AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. Claims Division Staff
Claims Professional Profiles
Shannon M. Ali
Senior Litigation Counsel
Excess General Liability Department
Shannon is a graduate of Dartmouth College with a B.S. in Government. He received his law degree from Villanova University School of Law in 2001 and was admitted to practice law in the State of New Jersey and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in March 2009, Shannon spent nearly seven years at AIG Domestic Claims in New York where he handled excess property and casualty claims. Previously, he worked as an associate in general practice at the Law Office of Roger Perry, Esq. in Philadelphia.
Steven J. Antunes
Senior Litigation Counsel
Environmental/Directors and Officers/Employment Practices Department
Steven is a graduate of Fordham University and Seton Hall University, School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in the State of New Jersey as well as the U.S. District Court of New Jersey. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in July 1994, he served as Home Office Supervisor and Litigation Attorney at American International Group, responsible for environmental claims/litigation.
Mark R. Bluestein
Vice President
The AEGIS Structured Settlements Company ("TASSC")
Mark is a graduate of Gettysburg College with a B.A. in Political Science/English and the Widener University School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in April 2001, Mark gained several years experience managing both first and third party claims in his capacity as a Claim Specialist and Claim Manager with State Farm Insurance Companies. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Natural Gas Claims and Litigation Association and the National Structured Settlements Trade Association. Mark holds a Life and Fixed Annuitites Insurance Producers license. Prior to assuming his current role, Mark was Senior Litigation Counsel in the Excess General Liability Department.
George A. Buddensick
Senior Litigation Analyst
Excess General Liability Department
George received his B.S. in Business Management from Long Island University. He completed an M.B.A. program in Business Administration in May 1996 from Wagner College. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in June 1989, he accumulated over 20 years experience handling both first and third party claims for A.I.G., Adjusters Corporation of America and Access America. He is a member of the Propane Gas Defense Association.
Paul Carnovale
Senior Property Claims Analyst
Excess General Liability Department
Paul has over 14 years experience managing first party property claims. Prior to joining AEGIS in January 2002, Paul spent the past 7 years adjusting Energy claims world wide with Starr Technical Risks Agency/AIG. He started his career with Crawford & Co and then with Royal Insurance Co. before moving to AIG. Paul holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from Kean University of NJ. He is also an active firefighter with the Raritan Township Fire Company in Hunterdon NJ..
Lawrence V. DeRogatis
Senior Litigation Counsel
Excess General Liability Department
Larry is a graduate of Seton Hall University with a B.S. in Business Administration/Accounting. He received his law degree from Seton Hall School of Law. Larry is admitted to practice law in the State of New Jersey. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc., in September 2001, Larry had sixteen years of experience managing general liability, professional liability and reinsurance claims. Previously, he was a trial attorney practicing in the greater Newark, New Jersey area.
Joseph P. De Vito
Senior Litigation Counsel
Environmental/Directors and Officers/Employment Practices Department
Joseph is a graduate of Lehigh University and Pace University School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in the states of New York and New Jersey, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as well as the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. Immediately prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc., in September 2001, Joseph served as Claims Counsel at Kemper Insurance Companies. Previously, he was in private practice as an associate at a law firm in Morristown, NJ, and he served five years on active duty as a U.S. Navy Judge Advocate. Joseph continues in his military service as a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve where he specializes in Environmental Law, Admiralty & Maritime Law and International & Operational Law.
Brian R. Ekdahl
Vice President/Counsel
Excess General Liability Department
Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in September 1992, Brian was a partner in a New Jersey law firm specializing in insurance defense litigation. He is admitted to practice in New Jersey, the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and before the United State Supreme Court. Brian is a graduate of Villanova University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and of Seton Hall University, School of Law, with a Juris Doctorate degree. Brian has managed the Excess General Liability Department of the Claims Division since July 1997.
