These are the people who drive our business. We invite you to get to know them through their bio information or our Facebook page.
Leadership Team
Christopher Pesce
President
Prior to forming Maritime Program Group, Chris worked extensively for Maritime General Agency, starting as an intern while completing his bachelor degree at Saint Joseph’s College in NY. He took over as Maritime General Agency’s General Manager in 1997, and moved the operations to the current headquarters in Connecticut. In 2009, Chris managed the strategic acquisition of Marine MGA based in Manchester, NH, and in 2010 turned his focus to rebranding the companies and programs under the new name of Maritime Program Group. Chris is an active member of the insurance community; he currently serves on the Producer Council for the American Institute of Marine Underwriters and teaches continuing education classes about Marine Insurance throughout the country. In the past he served on the Executive Committee for the Independent Insurance Agents Association of CT and was Chairman of the Young Agents Committee. Chris is a lifelong boater, and hails from the south shore of Long Island, NY. He and his family currently reside in Madison, CT.
Clark Travitz
Executive Vice President
Clark brings over 35 years of multi-line Ocean Marine underwriting and 16 years of management experience to Maritime Program Group. He served as the Southeast Regional Director for the St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company’s Ocean Marine Department for 10 years. Highly visible in the marketplace, Clark also held the position of AIMU Southeast Regional Director for four years. Responsibilities at St. Paul included oversight of all planning, budgeting, staffing and underwriting results, across all lines of Ocean Marine, including primary and excess marine liabilities, ocean cargo, hull, and P&I. Clark’s career started in January 1981 when he was hired by St. Paul to be a Commercial Liability Trainee. In December of 1981, he was promoted to Ocean Marine Underwriter stationed in New York City. It’s this commercial Liability training that allowed Clark to head the development of the Marine General Liability product for the St. Paul in the mid-1980’s.
Alison Kelly
Chief Underwriting Officer
Alison comes to Maritime Program Group after starting Axiom Insurance Management in May of 1997. She brings 29 years of Inland and Ocean Marine experience with her. Alison participated in opening Somerset of Georgia, a captive MGA for Navigators, in April of 1989. As Director of Finance & Underwriter, she was responsible from inception for the office and financial management and over time, Inland Marine and select lines of Ocean Marine development throughout the southeast territory. As a result of her dedication and results, Alison was brought in as an equity partner in October of 1990 and made Vice President in June of 1993. She brings a diverse background of experience, in an entrepreneurial company environment with skills in agency management, underwriting and claims handling to MPG. Alison began her insurance career in inland and ocean marine underwriting with GRE / Talbot, Bird in 1987.
Marc Mercier
Executive Vice President & Branch Manager
Marc is a native of Manchester, New Hampshire. He is a 1984 Graduate of the University of New Hampshire’s Whittemore School of Business and Economics where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. After graduation, he started with AIG in their inland marine underwriting training program. After four years of underwriting, Marc became the Marketing Manager for AIG’s Northeast Marine Underwriting Division while continuing to concentrate on underwriting inland marine exposures. Marc joined Marine MGA months after its founding in 1990 and had been an integral part of their success in starting up the inland marine product lines. He also played a significant role in the forming of MPG in 2010. His 35 years of experience underwriting and disciplined approach to servicing brokers has created a great following of brokers countrywide. Marc currently oversees production and operations of MPG’s NH branch and still focuses primarily on writing inland marine business. Marc lives in Manchester with his family, and enjoys beach and water metal detecting.
Damon Pesce
Vice President of Business Development
Damon began serving the company in 2005 and is now at the helm of MPG’s marketing and business development. Damon’s insurance career began right out of college when he started working as a producer for United HealthCare and then transitioned into selling a range of TPA services to insurance carriers. Damon earned his BA in Political Science at SUNY Plattsburgh and today he leads the expansion efforts nationally for MPG. Residing in East Haddam, CT, Damon is an avid outdoorsman, with particular interests in boating, hunting and fishing.
