Michael Ferris
Brighton
Summary
Experienced in communication and team building. Dedicated to creating inclusive environments where every team member has a voice in the process development. Belief in advancing individual and team strengths drives to excel in negotiating with customers, business partners, and leadership to achieve positive results. Background in military, law enforcement, and corporate business, bringing over 25 years of experience in building relationships involving diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Proud to hold a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, enhancing ability to drive efficiency and effectiveness within teams.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Claims Services Senior Manager
Xcel Energy
05.2021 - 02.2025
- Lead Enterprise Claims Services Team –
- Oversee the Claims Department Leadership team
- Develop business strategies and ensure execution at the team level
- Employee development – Building a strong leadership team and ensuring they develop their staff
- Encouraging employee skill growth through stretch assignments
- Overall responsibility for maintaining and expanding the role of Claims Services through relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including community agencies, local law enforcement, and fire agencies
- Responsible for the Claims Services department budget
- On call 24/7 to provide direction, oversight, and technical expertise on major incident investigations, as needed
- Partner with other business unit leadership to ensure cost effective integration and utilization of processes and resources services
Claims Services Managing Investigator
Xcel Energy
02.2019 - 05.2021
- Lead Regional Claims Services Investigative Team
- Led a team of Investigators responsible for major incident investigations involving gas, electric, thermal (steam) and sub-station electric power generation, incident file retention, litigation support and evidence preservation
- Assisted the Sr
- Claims Manager in the implementation of initiatives and leveraging technology to enhance investigative practices
- Provided training to gas and electric operations teams, investigative support for the public safety business unit, and partnering with Damage Prevention to reinforce reasonable care standards, address safety concerns and avert catastrophic events
- Coordinated and provided support to legal counsel and their staff on claims asserted against the company, from the inception to conclusion of the case including court room testimony, investigation and resolution of public claims, and the billing and collection of company damage claims
- Responsible for the development and training of team members
- Responded to and/or supervised major incident investigations and provided complete follow-up to field investigation through file organization, litigation preparation, and deposition testimony
Team Lead
Xcel Energy
06.2018 - 02.2019
- Manage Regional Claims Services Administrative Staff –
- Led a team of Claims Coordinators responsible for billing and collections associated with damage to the company facilities
- Organized and maintained work schedules, payroll, performance appraisals, and perform developmental and performance counseling
- Utilized time management skills to organize department job tasks to meet company goals and objectives
- Managed multiple major events, litigation support, and public damage claims
- Managed the evidence storage facility on behalf of General Counsel
- Conducted new hire interviews and on-boarding, focusing on the Company’s commitment to staff diversity
Senior Claims Investigator
Xcel Energy
08.2017 - 06.2018
- Claims Investigator / March 2013-August 2017
- Process Public and Company Claims –
- Provided training and support to the Investigative Team
- Reviewed claims processes and appeals as necessary
- Processed and investigated complex property damage and personal injury claims
- Determined liability and negotiated settlements
- Investigate Major Incidents –
- Conducted investigations for high profile major incidents, litigated matters, or cases where Company facilities may be involved resulting in loss of life, personal injury, and/or extensive property damage
- Responded to incident sites, ensuring pertinent information was gathered and documented, evidence was identified and collected, and witnesses were identified and interviewed
- Experienced with Chain of Custody, evidence preservation and spoliation
- Managed the evidence storage facility on behalf of General Counsel
- Performed follow-up research to ensure a complete file is created in accordance with the department guidelines
- Utilized personal computers and databases, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, & GIS mapping software to develop and maintain investigative files
- Communicated with and assisted, regulatory officials and local, state, or federal agencies as required
- Provide specific training to various business units regarding incident response
- Provide Litigation Support – Provide litigation support including testifying, strategic planning, data gathering, and participation in meditations, settlement conferences, and court proceedings for high profile cases