Garrett Finnegan
Senior Litigation Counsel
Excess General Liability Department
Garrett is a graduate of the University of Scranton with a B.S. in Political Science and received his Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in February, 2004, Garrett managed a staff of four excess adjusters at Investors Underwriting Managers, Inc. He started his career in claims as a Home Office Supervisor at AIG Technical Services, Inc., responsible for environmental claims and coverage litigation.
Michael A. Hlubik
Workers' Compensation Specialist
Excess Workers' Compensation Department
Michael graduated from Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. He joined AEGIS in January of 2008 as a Workers' Compensation Specialist. Prior to joining AEGIS, Michael worked for Travelers Property Casualty in Morris Plains, New Jersey as a National Accounts Claims Representative in the Workers' Compensation department.
Woody Hong
Senior Litigation Counsel
Environmental/Directors and Officers/Employment Practices Department
Woody received his law degree from New York University in 1994, and his B.A. in English Literature from Columbia University, New York. Woody was in private practice as a civil litigator for over ten years. Woody was also associated with AIG Domestic Claims, as well as Hartford Financial Products’ Directors and Officers Claims Departments, managing all types of professional liability claims.
Helen A. Lynch
Senior Litigation Counsel
Environmental/Directors and Officers/Employment Practices Department
Helen received her law degree from New York Law School and a B.S. in Nursing from Villanova University. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in November 1990, she served as a law clerk in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division and practiced as a nurse for several years. She is admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey, as well as the U.S. District Court of New Jersey.
John J. Kowal
Senior Claims Specialist
Excess Workers' Compensation Department
John has over thirty years experience managing Workers' Compensation claims. Prior to joining AEGIS in July 1996, John held Home Office Workers' Compensation Analyst positions with AIG and The Home Insurance Company at primary and excess levels. He began his insurance career with Hartford Insurance Company as a casualty adjuster and supervisor. His education background is a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Rutgers University. In March 1999, John completed a national Workers' Compensation certificate program, sponsored by Michigan State University, which earned him the designation of Certified Workers' Compensation Professional.
Linda Marchesano
Senior Workers' Compensation Specialist
Excess Workers' Compensation Department
Linda joined AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in November 1983. Prior to her current position, which she was promoted to in April 2010, Linda held the following positions at AEGIS: Legal Secretary, Administrative Assistant, Administrator of the Claims Division, Workers' Compensation Associate and Workers' Compensation Specialist. In April 1999, Linda completed a national Workers’ Compensation certificate program, sponsored by Michigan State University, School of Labor & Industrial Relations, which earned her the designation of Certified Workers' Compensation Professional (CWCP). Prior to joining AEGIS Services she worked for Ebasco Engineering Consultants and attended Brookdale Community College.
Steinar Midttun
Consultant (formerly Vice President/Counsel)
Excess General Liability Department
Stoney received his law degree from Suffolk University Law School and his B.A. in Economics from the University of Massachusetts. He is a member of the American Bar and Massachusetts Bar Associations, the Defense Research Institute, the International Association of Defense Counsel, and was an active member of the former AGA Claims, Litigation and Protection Management Committee. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in 1980, he was the Claims Manager and counsel for Boston Gas Company for 16 years and an officer/attorney for Sutherland Page, an organization providing claim auditing and related services for reinsurance companies, primary carriers, and self-insured entities. January 1, 2000 - Stoney retired, but is retained by AEGIS as a Consultant.
Brett M. Popolow
Senior Litigation Counsel
Excess General Liability Department
Brett is a graduate of Cornell University with a double major in History and Government and received his law degree from Fordham University School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in New Jersey, New York and several federal courts. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services in October 2008, Brett was employed as an Excess Specialist with Crum & Forster where he handled complex high exposure general liability claims and coverage litigation involving the company. Before working in-house, Brett had twelve years experience at large national and regional law firms focusing on complex commercial and insurance coverage litigation.
