Our Team

LONDON
MONCTON
TORONTO
WINNIPEG



LONDON

H. ROSS TOTTEN, FCIP, CCIB - PRESIDENT, CEO
H. Ross Totten is President and CEO of Totten Insurance Group and a major shareholder. He has been involved in senior management of MGAs and insurance intermediaries for over 35 years.

Ross is a past President of the Insurance Institute of Ontario and past Governor of the Insurance Institute of Canada. Involved in education for several years, he has been an Institute course instructor; Coordinator of Insurance Studies at St Clair College; a teacher and lecturer for RIBO licensing and CAIB courses.

A frequent speaker at seminars regarding insurance issues dealing with niche or specialty marketing, he has written numerous articles on the subject. Currently he is the international Executive Committee representative for Gama Iota Sigma, an insurance fraternal organization on university and college campuses in Canada and the U.S.A.


MIKE CALLON - V.P. MARKETING
Entering the insurance business in 1962, he has extensive underwriting, marketing and broker experience. The underwriting and marketing experience was gained while representing 3 of the larger commercial writers in Ontario over a 34 year span; mixed in with 8 years as an Independent Broker.

Mike has spent the last 8 years as the VP of Marketing for a large National Intermediary. He has traveled across Canada participating in conventions, broker calls, broker meetings, trade shows, seminars and product presentations. Mike brings a good general knowledge of products, markets and brokers to our team.


KARRIE WARNER - A.V.P. FINANCE & IT
With over 20 years combined experience in Finance and Information Technology, Karrie brings to Totten Group a diverse range of experience and knowledge. Joining the Insurance Industry 11 years ago, she has obtained experience in various positions at a Brokerage, in Support & Training at a National Broker Network. As part of the 2003 start up Team, she played a large part in establishing the procedures and systems presently in place at Totten Insurance Group.


ADELE SHELTON - SENIOR AGRICULTURAL UNDERWRITER
Adele brings with her 30 years of underwriting experience in Agricultural business including standard, special risk and specialty products. Her experience has been gained during her tenure with a large Farm Underwriting Company, as well as a number of years heading up the Agricultural division of a National Intermediary.

Adele will be handling directly, all the Agricultural business in Ontario and Atlantic Canada, as well as over-seeing the farm business written in the Western provinces.



MONIQUE ST. CLAIR - MARKETING ASSISTANT
Monique brings to Totten Group over 8 years experience in the areas of Information Technology and Marketing. She gained her experience over these years with another National Intermediary before joining Totten Group. While there, Monique gained general office experience, as well as specific knowledge in the field of Marketing and IT Support.


NANCY IMPENS - SR. ACCOUNTING CLERK
Nancy joined Totten Group in July 2004 and brings with her 10 years of accounting experience. She gained her experience in insurance accounting during her tenure at a large National Intermediary before joining Totten Group.

Nancy is responsible for all broker receivables and company payable accounts. Keenly aware of the need for continuing education she continues to take advanced accounting courses at Fanshawe College in her off hours.

MONCTON

STEVE MCQUEEN, BBA, CIP - ASSISTANT V.P.
Steve started his insurance career straight out of University in 1985 starting in sales & moving to the underwriting side with companies such as Guardian Insurance, Sovereign General & ING before opening the current Atlantic Branch in 2003. Steve has worn many hats over the years being in sales, claims, personal & commercial underwriting & management. Steve's concentration has been primarily commercial lines for the past 18 years with a strong background in marketing as he is well travelled & known throughout the four Atlantic Provinces.

Steve is very involved in the industry serving for 8 years as an executive member of the Royal Order of the Bluegoose & is a current Past President & member of the organization to this day. Steve is also serving on the board of directors for the Insurance Institute of New Brunswick. Steve is still actively involved in many sports & has coached at the minor hockey level for many years.

BETH CARLIN, CIP, WETT - SENIOR UNDERWRITER
Beth began her career with Guardian Insurance in 1990 as a typist & mail clerk working her way up over the years into underwriting personal lines. She joined our company in August of 2005. Beth obtained her WETT certification in 2002 & her CIP in 2004 which shows her committment to furthering her education.

