Environmental Team Welcomes New Members
In an effort to ensure we are the insurance company of choice for environmental insurance brokers, it is important we establish a strong and dynamic team. Each issue of Environmental Insider will introduce you to members of our team and describe the unique role they play in supporting you and your clients.
Becky Biermann, Environmental Casualty Practice Leader - Underwriting
Great American Environmental is excited to welcome Becky Biermann to the Underwriting unit as an Environmental Casualty Practice Leader. In her role, Becky is leading the launch of GLIDER, a new combined General Liability and Site Pollution product—an area she has specialized in for the majority of her career. Additionally, she'll assist the division with evaluating environmental risk in order to determine comprehensive coverage options for various policies.
Becky joins us with 20 years of experience in environmental insurance, with expertise that spans both underwriting and marketing. She began her insurance career as a marketing coordinator before transitioning into underwriting – a move that ultimately led her into the environmental space. Her first underwriting role was in Chicago, where she spent five years honing her skills. In 2010, Becky relocated to San Francisco to continue her work in environmental underwriting, remaining in California for over a decade before moving to Georgia.
Before entering the insurance industry, Becky earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in theater from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. She completed a theater internship in Chicago and began her professional journey working in the performing arts. Though her path into environmental insurance wasn’t planned, she quickly found her niche and has been immersed in the field ever since.
At Great American, Becky was drawn to the company's unique structure and strong foundation.
“I’ve worked for large, well-established companies as well as startups. While the start-up environment can be exciting, I have found that working for an established and financially stable company like Great American adds a level of trust. I appreciate the way Great American’s divisions operate as independent groups – it’s the best of both worlds.”
Becky has been impressed by her experience with the Environmental Division so far, and she's particularly excited about the launch of GLIDER.
“We've developed a great product in GLIDER. In my experience, the level of support within the division – from marketing, legal, engineering, and claims – is unmatched. I am proud of the work that we have done and am looking forward to getting it into the marketplace to see how it is received.”
Welcome, Becky! We're so thrilled to have you on board.
Becky is based out of Atlanta, GA.
Lauren Coca, Production Underwriter - Underwriting
Great American Environmental is pleased to welcome Lauren Coca to the underwriting unit as a Production Underwriter. In her role, Lauren brings a unique blend of technical expertise, environmental insight and a passion for relationship-building to the team. She describes her role as “environmental detective work,” where she explores environmental, financial and legal factors to shape thoughtful, customized coverage solutions.
Lauren’s academic journey began at Millersville University, where she initially pursued meteorology before discovering her passion and future major of Environmental and Spatial Sciences. She was part of a close-knit group of students in a newly launched program at her university that emphasized geographic learning and mapping alongside the program’s physical and natural sciences curriculum. Lauren also minored in emergency management, which sharpened her analytical skills and deepened her understanding of environmental risk. Her involvement in student organizations, including Society of Latino Affairs and a sustainability-focused engineering group, reflects her commitment to community and innovation.
Her professional path started with a co-op, where she served as a garden manager and community relations concierge. She helped grow and distribute food to local banks and even developed recipes to encourage use. After graduating, Lauren joined a environmental consulting firm, where she worked with a wide range of clients, from breweries to diaper manufacturers, and became deeply engaged in environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. Lauren’s consulting experience also included hands-on fieldwork and extension services, including a role as on-site support for an environmental safety manager. When asked why she chose Great American, Lauren shared that her interview experience with our team made a lasting impression.
“It was so clear they just want you to be successful in underwriting. It’s a group effort to make the gears turn and grow as a cohesive team. We’ll all reach the Division’s goals together.”
Her experience so far has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Everyone is here to help you succeed. You’re encouraged to ask questions, and there’s a real emphasis on making sure you have the tools and support systems you need.”
After years in consulting, she’s excited to focus on underwriting and building meaningful relationships with brokers and colleagues.
Welcome, Lauren! We're excited to have your energy, insight, and dedication on the team.
Lauren is based out of our Exton, PA home office.
Patryk Kapuscinski, Underwriting Trainee - Underwriting
Great American Environmental is pleased to welcome Patryk Kapuscinski to the team as an Underwriting Trainee. In his role, Patryk is learning the ins and outs of the underwriting process, gaining hands-on experience evaluating environmental risks and supporting the development of new business. While he’s still early in his underwriting journey, Patryk is learning more every day and looks forward to becoming more independent in his role!
Patryk’s path to environmental insurance has been anything but traditional. He began his academic career with an Associate of Science degree from Ocean Valley University, later majoring in forensics at the University of New Haven. His early professional experience included four years working in forensic laboratories, where he specialized in drug testing.
A few years ago, Patryk pivoted his career and went into freelance 3D programming and design before entering the insurance industry as a broker. In that role, he handled high-volume accounts across all lines of coverage, with a particular focus on environmental and contracting risks. His exposure to underwriting through industry events sparked a deeper interest in the field and ultimately led him to Great American.
“I wanted to focus on one specific area and really understand the underwriting process. Environmental coverage gave me the opportunity to do that, and Great American offered the perfect place to learn and grow.”
Patryk was drawn to Great American for its reputation and the opportunity to work alongside experienced leaders. His experience so far has been fantastic across the board, and he’s excited about what’s ahead.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new brokers, attending conferences and having the opportunity to bind more business. There’s a lot to learn, but I’m surrounded by great mentors and a supportive team.”
Welcome, Patryk! We're excited to have you on board and look forward to seeing your growth.
Patryk is based out of our Exton, PA home office.
Jessi Spradlin, Underwriting Administrative Assistant - Underwriting
Great American Environmental is thrilled to formally welcome our former communications intern onto the team full time! Jessi Spradlin joins the Underwriting unit as an Underwriting Administrative Assistant. In her role, Jessi will support the underwriters with their day-to-day tasks and help streamline the underwriting process. Leveraging the knowledge she gained during her internship, Jessi brings a unique, practiced perspective to the team.
Jessi recently graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and minors in both Statistics and Healthcare Ethics and Policy. She was an active participant in her university’s extracurriculars. As an orientation leader and outreach assistant, Jessi introduced new students to campus and was an expert on all things NKU. Additionally, she was the Vice President of her sorority and the secretary of Order of Omega, an honor society for Greek life councils.
During her internship with our team, Jessi enjoyed our diverse knowledge base and getting to learn from professionals with all different types of degrees and educational backgrounds.
“There’s a lot of opportunity for me to grow here. My new position allows me to keep working in data and analytics, which is what I focused on in school, but opens up a chance to learn more about environmental science and underwriting.”
Jessi says she’s looking forward to meeting the rest of the team in person and building relationships with all of the experts within Great American Environmental.
Welcome, Jessi! We’re all thrilled you’ve permanently joined the team.
Jessi is based out of our Cincinnati, OH office.
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