Christine Santiago
Vice President of Inland Marine
Christine Santiago has 30 years in the insurance industry with the last 25 dedicated to Inland Marine. She spent 3 years with Starr Indemnity as Vice President, Inland Marine Product Line Manager where she expanded their Inland Marine offerings through Starr Marine offices. She led the Axis Insurance Builders Risk underwriting team for 7 years. Prior to that, she held production underwriting roles with Ace Westchester, St Paul/USF&G, Hartford and Risk Specialists of New York always with an affinity for Builders Risk and Adaptive Reuse work. She has extensive experience in form and rate development and establishing underwriting guidelines. She has marketed the product line throughout the US in both the wholesale and retail distribution networks. She has been based in New York City for her entire career and makes her home in Garrison, NY with her wife. She is an avid sports fan and enjoys hiking the trails near her home.
Daniel Rutherford
Director, Claims & Risk Management
Phone: 603-606-4633
Fax: 603-623-4797
Dan began his career in the marine field in 1974 at Atlantic Sailing Yachts where he was a delivery captain and yard manager, responsible for commissioning and delivery of sailing vessels throughout the northeast. After graduating from Roger Williams College with a degree in Business Management, he took on the responsibilities of a Production Manager for Bristol Yachts. In 1982 he launched his career in the marine insurance business at GAB as a Marine Surveyor, where he received extensive training in claims handling. He formed his own company, Ocean Marine Specialties, Inc., in 1986. Since then, at the helm of Ocean Marine, he specialized in marine insurance damage claims and investigations. Mr. Rutherford has handled over 10,000 marine claims investigations, to include 24 hurricane deployments. A founding member, he is a Certified Marine Investigator (0046-03) and was twice awarded Investigator of the Year for The International Association of Marine Investigators. He currently sits on the Certified Marine Investigator committee and is a Gold Level Instructor for IAMI. He has been qualified through the Federal Courts as a recognized expert in marine accident reconstruction, survey, appraisal, and marine claims. He was a lead instructor for the Accident Investigation class for the American Boat and Yacht Council and lectures for IBEX (International Boatbuilding Exhibition). Mr. Rutherford held the position of Municipal Emergency Coordinator for the NJ State Police OEM Division and is a Licensed Private Investigator (NH68850).
Brian Botwinick
PCS Practice Leader
Brian comes to MPG with 25 years of experience in personal lines marketing and underwriting in the high net worth personal insurance market segment. He holds the position of Practice Leader-Private Client Services. Brian’s experience includes marketing and underwriting positions with Chubb Insurance Group and Atlantic Mutual. He has also held roles in creating and managing both brokerage and binding authority business with several national MGA’s.
Brian lives in Toms River, NJ with his wife and three boys who are competitive sailors. He has a BS in Finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Kelly Hayes
Operations & Compliance Leader
Kelly comes to MPG with over 20 years of Insurance experience. Kelly, a licensed P&C Producers, has a background that includes Loss Control, Claims and Underwriting. Kelly has been tasked with taking on the role of operations and compliance leader. Hailing from Hampton Bays, NY, Kelly received her bachelor’s degree in Employment Relations from SUNY Potsdam. Kelly resides in East Lyme, CT and enjoys hiking, road trips, going to the beach and spending time with her daughter.
Team Members
Adam Isherwood
Underwriter/Marine Broker
Adam joined MPG in February, 2016 taking the helm of the brokerage division. With an extensive marine background, Adam graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in International Maritime Business. Adam has been involved in the marine industry since graduation and has experience as operations manager of a commercial tug and towing company, a P&I Club correspondent managing international Hull, P&I and Cargo claims and most recently a marine broker holding a Rhode Island P&C license. Adam resides in Manchester, NH and in his spare time he enjoys training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts.
