We are a unique team of established industry experts.
We are a technology forward firm, composed of leading insurance, subrogation, and legal professionals of various specialties and backgrounds.
Our People
Our People
Our People
Our People
Our People
Our People
- Bachelor’s Degrees: 21+
- Master’s Degrees: 7+
- Juris Doctors (JD): 6+
- Associate’s Degrees: 3+
- Licenses & Certifications: 27+
Founder
Gregory M. Zarin
Founder & CEO
Gregory M. Zarin
Founder & CEO
Greg Zarin is the Founder and CEO of SubroSmart. Greg launched SubroSmart in 2013, which manages thousands of subrogation matters each year throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
As SubroSmart’s CEO, Greg leads a team of approximately sixty professionals that manage subrogation claims for more than one-hundred insurance carriers located in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Bermuda. He has two decades of diverse experience in the insurance, technology, and legal industries and is fiercely committed to retooling and refining the subrogation process to enable efficient recovery management and reliable results.
Prior to founding SubroSmart, Greg was Assistant General Counsel at a prominent global investment management firm with $18 billion under management and practiced as an attorney and litigator at national law firm Winstead PC in their nationally recognized business restructuring group.
Greg began his professional career working with multiple tech startups in Seattle during the ‘dot com’ boom in the early 2000s. He was fortunate to have the unique opportunity to work alongside key innovators that introduced much of today’s technology landscape into our daily lives including early internet development and online services.
Greg obtained his law degree (J.D., cum laude) from the University of Miami School of Law in Coral Gables, Florida, completed the intensive on-campus executive leadership program at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business in Palo Alto, California, and obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A., Honors) from the University of North Texas.
# Yrs of Experience
25 Years
EDUCATION
- Juris Doctor (J.D.), cum laude, University of Miami School of Law, Coral Gables, FL
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Honors, University of North Texas, Denton, TX
- Executive Leadership Program, The Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
- Honors Program, Foreign Exchange Program, University of Edinburgh, Scotland
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- Reimagining Subrogation in the Global Insurance Marketplace,
ERM Risk & Capital Conference, Hamilton, Bermuda - A 360° Look at Wildfire Activity,
13th Annual Convergence Conference, Hamilton, Bermuda - Recent Trends in Subrogation Funding,
Refocus LLC, Zug, Switzerland - The Foundations of Active Subrogation Management, Lloyds Market Association (LMA), London, UK
- Developing Approachable Technology in the Workplace, Keynote, LegalX Technology Conference, Salt Lake City, UT
- Subrogation Strategies & Litigation Funding, Bermuda Insurance Market Conference (BIMC), Speaker, Bermuda
- When Two Worlds Collide – Bankruptcy & Subrogation, National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP), Webinar
- Building a Successful Subrogation Program, Captive Live, Gregory M. Zarin, Speaker, Chicago
PUBLICATIONS & MEDIA
- California’s Subrogation Shake-Up: What It Means for Wildfire Capital, Bermuda Reinsurance Magazine
- Innovating an Afterthought, Modern Counsel Magazine
- Subrogation is More Than Bringing the Money Back, Insurance Day
- Pairing Subrogation With Litigation Funding. Bermuda Captive
- When Two Worlds Collide: The Intersection of Bankruptcy & Subrogation, NASP, Subrogator Magazine
- The Missing Millions, Captive Review, Quoted Text / Gregory M. Zarin
- The Next Frontier: Exploring Cyber Recovery, National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP), Subrogator Magazine
- Legal Perspective Cyber Perils Op-Ed, Global Risk Magazine
Senior Executives
John Newbern
Managing Director
John Newbern
Managing Director
John is a Managing Director and Head of Claims at SubroSmart. He joined SubroSmart in March 2020 after serving more than six years as a Criminal Prosecutor at the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office in Fort Worth, Texas.
As Head of Claims at SubroSmart, John oversees the management of all referred subrogation claims from investigation to recovery. He is passionate about building streamlined processes that ensure managed subrogation matters are actively progressed to resolution while keeping a strong focus on premium client service.
As an Assistant District Attorney, John served as a lead trial attorney in multiple felony divisions, including the White Collar Unit, where he led the prosecution of complex commercial and financial crimes involving organized crime, fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft. John secured more than three dozen jury trial verdicts during his public service and brings heavyweight trial expertise as a seasoned litigator to SubroSmart. Before his time at the DA’s office, John was also a complex commercial litigator at a national subrogation firm.
