Technical Risk Underwriters (TRU) is a specialty underwriter of first-party insurance for Course of Construction (COC) risks.
We are professional engineers and construction specialists with the skill, knowledge and experience to advise you on your client’s complex exposures.
For over a decade, TRU has been refining our exclusive suite of insurance products, developed specifically for construction risk managers in need of a new approach to insuring their projects.
Why TRU?
The TRU Difference
The value of working with TRU goes beyond the market-leading service, expertise, and insurance solutions tailored for complex construction exposures. The benefits of working with TRU include loss mitigation and security programs designed to intercept arson attempts and reduce theft and vandalism at your insured’s construction sites. We also leverage our cutting-edge underwriting technology and unique data sources to provide responsive solutions to your client’s coverage needs.
Our dedicated and experienced team is committed to ensuring your clients receive exceptional service and innovative solutions tailored specifically to their risks.
Superior Policy Form
- TRU Completed Value Builder’s Risk form
- Available delay trigger based on occupancy
- Superior terms in the event of a loss
Enhanced Sublimits & Coverage Extensions
- Manuscript coverages bespoke to each of your client’s projects
- Expediting and Extra Expense
- Water Damage and Intrusion
- Pollution Coverage
- Ensuing Mold Coverage
The description of this program is only a summary of available coverages. Actual policy language will dictate the scope of coverage in the event of a claim. We encourage policyholders and their agents, to read the full policy form and any applicable endorsements for full terms and conditions.
Meet the Team
Leadership
Katie Davies
CEO
Katie Davies is the CEO of Technical Risk Underwriters, a part of Ryan Specialty Underwriting Managers. Katie has over two decades of experience underwriting US property insurance on an E&S, admitted, and program basis.
Katie is a graduate of Georgetown University with a bachelor’s degree in Government with an International Relations focus.
312-637-8289
katie.davies@truins.com
Chris Burns, CRIS
President
Chris Burns is a founding member of Technical Risk Underwriters joining in 2010. Throughout his career, Burns has leveraged technology, computer virtualization, and advanced application of statistical modeling to inform underwriting decisions. At TRU, he focuses on blending innovative approaches with classic underwriting tools to provide retailers and brokers with unique solutions for their risk transfer needs.
Chris holds the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation from the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI) and attained a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Economics from Appalachian State University. He previously managed COC portfolios for several London Syndicates, AIG, and QBE.
512-982-1788
cburns@truins.com
Nicole Maddocks
Chief Operating Officer
Nicole Maddocks joined TRU in June 2014 and works in the Austin office. She supports the TRU team by managing and optimizing day-to-day processes that facilitate remarkable client service. As COO, she oversees the organization’s operational strategies, ensuring seamless day-to-day functions and driving efficiency across all departments.
Nicole holds a Master of Science degree in Technology Commercialization from the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Long Island University.
512-354-2016
nicole.maddocks@truins.com
Chris Ayres, DIP CII
Managing Director, Canada Program
Chris Ayres joined TRU in 2023, when he was tasked with setting up TRU’s Canadian Builder’s Risk program. He brings over two decades of experience in the insurance industry in the UK and Canada. Chris has developed advanced underwriting platforms and analytical frameworks, leveraging his deep contracting expertise to strengthen carrier and broker relationships.
Chris holds a Diploma in Insurance (DIP CII) designation from the Chartered Insurance Institute, having spent a decade in the Lloyd’s of London Insurance Market as a Broker and Senior Account Executive.
437-755-0419
chris.ayres@truins.com
John Medford
Chief Underwriting Officer
John Medford joined the TRU team in 2012 and has since built a total of sixteen years of dedicated experience in the builders’ risk space. He has deep expertise in evaluating complex construction risks and shaping thoughtful, data-driven underwriting solutions. As CUO, he leads the underwriting strategy with a focus on builders’ risk, particularly large-scale and CAT-exposed construction projects.
John is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, where he earned a B.B.A. in Risk Management & Insurance and Real Estate.
