Chris Barnes
DeLand
Summary
Confident and analytical professional with strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities. Demonstrates solid understanding of claims processing and regulatory compliance, coupled with proficiency in data analysis and documentation review. Committed to driving efficient claims resolution and maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Claims Manager & Business Analysis Assistant
GeoVera Insurance / Global Risk Solutions
01.2020 - 01.2025
- Review quality statistics/trends; coordinate efforts with the Quality Assurance Department to implement necessary steps for improvement
- Ensure timely, accurate and quality claim processing; provide strategy and direction when needed and as directed by client carrier
- Prepare daily reporting for Senior Management created from data driven resources in Excel/Tableau to provide metrics to client carrier
- Assisted with testing of RPA for letter automation, was selected to provide needed input to ensure automation clarity and bridge the gap between claims department and IT
- Continually monitor data/metrics and trends to assist in developing strategy to coordinate efforts with the client carrier regarding pre lit claims defenses and strategies
- Heavily involved in creating technical guide for company wide training and usage based on technical understanding of organizational needs and requirements
- Collaborated with other departments to improve overall organizational effectiveness in addressing client needs.
- Streamlined communication between adjusters and clients, expediting claim resolution times.
- Implemented quality assurance measures, monitoring staff performance and providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement efforts.
- Managed a team of adjusters, providing coaching and performance feedback for improved productivity.
- Developed targeted strategies for reducing overall company exposure while maintaining customer satisfaction levels through effective risk mitigation practices within the claims department.
- Mentored new hires on company policies/procedures enabling them to quickly become proficient in managing claims.
Director of Operations
Claims Questions LLC
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Coordinate all human resources, payroll, billing, and operational processes while effectively communicating with client, TPA and and additional vendors as needed
- Developed, maintained, and grew client relations to a degree of being trusted to pilot new and innovative billing procedures in order to increase efficiency
- Developed, maintained, and grew client relations to a degree of being requested to expand operation from 32 adjusters to 115+
- This was successfully accomplished within3 months as well as acquiring and converting10,000sf facility into fully functioning CAT/LIT operations center
- Responsible for the preparation and processing of weekly payroll for all employees; review and ensure accuracy of approved timesheets; submit payroll to employer system and client systems for review and processing
- Monitor efficiency levels and financial resource utilization for all Florida locations by evaluating office production, revising procedures, creating new forms to improve workflow efficiency by continually monitoring and being highly involved with staff daily
- Analyze and implement upgrades/updates for hardware and software standardization allowing ease of use, if possible, for the user; creating a more user-friendly experience when possible
- Diagnose and resolve unique, nonrecurring problems associated with application software and operating systems; determine the source of problems and solve
- Create alternative methods of completing tasks, correcting user issues, system errors and inconsistencies to improve the desktop adjuster team function and effectiveness
- Install and maintain software, manage software licensing, and create policies and procedures for upgrades to ensure productivity is maintained
- Implemented use of monitoring software to enable remote IT assistance, viewing and shut down of any laptops if required
Daily/Disputed Claims Examiner
Allied American
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Ensure proper guidelines were followed during claim phases
- Review claims to determine if costs were reasonable
- Check applications for completeness and accuracy regarding material representation
- Consult policy files to verify information reported in a claim is accurate
- Evaluate damages to ascertain compensation amount is true and accurate
- Consult police records if necessary
- Consult with construction workers, engineers, and outside counsel to obtain expert evaluation
- Listen to audio surveillance statements to verify loss account
- Accurately document claim information, status, and direction in carrier systems
- Evaluate all information to determine how claim should proceed
- Negotiate with claimant or representative to settle claim
Litigation, Multi State and CAT Adjuster
ROL Consulting
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Accountable for the performance and directing of defense counsel to ensure efficient handling of the claim as well as monitoring all litigation procedures
- Communicate with internal and external customers to ensure adequate understanding on all fronts of the litigation process
- Evaluate claims in litigation and provide guidance and settlement authority to defense counsel
- Manage loss, defense and litigation expenses, and indemnity reserves for claims in litigation
- Coordinate adjusting companies, vendors, counsel and claimants, as necessary