John earned his law degree (Juris Doctor) from Texas A&M School of Law in Ft. Worth, Texas, and his undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
Chris Lally
Managing Director
Chris Lally
Managing Director
Chris Lally is a Managing Director at SubroSmart based in London. Chris joined SubroSmart in July 2018 to launch SubroSmart’s expansion to London.
As Managing Director of the UK office, Chris performs the dynamic role of connecting the subrogation team’s recovery efforts in the United States, Canada, and UK with SubroSmart’s global insurer clients. He also oversees SubroSmart’s global operations and initiatives to expand its current offerings to new and existing carriers as well as develop improved processes and procures to deliver more recoveries and transparency during the process.
Previously, Chris spent more than ten years in multiple roles in the London insurance market, gaining valuable experience at CFC Underwriting, Canopius, and AFL. Chris has developed a broad range of industry and claims knowledge working extensively in North American binders, facilities, and delegated authority markets.
Nicole Ward
Managing Director | General Counsel
Nicole Ward
Managing Director | General Counsel
Nicole Ward, Esq. is the General Counsel of SubroSmart, where she leads the company’s legal strategy and oversees compliance, risk management, and corporate matters. She brings diverse experience in litigation and subrogation, with a strong track record of guiding complex claims and advancing recovery efforts across the United States.
Nicole joined SubroSmart in 2023 and played an instrumental role in the launch of Amborella Law, SubroSmart’s affiliate full-service law firm, which was created in 2024. Following a successful opening and rapid growth over the past year, Nicole was promoted to SubroSmart’s General Counsel, where she now applies her expertise to shaping the company’s legal operations and supporting its mission of delivering innovative, effective recovery solutions.
Nicole began her legal career at a Dallas-based litigation boutique, where her practice centered on complex civil litigation. She represented Fortune 500 corporations, regional businesses, and individuals in disputes involving trade secret misappropriation, contract claims, indemnity actions, and employment matters. She secured favorable outcomes through arbitration, dispositive motions, and negotiated settlements.
Since earning her Juris Doctor in 2017, Nicole has built a reputation as both a skilled litigator and trusted legal advisor. Her career reflects a progression from complex civil litigation to subrogation and, ultimately, to her current leadership role guiding SubroSmart’s legal strategy.
Leadership
Kelly Eldridge
Director | Deputy Head of Claims
Kelly Eldridge
Director | Deputy Head of Claims
Kelly is a Director and Deputy Head of Claims at SubroSmart. As Deputy Head of Claims, Kelly leads the team of more than twenty subrogation specialists in their pursuit of third party recoveries from at fault third parties. As a skilled negotiator and experienced subrogation professional, she is dedicated to ensuring that our team always exceeds carrier client expectations when it comes to securing subrogation results.
Prior to joining SubroSmart in 2023, Kelly was a Litigation Executive (Subrogation) at Hiscox based in their United Kingdom office for five years and also AXA XL based in London.
Before working for insurance carriers in the London marketplace, Kelly earned valuable experience in the insurance litigation department of Ellisons Solicitors and has more than a decade experience in litigation and subrogation management.
Kyle Pisula
Subrogation Team Lead
Kyle Pisula
Subrogation Team Lead
Kyle Pisula joined SubroSmart in 2024 as a Subrogation Specialist and Forensics Expert. Kyle was previously an investigator at the District Attorney’s office in Tarrant County, Texas. Kyle’s career has encompassed diverse roles in law enforcement, legal practice, and forensic investigation.
While at the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, Kyle served as a senior criminal investigator specializing in White Collar crimes and digital forensics. His work involved detailed and complex investigations on intricate cases such as organized crime, embezzlement, identity theft, and those requiring expertise in cell phone and computer data analysis.
Prior to his tenure at the DA’s Office, Kyle was a criminal investigator at the Texas Department of Insurance Fraud Unit with a concentration on on insurance-related crimes. Kyle also gained valuable experience at the State Bar of Texas investigating attorney misconduct. Before relocating to Texas, Kyle practiced law as a criminal defense attorney in Washington State.