404-989-6527
john.medford@truins.com
Underwriting – Large Construction
Laura Barton
Executive Underwriter
Laura Barton joined TRU in 2012 and has over ten years of experience in underwriting COC projects. Prior to joining TRU, Laura was a Builder’s Risk Underwriter at OnPoint Underwriting, the in-house Insurance Consultant for the CMBS market at JPMorgan Chase Bank and a Commercial Lines Underwriter at Auto-Owners Insurance Company.
Laura graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Risk Management and Insurance.
Aaron Reissner
Executive Underwriter
Aaron Reissner Joined TRU in 2012 and has thirteen years of experience in underwriting COC projects. Prior to joining TRU, Aaron worked at a Surety underwriting company. Aaron is now underwriting out of TRU’s Austin office.
Aaron graduated from University Of Georgia with a Business Administration degree in Risk Management and Insurance.
Selina Kodish
Senior Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2015
Katie O’Brien
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2016
Jade Herring
Senior Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2019
Chris Sangalang
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2019
Allison Lamb
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2019
Alex Cervera
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2020
David Hall
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2021
Hailey Wingfield
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2022
Andrew Henning
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2022
Matthew Vargas
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Dalton Wilkes
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Johnny Crouere
Risk Analyst & Sr. Geotechnical Engineer
Joined TRU in 2022
Jordan Gooding
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Underwriting – Small-Medium Construction
Heather Hudson, CRIS
Senior Underwriter, Small & Middle Market Program
Heather Hudson joined TRU in 2022 and has over forty years in the insurance industry with specific training in Commercial Property and Inland Marine as a managing general agent, carrier, wholesale broker and retailer. Prior to joining TRU, Heather was Vice President of the Commercial Underwriting Department at Frontline Insurance. Heather currently holds her CRIS Designation along with her General Lines Property & Casualty and Surplus Lines Licenses in all 50 States.
Melissa Bigger
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2022
Michelle Clark
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2022
Sean Smith
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Lindsey Hall
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2024
Underwriting – Canadian Construction
Samina Javeed
Senior Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2023
Aleena Qadeer
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Renovations
Jamie Brenner
Executive Underwriter
Jamie Brenner joined TRU in 2024 and has over thirty years of experience in the insurance industry. Before joining TRU, Jamie honed his expertise in risk identification, evaluation, and selection during his distinguished career in Builders’ Risk and Inland Marine underwriting. He has successfully managed Renovation risks for global carriers such as Travelers, Allianz, CNA, Berkley, and Cincinnati.
Risk Management
Nick Hays
VP of Risk Management
Nick Hays joined TRU in 2023 and brings over two decades of elite risk management experience. As a former Navy SEAL and Bronze Star recipient, he spent 10 years taking part in high-stakes operations in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Nick has been instrumental in advancing the company’s safety and risk initiatives, particularly in high-exposure areas like wood-frame construction.
Nick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of Maryland, a Master’s of Science in Global Leadership, and a Graduate Certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego. He is also a proud alumnus of Harvard Business School.
Joseph Amodeo
Senior Risk Engineer
Joined TRU in 2013
Brandon Cruz
Security Analyst
Joined TRU in 2021
Trey Sulak, EIT
Senior Risk Engineer
Joined TRU in 2022
Krystal Lively
Senior Operations Manager
Joined TRU in 2022
Icello White
Senior Risk Engineer
Joined TRU in 2022
Colton Jorgenson
Security Analyst
Joined TRU in 2024
Tyler Retzloff
Risk Engineer
Joined TRU in 2023
Geotechnical
Ty Goebler
Senior Geotechnical Engineer
Joined TRU in 2023
Operations
Robby Soetaert
Operations Business Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Makayla Mitchell
Operations Business Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Alondra Silva-Martinez
Operations Associate
Joined TRU in 2023
Event Planning & Coordination
Caroline Munroe
AVP – Event Planning and Coordinator
Joined TRU in 2023
512-532-5544
caroline.munroe@truins.com
Legal
Mark Katz, J.D.
EVP, General Counsel for Ryan Specialty
Mark Katz joined Ryan Specialty in 2019. Prior to joining, Mark was a partner with the law firm Mound Cotton Wollan & Greengrass LLP, accumulating 25 years of experience analyzing and litigating complex insurance coverage disputes on the behalf of insurers, with a special emphasis on commercial property litigation. He has been involved in matters concerning large-loss property damage claims, builder’s risk claims, lost business income, extra expense, and delay in completion/start-up losses, among others.
