Blane Slack
Spokane Valley
Summary
Forward-thinking and solution-driven agriculture professional with over ten years of applied business experience in complex claims adjusting, supervising, and underwriting. Experienced project manager with a proven track record of successfully leading teams of up to 50 individuals in delivering a wide range of services, including processing large and complex claims, quality control, appraisals, general operations, and full-service farming. Recognized as a subject matter expert who excels in leveraging partnerships with C-suite executives, cross-functional teams, and industry leaders to achieve alignment and buy-in, driving business results and advancing strategic initiatives.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
PNW Regional Claims Manager
AgriSompo
09.2022 - Current
- Conducted regular audits of claim files to ensure adherence to internal policies, industry regulations, and legal requirements.
- Managing a four state-wide territory of claims adjusters, underwriters, and supervisors
- Collaborating with underwriting and marketing to get through claims in a timely manner
- Creating and presenting training for adjusters, supervisors, other managers, and Insurance agents.
- Reduced claim resolution timeframes by developing and enforcing strict guidelines for timely investigations and settlements.
- Participated in industry conferences as a representative of the company to stay informed on best practices and emerging trends in claims management.
- Improved staff morale through transparent communication of expectations, constructive feedback sessions, and recognition of individual achievements.
Claim Supervisor
RAIN AND HAIL
05.2019 - 09.2022
- Training new and current adjusters about loss adjustment techniques and procedures, products, services, and rules/regulations
- Develop and implement strategies to quickly and accurately complete claims
- Supervised a four-state territory expanding from Northern Idaho through Washington, Oregon and into Northern California
- Oversaw a team or 15 adjusters throughout the territory
- Oversaw the completion of 3,569 claims during the 2021 crop year
- Assisted Claims Manager to audit the work product of independent adjusters to ensure proper adjustment procedures have been followed, in accordance with company and federal standards
- Attend and hosted industry sponsored seminars, field days, etc
- Elected company representative for Whole Farm Revenue Protection tax program to discuss and bring forth product improvements for the USDA RMA’s consideration
- Annually trained over 100 adjusters to fulfill state CE credits requirements
- Assisted in the recruitment and selection of new claims adjusters, ensuring they possessed the necessary skills and expertise to excel in their roles.
- Monitored performance metrics regularly, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective measures accordingly.
- Fostered a positive work environment that promoted collaboration, teamwork, and open communication among staff members.
LEAD ADJUSTER / STAFF ADJUSTER
RAIN AND HAIL
04.2016 - 05.2019
- Promoted to Lead Adjuster responsible for leading the tax-driven Whole Farm revenue program
- Overall responsibilities include management of complex claims and quality control
- Assists in managing the servicing of claims and quality control by training and assisting independent adjusters to ensure complete accuracy of claims, liaising with growers and agents to ensure understanding of claims processes, and training internal divisions on WFRP
- Enforces and employs strategies to manage and complete claims processes with independent adjusters in a timely manner
- Investigates and assists in resolving complaints from policyholders relative to claims
- Maintains thorough understanding of kinds of crops produced in the territory and knowledge of underwriting and claim adjustment rules and regulations
- Traveled to other state out of my region when needed to assist with workflow
- Collaborated with legal teams to assess risk factors to mitigate potential liabilities.
- Analyzed claims to ensure compliance with industry regulations by conducting thorough investigations.
UNDERWRITER
RAIN AND HAIL
11.2014 - 04.2016
- Served as Lead Underwriter for a new federal revenue protection pilot program responsible for applying underwriting rules to insurance documents such as applications, production reports, and acreage reports
- Spearheaded the adaptation of programmatic processes, which resulted in adoption of 90% of policies nationwide
- Developed marketing presentations and adjuster trainings at several national events to audiences of agents and growers
- Reviewed policy applications to ensure completeness and accuracy of information and contacted agents and staff members to resolve and/or verify content
- Completed data entry of key information including policy, production data, acreage report data, and record updating
- Communicated data analysis with agents, FSA county offices, field personnel, and policyholders
- Trained on how to interpret policy language
- Reviewed statistical data to support risk assessments and inform decision-making.
- Communicated underwriting decisions clearly to agents and clients to maintain transparency.
- Worked closely with claims department to address underwriting concerns and improve processes.
PRODUCTION FIELD TECHNICIAN INTERN
DRISCOLL’S
06.2014 - 08.2014
- Delivered crop-forecasting results for multiple berry commodities to improve supply chain management and provide stakeholders with timely information for rapid decision-making during growing season
- Analyzed scientifically relevant and independent data and cost parameters of farm trials
- Managed blueberry modified atmosphere program
- Maintained and improved grower relationships
FOREMAN-IRRIGATION SPECIALIST
ALLTHRIVE LANDSCAPING
05.2013 - 10.2013
- Designed advanced multiphase control systems
- Maximized sustainable water usage
- Supervised a crew of up to five employees in day to day operations
ASSISTANT ORCHARD MANAGER
STADELMAN FRUIT
02.2012 - 08.2012
- Supervised operations of a 300-acre tree fruit ranch in the lower Yakima Valley of Washington
- Oversaw a season crew of 50 employees in all aspects of farming
- Delivered planting and irrigation design and implementation
- Engaged in horticultural practices including pesticide application, pruning and water and soil analysis
Education
Bachelors - Agricultural Sciences
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
Corvallis, OR01.2014
Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Systems -
WENATCHEE VALLEY COLLEGE
Wenatchee, WA01.2011
Skills
- Client Relationship Management
- Strategic Portfolio Oversight
- Operational Adjustments
- Process Quality Monitoring
- Insurance Underwriting
- Strategic Policy Development
- Crop Yield Prediction
- Data Analysis
- Agricultural Management
- Claims Management Proficiency
- Collaborative Engagement
- Clear Communication Methods
- Team Skill Enhancement
Accomplishments
- National Crop Insurance Elected PNW Region Vice Chair (2021-2022)
- National Crop Insurance Elected PNW Chair (2023-2025)
Certification
- CAPP Adjuster License
Timeline
PNW Regional Claims Manager
AgriSompo
09.2022 - Current
Claim Supervisor
RAIN AND HAIL
05.2019 - 09.2022
LEAD ADJUSTER / STAFF ADJUSTER
RAIN AND HAIL
04.2016 - 05.2019
UNDERWRITER
RAIN AND HAIL
11.2014 - 04.2016
PRODUCTION FIELD TECHNICIAN INTERN
DRISCOLL’S
06.2014 - 08.2014
FOREMAN-IRRIGATION SPECIALIST
ALLTHRIVE LANDSCAPING
05.2013 - 10.2013
ASSISTANT ORCHARD MANAGER
STADELMAN FRUIT
02.2012 - 08.2012
Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Systems -
WENATCHEE VALLEY COLLEGE
Bachelors - Agricultural Sciences
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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