Kyle earned his law degree from the Seattle University School of Law (Juris Doctor) and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire.
Kyle is recognized as a Certified Fraud Examiner by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and holds certification as a Certified Forensic Computer Examiner from the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists.
Emilie Péloquin Nelson
Director of Canadian Claims | Directrice des réclamations, Canada
Emilie Péloquin Nelson
Director of Canadian Claims | Directrice des réclamations, Canada
Emilie Péloquin Nelson joined SubroSmart in February 2024 as its Director of Canadian Claims based in Montreal, Quebec. Emilie received her Bachelor of Civil Law from Université de Montréal in 2015. Her interest for achieving clients’ objectives expeditiously and in a cost effective manner allowed her to develop experience in negotiation and in the use of alternative means of conflict resolution.
During her time at Université de Montréal, Emilie was selected to be part of the team representing the university at the Charles-Rousseau Moot Court competition in Paris. She also had the opportunity to study at the China University of Political Science and Law (Beijing, China).
As part of her volunteer activities, Emilie has given various conferences at the YWCA in Montreal and at the Jewish General Hospital regarding mandates given in the anticipation of incapacity and the various types of protective supervision of persons. She has also been a mentor for the Juripop Moot Court competition.
Allison Hinkle
Senior Director of Finance
Allison Hinkle
Senior Director of Finance
Allison joined SubroSmart in 2019 as its Director of Finance. She is an experienced, proficient, and dedicated CPA and finance executive with 15+ years of progressive and successful experience in the field. Allison is committed to creating value for SubroSmart clients by implementing the most current technology to create efficiency, reduce costs, and improve performance.
Prior to SubroSmart, Allison was a Senior Director of Finance and Finance Administrator for several non-profit organizations and companies. Allison has overseen departments of three dozen accountants and provided senior level financial expertise for companies that exceed $1 billion in revenue.
Allison obtained her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Sophie Seago
Director, London Market Solutions
Sophie Seago
Director, London Market Solutions
Sophie Seago is a Director at SubroSmart, based in the company’s London office. She joined SubroSmart in 2022, bringing deep experience within the Lloyd’s and London insurance market. In her role, Sophie focuses on market engagement and product strategy, working closely with SubroSmart clients and internal teams to ensure solutions are aligned with real-world market needs. She collaborates across operations, technology, and leadership teams to support platform development and strengthen communication with brokers, DCAs, and other market participants.
A second-generation Lloyd’s professional, Sophie brings over eight years of experience spanning broking, claims handling, and underwriting within the delegated authority market. Prior to joining SubroSmart, she worked with a prominent London broker, developing a broad, practical understanding of insurance operations and stakeholder requirements. Her background enables her to bridge industry expertise with technology-driven solutions, helping translate complex market challenges into effective, scalable outcomes.
Sophie holds a Diploma in Insurance (Dip CII) and Cert CII from The Chartered Insurance Institute and completed her A Level in Law at Seevic College. She brings a thoughtful, market-aware approach to her work and supports SubroSmart’s continued focus on delivering practical, intuitive solutions for the evolving insurance landscape.
Jeremy Clark
Director | Forensics
Jeremy Clark
Director | Forensics
Jeremy Clark brings 18 years of forensic investigative experience to SubroSmart, where he serves as Director of Forensics. In this role, Jeremy collaborates closely with the legal team and external experts to gather critical facts and empirical data related to each loss, ensuring the strongest possible case is presented on behalf of clients.
Jeremy holds multiple industry-recognized certifications, including Certified Fire Investigator through the International Association of Arson Investigators, Pro Board Certification, a Master Peace Officer Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, and a Certified Fraud Examiner designation from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. He actively maintains all certifications to date.
Committed to staying at the forefront of forensic science and investigative technology, Jeremy completes specialized training twice a year, adding to his more than 2,300 accumulated hours of forensic education.
Previously Jeremy was a forensic expert at Haag Global where he held the position of regional manager for the fire investigation team. In this role he actively participated in or oversaw dozens of fire losses, many being complex large losses requiring the consultation of specialized disciplines.
Prior to his time at Haag Global, Jeremy was a fire investigator at the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office where he led or assisted in countless fire origin and cause investigations including assisting in the 2013 West, Texas, fertilizer plant explosion.
