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Stacy Van Pelt

@stacyvanpelt

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Senior claims leader specializing in complex commercial, construction defect, and professional liability claims.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a senior claims leadership role where I can manage complex liability portfolios, mentor teams, collaborate with underwriting/legal, and drive efficient, compliant claim resolutions.

I am a claims professional with over 20 years' experience managing high-exposure commercial liability, construction defect, product defect, and design professional liability matters across Primary, Excess, and Specialty Lines. I lead teams, mentor junior staff, and coordinate cross-functional efforts with underwriting and legal to align claims strategies with business objectives.

I have a strong record of analyzing complex coverage issues, preparing Reservations of Rights and Disclaimer letters, setting reserves, directing investigations, and negotiating cost-effective settlements including mediation and trial preparedness. I have served as a subject matter expert on claims systems implementations and provided designated 30(B)(6) deposition testimony.

I seek to drive operational excellence by implementing best practices, controlling litigation expense, and fostering high-performing team cultures while ensuring regulatory compliance and effective claims resolution.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Head of Design Professional Claims

Current

Axis Capital

Mar 2025 - Present (11 months)

Strategic leader overseeing North America design professional liability claims, supervising a team of two and aligning claims strategies with underwriting and legal to mitigate risk and improve efficiency.

Professional Liability Claims Management Team Leadership Coverage Analysis Negotiation Risk Mitigation Mentorship

Senior Claims Specialist

Axis Capital

Oct 2024 - Mar 2025 (5 months)

Investigated and managed complex professional liability claims for architects and engineers, prepared Reservations of Rights, coordinated with defense counsel and experts, and negotiated settlements to control costs.

Professional Liability Coverage Analysis Claims Investigation Litigation Management Regulatory Compliance

Executive Claims Specialist

Markel Corporation

Mar 2020 - Oct 2024 (4 years 7 months)

Managed high-exposure construction defect and product liability claims with exposures >$250,000 across Primary and Excess lines, led investigations, negotiated settlements, and served as SME for claims system implementation.

Construction Defect Claims Product Liability Coverage Analysis Litigation Management Médiation 30(B)(6) Testimony Claims Systems

Senior Claims Specialist

Markel Corporation

Mar 2003 - Mar 2020 (17 years)

Handled nationwide commercial liability claims including premises, products, construction defect and professional liability for Primary and Excess lines, managing investigations, reserves and litigation strategy.

Claims Investigation Reserve Management Trial Support

Paralegal

Abhilheira & Ferrara, P.C.

Jan 1996 - Jan 2003 (7 years)

Supported NY/NJ insurance defense litigation by preparing pleadings, managing discovery, coordinating calendars, conducting legal research, and preparing liability and damages evaluations for clients.