About 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.

Leadership

Katie Davies

CEO

Katie Davies is the CEO of Technical Risk Underwriters, a part of Ryan Specialty Underwriting Managers. Katie has over 18 years 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. Burns 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. Throughout his career, Burns has leveraged technology, computer virtualization, and advanced application of statistical modeling to inform underwriting decisions. At TRU, Burns focuses on blending innovative approaches with classic underwriting tools to provide retailers and brokers with unique solutions for their risk transfer needs. 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.

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 holds a Diploma in Insurance (DIP CII) designation from the Chartered Insurance Institute, having spent a decade in the Lloyds of London Insurance Market as a Lloyds Broker and Senior Account Executive.

Ayres moved to Canada in 2015 going on to build and lead several specialist practices, including COC, Wrap Up Liability and Hot Roofing portfolios.

Ayres has helped create and advance sophisticated underwriting platforms and supporting analytical frameworks to compliment his deep knowledge of the contracting space, always with a focus on building and nurturing carrier and broker relationships.

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.

John Medford

Executive Underwriter

John Medford joined the TRU team in 2012. He is experienced in MGA operations and Ocean & Inland Marine underwriting.

John is a graduate of the University of Georgia and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Risk Management & Insurance and Real Estate.

Aaron Reissner

Executive Underwriter

Aaron Reissner Joined TRU in 2012 and has 5+ 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.

Jade Herring, CRIS

Senior Underwriter

Jade Herring joined TRU in 2019 and has over ten years of experience in underwriting commercial property for Admitted and E&S markets. Prior to joining TRU, Jade was an underwriter at AmRisc.

Jade holds the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation from the International Risk Management Institute. She graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Psychology.

Selina Kodish, CRIS

Senior Underwriter

Selina Kodish joined TRU in January 2015 upon moving to the United States from Germany. Previously a project manager and risk analyst, she is now underwriting Course of Construction projects out of TRU’s Atlanta office.

Selina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the Berlin School of Economics and Law.

Chris Sangalang

Underwriter

Chris Sangalang joined TRU in 2019 as a Risk Analyst and has since become an underwriter in the Austin office. He previously worked for Zurich North America in the energy property team.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from the University of Houston with a concentration in Global Energy Management.

Allison Varn

Underwriter

Allison Varn joined TRU in 2019 as a Risk Analyst and has since become an underwriter in the Atlanta office.

Allison is a graduate of Georgia State University and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Risk Management with a focus in Analytics. While attending Georgia State University, Allison was involved in Gamma Iota Sigma, an academic fraternity for insurance, risk management, and actuarial science.

Alexandria Cervera

Underwriter

Alexandria Cervera joined TRU in 2020 and supports the underwriting team in the Austin office. She previously worked for Markel as a surety underwriting assistant.

Alex has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin.

David Hall, CRIS

Risk Analyst

David Hall joined TRU in September 2021 and supports the underwriting team in Atlanta. Prior to joining TRU, he worked at Auto-Owners as a personal lines underwriter and Beecher Carlson as a Risk Analyst on their private equity team.

David holds the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist designation from the International Risk Management Institute. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management and Insurance with a certificate in Legal Studies from the University of Georgia.

Andrew Henning

Risk Analyst

Andrew joined TRU in June of 2022 and assists the underwriting team in the Atlanta office.

Andrew is a graduate of Auburn University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Finance.

Hailey Wingfield

Risk Analyst

Hailey Wingfield joined TRU in June 2022 and supports the underwriting team in the Austin office. Prior to joining TRU, Hailey was a Risk Analyst at Rokstone Construction Risk Underwriters.

Hailey holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Texas State University.

Dalton Wilkes

Risk Analyst

Dalton Wilkes joined TRU in February 2023 and supports the underwriting team in the Atlanta office.

Dalton graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management and Insurance from the University of Georgia.

Jordan Gooding

Risk Analyst

Jordan Gooding joined TRU in June of 2023 and assists the underwriting team in the Atlanta office. Jordan is a graduate of Georgia State University and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management and Insurance.

Matthew Vargas

Risk Analyst

Matthew Vargas joined TRU in July of 2023 and supports the underwriting team in the Austin office.

Matthew has a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin. 

Underwriting – Small-Medium Construction

Heather Hudson, CRIS

Senior Underwriter, Small & Middle Market Program

Heather Hudson joined TRU in 2022 and has over 30+ years in the insurance industry with specific training in Commercial Property and Inland Marine as a managing general agent, carrier and wholesale broker. 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 25 States.

Melissa Bigger, CRIS

Underwriter, Small & Middle Market Program

Melissa Bigger joined the TRU team in 2022 as an underwriter for the Small & Middle Market division. Melissa has a background in E&S commercial underwriting and claims. She also holds the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation from the International Risk Management Institute.

Michelle Clark, CRIS

Underwriter, Small & Middle Market Program

Michelle Clark joined the TRU team in 2022 as an underwriter for the Small & Middle Market division. Michelle brings her previous 5+ years’ experience underwriting commercial property and COC projects for E&S markets to TRU. She also holds the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation from the International Risk Management Institute.

Sean Smith

Risk Analyst

Sean Smith joined TRU in April 2023 and supports the Small & Middle Market underwriting team in the Lake Mary, FL office.

Sean graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Supervision and Management from Daytona State College.

Underwriting – Canadian Construction

Samina Javeed

Senior Underwriter

Samina joined TRU Canada in September 2023. Her career has been dedicated to ensuring that construction projects are financially protected while meeting the highest safety and compliance standards, with a commitment to risk assessment and management.  Her ability to balance risk mitigation with pragmatic decision-making has made her an invaluable asset to the construction insurance field.

