MEET THE TEAM
Management
Biography
Karin Branscombe started Quaker Special Risk in 1981 and spent decades leading the Worcester, MA office to become the successful agency it is today. Karin achieved countless accolades, but her proudest achievement has been mentoring other employees, making it a priority to value each of them the way she wanted to be valued early in her career. Karin serves on various E&S carriers’ agency advisory councils. She also serves where her passions lead her, such as being a trustee at the Worcester Art Museum and a board member at the Worcester Country Club. In 2019 Karen was named the club’s first female president. She splits her time living in both Worcester, MA and Naples, FL. Her favorite pastime is being with her grandchildren and taking the occasional trip back to Germany to see family.
Biography
Thomas Prokop is the principal of Quaker Special Risk and is responsible for its overall management and operation. He also specializes in Professional Liability and Claims. Tom graduated from Boston College in 2000 and the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University in 2004. Prior to joining Quaker Special Risk in 2016, Tom was a partner at Morrison Mahoney LLP, focusing on insurance defense law. Ten years of practicing law makes him a valuable asset as an in-house legal consultant. One of Tom’s roles is overseeing the handling of claims for which Quaker has delegated authority. Tom is a member of the state and federal bars in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He is also a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society, and is presently pursuing the RPLU designation. Tom resides in Northborough with his wife, Kelley, and their 2 children. In his spare time, Tom enjoys playing golf, skiing, and spending time in Florida with his family.
Commercial Lines & Environmental
Biography
Jim Andreoli is a senior vice president specializing in Property and Casualty insurance placements as well as Environmental and Excess. Jim has been with Quaker since 1988, after graduating from the College of the Holy Cross and Saint John’s High School in Shrewsbury, MA. During his years at Quaker, Jim gained extensive knowledge of the Excess and Surplus market and has handled the placements of all sizes of accounts including Fortune 100 accounts. His areas of expertise include working with contractors, real estate accounts, and environmental and property risks. Jim serves on the agency councils of several E&S carriers, including one of the industry’s largest, and has excellent rapport with all carriers. He’s a member of the Holy Cross Varsity Club, New England Surplus Lines Association and the Worcester County Insurance Association. He holds the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Associate in Surplus Lines Insurance (ASLI) designations. In addition, Jim sits on the boards of several local nonprofit organizations. In his spare time, Jim enjoys golfing, skiing, coaching high school football, and relaxing on the beach in Harwich Port, MA. Jim lives in Worcester with his wife, Leslie, and their three children.
Biography
Tony O’Donnell is a Vice President specializing in Brokerage Property and Casualty Insurance. He joined Quaker Special Risk in 1995 after a successful career as an Educator. He attended the University of Nottingham in England where he earned his Bachelors Degree and he then earned a Masters Degree in the USA. He provides insurance services to retail agents in MA, CT, RI and NH.
Tony earned his CPCU designation in 2000, his Associate in Surplus Lines Insurance (ASLI) the same year, and he is a licensed Property & Casualty Broker in MA. In his free time, Tony enjoys coaching soccer, recently earning his National Coaches license. He is an avid cyclist and swimmer, participating in numerous charity events throughout the year.
Biography
Liam Staunton is an Assistant Vice President and specializes in Commercial Property and Casualty Insurance. Liam joined Quaker in 2002 after receiving a Bachelors Degree from the College of the Holy Cross. Since then he has spent his career building a vast knowledge of Commercial Lines Insurance and cultivating relationships with retail agents in New England. Liam is a member of NAPSLO Next Generation, Holy Cross Club of Boston and Young Insurance Agents of MA. He holds both Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and the Associate in Surplus Lines Insurance (ASLI) designations.
Liam lives in Milton, MA with his wife Tiffany and three children, Sophia, Julia and LJ. In his free time Liam enjoys spending time with family, traveling and volunteering in the Boston community.
Biography
Phil McGinnis, Vice President, is a Property and Casualty insurance specialist, serving retail agencies across New England. Phil graduated from Babson College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He joined Quaker Special Risk in June of 2008, after spending three years as a sales representative for Assurant Health. Phil keeps his Massachusetts Property and Casualty license active and earned the Associate in Surplus Lines Insurance (ASLI), Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS), and Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designations. He is a member of the Cape Cod Independent Agents Association and New England Surplus Lines Association. He lives in Northborough with his wife, Jill, daughter Violet, and two sons, Griffin & Callan. In his spare time, Phil enjoys hanging out with his family, coaching youth sports, golfing, and reading.