- Collaborate closely with legal counsel on all aspects of litigation
Utility Worker
Xcel Energy
06.2010 - 03.2013
- Construction Planning and Installation – Planned directed and monitored projects for the installation and maintenance of Xcel Energy’s gas and electric distribution systems
- Participated in pre-construction planning, established daily work plans, and ensured compliance with Xcel Energy standards
- Oversaw work at job sites, while emphasizing safety, regulatory compliance, and customer service
- Created and/or modified internal processes, including the number of crew members assigned to specific tasks and their designated roles, enhancing operational performance
- Adapted to multiple work roles and assignments
Utility Worker
Q3 Contracting
11.2009 - 06.2010
- Construction Labor and Installation – Performed semi-skilled work in the construction, installation, and maintenance of gas and electric distribution systems
- Operated a variety of tools and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of gas and electric services
- Independently initiated and followed through on tasks, culminating in enhanced results
- Demonstrated flexibility by consistently taking on new roles or positions within the organization
Customer Service Supervisor
DISH Network
03.2009 - 11.2009
- Floor Supervisor / Coach – Supervised a team of twenty-two Customer Service Representatives
- Organized and maintained work schedules, payroll, performance appraisals, and performed counseling, as necessary
- Provided superior customer service by building rapport with my peers, subordinates, and company clientele
- Utilized time management skills to organize and maintain required paperwork to meet company objectives
- Conducted candidate interviews and on-boarding
- Worked with a variety of culturally diverse groups and individuals, and the Human Resource Department to support subordinates’ needs and ensure compliance with company guidelines
Law Enforcement
Jefferson County
01.1996 - 01.2009
- Criminal Investigator – Built community relationships, while gathering information regarding complex criminal investigations
- Utilized various interview and investigative techniques to obtain facts from individuals impacted by or associated with criminal activity
- Developed training, designed lesson plans, and provided training to all levels of the organization, specifically in conflict resolution, personal protection
- Utilized expert technical and behavioral knowledge to train and develop staff members and new hires, in understanding diversity and options for the de-escalation of force
- Performed audits for various business units in the organization to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
- Maintained instructor qualifications and utilized these for the training and testing of department personnel at all levels of the organization
Education
High School Diploma -
Roosevelt High School
Johnstown, CO05.1977
United States Army / 82nd Airborne Division
08.1980
Aims Community College
Greeley, CO05.1977
Skills
- Organizational Strategy
- Collaborative Team Management
- Performance Improvement Strategies
- Project Oversight
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of Twenty staff members.
- Achieved positive by completing multiple complex investigations with accuracy and efficiency.
Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, 12/01/24
- Certified Gas Distribution Professional, 02/01/19
- Certified NAFI Fire and Explosion Investigator, 07/01/17
- Certified IAAI Fire Investigations Technician, 05/01/14
- Class A Commercial Driver’s License, 11/01/09
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Tactical Instructor, 10/01/99
- Police Officer Standards & Training (POST) Certified, 03/01/95
Focus Areas
- Experienced in communication and Team building.
- Focused on inclusive environments where the Team has a voice in process development.
- Believe in advancing individual and team strengths.
- Skilled in negotiating with customers, business partners and leadership to achieve positive results.
- Background in military, law enforcement and corporate business.
- Over 25 years of experience in building relationships involving diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certified.
Timeline
Claims Services Senior Manager
Xcel Energy
05.2021 - 02.2025
Claims Services Managing Investigator
Xcel Energy
02.2019 - 05.2021
Team Lead
Xcel Energy
06.2018 - 02.2019
Senior Claims Investigator
Xcel Energy
08.2017 - 06.2018
Utility Worker
Xcel Energy
06.2010 - 03.2013
Utility Worker
Q3 Contracting
11.2009 - 06.2010
Customer Service Supervisor
DISH Network
03.2009 - 11.2009
Law Enforcement
Jefferson County
01.1996 - 01.2009
United States Army / 82nd Airborne Division
Aims Community College
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, 12/01/24
- Certified Gas Distribution Professional, 02/01/19
- Certified NAFI Fire and Explosion Investigator, 07/01/17
- Certified IAAI Fire Investigations Technician, 05/01/14
- Class A Commercial Driver’s License, 11/01/09
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Tactical Instructor, 10/01/99
- Police Officer Standards & Training (POST) Certified, 03/01/95
High School Diploma -
Roosevelt High School
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