Contributors

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Co-host

Chantal Roberts

Chantal M. Roberts, CPCU, AIC, RPA, is a claims handling expert with over 20 years of experience as an adjuster. Her first book is a valuable resource for new and experienced adjusters, providing lessons and best practices to streamline the claims process.

Chantal is excited to announce her new book, which uses fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and fables to unlock the secrets of insurance claims. This guide demystifies property and casualty insurance claims, helping insureds and claimants navigate the  claims process.


  • Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting . Get your copy now.
  • The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights. Purchase here.
https://www.theartofadjusting.com/
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Co-host

William Auten

William Auten, CPCU, AIC, owns Auten Claims Management in Victor, NY. Contact: 611 Co Rt 42, P.O. Box 428, Fishers, NY 14534, 585-454-8094, wauten@auten.claims. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/williamauten.

A senior claims adjuster, William specializes in general liability, auto liability, property claims, and litigation management. He holds CPCU and AIC designations.

With a BFA from SUNY Buffalo (1992), William has worked at Lindsey Morden, Cunningham Lindsey, Selective Insurance, Compass Adjusters, Ontario Insurance Company, and North Coast Claims.

He founded Auten Claims Management in December 2018, focusing on personal injury claims. The firm is known for detailed reports, timely communication, and collaboration, helping claim managers make informed decisions.

Learn more at www.auten.claims.

https://auten.claims/acm-blog/
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Editor

Nicholas Kearns

Nicholas Kearns is a talented music producer and artist based in Rochester, NY, currently bringing his expertise to the role of podcast editor for Auten Claims Management's "The Art of Adjusting." A Full Sail University alumnus, Nicholas has honed his skills in audio production, multi-track recording, and music composition.

With experience as a freelance music producer, Nicholas combines technical proficiency and creative artistry to craft engaging audio experiences. His dedication to quality ensures every podcast episode resonates with clarity and professionalism.

https://cococola576.wixsite.com/blank

Guests

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Guest

Barry Zalma, Esq.

Barry Zalma brings over 53 years of insurance claims expertise as a consultant specializing in claims handling, coverage disputes, bad faith, and fraud. As the founder of Barry Zalma, Inc., he has assisted insurers, policyholders, attorneys, and claims professionals since 1979, offering expert guidance and testimony.

With his extensive background as a claims person and insurance coverage attorney, Barry helps resolve complex insurance disputes, providing actionable advice to narrow discovery and strengthen legal strategies. Though no longer practicing law, his in-depth knowledge of industry standards, good faith practices, and claims resolution is invaluable to clients facing insurance challenges.

Barry’s expertise can make a critical difference before juries, mediators, or other triers of fact. For consultation, contact him at 310-390-4455 or zalma@zalma.com.

https://zalma.com/
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David R. Princeton, CPCU, AMIM, AIC, CSRP

David R. Princeton is an insurance claims advocate with 20+ years of experience spanning roles as an adjuster, lead claim specialist, and director of corporate risk. His expertise covers industries like renewable energy, construction, aviation, IT, agriculture, and beverages.

David began his career as an adjuster, uncovering coverage solutions for policyholders. He later served as a lead claim specialist for a top-50 insurance broker, ensuring clients accessed their policy benefits. As a director of corporate risk, he handled complex insurance challenges with strategic oversight.

Recognizing policyholders often lack knowledgeable allies during claims, David founded ACS to simplify the process and provide advocacy. He helps clients navigate claims stress-free, resolving obstacles and managing tough conversations.

https://www.advocateclaimservice.com/#Who-We-Are
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Donna Meehan, Esq.

Donna M. Meehan is an experienced attorney in the Jackson office of Cosmich Simmons & Brown, PLLC. She focuses on mass and toxic tort litigation, commercial litigation, workers' compensation, business litigation, and tort and insurance litigation.

Donna earned her Bachelor of Science, cum laude, from the University of Memphis in 1998 and her law degree, cum laude, from Mississippi College School of Law in 2002, where she also earned scholarships, participated in Moot Court, and received a fellowship at the University of Michigan School of Law.

Admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 2002, Donna is a member of the Mississippi Bar, the Defense Research Institute, Jackson Young Lawyers, and the Mississippi Defense Lawyers' Association. Her AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell reflects her excellence and high ethical standards.