Ann Babbitt
Ocean Marine Underwriting Assistant
Annie joined Maritime Program Group in 2012 as an Ocean Marine Underwriting Assistant. Her previous 25+ years in insurance industry experience includes 11 years at New Hampshire Insurance Company and 15 years in healthcare insurance. Ann currently lives in Manchester, NH. She enjoys her pets, Cape Cod, and is an avid Patriots fan.
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.
Barbara Minges
Executive Assistant
Barbara joined the ranks of Maritime Program Group in May 2012 as an Executive and Marketing Assistant. She previously worked at the Institutes for Pharmaceutical Discovery as an EA and Daniel Hand High School as a Paraprofessional and Union President. She was a volunteer firefighter and treasurer for the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company. Barbara lives in Madison, CT and in her free time enjoys hiking, camping and especially spending time with her children and grandchildren.
David Morrill
Inland Marine Program Manager
David is an Inland Marine Underwriter with 30 years of underwriting experience and 10 years of management experience. Previous companies are AIG – New Hampshire Insurance, Peerless Insurance Company and Marine MGA. As program manager, he is responsible for managing the substantial growth of the department and training of the staff to maintain superior service and profitable business. When he isn’t working, you will find David playing golf (both traditional and disk), bowling, traveling Europe and watching the Patriots, Red Sox and Celtics!
Dawn Novelli
Director of First Impressions
Dawn joined MPG in 2005 as Communication Center Coordinator, bringing with her more than 20 years of administrative and communication experience. Dawn is well-known for making an incredibly positive first impression for our many inbound callers and visitors and manages the flow of communication for our many locations. Dawn and her family reside in Maine.
Derek Bohan
Business Analyst
Derek joined MPG in 2012 as a member of the Recreational Marine Underwriting team. With a talent for data, Derek transitioned to the operations department and ultimately to a roll as MPG’s Business Analysist. Prior to joining MPG, he spent several years underwriting for Kemper’s personal lines products. Derek has a CT P&C Producers License and a background that includes both sales and underwriting. Derek resides in North Haven CT with his wife and children. He enjoys hockey, boxing and boating.
Erin Atiya
Inland Marine Underwriting Technician
In 2003, Erin joined Marine MGA. She is a valuable member of our team of Underwriting Assistants in the Inland Marine department where she provides great value to our broker partners. She resides with her husband and two children in Hooksett, NH, and can be found during the summer on Lake Winnipesaukee with her family.
James Camperchioli
Surplus Lines Administrator
James started with Maritime Program Group in 2015 as a Surplus Lines Administrator. He is a recent graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Maritime Business. A resident of Westbrook, CT, James enjoys home-brewing, playing classical guitar, and hiking in his spare time.
Janet Ayers
Inland Marine Underwriting Technician
Janet came to Marine MGA in 1992 with years of direct experience in the insurance business, with a focus on underwriting. She worked for New Hampshire Insurance in the Inland and Ocean Marine sectors prior to joining Marine MGA. She puts those same skills to work in her current role as an Underwriting Technician in the Inland Marine department. Janet currently resides in Campton, NH.
Jason Holbrook
Ocean Marine Manager
Jason Holbrook comes to Maritime Program Group with 19 years of underwriting and claims experience, which include 13 years with Axiom. He was involved in all aspects of Axiom’s underwriting operations and in the recreational marine brokerage operation. Jason also played a key role in managing the Inland and Property portfolio of business. Prior to joining Axiom, Jason spent four years with Southern Insurance Underwriters developing his base of underwriting knowledge in the Commercial General Liability, Commercial Auto, Commercial Property, and Inland Marine lines of business. He also spent two years in the claims field, which solidified his understanding of the insurance industry. Jason graduated from Georgia State University in the spring of 1997 with a Business Administration degree in Risk Management and Insurance.
Jarixa Garriga
Commercial Underwriting Assistant
Jarixa began working for Maritime Program Group in 2007 and is now in the Rec Marine department assisting with policy issuance, endorsements and renewals. Previously she worked as an Underwriting Assistant for the Yacht Department and Private Client Services group. She came to MPG with deep banking experience. Born in Lancaster, PA, Jarixa lives in Clinton, CT and enjoys reading, listening to music, the outdoors, and spending time with family, friends and especially her daughter.
