Chicago West-Suburban Chapter's 2022 Officers & Directors
Chapter President
Dr. Brad Gronke
CPCU, AIC, AIM, AIS, SCLA, CLMP
Contact: drbradgronke@ignitep3.com
+1-312-535-2725
Dr. Brad helps people identify their opportunities and build upon their strengths through inclusive engagement. Dr. Brad has founded his first company, Ignite P3, launching in 2022, where you will “be prepared to perceive what's possible". The company was founded to provide educational consulting and more. He improves inclusion and diversity through the CPCU Society and several other professional organizations. During his more than two decades of experience in the insurance industry, he has earned numerous professional designations including his CPCU. He holds a MS, MBA, and EdD. Dr. Brad’s why is to prove humanity in business is the best practice.
Past President
Larry "Tommy" Thomas
CPCU, ChFC
Contact: Larry.Thomas@LibertyMutual.com
+1-630-447-4361
Larry performs as an Auto Claims Team Manager with more than a decade of industry experience. He has earned his CPCU and ChFC designations. Larry consistently utilizes his proven skills in leading claims investigations, resolving customer complaints, and advocating operational goals as well as objectives, ensuring alignment with broader claims functional goals. Larry is able to improve team productivity and efficiency with a motivational as well as an adaptable leadership approach.
Vice President
Nanci Smilie
CPCU, AIC
Contact: Nanci.Smilie@ErieInsurance.com
+1-630-355-2477
Nanci is a litigation specialist for Erie Insurance, with over 24 years of experience as a large loss property and multi-line adjuster. Nanci's experience includes managing large and complex residential as well as commercial property losses in the Chicago area. She has been at Erie Insurance since 2004, and prior to that was a multi-line adjuster for GAB Robins North America. Nanci holds both the CPCU and AIC designations. She serves on the executive board of several industry related organizations. She graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Fine Art.
Treasurer
Jennifer Simpson Conway
CPCU
Contact: Jennifer.Conway@phly.com
+1-331-333-4786
Jennifer serves as an experienced underwriting professional with expertise in the areas of umbrella and excess coverage. She has earned a CPCU and MBA. She applies her experience in strategy development, form development, underwriting, auditing, training, data and financial analysis, project management, as well as agency management through her professional activities. Jennifer has demonstrated a proven ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary projects and deliver results in a timely manner. She is committed to teamwork and continuous improvement.
Director
Devin Burke
CPCU, ARM, ASP
Contact: Devin.Burke@LibertyMutual.com
+1-913-249-4359
Devin is an experienced risk control consultant who specializes in risks associated with fleet and workers' compensation. He has been with Liberty Mutual since 2017 and currently consults with large national customers on a long term basis. In addition to the CPCU, Devin has also earned his ARM and ASP accreditations. Devin obtained his undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.
Director
Rachel Garippo
CPCU, AU
Contact: rachelgarippo@gmail.com
+1-630-890-5363
Rachel contributes to the insurance industry as a property and casualty underwriter achieving exceptional results in profitability, premium growth, brand distribution, service optimization as well as business strategy execution. She possesses knowledge of insurance coverage, forms, pricing, operations, loss control, reinsurance, account management, and industry trends. Rachel is a new designee in 2021 of the CPCU society, already having previously earned her AU professional designation. She is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University where she was a dominant force in collegiate running sports, still enjoying a good long distant run today.
Liberty Mutual
Director
Randy Hermann
CPCU
Contact: Randy.Hermann@cna.com
+1-630-719-3222
Randy is celebrating his twentieth year in workers’ compensation claims. He obtained his CPCU designation in 2020. Randy currently is employed with CNA as a Third Party Administrator (TPA) Oversight Adjuster for excess and high deductible claims. He recently moved back to the Midwest in 2017 in order to be more close to family. Randy has two young daughters. He is very excited to be back in the Midwest and growing relationships within the CPCU Society.