Bruce W. Roznowski
Senior Vice President
Claims Division
Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in April 1992, Bruce was Vice President--Major Litigation Division, The Home Insurance Company. His previous experience includes positions in claims administration and litigation management with Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company, Chubb & Son, Inc., and the private practice of law. He is a member of the Bar of the State of New Jersey and admitted to practice in the United States District Court of New Jersey. He is a graduate of Seton Hall University with degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor. Memberships include the American Bar Association, The New Jersey Bar Association, The Defense Research Institute (DRI), Excess Surplus Lines Claims Association, and the International Association of Defense Counsel. Bruce has managed the Claims Division of AEGIS since July 1994.
Mark Rutkowski
Senior Litigation Counsel
Excess General Liability Department
Mark received his BA in Sociology from Queens College and received his law degree from the City University of New York's School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in New York State. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Mark was employed as an attorney in private practice with a firm specializing in insurance defense whose clients included several large utilities. His most recent position was as a Senior Claims Analyst at AIG in the Construction Defect Unit where he handled high dollar value commercial litigation claims at the excess level.
Karen J. Schrift
Senior Litigation Counsel
Environmental/Directors and Officers/Employment Practices Department
Karen received her Juris Doctorate from New York Law School, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the State University of New York at Binghamton. Karen is admitted to practice law in the State of New York. Prior to joining AEGIS in November 2000, Karen was a Home Office Supervisor in the Environmental Department at AIG Technical Services, Inc. in New York where she was responsible for environmental claims and litigation.
Stanley I. Schuldiner
Senior Litigation Counsel
Environmental/Directors and Officers/Employment Practices Department
Stanley received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and his law degree from the Franklin Pierce Law Center in New Hampshire. Before joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in December 1989, he was a claims and litigation specialist with Crum & Forster and the American International Group. Prior to entering the insurance field, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and as law clerk in the Superior Court, Fourth Judicial District, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Jeffrey J. Schupack
Vice President/Senior Counsel
Environmental/Directors and Officers/Employment Practices Department
Jeff received his law degree from American University in Washington, D.C., and his B.A. in Politics and History from the University of Delaware. Jeff has managed the Environmental/D&O/Employment Practices Litigation Department at AEGIS since 1993. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in 1988, he was a Senior Litigation Analyst, The Home Insurance Company.
Senior Litigation Counsel
Excess General Liability Department
Shannon is a graduate of Dartmouth College with a B.S. in Government. He received his law degree from Villanova University School of Law in 2001 and was admitted to practice law in the State of New Jersey and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in March 2009, Shannon spent nearly seven years at AIG Domestic Claims in New York where he handled excess property and casualty claims. Previously, he worked as an associate in general practice at the Law Office of Roger Perry, Esq. in Philadelphia.
Steven J. Antunes
Senior Litigation Counsel
Environmental/Directors and Officers/Employment Practices Department
Steven is a graduate of Fordham University and Seton Hall University, School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in the State of New Jersey as well as the U.S. District Court of New Jersey. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in July 1994, he served as Home Office Supervisor and Litigation Attorney at American International Group, responsible for environmental claims/litigation.
Mark R. Bluestein
Vice President
The AEGIS Structured Settlements Company ("TASSC")
Mark is a graduate of Gettysburg College with a B.A. in Political Science/English and the Widener University School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in April 2001, Mark gained several years experience managing both first and third party claims in his capacity as a Claim Specialist and Claim Manager with State Farm Insurance Companies. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Natural Gas Claims and Litigation Association and the National Structured Settlements Trade Association. Mark holds a Life and Fixed Annuitites Insurance Producers license. Prior to assuming his current role, Mark was Senior Litigation Counsel in the Excess General Liability Department.
George A. Buddensick
Senior Litigation Analyst
Excess General Liability Department
George received his B.S. in Business Management from Long Island University. He completed an M.B.A. program in Business Administration in May 1996 from Wagner College. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in June 1989, he accumulated over 20 years experience handling both first and third party claims for A.I.G., Adjusters Corporation of America and Access America. He is a member of the Propane Gas Defense Association.
