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
Chris Burns, CRIS
CEO
Chris Burns is a founding member of Technical Risk Underwriters, joining the firm in 2010. Based in Austin, Texas he leads TRU with a focus on disciplined underwriting, innovation, and strategic growth. He is known for blending technology, advanced analytics, and classic underwriting approaches to deliver tailored risk transfer solutions for retailers and brokers.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics from Appalachian State University and the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation from the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI). Prior to TRU, he managed COC portfolios for London Syndicates, AIG, and QBE.
512-982-1788
cburns@truins.com
Nick Hays
President
Nick Hays joined TRU in 2023 and is based in Austin, Texas. He brings extensive leadership experience from high-risk environments and, as President, oversees the organization with a focus on team leadership, risk oversight, and enterprise-wide execution across TRU’s platforms.
Nick holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Maryland, a Master of Science in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego, and a Graduate Certificate in Project Management. He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School and previously served as a Navy SEAL, earning the Bronze Star.
512-550-3729
nick.hays@truins.com
Chris Ayres, DIP CII
Managing Director, Canada Program
Chris Ayres joined TRU in 2023 and is based in Canada, where he leads the development and management of TRU’s Canadian Builder’s Risk program. He brings extensive experience across the UK and Canadian insurance markets and focuses on strengthening carrier and broker relationships through disciplined underwriting and analytical frameworks.
Chris holds a Diploma in Insurance (DIP CII) designation from the Chartered Insurance Institute and previously spent time 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 is based in Atlanta, Georgia. He brings extensive experience in the builders’ risk space and leads underwriting strategy with a focus on complex, large-scale, can CAT-exposed construction projects, supporting long-term portfolio performance.
John holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management & Insurance and Real Estate from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.
404-989-6527
john.medford@truins.com
Nicole Maddocks
Chief Operating Officer
Nicole Maddocks joined TRU in June 2014 and is based in Austin, Texas. She has played a central role in building and optimizing TRU’s underwriting operations and organizational processes. 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 and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Long Island University.
512-354-2016
nicole.maddocks@truins.com
Aaron Reissner
Executive Vice President
Aaron Reissner joined TRU in 2012 and is based in Austin, Texas. He has built deep expertise underwriting COC projects through his work at TRU and plays a key role in supporting complex underwriting initiatives and strategic portfolio management across the organization.
Aaron holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, with a concentration in Risk Management and insurance, from the University of Georgia. Prior to joining TRU, he worked at a surety underwriting company, strengthening his technical underwriting foundation.
512-982-1789
aaron.reissner@truins.com
Underwriting – US
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.
Selina Kodish
Senior Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2015
Katie O’Brien
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2021
Jade Herring
Senior Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2019
Chris Sangalang
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2019
Allison Lamb
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2019
Hailey Wingfield
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2022
Andrew Henning
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2022
Johnny Crouere
Risk Analyst & Sr. Geotechnical Engineer
Joined TRU in 2022
Jordan Gooding
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Matthew Vargas
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Dalton Wilkes
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Underwriting – Canada
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 brings a seasoned underwriting background in Builder’s Risk and Inland Marine. In his role, he focuses on risk identification, evaluation, and selection for renovation projects.
Jamie holds a Bachelor’s degree form University of Cincinnati. Prior to joining TRU, he managed renovation risks for global carriers including Travelers, Allianz, CNA, Berkley, and Cincinnati.
Risk Management
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 2023
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 2024
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
Chris Burns, CRIS
CEO
Chris Burns is a founding member of Technical Risk Underwriters, joining the firm in 2010. Based in Austin, Texas he leads TRU with a focus on disciplined underwriting, innovation, and strategic growth. He is known for blending technology, advanced analytics, and classic underwriting approaches to deliver tailored risk transfer solutions for retailers and brokers.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics from Appalachian State University and the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation from the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI). Prior to TRU, he managed COC portfolios for London Syndicates, AIG, and QBE.
512-982-1788
cburns@truins.comNick Hays
President
Nick Hays joined TRU in 2023 and is based in Austin, Texas. He brings extensive leadership experience from high-risk environments and, as President, oversees the organization with a focus on team leadership, risk oversight, and enterprise-wide execution across TRU’s platforms.
Nick holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Maryland, a Master of Science in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego, and a Graduate Certificate in Project Management. He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School and previously served as a Navy SEAL, earning the Bronze Star.
512-550-3729
nick.hays@truins.comChris Ayres, DIP CII
Managing Director, Canada Program
Chris Ayres joined TRU in 2023 and is based in Canada, where he leads the development and management of TRU’s Canadian Builder’s Risk program. He brings extensive experience across the UK and Canadian insurance markets and focuses on strengthening carrier and broker relationships through disciplined underwriting and analytical frameworks.
Chris holds a Diploma in Insurance (DIP CII) designation from the Chartered Insurance Institute and previously spent time 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 is based in Atlanta, Georgia. He brings extensive experience in the builders’ risk space and leads underwriting strategy with a focus on complex, large-scale, can CAT-exposed construction projects, supporting long-term portfolio performance.
John holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management & Insurance and Real Estate from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.
404-989-6527
john.medford@truins.comNicole Maddocks
Chief Operating Officer
Nicole Maddocks joined TRU in June 2014 and is based in Austin, Texas. She has played a central role in building and optimizing TRU’s underwriting operations and organizational processes. 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 and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Long Island University.
512-354-2016
nicole.maddocks@truins.comAaron Reissner
Executive Vice President
Aaron Reissner joined TRU in 2012 and is based in Austin, Texas. He has built deep expertise underwriting COC projects through his work at TRU and plays a key role in supporting complex underwriting initiatives and strategic portfolio management across the organization.
Aaron holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, with a concentration in Risk Management and insurance, from the University of Georgia. Prior to joining TRU, he worked at a surety underwriting company, strengthening his technical underwriting foundation.
512-982-1789
aaron.reissner@truins.comUnderwriting – US
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.
Selina Kodish
Senior Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2015
Katie O’Brien
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2021
Jade Herring
Senior Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2019
Chris Sangalang
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2019
Allison Lamb
Underwriter
Joined TRU in 2019
Hailey Wingfield
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2022
Andrew Henning
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2022
Johnny Crouere
Risk Analyst & Sr. Geotechnical Engineer
Joined TRU in 2022
Jordan Gooding
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Matthew Vargas
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Dalton Wilkes
Risk Analyst
Joined TRU in 2023
Underwriting – Canada
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 brings a seasoned underwriting background in Builder’s Risk and Inland Marine. In his role, he focuses on risk identification, evaluation, and selection for renovation projects.
Jamie holds a Bachelor’s degree form University of Cincinnati. Prior to joining TRU, he managed renovation risks for global carriers including Travelers, Allianz, CNA, Berkley, and Cincinnati.
Risk Management
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 2023
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 2024
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.