Ryan L. Forsyth
Yorkville,IL
Summary
Dynamic professional dedicated to making a significant impact in the surety marketplace by leveraging extensive knowledge and experience. Committed to fostering strong relationships and collaborating effectively with contractors and agents to ensure successful project completion. Proven track record of delivering results through strategic partnerships and a deep understanding of industry nuances. Passionate about driving success and enhancing client satisfaction in every endeavor.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bond Manager - Contract
Old Republic Surety Company
Aurora, IL
06.2021 - 01.2026
- Administered a diverse book of business comprising 30-35 accounts, maintaining strategic relationships and managing $2.5 million in annual premium.
- Oversaw maintenance of current agency base and proactively developed new connections with essential agency partners.
- Established personal authority limits of $6 million for single projects and $15 million for aggregate programs.
- Managed client relationships and business development efforts across the Chicago metro area.
- Supervised two underwriters, fostering professional development and maintaining high-quality underwriting practices.
- Facilitated coordination with out-of-territory underwriting assistants for billing and miscellaneous tasks.
- Engaged in discussions at monthly managers' meetings with three regional offices and RVP to support regional objectives.
- Managed coordination of logistics for quarterly manager and underwriter conferences, optimizing participation and engagement across various office sites.
- Participated in Surety Association of Illinois to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among professionals.
Manager - Contract
W.R. Berkley Insurance Company
Naperville, IL
06.2016 - 06.2021
- Oversaw comprehensive management of a portfolio comprising 30 accounts with an annual premium of $2 million.
- Developed strategies to enhance existing agency partnerships and actively sought new relationship opportunities.
- Directed and coordinated efforts of underwriting assistants to ensure efficient service center performance in Iowa.
- Led quarterly update calls with home office underwriting team and head of contract, ensuring comprehensive information exchange and strategic alignment.
- Oversaw $5 million single and $15 million aggregate branch authority to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
- Achieved successful management of underwriter from late 2017 to September 2018. Drove career advancement resulting in underwriter's promotion to Seattle office. Enabled underwriter's transition to regional manager position in Seattle by January 2021.
- Achieved increased market engagement across seven states, including Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, and Missouri. Enhanced business concentration in Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Missouri through targeted strategies. Fostered partnerships to elevate business visibility in key territories.
- Analyzed premium growth, achieving $1.5 million in 2020, an increase from $1.2 million in 2019.
Assistant Underwriting Manager
International Fidelity Insurance Company
Naperville, IL
06.2012 - 06.2016
- Analyzed and approved a broad spectrum of contract and commercial surety accounts, ensuring compliance with underwriting standards.
- Assisted regional manager in overseeing daily activities and enhancing team performance.
Surety Underwriter
Liberty Mutual Surety
Warrenville, IL
02.2008 - 06.2012
- Analyzed and evaluated underwriting submissions for various sectors, including contract fidelity, public official, probate, L&P court, and financial institutions.
Bond Coordinator
CBIZ / BCK&W Insurance Agency
Leawood, KS
07.2006 - 02.2008
- Coordinated the handling and issuing of all bonding in the agency.
- Worked along side two successful producers who previously had many years of underwriting experience with Fidelity & Deposit and EMC.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO12.2005
Associates in Science - undefined
Garden City Community College
Garden City, KS05.2002
Skills
- Financial statement analysis
- Customer service
- Time management
- Decision-making
- Complex Problem-solving
- Verbal and written communication
- Documentation and reporting
- Credit analysis
- Portfolio management
- Attention to detail
- Risk assessment
Certification
- AFSB 151 – Principles of Suretyship - Completed
- AFSB 152 – Contract Surety – Completed
- AFSB 153 – Commercial Surety – Completed
- CPCU 530 – Legal Environment of Insurance – Completed
- CPCU 540 – Finance for Risk Management – Completed
Timeline
Bond Manager - Contract
Old Republic Surety Company
06.2021 - 01.2026
Manager - Contract
W.R. Berkley Insurance Company
06.2016 - 06.2021
Assistant Underwriting Manager
International Fidelity Insurance Company
06.2012 - 06.2016
Surety Underwriter
Liberty Mutual Surety
02.2008 - 06.2012
Bond Coordinator
CBIZ / BCK&W Insurance Agency
07.2006 - 02.2008
Associates in Science - undefined
Garden City Community College
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Southeast Missouri State University