Jeremy’s knowledge in various construction trades in conjunction with his forensic training enables him to provide the legal team with invaluable data and insight.
Jacob Gray
Accounting Manager
Jacob Gray
Accounting Manager
Jacob Gray joined SubroSmart in 2024 and serves as Accounting Manager, where he leads the accounting team and oversees day-to-day accounting operations across the organization. In this role, Jacob is responsible for financial reporting, process oversight, and supporting accurate and timely close activities. Prior to joining SubroSmart, Jacob held progressive accounting leadership roles including Assistant Controller and Controller for organizations ranging from SaaS startups to companies exceeding $1 billion in revenue. He brings extensive experience in multi-entity accounting environments, audits, system implementations, and supporting mergers and acquisitions.
Jacob earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Accounting from Texas Tech University.
Senior Team
Beverley Lyons
Deputy Director | Product Solutions & Engagement
Beverley Lyons
Deputy Director | Product Solutions & Engagement
Beverley Lyons joined SubroSmart and its affiliate LimeIQ in 2025 as Deputy Director, Product Solutions & Engagement at The Amborella Group. She brings valuable experience across the Lloyd’s of London insurance market. In her role, Beverley is focused on market engagement, working closely with SubroSmart clients and partners to support effective use of our service. She acts as a liaison between the Lloyd’s market and SubroSmart’s product team ensuring market feedback informs ongoing product development.
Prior to joining, Beverley held a senior role at Lloyd’s of London, where she was responsible for engagement and adoption initiatives supporting market-wide change. Most notably, she played a central role in the rollout of the Faster Claims Payment solution, working closely with managing agents, brokers, DCAs, and market technology providers to support onboarding, drive adoption, and resolve implementation challenges. Her work contributed to the successful market-wide implementation of the service and strengthened collaboration across key Lloyd’s market participants.
Earlier in her career, Beverley held senior strategic and operational roles at Charles Taylor Group and ERS, where she supported large-scale change programmes, technology initiatives, and business transformation efforts. Her experience spans claims operations, market engagement, governance support, and change management across complex insurance environments. Beverley holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and professional qualifications in project and change management.
Viola Winterton
Director | Canada Subrogation
Viola Winterton
Director | Canada Subrogation
Viola Winterton is a Director at SubroSmart. Viola brings more than fifteen years of international litigation experience to her leadership role, applying her vast experience in SubroSmart’s litigation group. In this role, Viola ensures SubroSmart’s carrier clients receive skilled, strategic advocacy at every step.
Viola began her legal career in South Africa, where she practiced as an attorney and litigator before relocating to British Columbia. She is dual-qualified as an attorney in both jurisdictions and brings extensive international experience across a broad spectrum of litigation, including commercial disputes, insurance law, and complex subrogation matters. Her expertise spans every facet of litigation, with a particular focus on precision-driven investigations, strategic advocacy, and the nuanced demands of insurance recovery.
Before joining SubroSmart, Viola held senior roles in both private practice and corporate settings. She practiced at a national specialty insurance law firm in Vancouver, where she gained deep experience handling commercial liability and property damage claims. She also previously served as General Counsel for a Canadian telecommunications company, managing all corporate and regulatory legal affairs.
Viola combines her international perspective with her local expertise to deliver thoughtful, results-oriented strategies for clients navigating complex subrogation disputes. She is licensed with the Law Society of British Columbia and the Law Society of South Africa. Viola earned her LL.B. from the University of Pretoria and obtained her Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation (Canada).
Outside of her legal practice, Viola enjoys traveling, wine tasting, and spending time with her miniature dachshund.
Melissa Lane
Sr Subrogation Specialist | Transportation Team Lead
Melissa Lane
Sr Subrogation Specialist | Transportation Team Lead
Melissa Lane has been a valuable member of SubroSmart’s subrogation recovery team since 2017. Melissa is currently SubroSmart’s transportation team lead with a focus on commercial motor claims throughout the United States. Before joining SubroSmart, Melissa was Claims Manager leading a team of adjusters at a leading third party administrator and was a senior liability adjuster at GEICO for nearly eight years. Melissa is dedicated to delivering results on behalf of SubroSmart’s clients and providing guidance and leadership to our growing transportation team.