Beth has served on many committees over the years with organizations such as the CNIB & the Insurance Institute of New Brunswick. In her spare time, she is an avid quilter & scrap book enthusist.

JOY FERGUSON, CIP - UNDERWRITER
Joy has been in the insurance industry for the past 19 years & joined our team in November of 2007 bringing with her a wealth of Personal Lines experience in both property & automobile. Joy has built many strong relationships with the brokers over the years.

Joy's favourite pass time is interior design/decorating.

CHANTAL LEBLANC - UNDERWRITING ASSISTANT Chantal has been in the insurance industry for the past 10 years. She was the first employee for the Moncton Branch when it opened it's doors for the first time in 2003. She is currently responsible for all administrative duties in all aspects of making the branch run efficiently.

Chantal has strong family values & interests include quilting & puzzles.

GUYLAINE GUATHIER - UNDERWRITING ASSISTANT Guylaine is one of our most recent employees joining the team in October of 2007. She moved to Moncton from her hometown of Bathurst late in 2007 to persue her career as an adminstrative assistant. Guylaine has successfully graduated from the Office Administrative program from the New Brunswick Community College in 2006. She looks forward to a rewarding career with our company.

Guylaine has strong family ties & enjoys scrap booking & watching movies in her spare time.

JASON RUSSELL - UNDERWRITING ASSISTANT
Jason is the most recent addition to our Moncton location. Although he has not been in the insurance industry for very long what he lacks in experience he makes up for with the determination to learn and grow with our industries everyday changing needs. As an underwriting assistant he is looking forward to intergrading himself with the current system as well as providing the most feedback possible to help streamline our daily workflows.

Jason's favorite pastime is playing guitar, piano, and all other musical instruments he can get his hands on.

TORONTO


D. CAROL GAWRYLASH - V.P. OPERATIONS
D. Carol Gawrylash is Vice President of Operations and Professional Liability Manager. Carol has 28 years experience in the insurance industry; 22 years specializing in all lines of professional liability. Her experience was gained in Insurance Company related positions and, for the last 7 years, as the Manager of the Professional Liability division of an Insurance Intermediary, where she was also the Vice President of Operations.

Carol is an active member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) and serves on the Education Committee of the Canadian Chapter of PLUS.


LAURA MOSES, CAIB, CIP - SENIOR V.P.
Laura brings over 25 years of experience in commercial insurance to her new position at Totten Group. She has an extensive background in large or specialty Property & Casualty insurance accounts, as well as working in the inland marine segment of our industry for many years. A strong supporter of education in our business she has achieved two of the industry's degrees and continues to pursue ongoing personal education.

Her experience has been gained during her tenure with a major international insurance company, and in dealing with Lloyd's of London and a variety of international markets over the years. For the past several years Laura has held senior management positions with a national intermediary and most recently an MGA for Aviva Canada.


BARB DINAN, CAIB, CIP - V.P., SPECIAL RISK
Barb brings over 25 years experience as an insurance intermediary to her new position as Vice President of Totten Group. Having worked previously for a national wholesaler in various senior positions, Barb has developed a knowledge of special risk and niche property / casualty accounts. Most recently she has owned her own technology consulting company providing service to the insurance industry.

Barb will be responsible for Special Risk binding contract business developed within Totten Group, including Forestry & Logging accounts as well as Residential Builders Risks. Her experience and background in specialty property & casualty business, including unique niche products written across Canada, will enable Totten Group to expand our facilities to our brokers in these areas.


EUGENE YEN - SR. ADVISOR, SPECIAL RISK
Eugene came to Canada in 1975 with 5 years of insurance experience working for Butterfield & Swire (now known as the Swire Group) and Citibank Insurance, an affiliated company of Citibank.

He started in the insurance business in Canada in August 1975 in the Substandard risk field serving with two Surplus Lines companies. In March 1991 he started his own firm under the name of Excess Markets Corporation T/A EMC Underwriting. The firm placed business under binding authorities with a number of domestic markets as well as with Lloyd's. EMC's excellent underwriting results culminating in a Lloyd's syndicate's purchasing the corporation in 1999. After the catastrophic events on September 11, 2001, the Lloyd's syndicate decided to refocus it efforts and Eugene reacquired full ownership of EMC at that time.