Paul Carnovale
Senior Property Claims Analyst
Excess General Liability Department
Paul has over 14 years experience managing first party property claims. Prior to joining AEGIS in January 2002, Paul spent the past 7 years adjusting Energy claims world wide with Starr Technical Risks Agency/AIG. He started his career with Crawford & Co and then with Royal Insurance Co. before moving to AIG. Paul holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from Kean University of NJ. He is also an active firefighter with the Raritan Township Fire Company in Hunterdon NJ..
Lawrence V. DeRogatis
Senior Litigation Counsel
Excess General Liability Department
Larry is a graduate of Seton Hall University with a B.S. in Business Administration/Accounting. He received his law degree from Seton Hall School of Law. Larry is admitted to practice law in the State of New Jersey. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc., in September 2001, Larry had sixteen years of experience managing general liability, professional liability and reinsurance claims. Previously, he was a trial attorney practicing in the greater Newark, New Jersey area.
Joseph P. De Vito
Senior Litigation Counsel
Environmental/Directors and Officers/Employment Practices Department
Joseph is a graduate of Lehigh University and Pace University School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in the states of New York and New Jersey, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as well as the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. Immediately prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc., in September 2001, Joseph served as Claims Counsel at Kemper Insurance Companies. Previously, he was in private practice as an associate at a law firm in Morristown, NJ, and he served five years on active duty as a U.S. Navy Judge Advocate. Joseph continues in his military service as a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve where he specializes in Environmental Law, Admiralty & Maritime Law and International & Operational Law.
Brian R. Ekdahl
Vice President/Counsel
Excess General Liability Department
Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in September 1992, Brian was a partner in a New Jersey law firm specializing in insurance defense litigation. He is admitted to practice in New Jersey, the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and before the United State Supreme Court. Brian is a graduate of Villanova University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and of Seton Hall University, School of Law, with a Juris Doctorate degree. Brian has managed the Excess General Liability Department of the Claims Division since July 1997.
Garrett Finnegan
Senior Litigation Counsel
Excess General Liability Department
Garrett is a graduate of the University of Scranton with a B.S. in Political Science and received his Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in February, 2004, Garrett managed a staff of four excess adjusters at Investors Underwriting Managers, Inc. He started his career in claims as a Home Office Supervisor at AIG Technical Services, Inc., responsible for environmental claims and coverage litigation.
Michael A. Hlubik
Workers' Compensation Specialist
Excess Workers' Compensation Department
Michael graduated from Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. He joined AEGIS in January of 2008 as a Workers' Compensation Specialist. Prior to joining AEGIS, Michael worked for Travelers Property Casualty in Morris Plains, New Jersey as a National Accounts Claims Representative in the Workers' Compensation department.
Woody Hong
Senior Litigation Counsel
Environmental/Directors and Officers/Employment Practices Department
Woody received his law degree from New York University in 1994, and his B.A. in English Literature from Columbia University, New York. Woody was in private practice as a civil litigator for over ten years. Woody was also associated with AIG Domestic Claims, as well as Hartford Financial Products’ Directors and Officers Claims Departments, managing all types of professional liability claims.
Helen A. Lynch
Senior Litigation Counsel
Environmental/Directors and Officers/Employment Practices Department
Helen received her law degree from New York Law School and a B.S. in Nursing from Villanova University. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in November 1990, she served as a law clerk in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division and practiced as a nurse for several years. She is admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey, as well as the U.S. District Court of New Jersey.
John J. Kowal
Senior Claims Specialist
Excess Workers' Compensation Department
John has over thirty years experience managing Workers' Compensation claims. Prior to joining AEGIS in July 1996, John held Home Office Workers' Compensation Analyst positions with AIG and The Home Insurance Company at primary and excess levels. He began his insurance career with Hartford Insurance Company as a casualty adjuster and supervisor. His education background is a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Rutgers University. In March 1999, John completed a national Workers' Compensation certificate program, sponsored by Michigan State University, which earned him the designation of Certified Workers' Compensation Professional.