Sean Foote
Director | Canada Subrogation
Sean Foote
Director | Canada Subrogation
Sean is a Director at SubroSmart Canada based in British Columbia. Sean is dedicated to advancing subrogated claims in matters involving property damage, construction deficiencies, automobile and product liability claims.
Prior to joining SubroSmart in 2024, Sean practiced law at established firms based in Vancouver and Victoria and has represented hundreds of subrogated clients and numerous domestic and foreign insurance carriers before provincial and supreme courts in British Columbia, the Court of the King’s Bench of Alberta, the Court of the King’s Bench of Saskatchewan and the Court of the King’s Bench of Manitoba. Sean been published in The Advocate, and Oregon and Washington State Bar newsletters on the enforcement of foreign money judgments in Canada.
Jami Bailey, M.Sc.
Sr Subrogation Specialist | Property Team Lead
Jami Bailey, M.Sc.
Sr Subrogation Specialist | Property Team Lead
Jami Bailey has been a valuable member of SubroSmart’s subrogation recovery team since 2022. She is currently a senior subrogation specialist and SubroSmart’s property team lead with a focus on commercial property subrogation matters throughout the United States. Jami was previously a senior insurance claims adjuster for 23 years at several major domestic carriers.
Erika Alamah
Complex Litigation Manager
Erika Alamah
Complex Litigation Manager
Erika Alamah is a litigation paralegal and insurance professional with over 15 years of experience in claims management and investigation. As a complex litigation manager at SubroSmart, Erika manages subrogation matters in high-value property damage claims, focusing on cause and origin in water, structural, and fire-related incidents. Known for her investigative skills and seamless coordination with legal and forensic teams, Erika ensures every file is grounded in strong evidence and supports recovery efforts from case development through resolution.
Erika holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. Erika has been a licensed Property & Casualty Adjuster since 2005.
Kim Fathi
Senior Subrogation Specialist
Kim Fathi
Senior Subrogation Specialist
Kim Fathi joined SubroSmart in 2025 as a Senior Subrogation Specialist, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. She is a seasoned claims professional specializing in auto, bodily injury, and complex subrogation matters, with extensive expertise across the full claims lifecycle, from initial investigation through recovery, including high-exposure claims involving litigation.
Throughout her career at State Farm Insurance, Kim managed diverse and complex claim portfolios while leading in-depth investigative efforts. She has significant experience conducting liability analysis, evaluating evidence, coordinating with counsel and experts, and managing claims through negotiation, arbitration, and all stages of litigation. Her background also includes extensive work within Special Investigation Unit (SIU) operations, where she handled multi-claim and complex fraud investigations requiring detailed analysis and strategic resolution.
Kim is known for her strong analytical skills, thorough investigative approach, and ability to manage high-stakes claims with accuracy and sound judgment. She is trusted for her professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering fair, compliant outcomes across both routine and complex claim environments.
Shay Fleming
Claims Operations Manager
Shay Fleming
Claims Operations Manager
Shay joined SubroSmart in 2018. She is currently oversees SubroSmart’s Client Services & Solutions Group (CSS), working extensively with numerous referral partners and leading the SubroSmart operations team. Prior to SubroSmart, Shay worked in Kemper Insurance’s subrogation team for nine years following three years at GEICO as a senior claims adjuster. Shay is dedicated to delivering premier service to all SubroSmart clients and partners and stellar solutions in all aspects of her job.
Madison Kacor
Senior Accountant
Madison Kacor
Senior Accountant
Madison Kacor joined SubroSmart in 2025 and serves as Senior Accountant, supporting financial operations across multiple business units and geographies. In her role, Madison plays a key part in the month-end, quarterly, and annual close processes, including general ledger maintenance, account reconciliations, and financial reporting. She works closely with cross-functional teams across operations and legal to support accurate reporting, audit readiness, and continued improvement of accounting processes as the organization scales.
Prior to joining SubroSmart, Madison spent more than six years at PwC, where she served as a Senior Associate within the firm’s assurance practice. During her time at PwC, she performed audits for private clients in the real estate and asset management sectors, gaining extensive experience in GAAP compliance, financial analysis, and working with complex financial structures. Her background provides a strong foundation in technical accounting, controls, and process discipline.
Madison holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and International Business and a Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Oklahoma, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and brings a detail-oriented, analytical approach to her work in support of SubroSmart’s financial integrity and growth.