Kim Stoddard
Senior Yacht Underwriter
Kim joined MPG as a Sr. Underwriter after having worked in the marine insurance industry since 2001. Initially, in a retail office in Newport, RI and eventually transitioning into Underwriting for the Seawave and Primetime boat programs in our Brokerage Department. Kim lives in Rhode Island with her husband and daughter. They are members of the Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Society, which focuses on helping people with chromosome 18 abnormalities overcome obstacles they face so they may lead happy, healthy and productive lives. In her spare time, Kim enjoys traveling with family and trying new crafts.
Jodie Ferraro
Ocean Marine Underwriting Technician
Jodie began her work with Windward Marine Underwriters in 2007 as an Assistant Yacht Underwriter. She now is an Ocean Marine Underwriting Technician with MPG. She is a USCG Licensed Captain and has direct experience working on a wide range of vessels including traditional tall ships, high speed ferries and 1600 ton auto carriers. She enjoys getting out her own boat every weekend and continues to work as relief crew aboard a local 60-foot pilot boat. Raised in Tempe, AZ, Jodie now lives in Groton, CT.
Joseph Piteo
Software Development Manager
Joe brings over 20 years of software architecture, development and management experience to Maritime Program Group. An accomplished engineer, Joe has overseen the development of advanced web applications for the likes of Schering-Plough Pharmaceutical, Pepper and Rogers, Siemens Business Solutions, and the Veterans’ Administration. He was at the forefront of various technologies including C#, .NET, AJAX, XML, SQL Server, electrical power management, and video streaming. Joe’s long experience in technology and engineering allows him to manage MPG’s devolvement team to tackle ongoing technology initiatives.
Kaley Stewart
Commercial Underwriting Technician
Kaley joined Maritime Program Group in August 2015 as a part of the Recreational Marine team after beginning her career in personal lines at Amica Insurance. She grew up in Litchfield, NH and earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of New Hampshire. Kaley currently resides in Goffstown, NH with her son. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, and being outdoors.
Kimberly Ahern
Inland Marine Underwriter
Kim joined Maritime Program Group in 2015 after beginning her career in banking at Bank of America and is now a part of the Inland Marine team. She grew up in Haverhill, Massachusetts and currently resides in Fremont, New Hampshire with her husband and son. In her spare time she enjoys reading, traveling, country music and Patriots football games.
Kristen Murnane
Senior Yacht Underwriter
Kristen joined MPG in 2014 as a Yacht Underwriting Assistant before transitioning to Yacht Underwriter/Team Lead role in 2016. Kristen started her insurance career in the Individual Annuity and Retirement Plan Divisions of the Hartford. Prior to coming onboard at MPG, she also developed a background in field marketing and outreach for a local energy efficiency company. An avid sailor her whole life, Kristen has sailed up and down the East Coast from New England to the Caribbean. She currently resides in New London, CT and often tries to escape to her favorite place, Block Island, when she can. In her spare time when she isn’t on the water, Kristen enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, downhill skiing, traveling and hiking with her family.
Mallory Ortiz
Commercial Underwriter
Mallory was hired by Maritime Program Group 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. Mallory resides in Ivoryton, CT with her husband and son. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, walking, going to the beach and spending time with her family.
Marisa Tranghese
Director of Underwriting
Marisa joined MPG in 2007 as a Recreational Marine Underwriting Assistant and has been a Commercial Underwriter since 2012. Marisa earned her BA in Child Psychology and MBA in Entrepreneurial Thinking and Innovative Practices from Bay Path University in Longmeadow, MA. She also holds her Certified Insurance Counselor designation. Marisa resides in Higganum, CT and enjoys cooking, baking, reading and practicing yoga.