Linda Marchesano
Senior Workers' Compensation Specialist
Excess Workers' Compensation Department
Linda joined AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in November 1983. Prior to her current position, which she was promoted to in April 2010, Linda held the following positions at AEGIS: Legal Secretary, Administrative Assistant, Administrator of the Claims Division, Workers' Compensation Associate and Workers' Compensation Specialist. In April 1999, Linda completed a national Workers’ Compensation certificate program, sponsored by Michigan State University, School of Labor & Industrial Relations, which earned her the designation of Certified Workers' Compensation Professional (CWCP). Prior to joining AEGIS Services she worked for Ebasco Engineering Consultants and attended Brookdale Community College.
Steinar Midttun
Consultant (formerly Vice President/Counsel)
Excess General Liability Department
Stoney received his law degree from Suffolk University Law School and his B.A. in Economics from the University of Massachusetts. He is a member of the American Bar and Massachusetts Bar Associations, the Defense Research Institute, the International Association of Defense Counsel, and was an active member of the former AGA Claims, Litigation and Protection Management Committee. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in 1980, he was the Claims Manager and counsel for Boston Gas Company for 16 years and an officer/attorney for Sutherland Page, an organization providing claim auditing and related services for reinsurance companies, primary carriers, and self-insured entities. January 1, 2000 - Stoney retired, but is retained by AEGIS as a Consultant.
Brett M. Popolow
Senior Litigation Counsel
Excess General Liability Department
Brett is a graduate of Cornell University with a double major in History and Government and received his law degree from Fordham University School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in New Jersey, New York and several federal courts. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services in October 2008, Brett was employed as an Excess Specialist with Crum & Forster where he handled complex high exposure general liability claims and coverage litigation involving the company. Before working in-house, Brett had twelve years experience at large national and regional law firms focusing on complex commercial and insurance coverage litigation.
Bruce W. Roznowski
Senior Vice President
Claims Division
Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in April 1992, Bruce was Vice President--Major Litigation Division, The Home Insurance Company. His previous experience includes positions in claims administration and litigation management with Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company, Chubb & Son, Inc., and the private practice of law. He is a member of the Bar of the State of New Jersey and admitted to practice in the United States District Court of New Jersey. He is a graduate of Seton Hall University with degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor. Memberships include the American Bar Association, The New Jersey Bar Association, The Defense Research Institute (DRI), Excess Surplus Lines Claims Association, and the International Association of Defense Counsel. Bruce has managed the Claims Division of AEGIS since July 1994.
Mark Rutkowski
Senior Litigation Counsel
Excess General Liability Department
Mark received his BA in Sociology from Queens College and received his law degree from the City University of New York's School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in New York State. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Mark was employed as an attorney in private practice with a firm specializing in insurance defense whose clients included several large utilities. His most recent position was as a Senior Claims Analyst at AIG in the Construction Defect Unit where he handled high dollar value commercial litigation claims at the excess level.
Karen J. Schrift
Senior Litigation Counsel
Environmental/Directors and Officers/Employment Practices Department
Karen received her Juris Doctorate from New York Law School, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the State University of New York at Binghamton. Karen is admitted to practice law in the State of New York. Prior to joining AEGIS in November 2000, Karen was a Home Office Supervisor in the Environmental Department at AIG Technical Services, Inc. in New York where she was responsible for environmental claims and litigation.
Stanley I. Schuldiner
Senior Litigation Counsel
Environmental/Directors and Officers/Employment Practices Department
Stanley received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and his law degree from the Franklin Pierce Law Center in New Hampshire. Before joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in December 1989, he was a claims and litigation specialist with Crum & Forster and the American International Group. Prior to entering the insurance field, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and as law clerk in the Superior Court, Fourth Judicial District, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Jeffrey J. Schupack
Vice President/Senior Counsel
Environmental/Directors and Officers/Employment Practices Department
Jeff received his law degree from American University in Washington, D.C., and his B.A. in Politics and History from the University of Delaware. Jeff has managed the Environmental/D&O/Employment Practices Litigation Department at AEGIS since 1993. Prior to joining AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. in 1988, he was a Senior Litigation Analyst, The Home Insurance Company.