Contact Donna Meehan and the team at Cosmich Simmons & Brown, PLLC, for trusted legal solutions.

https://www.cs-law.com/attorney/meehan-donna-m/
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Kevin Quinley, CPCU, ARM, AIC, AIM, ARe, RPA

Kevin M. Quinley is a nationally recognized thought leader in insurance claims with 40+ years of experience in casualty claims and litigation management. As Principal of Quinley Risk Associates in Richmond, VA, Kevin has served as an expert witness in 125+ cases across state and federal courts, providing expert evaluation and testimony for plaintiffs and defendants.

He holds esteemed credentials, including CPCU, ARM, AIC, ARe, AIM, and RPA designations. Kevin has authored 700+ published articles and 10 books on insurance claims and risk management, earning the CPCU Society’s Gottheimer-Malecki Award for lifetime contributions.

A seasoned presenter, Kevin has delivered 300+ industry presentations and taught CPCU and Associate in Claims courses. He also co-moderates a LinkedIn forum on insurance bad faith.

Outside work, Kevin enjoys reading, racquetball, pickleball, and life with his wife, grown sons, and two rescue dogs in Richmond, VA.

https://www.kevinquinley.com/

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Guest

Luis Diaz

Luis Diaz is a seasoned leader in the insurance industry with over 20 years of experience driving innovation through AI-powered solutions. As Co-Founder and CEO of ClaimMentor, Luis focuses on transforming claims processing by improving efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.

With senior roles at Sureify, Socotra, and Guidewire Software, Luis has led major implementations and product developments, including contributing to Guidewire’s IPO. He holds patents in claim work assignment and fund allocation configurations, reflecting his expertise in insurance technology.

Luis earned his BSBA in Finance and Economics from the University of Denver and has advanced training in AI and product management from Stanford. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Luis is committed to advancing the insurance industry through cutting-edge technology.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisarturodiaz/
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Guest

Marty Shaw

Need a top tree expert or expert witness for your project or legal case? Meet Marty Shaw, a renowned consulting arborist with nearly 30 years of experience. Marty was Tennessee's first Academy Registered Member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists and is an internationally recognized author. His credentials span horticulture, arboriculture, nursery production, real estate, insurance, and aviation as an FAA-certified pilot since 2016. Marty is one of the few arborists worldwide who consult full-time.

Marty has trained thousands in tree management and served as an expert witness in high-profile cases, including personal injury, negligence, and trespass claims. He also specializes in tree appraisals, historic preservation, hazard evaluations, risk assessments, and tree safety policies. From small projects to large contracts, Marty delivers expert solutions. Contact him today!

https://www.proapah.com/
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Mike Connell

Mike Connell is a veteran entrepreneur and investigator with over 30 years of experience in private investigations and business development. As CEO and Co-Founder of RiskJockey, Mike streamlines access to law enforcement evidence, enabling efficient, single-request retrieval from all responding agencies.

Mike is also a partner at Stop Loss, Inc., a licensed Georgia private detective agency, where he has served since 1996. His investigative career began at Business Information Services, Inc., where he honed skills in managing complex cases and information.

A graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Mike has dedicated his career to advancing evidence retrieval and investigative processes. Based in the Atlanta area, his leadership drives innovative solutions for clients across the nation.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-connell-9033a911/
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Guest

Sean Griffin, Esq.

Sean Griffin is a skilled attorney with over 30 years of experience in litigation, business law, and cybersecurity. At Longman & Van Grack, he resolves complex civil disputes, protects data privacy, and ensures regulatory compliance.

A Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) and Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP), Sean is a leader in cybersecurity and data privacy. He serves as Senior Director of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC), where he chairs the AI Task Force, and contributes to DRI, IADC, and ADTA committees on AI and cybersecurity.

Sean’s career includes roles as a U.S. Department of Justice trial attorney and defense counsel for insurance companies. He holds a J.D. from Columbia Law School and a B.A. from Harvard University.

Sean provides trusted counsel in litigation, data privacy, and business law.

https://www.lvglawfirm.com/sean-griffin/
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Guest

Steven Frattare

Steve Frattare's 40-year career in insurance claims began in 1980, transitioning from community organizing to life insurance interviews and home inspections. A suggestion from the NY State Department of Labor led him to claims adjusting, specializing in liability investigations.

As founder of Cornerstone Claims Services, Steve earned a reputation for thorough evaluations and adapting to industry changes. He witnessed the internet’s transformative impact on accessing information and improving efficiency.

Steve emphasizes communication, curiosity, empathy, and analytical thinking in claims adjusting. While technology has altered interactions, he values in-person engagement. His advice: rely on historical data and assess medical history, liability, and documented costs.

Retired since 2019, Steve’s career showcases a commitment to evolving with the industry while maintaining the human element in claims handling.

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