Aleena Qadeer

Risk Analyst

Aleena joined TRU Canada in July of 2023 and supports the underwriting team in Canada. Her previous experience includes her role as a commercial lines associate underwriter.

Aleena has a Bachelor of Commerce in Risk Management: Insurance and Finance, from the University of Calgary. She was a part of University of Calgary’s COOP Program and has completed two internships: downstream risk analyst at Husky Energy and personal lines underwriting assistant at Intact Financial Corporation.

Risk Management

Nick Hays

VP of Risk Management

Nick Hays joined TRU in 2023 with over 18 years of security experience. Brought on to aid in safety-related initiatives, Nick brings a unique skill set and point of view to TRU’s diverse team. Before joining TRU, Nick proudly served his country as a Navy SEAL for 10 years where he was awarded a Bronze Star. Nick earned a Bachelors degree from the University of Maryland in History, a Master of Science in Global Leadership and a Graduate certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Joseph Amodeo, PE

Senior Risk Engineer

Joseph Amodeo (P.E.), joined TRU in 2013. Before joining TRU, Joseph spent much of his time in the construction environment, serving as a municipal engineer and working for an affordable housing developer. Joseph earned a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University, a Master’s in City and Regional Planning from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and an Associate degree in Fire Protection Technology from Austin Community College. Joseph holds memberships with NFPA and NSPE and was a speaker during the 2022 NFPA Conference.

Trey Sulak

Senior Risk Engineer

Trey Sulak joined the TRU Loss Control team in 2022. He previously worked as a Fire Protection Engineer for the Austin Fire Department. Trey holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and an Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate from the state of Texas. He is a member of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as well as Texas Fire Protection Association (TFPA).

Icello White

Senior Risk Engineer

Icello White joined the TRU team in May of 2023 and is based in the Austin office. Icello brought with him over 13 years of insurance industry experience, with expertise in multi-line claims adjusting, safety, and risk management/loss control. He currently holds a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification, along with a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation, and an Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation. 

Icello received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. During his college years he enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve rising to the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class with commands spanning shipboard weapons systems and shore side logistical units.

Tyler Retzloff

Risk Engineer

Tyler Retzloff joined TRU’s Loss Control team in April 2023. He specializes in the SME (Small to Medium Enterprise) accounts. Tyler has previously worked as a project engineer for a commercial construction group and completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Texas A&M University. His time at TRU has allowed him to enter the world of complex builder’s risk and assist in ensuring our projects are held to the highest standard.

Brandon Cruz

Security Analyst

Brandon Cruz joined TRU in 2021 and has over 10 years of experience in security. Brought on to aid in safety-related initiatives, Brandon brings a unique background and point of view to TRU’s diverse team. Prior to joining TRU, Brandon served in the military for over a decade. As a Navy Seal, he completed tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Following his military service, Brandon spent time in the private security sector handling anti-piracy off the coast of Somalia, as well as in executive protection, providing security towards high profile individuals.

Joseph Stroth

Security Analyst

Joseph joined TRU in October of 2023, bringing with him over 17 years of experience including 11 in the US Coast Guard. He has been a consultant for several security service organizations and has held a leadership role at a prominent company in the industry. 

Joseph holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Krystal Lively

Security Analyst

Krystal Lively joined the TRU Security Team in 2022 and operates out of the Austin office. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas State University and 6 years of security knowledge. She has successfully managed onsite security for large scale events with security guards and site equipment. Krystal was brought on for her keen insight and unique background to handle the necessary details that great security requires.

Geotechnical

Johnny Crouere

Senior Geotechnical Engineer & UW Risk Analyst

Johnny Crouere joined TRU in April of 2022. He previously worked as a geotechnical project manager in Austin and the surrounding central Texas region. He is lovingly referred to as “Geotech Johnny” by the team.

Johnny is originally from New Orleans and he holds a bachelor degree in Environmental Engineering from LSU, as well as his Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) certification.

Ty Goebler, EIT

Geotechnical Engineer

Ty Goebler joined TRU’s Austin office in 2023 with over 5 years of experience in the construction and geotechnical engineering industries. Prior to joining TRU, Ty worked as a geotechnical engineer for CME Testing & Engineering, Inc.

Ty has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. He also is a registered Engineer-In-Training (E.I.T.) in the State of Texas.

Operations

Alex Berry

Business Analyst

Alex Berry joined TRU in June of 2021 as Operations Manager. Prior to joining TRU, Alex was an operations analyst at Amwins SRU. During his time there, he built and developed underwriting rating platforms with a focus on CAT and aggregate management, portfolio optimization and workflow efficiencies.

Alex holds a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics / Actuarial Science from DePaul University, and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics / Physics from the University of California Riverside.

Robby Soetaert

Business Analyst

Robby Soetaert joined TRU in July 2023 and supports the operations team as a Business Analyst in the Austin office. Prior to joining TRU, he gained experience in the worlds of internal audit and data analytics through his time interning with the American Heart Association.

Robby holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology and Systems from the University of Texas at Dallas

Administrative Assistant

Caroline Munroe 

Executive Administrative Assistant

Caroline Munroe is based in the TRU Austin office and she supports TRU’s President, Chris Burns and CEO, Katie Davies. Joining the TRU Team in July of 2023, she brought over 7 years of administrative experience. Caroline graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and minor in Chinese Language from the University of Texas at Austin and is an alumna of Harvard University.

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.