Biography
EJ Bradley joined Quaker Special Risk in September of 2013. EJ graduated from Roger Williams University with a Bachelors Degree in Business Management. He works directly with Jim Hawkins, underwriting Commercial Lines accounts. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with family and friends, and coaching basketball at the youth and high school levels.
Biography
Marilyn Boykin, Senior Account Executive, has been with Quaker Special Risk since January 1996. She works directly with Senior Producer Liam Staunton. Her work includes underwriting Commercial Lines business and managing the support staff. Marilyn enjoys the beach, golfing, traveling, and most importantly spending time with her husband Lee, three grown daughters, and granddaughters.
Biography
Marvin Andre graduated from Stonehill College with a Bachelors degree in Accounting. In his position of Account Executive, he is responsible for assisting in Commercial Lines business and helping Commercial underwriters at Quaker. Marvin enjoys spending time with family and friends, sports, and reading.
Biography
Megan McMahon joined Quaker Special Risk in September 2017 as a Policy Issuance Specialist. She is responsible for issuing commercial brokerage policies. Megan graduated from Bridgewater State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications; Media Studies. She lives in Worcester and enjoys spending time with her friends and family. Megan loves books, movies, and trying new restaurants.
Biography
Kayla Smith, Account Executive, joined Quaker Special Risk in February of 2016. Kayla focuses mainly on underwriting commercial policies in Quaker’s Small Business Unit. She’s played flute for over 10 years and enjoys creating and listening to music. In her spare time, Kayla appreciates shopping, eating, and making others laugh.
Biography
Austin Chamberlain joined Quaker Special Risk in 2011, after graduating from Nichols College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Since then, he’s grown his knowledge on various surplus lines products and carriers. He works directly with Phil McGinnis, underwriting new and renewal Property and Casualty business. In his spare time, Austin enjoys playing hockey and gathering with family & friends.
Biography
Kim Baldyga joined Quaker Special Risk in September 2020 as an account executive in the Commercial Lines Small Business Unit. Kim came from Eastern Insurance Group, where she worked as a Commercial Lines senior account manager for eight years. Kim enjoys cooking, baking, painting, and spending time with friends & family,especially her husband, 2 daughters (Emma & Gia), and her St. Bernard, Bentley.
Biography
Katie Penny joined Quaker in May 2018 after a brief sabbatical from the insurance industry. Prior to that she has worked in both employee benefits and the property & casualty sides of the business. Katie has been assisting the entire team on marketing their brokerage accounts and getting up to speed on our binding authority markets, working closely with Tony O’Donnell. Katie graduated from Worcester State University and resides in Worcester.
Katie enjoys staying active with the gym, yoga, Muay Thai and has recently rekindled her love of dance with adult classes at Dance It Up! She loves her Patriots football and never misses a chance to cheer on Tom! She has a passion for fashion and decorating. Spending time with friends and family is a priority and is the best auntie to Grace, Jack and Mason.
Biography
Jennifer Rienzo joined Quaker in July of 2020, after working on the retail agency side as well as with a large insurance carrier. Jennifer started her career in insurance after graduating from Worcester State University in 2014. Her work at Quaker includes account management, working closely with Tony O’Donnell. Jennifer loves weight lifting and spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and pets. You can often find her planning her next trip to Disney World, or her other favorite vacation spot, Maui.
Biography
Owen Gibbons joined Quaker Special Risk in September of 2020. Owen graduated from Worcester State University in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and Business & Health Education. He works as an account executive underwriting accounts in the Small Business Unit. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, coaching high school baseball, and hanging out with his family, friends, & dog.
Biography
Kristen Connolly joined Quaker Special Risk in January 2021. She has over 25 years’ experience working in both commercial and personal lines and for the past 3 years has specialized in brokerage property. Prior to joining Quaker, she worked for eight years with another wholesaler in both binding and brokerage sides of the industry. Kristen assists the entire team on placing brokerage property as well as binding accounts with our carrier partners. Kristen enjoys the beaches of Cape Cod, traveling, and most importantly spending time with her husband, Tommy, and three children, Kayla, Brendan and Erin as well as the newest family edition a chocolate lab named Obi.
Biography
James Menard joined Quaker in 2022. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Framingham State University. Jim is quite the outdoorsy guy. When he isn’t taking in all things nature has to offer, he enjoys art, movies, reading, playing guitar, and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Professional Lines
Biography
Carol Kavorkian joined the Professional Liability team at Quaker Special Risk in May of 2012. She has over 30 years experience working in Commercial Lines and for the past two years she has specialized in Professional Liability on the retail side. She holds a Property & Casualty license in 23 states. In her free time Carol enjoys reading, all outdoor activities and spending time with family. She resides in Charlton with her husband Jack and two daughters.
