal coverage for clients. He works closely with internal teams to deliver seamless and coordinated service to clients.

Background
Michael joined Conner Strong & Buckelew in 2016 after working two years as a broker at Apogee Insurance Group, a professional liability wholesale brokerage firm located in King of Prussia, PA. Prior to his time at Apogee Insurance Group, Michael was a Property Underwriting Assistant at XL Insurance America in New York, NY where he assisted the rating and policy issuance of large, multinational property insurance programs.

Education
Saint Joseph’s University – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Responsibilities
Jonathon Tavares is responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships on an assigned book of business. He conducts thorough risk assessments to identify potential exposures and vulnerabilities. Jonathon is also skilled in leveraging market relationships to negotiate competitive premiums and secure optimal coverage for clients. He works closely with internal teams to deliver seamless and coordinated service to clients.

Jonathon participates in the Public Entity Practice Group, which works to address current coverage issues and industry changes related to the lines of business. His team’s book of business is entirely public entities. He is a member of the Executive Risk Practice Group, which focuses on POL/EPL, D&O and cyber trends. Jonathon also participates in the Workers Compensation Practice Group. Additionally, Jonathon is on the P&C Engagement Committee, where he piloted a networking program to bring Conner Strong & Buckelew employees closer together.

Background
Jonathon joined Conner Strong & Buckelew in June 2019, after graduating from Drexel University with his undergraduate degree in Finance and Business Analytics. While at Drexel University, Jonathon completed internships with The Fairman Group, Johnson & Johnson, and Reinvestment Fund.

Education
Drexel University, LeBow College of Business – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance and Business Analytics

Responsibilities
Cassidy Weimer is responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships on an assigned book of business. She conducts thorough risk assessments to identify potential exposures and vulnerabilities. Cassidy is also skilled in leveraging market relationships to negotiate competitive premiums and secure optimal coverage for clients. She works closely with internal teams to deliver seamless and coordinated service. Cassidy is an active participant in the Alternative Risk Practice Group and InsurTech Practice Group at the firm, which works to address current coverage issues and stay at the forefront of emerging trends.

Background
Cassidy began her career with Conner Strong & Buckelew in 2017 as a Major Accounts intern while pursuing her undergraduate degree in Risk Management and Insurance at Saint Joseph’s University. During her time at Saint Joseph’s University, Cassidy was actively involved in their Gamma Iota Sigma Insurance Chapter.

Education
Saint Joseph’s University – Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management and Insurance

Professional Designations
Associate of Insurance Data Analytics

Responsibilities
Tom Merchel serves as the Fund Risk Management Consultant to the Ocean County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund, the Professional Municipal Management Joint Insurance Fund, and the Monmouth Municipal Joint Insurance Fund. He also serves as the Risk Management Consultant to members of the Atlantic, Burlco, Camden, Garden State, Mid Jersey, NJUA, and Trico Joint Insurance Funds, as well as the Burlington County Insurance Commission.

Background
Prior to joining Conner Strong & Buckelew, Tom worked for 26 years at the Township of Moorestown as the Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Manager and Township Manager. Tom handled all accounting, financial and budgeting responsibilities for the Township. He managed over $200 million in capital projects, including the construction of a new municipal complex, three water treatment plants and major upgrades to a wastewater treatment plant. He is proud of his accomplishment in increasing the Township’s Moody’s Bond Rating from A1 to Aaa.

While at Moorestown, he served as Commissioner and Chair to the Municipal Excess Liability Joint Insurance Fund (MEL), New Jersey Cyber Risk Management Joint Insurance Fund, and the Professional Municipal Management Joint Insurance Fund (PMMJIF). Tom was also the Commissioner to the Environmental Joint Insurance Fund (EJIF) and the Residual Claims Joint Insurance Fund (RCF). In his capacity as commissioner, he served on various subcommittees including MEL, EJIF and RCF Claims.

Additionally, Tom previously worked for 5 years as the Treasurer for Pennsauken Township and for 4 years as a municipal and school auditor for Bowman & Company.

Education
Saint Joseph’s University – Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Minor in Finance

Professional Designations
NJ Property & Casualty Producers License
NJ Surplus Lines
Pa Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
NJ Certified Municipal Finance Officer (CMFO)
NJ Certified Tax Collector (CTC)
NJ MEL JIF Accredited Risk Manager

Community Involvement
Tom is a member of the Moorestown Breakfast Rotary Club where he participates in various community events such as the Adopt-A-Park and school backpack programs. He is a member of the NJ Government Finance Officers Association.

Responsibilities
Tim Svoboda is passionate about data-driven decision-making. As an expert in risk financing strategies, Tim equips clients with the tools they need to evaluate options such as captives, risk retention groups, and commercial market alternatives. As a trusted advisor, Tim guides clients through entire the captive’s life cycle: from feasibility and implementation until dissolution or divestiture. Tim is a member of the Alternative Risk Practice and aids the expansion of Conner Strong & Buckelew’s alternative risk offerings in both the Property & Casualty and Employee Benefits departments.

Background
Prior to joining Conner Strong & Buckelew, Tim was a member of the Risk Finance Practice at Lockton Companies, where he gained valuable experience consulting on efficient program design for complex clients. Throughout this role, Tim developed a strong foundation in quantitative risk analytics and a keen interest in alternatives to traditional methods of purchasing insurance.

Education
University of Kansas – Bachelor of Science in Finance

Professional Designations 
Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)
Associate in Captive Insurance (ACI)
Associate in Risk Management (ARM)
Associate in Reinsurance (ARe)
Associate in Insurance Accounting and Finance (AIAF)

Responsibilities
Taruja Deshmukh is the InsurTech Solutions Manager for Conner Strong & Buckelew. In this role, Deshmukh leads labs. BY CONNER STRONG, the firm’s centralized innovation hub, focused on improving operational efficiencies, enhancing the customer experience, creating an innovation and inclusive culture, and driving innovation forward in the industry. Deshmukh manages various projects designed to explore, evaluate, and implement insurtech solutions to achieve the firm’s innovation goals through collaboration with leadership across all departments and active engagement with employees. Deshmukh also supports relationships with external partners in the insurtech community, as well as the company’s initiatives within BrokerTech Ventures, the first broker-centric, broker-led insurtech platform.

Background
Deshmukh joined Conner Strong & Buckelew in June 2011, after graduating Temple University with her undergraduate degree in Risk Management & Insurance and International Business. While at Temple University, Deshmukh was actively involved in the Risk Management & Insurance program and completed internships with Travelers Insurance and Marsh USA. Most recently, Deshmukh earned her AIDA (Associate in Insurance Data Analytics) designation, which focuses on the conception and application of utilizing big data in the insurance industry and adopting innovation into the company culture.

Education
Temple University – Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management & Insurance and International Business Administration

Professional Designations
Associate in Insurance Data Analytics (AIDA)
Associate in Risk Management (ARM)
Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)