Mark is a frequent lecturer on first-party property insurance issues and is admitted to the New York and New Jersey bars. He has mediated, arbitrated, and litigated throughout the United States, and is a graduate of Syracuse University, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and of Hofstra Law School (J.D. 1993), where he was an editor of the Hofstra Law Review.
Andrew Rice, J.D.
Assistant General Counsel for Ryan Specialty
Andrew Rice serves as Assistant General Counsel with TRU. In his prior practice, he advised and represented clients primarily in the areas of builder’s risk, commercial property, and reinsurance.
Andrew is a graduate of Boston College and Boston College Law School.
TRU is a part of the Ryan Specialty family. Ryan Specialty is a service provider of specialty products and solutions for insurance brokers, agents and carriers. Ryan Specialty provides distribution, underwriting, product development, administration and risk management services by acting as a managing underwriter and a wholesale broker. Ryan Specialty’s mission is to provide industry-leading innovative specialty insurance solutions for insurance brokers, agents and carriers. ryanspecialty.com (NYSE: RYAN)
Ryan Specialty was founded in 2010 by Patrick G. Ryan, the widely respected insurance veteran, founder and former Chairman and CEO of Aon Corporation. Mr. Ryan saw the need in the marketplace for a specialty organization dedicated exclusively to creating sophisticated insurance solutions for risks that demand innovation, proven leadership, outstanding industry expertise and quality services on behalf of brokers, agents and carriers.
Within Ryan Specialty, TRU falls within the Underwriting Managers specialty. Underwriting Managers delivers an independent and entrepreneurial approach to the specialty lines space by providing a unique platform for operational, legal, actuarial and technical support. Underwriting Managers’ exceptional resources and back office support allows underwriters to focus on the risk itself, delivering a superior level of service to brokers, agents and carriers.
- WHO WE ARE
-
Who We Are
Technical Risk Underwriters (TRU) is a specialty underwriter of first-party insurance for Course of Construction (COC) risks.
We are professional engineers and construction specialists with the skill, knowledge and experience to advise you on your client’s complex exposures.
For over a decade, TRU has been refining our exclusive suite of insurance products, developed specifically for construction risk managers in need of a new approach to insuring their projects.
- WHY TRU
-
Why TRU?
The TRU Difference
The value of working with TRU goes beyond the market-leading service, expertise, and insurance solutions tailored for complex construction exposures. The benefits of working with TRU include loss mitigation and security programs designed to intercept arson attempts and reduce theft and vandalism at your insured’s construction sites. We also leverage our cutting-edge underwriting technology and unique data sources to provide responsive solutions to your client’s coverage needs.
Our dedicated and experienced team is committed to ensuring your clients receive exceptional service and innovative solutions tailored specifically to their risks.
Superior Policy Form
- TRU Completed Value Builder’s Risk form
- Available delay trigger based on occupancy
- Superior terms in the event of a loss
Enhanced Sublimits & Coverage Extensions
- Manuscript coverages bespoke to each of your client’s projects
- Expediting and Extra Expense
- Water Damage and Intrusion
- Pollution Coverage
- Ensuing Mold Coverage
The description of this program is only a summary of available coverages. Actual policy language will dictate the scope of coverage in the event of a claim. We encourage policyholders and their agents, to read the full policy form and any applicable endorsements for full terms and conditions.
- MEET THE TEAM
-
Meet the Team
Leadership
Katie Davies
CEO
Katie Davies is the CEO of Technical Risk Underwriters, a part of Ryan Specialty Underwriting Managers. Katie has over two decades of experience underwriting US property insurance on an E&S, admitted, and program basis.
Katie is a graduate of Georgetown University with a bachelor’s degree in Government with an International Relations focus.
312-637-8289
katie.davies@truins.comChris Burns, CRIS
President
Chris Burns is a founding member of Technical Risk Underwriters joining in 2010. Throughout his career, Burns has leveraged technology, computer virtualization, and advanced application of statistical modeling to inform underwriting decisions. At TRU, he focuses on blending innovative approaches with classic underwriting tools to provide retailers and brokers with unique solutions for their risk transfer needs.