Michelle Abasciano
Account Executive – Professional Liability
mabasciano@quakerma.com
(774) 420-3823
Biography
Michelle Abasciano joined the Professional Liability team at Quaker Special Risk in February of 2013. Michelle graduated from Worcester State College in 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and holds a Property and Casualty license in Massachusetts. Her main responsibility is underwriting Professional Lines business. She resides in Worcester with her husband Erik, daughter Gabby, and their two dogs, Teddy and Max. She enjoys playing softball and spending time with her family.
Biography
Sandra Churchill works with the Professional Lines team as an underwriting assistant. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Affairs/ Economics from Assumption College and a Master’s degree in Education from Anna Maria College. Prior to joining Quaker, Sandra spent seven years as a Personal Lines agent and office manager at a Delray Beach, FL insurance agency. She resides in Charlton, MA with her husband and two daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active–running, bicycling, hiking, and traveling. Sandra loves to check out interesting New England gems, featured on Channel 5’s “Chronicle.”
Personal Lines
Biography
Mary Roy is a vice president at Quaker Special Risk, specializing in High-Valued Homeowners insurance placements for high-net-worth clients. Mary has been with Quaker since November, 2003, after graduating from Worcester State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Disorders. During her years at QSR, Mary has gained extensive knowledge of the E&S market, handling both new business and renewal accounts. Her main focus caters to celebrity and publicly-recognized figures, with a concentration on coastal and high-limit property insurance placements. Mary is responsible for Personal Lines department growth, based upon agency revenue goals and individual production goals. She is proficient in brokerage and binding authority operations, risk assessment techniques, procedures, and applicable insurance laws and codes. Her performance is highly sales-driven as well as customer service-oriented. She displays the ability to problem solve, a sense of urgency, and has a knack for establishing and maintaining strong relationships with agents, brokers, and companies at all levels. In 2021, Mary received the Top Specialist Broker Award from Insurance Business America–a prestigious national accolade for which she is very proud. Mary is an avid Pilates enthusiast, and in her spare time, she also enjoys entertaining friends in the White Mountains of NH and visiting her family at the beach in Nahant, MA. In addition, Mary serves on the board of directors for YOU Inc., a private, nonprofit child welfare and behavioral health organization, serving at-risk children, adolescents, and families. She and her husband, Rick, have two children: Abigail Lillian & Charlotte Rose Marie. The Roy family was complete in 2020 when they rescued Bo Jackson, a Pitbull-Chihuahua mix.
Biography
Jonathan Sweeney, Senior Account Executive, joined Quaker Special Risk in 2019. Jonathan is a graduate of UMASS Boston. Jonathan has over 20 years of Personal Lines insurance experience. He has worked as both an Account Manager and a Personal Lines Director for two large Independent Insurance Agencies in Massachusetts. For the past two decades, Jonathan has had direct dealings with high-net worth with clients. His experience working with affluent insureds has given him a unique perspective on how to serve our agents because he has been in their shoes. Jonathan is excited to channel his expertise of high-valued business and apply it to the non-admitted world. In his role at Quaker, he works directly with Mary Roy, helping to oversee the internal department structure and assisting Quaker to balance our Personal Lines market portfolio. Jonathan has the gift of gab, so feel free to pick up the phone and give him a call – he enjoys hearing from our Agents! Jonathan is an animal lover and has worked in the past with local pet adoption firms, opening his home as a foster. When Jonathan is not spoiling his own dog Niko, you might find him perusing the local Real Estate websites – he has his finger on property market values in Worcester County. That must be because Jonathan lives here in Worcester with his partner, Scott. Jonathan and Scott share an enthusiasm for renovations; they have given a handful of older homes in the area a new life. When Jonathan is not comparing insurance policies, trying to adopt a new pet, or renovating a house, his true passion is traveling by cruise ship to exotic destinations. Life is good!
Biography
Cathy Telemaque, Senior Account Executive, joined Quaker in October 1994. While Cathy has worked in both Commercial and Personal Lines, she has spent the last decade underwriting new and renewal business, with a focus on Builder’s Risks. She loves writing ground-up new construction and unique renovation accounts. Cathy graduated from Worcester State University with a BA in English and Minor in Spanish. She also speaks Greek fluently. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, baking, and hanging out with family.