Matthew Roper
Recreational Marine Manager
Matt began his career in the insurance industry in 2009 as an Inland Marine Underwriter with Acadia Insurance (a W.R. Berkley Company). In 2010, he moved to Syracuse, NY where his underwriting book expanded to include a portfolio of Recreational Marine accounts. In 2012 Matt joined Chubb Custom Markets (now Chubb, Ltd.) as a Recreational Marine Underwriter. In his first two years, he was awarded Chubb’s Circle of Sales Excellence, promoted to Senior Underwriter, and attained his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and Associate in Marine Insurance Management designations. His book also expanded to include complex international manufacturing risks. In November 2017, Matt joined MPG as the Recreational Marine Manager where he continues to learn and grow. Previous to insurance, Matt graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts (2005) and Master of Arts (2008) in History.
Melissa Sousa
Commercial Underwriter & Compliance Manager
Melissa joined Maritime Program Group in 2011 with 10+ years of industry experience. She previously worked at Willis of NH as a Production Underwriter for both the recycling and waste hauling programs. She currently holds the CPCU designation as well as several other insurance industry designations. She enjoys spending as much time as possible with her family, especially her grandchildren. Melissa currently resides in Rochester, NH.
Michelle Fubel
Claims Adjuster
Michelle is the latest addition to our Marine claims unit. She comes to MPG with over 18 years of experience in the insurance industry, including 13 years in claims and 5 years as an Ocean Marine Underwriter. Michelle currently resides in MA and in her spare time she enjoys reading and collecting antiquarian books.
Michelle McClendon-Render
Underwriting Assistant
Michelle joined Maritime Program Group after working the past 13 years with Axiom specializing in Ocean, Inland and Recreational Marine. Prior to Axiom, she worked for two years in Personal Lines Auto, Home and claims. Originally born in Columbus, OH, Michelle currently lives with her family in Covington, GA. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family, watching movies, skating, and bowling.
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.
Renee Althauser
Brokerage Assistant
Renee joined the Brokerage unit of Maritime Program Group in 2017 with 30+ years of administrative & management experience from a diverse range of industries. She has worked on the admin side of the insurance industry in both retail and wholesale as well as being involved in the creation and execution of two successful businesses. She grew up in the Midwest and earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Missouri-Columbia. Renee resides in Florida, loves the outdoors, sunshine, biking, music, reading novels, cooking & traveling.
Rochelle Kapetan
Yacht Underwriter
Rochelle joined Maritime Program Group in 2014 as an Underwriting Assistant bringing a strong organizational and customer service background to the group. Prior to her tenure at MPG, Rochelle had a very rewarding career as a paraprofessional working with children with special needs. She was born in Virginia Beach, VA and currently lives in Groton, CT with her husband and daughter. Rochelle enjoys spending time with family and is an avid sports fan.
Stephanie Novelli
Yacht Underwriting Assistant
Stephanie joined Maritime Program Group in August of 2017 as an underwriting Assistant for the Yacht department. She previously interned at Maritime while completing her bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University. Stephanie currently resides in Maine, and enjoys hockey, fishing, and spending time outdoors.
Suzanne Slayton
Underwriting Assistant
Suzanne joined Maritime Program Group in 2016 after working the past 4 years with Axiom Insurance Management as an Underwriting Assistant. She has over 25 years’ experience in the insurance industry and currently holds a GA Producer license for P&C and Life, Accident, and Sickness.
Suzanne currently lives in Marietta with her family and enjoys exercising, spending time with her cat Dallas, faithfully serving in the Preschool Ministry at her church in Woodstock, GA, along with watching UGA Football, Atlanta Falcons Football, and baking.
Tanya Drouin
Inland Marine Underwriting Assistant
Tanya started working for Marine MGA in 1996. With 23 years of industry experience, she has served as a file clerk and Rec Marine underwriting assistant. She now wears the Inland Marine Underwriting Assistant hat and helps the Inland Marine team with issuance and broker service. She was born in New Hampshire and today resides in Manchester with her husband and daughter. In her spare time she enjoys the fresh outdoors, gardening and boating.
