5 People on the Move

Sidley Names New Transactional Insurance Partner

Mike Devins, partner, Sidley Austin LLP

Sidley Austin LLP announced that Michael Devins has joined its New York office as a partner. Devins brings over 20 years of M&A and regulatory experience.

“Devins will be a member of the global Insurance practice, and will support clients in a wide range of domestic and international insurance and reinsurance industry transactions,” according to a press release.

“Mike is a great addition because he has the skills to support, manage and execute a wide variety of transactions,” said Perry Shwachman, leader of Sidley’s global insurance group and a member of the firm’s management and executive committees.

“Many of our lawyers have worked across from Mike and we all have great respect for the work he does representing his clients. We are thrilled that he has chosen Sidley to continue growing his practice.”

Most recently, he was a member of the Financial Institutions Group at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP.

Ames & Gough Appoints New Account Manager for Nonprofits and Associations

Ames & Gough appointed Hollie Miller as account manager for law firms, association and nonprofits.

Hollie Miller, account manager, Ames & Gough

Miller is a former U.S. Air Force intelligence analyst and a Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR). For 18 years, she has worked in the insurance industry in various capacities for organizations including Allstate, Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and Institutional Shareholder Services.

Prior to joining Ames & Gough, she was a senior account manager with NFP Corp.

Matt Gough, president, Ames & Gough commented, “Hollie’s focus on client service and direct experience related to our association and nonprofit practices build on our existing capabilities and bring added value to our clients.”

“We’re delighted that she is joining our team and look forward to her contributions to our clients and our firm.”

Risk Strategies Names Commercial Lines Leader, West Region

Risk Strategies has appointed Jim Schmidt as commercial lines leader, West Region.

Jim Schmidt, commercial lines leader, West Region, Risk Strategies

Schmidt brings over 25 years of insurance industry experience serving “a diverse range of industries including nonprofit, manufacturing, contracting, real estate, health care and captives,” according to a press release.

“Jim is a strategic thinker who has substantial experience in successfully leading teams to exceed their goals and provide top notch client service at local, regional and national levels,” said John Scroope, national director, Retail Operations, Risk Strategies.

“We are excited for him to join Risk Strategies and continue to strengthen alignment and collaboration, driving our best-in-class client experience.”

Schmidt will be responsible for building a regional strategy for Risk Strategies’ Commercial Property & Casualty business unit.

Insureon Appoints New Director of Sales, Operations and Analytics

Insureon has hired Jennifer Cromly to serve as director of Sales, Operations and Analytics.

According to a press release, Cromly “has spent her entire career supporting small business owners, including positions with Federated Insurance and Hylant.”

Before joining Insureon, she held several positions at The Hartford including head of Consolidation Sales and New Business Development.

Cromly will be responsible for “developing new business opportunities and creating customized solutions to customer needs,” per a press release.

“We are excited to welcome a passionate and proven leader to our team,” said Jeff Kroeger, chief commercial officer at Insureon.

“Jennifer’s exceptional leadership abilities, management skills and industry knowledge [present] Insureon opportunities for growth.”

CAC Specialty Adds Surety Expert to Natural Resources Team

Nathan Wonder, vice president, Surety, CAC Specialty

CAC Specialty hired Nathan Wonder, to be vice president of surety for its Natural Resources division.

“Nathan has built a strong reputation in the surety sector, working at firms like LaPorte Insurance and Brown & Brown prior to joining CAC, positioning him as a subject matter expert on renewable energy surety bonding,” according to a press release.

Erin Lynch, president of CAC Specialty’s Natural Resources division commented, “Nathan has consistently delivered strategic surety solutions in a competitive environment and is a highly motivated individual. I am certain he will elevate our platform while delivering best-in-class results for our Natural Resources clients.” &