Chris holds the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation from the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI) and attained a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Economics from Appalachian State University. He previously managed COC portfolios for several London Syndicates, AIG, and QBE.
512-982-1788
cburns@truins.comNicole Maddocks
Chief Operating Officer
Nicole Maddocks joined TRU in June 2014 and works in the Austin office. She supports the TRU team by managing and optimizing day-to-day processes that facilitate remarkable client service. As COO, she oversees the organization’s operational strategies, ensuring seamless day-to-day functions and driving efficiency across all departments.
Nicole holds a Master of Science degree in Technology Commercialization from the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Long Island University.
512-354-2016
nicole.maddocks@truins.comChris Ayres, DIP CII
Managing Director, Canada Program
Chris Ayres joined TRU in 2023, when he was tasked with setting up TRU’s Canadian Builder’s Risk program. He brings over two decades of experience in the insurance industry in the UK and Canada. Chris has developed advanced underwriting platforms and analytical frameworks, leveraging his deep contracting expertise to strengthen carrier and broker relationships.
Chris holds a Diploma in Insurance (DIP CII) designation from the Chartered Insurance Institute, having spent a decade in the Lloyd’s of London Insurance Market as a Broker and Senior Account Executive.
437-755-0419
chris.ayres@truins.comJohn Medford
Chief Underwriting Officer
John Medford joined the TRU team in 2012 and has since built a total of sixteen years of dedicated experience in the builders’ risk space. He has deep expertise in evaluating complex construction risks and shaping thoughtful, data-driven underwriting solutions. As CUO, he leads the underwriting strategy with a focus on builders’ risk, particularly large-scale and CAT-exposed construction projects.
John is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, where he earned a B.B.A. in Risk Management & Insurance and Real Estate.
404-989-6527
john.medford@truins.comUnderwriting – Large Construction
Laura Barton
Executive Underwriter
Laura Barton joined TRU in 2012 and has over ten years of experience in underwriting COC projects. Prior to joining TRU, Laura was a Builder’s Risk Underwriter at OnPoint Underwriting, the in-house Insurance Consultant for the CMBS market at JPMorgan Chase Bank and a Commercial Lines Underwriter at Auto-Owners Insurance Company.
Laura graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Risk Management and Insurance.
Aaron Reissner
Executive Underwriter
Aaron Reissner Joined TRU in 2012 and has thirteen years of experience in underwriting COC projects. Prior to joining TRU, Aaron worked at a Surety underwriting company. Aaron is now underwriting out of TRU’s Austin office.
Aaron graduated from University Of Georgia with a Business Administration degree in Risk Management and Insurance.
Selina Kodish
Senior Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2015
Katie O’Brien
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2016
Jade Herring
Senior Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2019
Chris Sangalang
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2019
Allison Lamb
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2019
Alex Cervera
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2020
David Hall
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2021
Hailey Wingfield
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2022
Andrew Henning
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2022
Matthew Vargas
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Dalton Wilkes
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Johnny Crouere
Risk Analyst & Sr. Geotechnical Engineer
Joined TRU in 2022
Jordan Gooding
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Underwriting – Small-Medium Construction
Heather Hudson, CRIS
Senior Underwriter, Small & Middle Market Program
Heather Hudson joined TRU in 2022 and has over forty years in the insurance industry with specific training in Commercial Property and Inland Marine as a managing general agent, carrier, wholesale broker and retailer. Prior to joining TRU, Heather was Vice President of the Commercial Underwriting Department at Frontline Insurance. Heather currently holds her CRIS Designation along with her General Lines Property & Casualty and Surplus Lines Licenses in all 50 States.
Melissa Bigger
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2022
Michelle Clark
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2022
Sean Smith
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Lindsey Hall
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2024
Underwriting – Canadian Construction
Samina Javeed
Senior Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2023
Aleena Qadeer
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Renovations
Jamie Brenner
Executive Underwriter
Jamie Brenner joined TRU in 2024 and has over thirty years of experience in the insurance industry. Before joining TRU, Jamie honed his expertise in risk identification, evaluation, and selection during his distinguished career in Builders’ Risk and Inland Marine underwriting. He has successfully managed Renovation risks for global carriers such as Travelers, Allianz, CNA, Berkley, and Cincinnati.
