Fall 2023 - Environmental Team Welcomes New Members

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 to support you and your clients.

Meet our Valued Team

Abbey Aguilera, Counsel - Legal

Great American’s Environmental Division is excited to welcome Abbey Aguilera to the Legal team as Counsel. In her role, Abbey works closely with the underwriters drafting endorsements to address specific policy coverage needs. Abbey’s experience in both private practice and municipal law gives her a unique edge to support our team.

Abbey graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor of Arts in public relations and Spanish. She then went on to receive her Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Upon graduation, Abbey was awarded membership in the Order of the Coif, a national law school honor society. Additionally, while an undergrad, Abbey studied abroad in Mexico and Spain.

Abbey began her career as a law clerk for an appellate judge, where she collaborated closely with the judge to resolve pending appeals and drafted appellate decisions of the court. From there she moved into private practice, where she focused on commercial litigation involving insurance, medical malpractice, construction and contract disputes.

Most recently, Abbey worked for the City of Cincinnati at the Greater Cincinnati Water Works as an assistant city solicitor. There she counseled department leadership on compliance matters related to municipal, state and federal law, negotiated and drafted departmental contracts, and resolved damages claims filed against the department.

“I find working on legal matters between two regulated fields—environmental science and insurance—brings distinctive and unique challenges for me that I’ve never encountered before.” Abbey said.

Abbey is based out of our Cincinnati headquarters.

Grant Swenson, Production Underwriter - Underwriting

Great American Insurance Group’s Environmental Division is excited to welcome Grant Swenson to the Division as a Production Underwriter. In his role, Grant works with insureds to evaluate their unique exposures and tailor coverage in the most comprehensive way to provide effective risk transfer solutions. With both underwriting and brokerage experience, Grant brings a valued skillset to the team.

Grant started his career as an underwriting assistant before transitioning to an associate broker role with a global brokerage firm. He quickly progressed within the commercial real estate space, focusing heavily on site pollution, contractors pollution and tank policies for various high-profile and Fortune 500 clients. It was there that he developed a strong working relationship with members of the Great American Insurance Group’s Environmental Division, paving the way to join the Division himself.

Grant is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science. He was a member of the university’s water conservation society and business golf club, and he is an avid fly fisherman and skier.

“I am surrounded by talented people, and everyone is passionate about what they do,” Grant said. “I believe we have one of the best teams in the industry.”

Grant is based out of our Boston office.

Ireland Harrison, Production Underwriter Trainee - Underwriting

Great American Insurance Group’s Environmental Division is pleased to welcome Ireland Harrison to the Division as a Production Underwriter Trainee. In her role, Ireland works with underwriters to analyze environmental risk and produce the best possible quote for clients. She brings strong technical skills to the team by virtue of her background in environmental consulting.

Prior to joining Great American, Ireland worked as an environmental consultant for multiple firms, where she primarily conducted phase 1 and 2 environmental assessments. She has experience conducting air, soil and water samplings, and she is licensed to perform asbestos inspections.

Ireland graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in geology. While there, she was a member of the geology club, worked with the university’s Center for Environmental Restoration, and researched geothermal hotspots

“When I became aware of the opportunity to work for Great American, things just clicked,” Ireland said. “I have the opportunity to continuously learn and progress.”

Ireland is based out of our Cincinnati headquarters.

Valerie Zarneski, Training Administrator - Communications

Great American Insurance Group’s Environmental Division is excited to welcome Valerie Zarneski to the Division as a Training Administrator. In her role, Valerie works with the learning and development coordinator to assist with employee onboarding, the planning and facilitation of external and internal trainings, and the curation of resources and curriculum to best serve the needs of various roles. Her background in education gives her the ability to effectively collaborate with different units and support them in their careers.

Valerie is a graduate of the University of Hartford in Connecticut where she received her Bachelor of Arts in elementary and special education. She then progressed to get her master’s degree in deaf education and oral rehab. This specialization gave her the ability to skillfully teach audiology and speech.

A recent resident of Cincinnati, Valerie started her career as a teacher in New York City. For 11 years she taught hearing impaired students and would spend summers doing specialized work with other special education students. After moving, she decided to try a different career path to challenge herself and hone different strengths.

“I find it interesting that a lot of current events revolve around the well-being of our environment,” Valerie said. “I’m excited to work in a field where I can constantly learn from industry leaders and stay in the know about our environment.”

Valerie is based out of our Cincinnati headquarters.

The team of experts at Great American Environmental can assist in uncovering the hidden risks in your clients’ operations and develop a custom program to help protect them. The Division offers a complete portfolio of environmental insurance products, including contractors and fixed premises pollution liability insurance that work across the U.S., U.S. territories, Canada and other select countries.

Welcome Abbey, Grant, Ireland and Valerie! We are thrilled to have you join our team.

Allow us to customize a product specific to your needs.

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