Biography
Lori Budz, Account Executive – Personal Lines, joined Quaker Special Risk in September of 2014 and is responsible for handling Personal Lines renewals and new business. Lori graduated from Rhode Island College with a BA in English. She has over 14 years of Personal Lines experience, previously working for a standard insurance company. Lori loves 1980’s pop culture and her hobbies include home decorating and giving old furniture a new life. In her spare time Lori enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Biography
Joshua Carrignant, Account Executive – Personal Lines, has been with Quaker since December of 2010. Joshua graduated from Salve Regina University with a Bachelor’s degree in History/Secondary Education and from Framingham State University with a Master’s degree in Business Administration. His main work includes underwriting new business Dwelling Fire policies and Personal Umbrella renewal policies. In his spare time Joshua enjoys exercising, reading, and spending time with loved ones.
Biography
Brian Siequist, Personal Lines Account Executive, joined Quaker Special Risk in August of 2012. His main focus is quoting new business accounts ranging from middle-market to high-value homes. He enjoys building strong relationships with agents and providing great customer service. Brian is a big sports fan, and in 2019 he attended Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta to watch the Patriots defeat the Rams! He loves spending time in Maine, especially Portland and Kennebunkport. Outside of work, Brian enjoys spending time with friends & family–especially spoiling his nephew and godson.
Biography
Amanda Mitchell joined Quaker Special Risk in August of 2009. Her responsibilities include quoting both new and renewal Personal Lines business, processing personal lines endorsements, and processing cancellations. Amanda specializes in Personal Umbrellas and Comprehensive Personal Liability policies. She resides in Auburn with her husband and two daughters, Marley and Aria. While not at work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family.
Biography
Melissa Pingeton, Account Executive, joined Quaker Special Risk in 2020. Melissa is a graduate of Assumption College, and has worked in the P&C industry since 2011 on both the carrier and agency sidea. Her experience working with surplus lines brokers on the agency side made the transition to Quaker seamless. In her current role, Melissa works on a mix of new & renewal admitted and non-admitted accounts. She also likse to work on new watercraft submissions. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys reading, yoga, hiking and riding ATV’s with her boyfriend. Most of all, Melissa loves spoiling her two dogs, Lila & Quinn.
Biography
Jose L. Lopez, Assistant Account Executive – Personal Lines Binders, joined Quaker Special Risk in September of 2017. Jose loves to spend time with his wife, Stephanie and their FIVE children. Despite being raised in Cleveland, OH, Jose is originally from the Bronx and enjoys visiting family back in NY. When Jose is not typing policies, you might find him playing the piano or listening to music.
Biography
Marika Simonian, Personal Lines Account Executive, joined Quaker Special Risk in December of 2018. She is responsible for quoting new homeowner, dwelling fire, and article floater business. Marika resides in Worcester, and spends most of her time with her adorable dog, her kittens, and her friends & family. She enjoys traveling and is always looking to try out a new restaurant!
Biography
Cheryl Crandall, Personal Lines Senior Account Executive, has been with Quaker since July 2021, after working 14 years at another Jencap family company. Overall, Cheryl has 30+ years’ insurance experience on both the broker and on the agency sides of the house. She lives for football and is a self-proclaimed Florida State University fanatic. She is also an Atlanta United soccer fan. Cheryl is an avid reader, always surrounded by books; she even co-authored a children’s book. Cheryl lives in Alpharetta, GA with her dog, Rollo, and loves spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Biography
Rachelle Speller joined Quaker as a Personal Lines Account Executive in July 2021. Rachelle graduated from Nassau Community College with an A.A.S in Business Administration. She grew up in New York and moved to Georgia in 2004. She has over 20 years’ experience in Personal Lines – both as a broker and on the retail agency side. When Rachelle is not working on renewals, she is enjoying the outdoors, taking a Zumba class, running, traveling, listening to music, and cooking new recipes. She is also an animal lover with one dog, several bird, and a few fish. Rachelle’s greatest passion in life is spending time with her grandson, who was born in 2020.
Biography
Dustin Choe, Personal Lines Account Executive, joined Quaker in July 2021, after working for fellow Jencap company, Risk Innovations, for over a year. Dustin graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management and Insurance. When he is not in the office, Dustin is likely on a volleyball court – he is the Head Volleyball Coach for Galloway High School and the Tsunami Volleyball Club.
Biography
Dustin Yost, Senior Account Executive, joined Quaker in July 2021, after working 8 years at another Jencap family company. Dustin graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Risk Management & Insurance, and has over 20+ years of experience in the insurance industry. He has spent the majority of his career working for excess and surplus lines wholesalers & MGA’s, starting as a commercial lines E&S underwriter, before moving into marketing & personal lines. Dustin is a rare native of Atlanta and a self-proclaimed “Georgia Boy” who loves college football (Go Gators!), all Atlanta sports teams, hiking & camping, running, cycling, anything outdoors & brewing his own beer. Dustin lives in Marietta, GA with his son Beckett & his daughter Josey, as well as their adopted farm cat Ranger.