Risk Management
Nick Hays
VP of Risk Management
Nick Hays joined TRU in 2023 and brings over two decades of elite risk management experience. As a former Navy SEAL and Bronze Star recipient, he spent 10 years taking part in high-stakes operations in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Nick has been instrumental in advancing the company’s safety and risk initiatives, particularly in high-exposure areas like wood-frame construction.
Nick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of Maryland, a Master’s of Science in Global Leadership, and a Graduate Certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego. He is also a proud alumnus of Harvard Business School.
Joseph Amodeo
Senior Risk Engineer
Joined TRU in 2013
Brandon Cruz
Security Analyst
Joined TRU in 2021
Trey Sulak, EIT
Senior Risk Engineer
Joined TRU in 2022
Krystal Lively
Senior Operations Manager
Joined TRU in 2022
Icello White
Senior Risk Engineer
Joined TRU in 2022
Colton Jorgenson
Security Analyst
Joined TRU in 2024
Tyler Retzloff
Risk Engineer
Joined TRU in 2023
Geotechnical
Ty Goebler
Senior Geotechnical Engineer
Joined TRU in 2023
Operations
Robby Soetaert
Operations Business Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Makayla Mitchell
Operations Business Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Alondra Silva-Martinez
Operations Associate
Joined TRU in 2023
Event Planning & Coordination
Caroline Munroe
AVP – Event Planning and Coordinator
Joined TRU in 2023
512-532-5544
caroline.munroe@truins.comLegal
Mark Katz, J.D.
EVP, General Counsel for Ryan Specialty
Mark Katz joined Ryan Specialty in 2019. Prior to joining, Mark was a partner with the law firm Mound Cotton Wollan & Greengrass LLP, accumulating 25 years of experience analyzing and litigating complex insurance coverage disputes on the behalf of insurers, with a special emphasis on commercial property litigation. He has been involved in matters concerning large-loss property damage claims, builder’s risk claims, lost business income, extra expense, and delay in completion/start-up losses, among others.
Mark is a frequent lecturer on first-party property insurance issues and is admitted to the New York and New Jersey bars. He has mediated, arbitrated, and litigated throughout the United States, and is a graduate of Syracuse University, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and of Hofstra Law School (J.D. 1993), where he was an editor of the Hofstra Law Review.
Andrew Rice, J.D.
Assistant General Counsel for Ryan Specialty
Andrew Rice serves as Assistant General Counsel with TRU. In his prior practice, he advised and represented clients primarily in the areas of builder’s risk, commercial property, and reinsurance.
Andrew is a graduate of Boston College and Boston College Law School.
- CONNECTION TO RYAN SPECIALTY
-
TRU is a part of the Ryan Specialty family. Ryan Specialty is a service provider of specialty products and solutions for insurance brokers, agents and carriers. Ryan Specialty provides distribution, underwriting, product development, administration and risk management services by acting as a managing underwriter and a wholesale broker. Ryan Specialty’s mission is to provide industry-leading innovative specialty insurance solutions for insurance brokers, agents and carriers. ryanspecialty.com (NYSE: RYAN)Ryan Specialty was founded in 2010 by Patrick G. Ryan, the widely respected insurance veteran, founder and former Chairman and CEO of Aon Corporation. Mr. Ryan saw the need in the marketplace for a specialty organization dedicated exclusively to creating sophisticated insurance solutions for risks that demand innovation, proven leadership, outstanding industry expertise and quality services on behalf of brokers, agents and carriers.
Within Ryan Specialty, TRU falls within the Underwriting Managers specialty. Underwriting Managers delivers an independent and entrepreneurial approach to the specialty lines space by providing a unique platform for operational, legal, actuarial and technical support. Underwriting Managers’ exceptional resources and back office support allows underwriters to focus on the risk itself, delivering a superior level of service to brokers, agents and carriers.