Eugene felt a strategic alliance was in order for the good of the insurers they wrote for, as well as the brokers they serviced. As a result, Totten Insurance Group Inc. purchased EMC effective January 1, 2007. Eugene became a Vice President of the Special Risk Division and a member of the Management Committee. The coming together of the two teams, with their specialized skills, products and market connections have already proven to be productive in the development of niche programs. As well, the combined human resources enhances service to our brokers and our markets.


TRACY GREEN - SR. UNDERWRITER/MARKETER PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY
Tracy recently joined Totten Group and brings over 12 years of insurance related experience in underwriting, marketing and administration. She has built up a strong rapport with many brokers, focusing on service and the continuance of building partnerships within the industry is of great importance.

Previous experience gained from the company perspective and more recently from Professional Liability Division of an Insurance Intermediary where she focused on Medical Malpractice on behalf of a Lloyd’s syndicate for the last 8 years.


KELLY MCLEAN - SENIOR UNDERWRITER
Kelly joins Totten Group with 8 years underwriting insurance experience in the areas of commercial, logging and special risks, attained through her tenure with a National Intermediary. Her new responsibilities include Personal Lines, logging risks and farm or agricultural business.


CHRISTINE HORUC-LAKE, CIP - SR. UNDERWRITER
Christine has 15 years experience in the insurance industry, with an extensive background in Personal Lines, including Property, Umbrella, Watercraft and Farm accounts. Having worked for both insurance companies and retail brokers, she brings a balanced perspective to the underwriting of this business for The Totten Group. She will be responsible for the underwriting of all personal lines business, excluding Builder's Risk accounts, and the development of new facilities in this area.


DANIEL MOSES - UNDERWRITER
Daniel has been a member of Team Totten since July of 2003. Initially as our receptionist and technical assistant, he continually expanded his knowledge and experience working within our firm. While working for a period of time abroad in the U.K., Daniel gained extensive knowledge and understanding of the Lloyd's market especially on the placement of specialty property and casualty accounts. Daniel is responsible for the placement of such accounts in the Lloyd's market and as well through domestic companies.


ROCI CALLE - SENIOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANT
Roci joined EMC Underwriting in May 1993 as the receptionist and progressed over the years to policy issuance, premium reporting to Lloyd's and even assisted with accounting. In 2005 Roci was appointed the Office Administrator responsible for all office procedures.

Prior to joining EMC, she worked at a retail brokers office for four years. There she handled all incoming mail and other general office duties as well as dealing with the public and their clients.

Her original insurance experience starting in 1985 was gained working for Jevco Insurance Company, where she provided terms and quotes to brokers on their Motoplan.

Roci will continue in her administrative as well as technical duties within Totten Group.

SHAHKAR HASAN KHAN, M.COM (INS), CIP, ACII (UK) - UNDERWRITER
Shahkar has worked in the insurance industry for over 11 years, starting out with a personal lines & commercial insurance company located overseas. Since that time, Shahkar has dedicated himself to further development in the insurance industry, by enhancing his skills through education& job experience, both locally & abroad.

Shahkar joined The Wholesale Insurance Group in 2006 as a commercial lines underwriter. His work ethic and technical skills have been a great asset to the organization. Among his professional qualifications are a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation, an Associate of Chartered Insurance Institute(ACII) designation, & his RIBO License. In addition, Shahkar holds an M.Com (Insurance) from the University of Karachi.

JAMES RICCI, CRM - COMMERCIAL LINES FIELD SERVICE UNDERWRITER
James has worked in the insurance industry since 1997, starting out as a client service representative for a personal lines insurance company. A few years later, James worked for a large international insurance company, & then a large international broker. James is a graduate of Candor College with a Diploma in Business Administration. In recent years, he has obtained his Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designation.