John Harper
Director | Software Engineering
John Harper
Director | Software Engineering
John Harper joined SubroSmart as Director of Software Engineering, bringing more than 25 years of experience in software development, cloud architecture, and enterprise platform modernization. In his role, John leads engineering strategy, platform architecture, and execution across SubroSmart’s technology initiatives. He is responsible for overseeing scalable system design, development practices, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure reliable, secure, and efficient delivery of SubroSmart’s technology solutions.
Prior to joining SubroSmart, John held senior technology leadership roles across a range of industries including enterprise SaaS, fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce. His experience includes leading global engineering teams, modernizing legacy systems, and driving large-scale cloud transformations across AWS and Microsoft Azure environments. John has consistently partnered with executive leadership to align technology roadmaps with business objectives, support product innovation, and improve operational performance through automation, data platforms, and DevOps practices.
John holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and maintains multiple technical certifications across cloud platforms and enterprise technologies, including AWS, Azure, Snowflake, and Java. He brings a practical, execution-focused leadership approach and is committed to building scalable technology foundations that support long-term growth and operational excellence.
James Beavers
Director | Information Technology
James Beavers
Director | Information Technology
James Beavers serves as Director of Information Technology at SubroSmart, bringing more than two decades of experience leading enterprise IT operations, infrastructure, and security initiatives. In his role, James is responsible for overseeing SubroSmart’s technology operations, including helpdesk services, hardware and network infrastructure, cybersecurity, vendor management, procurement, compliance, and IT service delivery. He works closely with business and engineering teams to ensure reliable, secure, and scalable technology environments that support day-to-day operations and long-term growth.
Prior to joining SubroSmart, James held senior IT leadership roles across multiple organizations, including Enterprise Risk Control, RealPage, Compliance Depot, and ChoicePoint. Throughout his career, he has led large-scale infrastructure buildouts, cloud migration initiatives, and security programs, while managing budgets, vendors, and geographically distributed teams. His experience includes supporting mergers and acquisitions, implementing zero-trust security frameworks, strengthening compliance postures, and driving operational efficiency through process improvement and cost optimization.
James is known for his hands-on leadership style and engineering mindset, combining technical depth with practical execution. He brings a disciplined, data-driven approach to IT management and is focused on delivering resilient technology operations that align closely with business needs and performance objectives.
Stephanie Stevens
Intake Manager
Stephanie Stevens
Intake Manager
Stephanie Stevens joined SubroSmart in 2017 and serves as Intake Lead, overseeing the intake department and the initial handling of all referrals received by the firm. In her role, Stephanie is responsible for managing the intake process from receipt through assignment, ensuring files are complete, accurate, and handled with care and precision before moving into recovery workflows. She works closely with internal teams and referral partners to maintain consistency, compliance, and efficiency across all incoming matters. Prior to joining SubroSmart, Stephanie built a strong foundation in compliance, legal support, and client-facing operations. She is a long-tenured member of the SubroSmart team and plays a critical role in maintaining quality and operational integrity at the front end of the claims lifecycle.
Specialists
James Burman
Associate Director
James Burman
Associate Director
James is an Associate Director in SubroSmart’s London office. Before joining the team in June 2024, he spent over five years as a Senior Claims Broker at one of the world’s largest insurance brokers. During his tenure there, James specialized in managing large and complex property claims across North America. James brings extensive expertise in the London and North American open-market and shared risk commercial property sector.
James holds a Bachelor’s Degree (BSc) and a Master’s Degree (MSc) from Brunel University London.
Katy Graydon
Product Support Manager | Operations Analyst
Katy Graydon
Product Support Manager | Operations Analyst
Katy Graydon joined SubroSmart in 2024 and serves as Lead Operational Analyst and Product Support Specialist, owning the company’s support function across workflows, automation, operations, technology, and data. In her role, Katy acts as the front line for internal and external support inquiries, managing requests end to end from intake and investigation through resolution and follow-up. She works closely with operations, product, engineering, and leadership teams to ensure issues are triaged appropriately, resolved efficiently, and documented clearly. Katy also plays a key role in identifying recurring issues and process gaps, supporting workflow standardization, automation initiatives, and operational improvements that reduce manual effort and improve visibility across the organization.
