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.

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 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

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 Council 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.

Operations

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

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.

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

Risk Analyst

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.

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.

Underwriting – Canadian Construction

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.

Loss Control

Joseph Amodeo, PE

Director of Engineering

Joseph Amodeo joined TRU in 2013 and is focused on Engineering and Loss Prevention.

His credentials are extensive, including the following:

• Master of City and Regional Planning from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
• Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University
• Associate of Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology from Austin Community College
• Licensed Professional Engineer in State of TX since 2016
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) member
• National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) member
• American Planning Associations (APA) member

Trey Sulak

Senior Loss Protection 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).

Security

Nick Hays

Director of Security

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 alumni of Harvard Business School.

Brandon Cruz

Security Specialist

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.

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

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.