James joined us in 2002, & has been involved in production, marketing and underwriting of both personal lines and commercial risks. His TWIG experience includes business with U.S. and international exposures. James currently underwrites business & makes production calls to Northern Ontario brokers. He is a key member for our plans of expansion, into the geographical areas not serviced by TWIG.

SANDHYA GEORGE - UNDERWRITING ASSISTANT
Sandhya joined our team in 2006, while previously working as an Administrative Assistant. While not only having more than 6 years of office experience, she also holds a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA).

Since joining The Wholesale Insurance Group, Sandhya has assisted both personal lines and commercial underwriters. She is highly organized, efficient, & works well in the team environment. Among her goals, is to become an Underwriter, while working towards her CIP designation.

SANJA TAMBUR - UNDERWRITING ASSISTANT
Sanja graduated from Mohawk College with a diploma in the Business Insurance Program. She joined The Wholesale Insurance Group as a Technical Service Representative, shortly after graduation in early 2006.

Sanja works well in a team environment and assists with both commercial and personal lines underwriting. She is dedicated to building a career in the insurance industry. She is highly motivated and has excellent work ethics. Sanja has currently enrolled in CIP courses, in order to achieve her professional designation.

ANNE CARROLL - SUPERVISOR,
TECHNICAL SERVICES
Anne's career started with a large Life Insurance Company over 40 years ago. She has been in our organization for the past 20 years.

Anne's career has been diverse; she also worked as an underwriting assistant for a large multi-line insurer and later within our company on the accounting side. In 2002 she transferred to underwriting as a Senior Technical Services Representative, and later she was promoted to her current position as Supervisor. Among her many duties, is the training & mentoring of the technical services representatives.
Anne is responsible for the work flows, system management, policy issuance, invoicing, & acts as the underwriting assistant for two of the managers. She also corresponds with the accounting department, as the underwriting liaison.    

MICHAEL A. SKELTON - AVP, CBUS & COMMERCIAL LINES
Michael started in the Insurance Industry in 1970, & has extensive experience in Underwriting, Marketing and Management.  He has over 35 years of experience, while working for multi-national insurance companies & with an international brokerage house.

Michael joined TWIG in 2003. The use of his leadership abilities, strong work ethic, management experience, & technical skills have made him a very valuable contributor to the The Wholesale Insurance Group. His department is one of the largest, & most profitable, in the organization.  Michael plays an important part in the continued growth and success of his staff, and for Totten Insurance Group.

BARBARA BIERNAT, CIP - PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR
Barbara Biernat started with the company in 1992 in an administrative position and over the years expanded to knowledge of the industry through work, starting as a TSR and working her way up to Program Administrator and continuing education, obtaining both her R.I.B.(Ont.) License and CIP designation.

Over the years she has been responsible for the underwriting and administration of a number of commercial programs including Garage and Embassy Programs, and is currently responsible for the Environmental Damage Liability Program with respect to the storage of above and underground fuel tanks.

GARY R. WASTLE, BSC, CIP - SENIOR
COMMERCIAL UNDERWRITER
Gary obtained his B.Sc., Biology Specialist and English Major at the University of Toronto before joining the insurance industry in 1998.  Having completed his CIP Gary is now setting his sites on obtaining his Fellowship.  Gary joined The Wholesale Insurance Group in June of 2003 following almost five years with a large national commercial insurance company where he had advanced from the marketing assistant to commercial property/casualty underwriter.  Garys current responsibilities with Team Totten include underwriting a variety of commercial risks such as mono-line liability, larger property risks and COC's both domestically and with our Lloyd's markets.

PAUL HUGHES, BA, CIP - SENIOR HABITATIONAL / COMMERCIAL UNDERWRITER
Paul joined the insurance industry over 10 years ago, and started out in Customer Service/Sales for a large direct writer. Prior to joining the industry, Paul obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Windsor, & also obtained a diploma for Law & Security Administration from Lambton College. He has also has obtained his Chartered Insurance Professional(CIP) designation.