- Effectively identify complex property claims and develop a litigation strategy and settlement solution
- Effectively interact with external business partners and exercise independent judgment based on past experience
- Review and interpret legal pleadings and case law as necessary to assist defense in determining the best course of action
- Actively participate in the preparation of settlement evaluations and negotiation of settlements
- Attend mediations, trial and other legal proceedings when needed
- Review and analyze litigation claims on an ongoing basis
- Review and evaluate new lawsuits to determine appropriate future strategy
- Review budgets and approve legal expenses
Field Claims Manager/CAT Manager
American Integrity Insurance
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Work with team members and managers to identify and resolve any performance gaps, personnel issues or improvement opportunities
- Identify and participate in training and development needs of all subordinate staff; conduct, assist in, or supervise employee training and orientation regarding catastrophe scenarios
- Review job performance, hiring and merit reviews subject to manager's approval
- Continually evaluate direct reports reserving practices and claims activity of the individual adjuster for regular business and CAT
- Identify and advise management of trends, problems, and issues, as well as recommended course of action; inform management of new procedures and ideas for continuous process improvement; and coordinate with management projects for the office
- Administer company personnel policies in all areas and follow company staffing standards and training recommendations
- Participated in the training and mentoring of strategic business partners and internal staff
- Provide support, guidance, leadership and motivation to promote maximum performance
CAT Claims Coordinator & MCM Field Manager
CPIC
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Supervised desk and field independent adjusters to establish an effective team structure for a range of claim types
- Participated in catastrophe response planning to verify the strengths and weakness essential for preparedness on behalf of the state of Florida in the event of a disaster
- Used discretion and independent judgment in settling claims up to $150,000
- Coordinated the workflow of claims examiners while performing open and closed claim file reviews to evaluate and document overall operational value
- Developed audit plans and measurement tools as a quality assurance auditor for identifying trends in claims handling
- Participated in the training and mentoring of strategic business partners and internal staff
- Trained, mentored and guided external business partners and less experienced staff
Catastrophe / Litigation Adjuster
Pilot Catastrophe Service
01.2004 - 01.2010
- Investigated policy holder real property and personal property items to verify terms of coverage and estimate property value
- Estimated and evaluated scope of physical damage utilizing client company software
- Applied correct policy parameters to claim coverage determination and interpreted third party claim findings for further application
- Developed case file for management review and recommended claim resolution strategies to senior management for approval
- Consulted with agents concerning lack of coverage or possible underwriting issues
- Acted as liaison between defense counsel and management, and elicited cooperation from any insured representative, Public Adjuster or Attorney
- Worked with home office general counsel and retained defense counsel to close post-hurricane claims
- Communicated effectively with policyholders to ensure understanding of the claims process and results, achieving100% customer satisfaction
Education
Graduate Candidate - Risk Management & Compliance
Texas A&M School of Law
01-2027
B.S. - Mass Communications, Minor History
Texas Wesleyan University
01.2002
Skills
- Experienced in translating complex ideas for differing skill types from carrier systems/[programs into technical manuals and guides
- High comfort level with providing daily reporting to support management based on data extraction and analysis from Tableau and Excel
- Skilled in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Tableau, Power Point, SharePoint, SnagIt, and Smart Draw
- Act as a liaison between end user and operations department to further enhance end user experience
- In depth understanding of insurance trends and compliance further assisting the development of strategy to coordinate efforts with the client carrier regarding claims defenses and strategies
- 20 years in catastrophe assessment, talent procurement and claim resolution
Certification
Industry Designations
AIC | AIS | AINS
Timeline
Claims Manager & Business Analysis Assistant
GeoVera Insurance / Global Risk Solutions
01.2020 - 01.2025
Director of Operations
Claims Questions LLC
01.2017 - 01.2020
Daily/Disputed Claims Examiner
Allied American
01.2015 - 01.2017
Litigation, Multi State and CAT Adjuster
ROL Consulting
01.2013 - 01.2015
Field Claims Manager/CAT Manager
American Integrity Insurance
01.2012 - 01.2013
CAT Claims Coordinator & MCM Field Manager
CPIC
01.2010 - 01.2012
Catastrophe / Litigation Adjuster
Pilot Catastrophe Service
01.2004 - 01.2010
B.S. - Mass Communications, Minor History
Texas Wesleyan University
Industry Designations
AIC | AIS | AINS
Graduate Candidate - Risk Management & Compliance
Texas A&M School of Law
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