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.
Diane Kaufman
Senior Yacht Underwriter
Diane joined MPG in 2020 as a Senior Yacht Underwriter bring with her more than 20 years of underwriting experience. She worked for Ace Insurance Group then moved to Arrowhead Insurance Group where she specialized in High Performance Vessels, Yachts & Mega Yachts. In her spare time, Diane enjoys hiking with her two Labrador Retrievers and walking on the beach. She is from Orange County, CA.
Antonio Monero
Account Manager
Antonio joined Maritime Program Group as an Account Manager in the Yacht department after working in personal lines sales and commercial account management for the past eight years. He made his way over to the yacht insurance industry where it has been his main stay for the past four years. Antonio is a Florida resident; he enjoys the outdoors, spending time with his daughter and watching sports in his free time (specifically the Miami Heat and Miami Hurricanes).
Melissa Walker
Underwriting Technician
Melissa (Missy), comes to MPG after working in multiple segments of the insurance industry. Her insurance career started in 2005 as a Commercial Lines Underwriting Assistant with Cumberland Insurance Company. She transferred to the accounting department before taking a brief break from her career to stay home and raise her twin sons. Missy eventually returned to Cumberland as a Personal Lines Underwriting Assistant where she worked for 7 more years before coming to Maritime Program Group as an Underwriting Technician. Missy loves watching her sons play baseball and basketball and enjoys crafting in her down time. She has served as Treasurer to the board of West Cumberland Little League for 4 years and Vice President on the PTA for 2 years. She resides in Bridgeton, NJ with her husband, twin boys, their cat and English Bulldog.
Chris McKinnon
Commercial Marine Brokerage Manager
Chris, MPG’s Commercial Marine Brokerage Manager, brings hands on experience in both the marine and insurance worlds. After graduating the University of Rhode Island, where he earned his BA in Business Communications, Chris took a job at the Newport Yachting Center where he was introduced into the world of yachting. Afterwards, Chris worked as crew on three different motor yachts and for a tugboat company based out of NYC. Chris eventually transitioned into the insurance industry, cutting his teeth as a marine underwriting trainee at MiddleOak Mutual in 2008. He then moved to Maritime Program Group as a yacht underwriter up until taking over the reins of the Sea Insure program, which he managed for the past 9 years. Chris currently resides in Clinton CT, with his five-year-old son James, and his Pitbull, Lucy. He’s an avid outdoorsman, with interests in boating, surfing, hiking, and paddle boarding.
Lee Casey
Yacht Brokerage Leader
After graduating from Vanderbilt University, Lee has worked in the marine industry for most of her career. She started out in Annapolis, MD with a publishing company and then moved into a role of marine lending until she found a home on the insurance side of the marine industry. Lee joined Maritime Program Group in 2020 and leads the Yacht Brokerage Team. Charleston, SC is now her home where she serves on the board of Charleston Community Sailing and most weekends you will find her enjoying time on the water with her family.
Paul Sexton
Senior Yacht Underwriter
Paul joined MPG in December 2020 as a Sr. Underwriter for our New Hampshire, Primetime and Seawave Programs. He has worked in the marine insurance industry since 1995 after a 7-year US Army career. In that time, Paul’s focus has been Marine Product Development and Underwriting, serving as the Marine Product Manager for American Modern Insurance group, the VP of Norman-Spencer’s Marine Division, and prior to joining MPG, the Underwriting Manager for Global Marine Insurance. Paul and his wife live in the eastern Cincinnati Ohio suburb of Amelia, have 3 children, and a wonderful grandson. When not underwriting for the team, he enjoys restoring his 1965 Nova and 1937 Plymouth, and attending as many car shows as he can throughout the year.
How can we help?
Call us at 800-366-8086 or find a specific person in our contact directory.