Paul joined The Wholesale Insurance Group” in 2005 as a Personal Lines Underwriter. Prior to joining Twig, Paul worked with a direct writer, and a large national underwriting company, where he honed his skills in auto, property & small commercial lines.  

Pauls current responsibilities include leading a combined (commercial/personal lines) underwriting team for a specific territory. He recently joined the company dragon boat team, with other members of the Totten team, & found the experience a good way of disciplining oneself, entrenching teamwork, & having fun at the same time.

HINA UDHWAN, B.COM, LLB, CIP - SENIOR COMMERCIAL UNDERWRITER
Prior to joining the insurance industry in 1984, Hina obtained her Bachelor of Law, from the University of Bombay and her Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Bombay, 1979.

Since joining the industry Hinas career as included marketing, underwriting both commercial and personal lines business and she has worked for a Brokerage firm, a large recognized international insurance company and a national wholesale operation.

Hina joined TWIG as a senior property/casualty underwriter in 2006 and currently services and underwrites business for a large number of brokers in Ontario. Hina has developed and help develop a number of programs since joining TWIG.

DOREEN TEOH, CIP - SENIOR UNDERWRITER
Doreen started her insurance carrier 18 years ago. She started out working for the Company side of Insurance for 13 years and ventured to the Broker side of writing business the last 5 years. She has extensive experience in underwriting "All Classes" of business when she worked with Insurance Companies and for the last 5 years specializing in the Hospitality Department. She is a Senior Underwriting in the Totten Group and appears to be enjoying the change. She is very service orientated and has a good rapport with brokers.

GERTRUDE ASHONG, CIP - COMMERCIAL UNDERWRITER
In the insurance field for just over 9 years, she entered the insurance business as an underwriting assistant and moved up to her present position of underwriter in the Hospitality Department. Gertrude has completed and received her CIP designation.

MARIA CHANTHANONG - UNDERWRITING ASSISTANT
Entering the insurance industry over 17 years ago, she started her insurance career at Dominion of Canada Insurance Company, as a TSR and subsequently joined Hub International in 1994, as a receptionist and in 2003, was promoted to Underwriting Assistant in the Hospitality Department.

LINDA CAPPUCCI, CAIB, CIP - SENIOR UNDERWRITER, CBUS
Linda began her career in the insurance industry in 1975 as a Personal Lines Property Underwriter for a major insurer and then pursued Commercial Lines as a retail broker before joining Cross Border Underwriting Services in 2001. Linda is a Registered Insurance Broker of Ontario and also a member of the Toronto Insurance Women's Association

LISA MIRABELLI - SENIOR UNDERWRITER, CBUS
Lisa began her career in the insurance industry in 1981 in the claims department for a large international insurance company until moving to the brokerage side in 1987. Lisa has been with the organization since 1993 and joined Cross Border Underwriting Services in 2006. Lisa is a Registered Insurance Broker of Ontario and also a member of the Insurance Broker Association of Ontario.

PHIL POLICELLI - UNDERWRITER, CBUS
Phil joined "Cross Border Underwriting Services" in 2007. He started in the Insurance industry in 1997 and before joining Cbus worked as an underwriter with some major domestic Insurance Companies and has gained extensive knowledge in many commercial Insurance products. Phil' takes pride in customer service and is focused on fostering and building a strong rapport with all Clients , Brokers and Companies. Phil majored in Marketing at "Humber College, Applied Arts and Technology" and is currently a member of the "Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario.

WINNIPEG


TERRY GUDMUNDSON - MANAGER, MANITOBA/SASKATCHEWAN
Terry has joined the firm as Manager, Manitoba/Saskatchewan. Well known in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and North Western Ontario, Terry brings 30 years of insurance experience to his role at Totten Group. He brings with him a background of both Company and Intermediary experience along with a great deal of local and regional knowledge. He is well qualified to assist brokers with the placement of unusual and difficult risks.


THERESA GRAHAM - TECHNICAL ASSISTANT
Theresa brings 30 years of insurance experience to the Totten Group. She started out as a policy typist and has worked her way through the ranks to a Technical Assistant. Theresa has worked on the company side, brokerage side & 5 years on the intermediary side.