Sebastian Jimenez
Assistant Account Executive - Personal Lines Binders
Sjimenez@quakerma.com
(774) 420-3605
Biography
Sebastian Jimenez, Assistant Account Executive, Joined Quaker Special Risk in December of 2020. His main responsibilities include Personal Lines Renewals and Binders. Sebastian loves all things soccer, attending live concerts, and traveling with friends & family.
Biography
Kenneth Liappes, Assistant Account Executive – Personal Lines, first joined Quaker in June of 2021 as an intern. Kenny graduated Clark University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Psychology. He is currently finishing his Master’s in Business Administration. He works on a mix of renewals, quality assurance, and submissions for the personal lines team. When he’s not supporting the Personal Lines team, you can find him trying out new recipes in the kitchen and spending quality time with loved ones.
Kelsey Hanlan
Assistant Account Executive - Personal Lines Renewals
khanlan@quakerma.com
(774) 314-3215
Biography
Kelsey Hanlan, Assistant Account Executive, joined Quaker Special Risk in 2021. She is responsible for quoting Personal Lines renewals. As a former hair stylist, Kelsey still takes interest in fashion, hair, and makeup. In her spare time, she enjoys relaxing with her tight-knit family and catching some sun & surf at her family beach house in Marshfield.
Claims
Biography
Cathy Deveno joined Quaker Special Risk in October of 2001. Cathy is Quaker’s Claims Manager, handling every loss that comes through our doors. She has built her career building relationships with claims adjusters, third party administrators, and all levels of claims executives within our agencies and on the Company side. Cathy obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Worcester State College and has completed several courses through the Insurance Institute of America. Cathy resides in Webster with her husband Chad, and their 3 dogs. In her spare time, Cathy enjoys sports, traveling and reading.
Note: All claims can be emailed to claims@quakerma.com
Accounting
Biography
Jodie Bjorklund, Accounting & Human Resource Manager, joined Quaker Special Risk in April of 2012. Jodie has worked in the Insurance Industry since graduating from Umass Amherst in 2007. She lives in Worcester with her husband. In her spare time, Jodie enjoys going out with friends, spending time with family, and traveling.
Biography
Emily Billings joined Quaker in May of 2012. She is responsible for the account payables and billing. Emily graduated from Bridgewater State University in 2012 with a Bachelors of Science in Accounting and Finance. She lives in Grafton where she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Emily loves going to the beach, reading, and watching movies.
Biography
Victoria Lane joined Quaker Special Risk in August of 2007. Her main responsibilities include handling account receivables and invoicing accounts. She enjoys her job, writing, quilting, reading, cooking, poker, being with family and friends, and is a Patriots, Red Sox, and Bruins fan.
Biography
Melissa Delorey joined Quaker Special Risk in December of 2015. She currently works in the Personal Lines and Accounting departments. Her main responsibilities include quoting renewals, direct bill invoicing, and cancellations. Melissa is currently attending Worcester State University and is completing a degree in Business. She lives in Worcester, MA, and enjoys spending time with her dog. In her spare time, Melissa hangs out with friends and family.
Administration
Biography
Samantha Mullen, Policy Issuance Specialist, joined Quaker Special Risk in January of 2015. Her main responsibility is issuing Commercial Lines policies. Sam lives in Worcester where she enjoys sports, movies, being outdoors, and spending time with friends & family.
Biography
Ashley Lamb, Policy Issuance Specialist, joined Quaker Special Risk in February of 2018. Ashley graduated from Lesley University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Child & Family Studies and went on to work in the Early Intervention field for about 5 years. Her main responsibility is to issue Commercial Lines policies. In her spare time Ashley enjoys going fishing and exploring the outdoors with her husband.
Biography
Tara Wykes, Policy Issuance Specialist, joined Quaker Special Risk in January of 2019. Tara graduated from Clark University in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Technical Theatre and worked with a few theater companies before joining Quaker. In her spare time, Tara is usually working with local community theater groups and spending time with her family.
Biography
Alyssa Mullen-Torrey, Policy Issuance Specialist, joined Quaker Special Risk in September of 2020. Alyssa attended Rhode Island College, where she majored in Theatre. She enjoys reading, going on road trips, and spending time with family, friends, & her pets.
Biography
Polly Osborn, Receptionist, joined Quaker Special Risk in 2018.