In addition to day-to-day support operations, Katy contributes to reporting and data-related work by troubleshooting issues, maintaining reports, and supporting ongoing improvements to data quality and usability. Her role is highly visible and central to maintaining operational continuity, internal efficiency, and a positive client experience as SubroSmart continues to grow.
Katy earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Applied Statistics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated with a cumulative GPA above 3.6 and was named to the Dean’s List for all semesters. She was a Division I student-athlete and served as captain of the IUP women’s tennis team, leading the team to multiple conference and regional championships and consecutive appearances at the national level.
Katy brings a disciplined, analytical, and team-oriented approach to her work, shaped by both her academic and athletic leadership experience.
Amy Nguyen
Senior Accountant
Amy Nguyen
Senior Accountant
Amy Nguyen serves as Senior Accountant at SubroSmart, bringing extensive experience across accounting operations, settlements, tax compliance, and financial analysis. In her role, Amy supports core accounting functions including reconciliations, reporting, and close activities, while contributing a strong process-driven approach to accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. She works closely with cross-functional partners to ensure financial data is reliable, timely, and aligned with operational needs.
Prior to joining SubroSmart, Amy held senior accounting roles within large, complex energy organizations, including Vistra Corporation and Atmos Energy. Her background includes supervising and developing teams, managing high-volume and high-complexity settlements, and serving as a subject matter expert across commodity accounting, sales and use tax, and audit support. Throughout her career, Amy has led initiatives to improve processes, strengthen controls, and reduce manual effort through documentation, training, and automation. She has also worked closely with internal stakeholders and external auditors, supporting regulatory compliance and large-scale audits across multiple jurisdictions.
Amy holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. She brings a disciplined, solutions-oriented mindset and a depth of experience gained across regulated, high-volume environments in support of SubroSmart’s financial operations.
Tanner Duff
Subrogation Associate
Tanner Duff
Subrogation Associate
Tanner Duff joined SubroSmart in 2025 as a Subrogation Associate and is a member of the firm’s Property Recovery team. In his role, Tanner supports commercial property subrogation matters across the United States, contributing to claims handling, recovery strategy, and litigation-related efforts.
Tanner brings nearly a decade of legal practice combined experience in litigation, complex negotiation, and dispute resolution. Prior to joining SubroSmart, he served as a Litigation Associate at a national litigation firm, where he focused on settlement negotiations and litigation practices. He also spent time as a legal recruiter, gaining broader exposure to legal operations and talent management, and began his legal career as a corporate immigration attorney handling non-immigrant visa petitions for corporate clients.
Tanner earned his Juris Doctor from Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska, and holds a Master of Science in Negotiations and Conflict Resolution. He earned his undergraduate degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
Schaef Riley
Associate Director of Forensics
Schaef Riley
Associate Director of Forensics
Schaef Riley serves as Associate Director of Forensics, playing a key role in evaluating the forensic aspects of insurance claims. With 20 years’ experience as a private fire investigator, he has conducted over 2,000 fire and explosion investigations and regularly supports litigation and subrogation efforts through expert analysis, claim review, and direct collaboration with Amborella counsel and insurance carriers.
Schaef holds multiple certifications, including Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) through the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), as well as Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) and Certified Fire and Vehicle Investigator (CFVI) through the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI). He is also certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection with IFSAC accreditation.
His background as a former insurance adjuster gives Schaef a unique perspective across both investigations and claims, and he has served as an expert witness in numerous fire origin and cause determinations. Throughout his career, Schaef has helped recover millions of dollars in fire-related settlements and is a recognized educator in the industry, frequently conducting live burns and training events for both fire investigators and insurance professionals.
Tram Le
Senior Accountant
Tram Le
Senior Accountant
Tram Le serves as Senior Accountant at SubroSmart, bringing extensive experience in financial close, consolidated reporting, audit support, and compliance across complex, multi-entity environments. In her role, Tram supports month-end and year-end close processes, subsidiary consolidations, reconciliations, and financial analysis, helping ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance as the organization continues to scale. She contributes a strong process-oriented mindset and works closely with cross-functional teams to support reporting, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Prior to joining SubroSmart, Tram held senior accounting roles across a range of industries, including real estate, technology, and professional services. Her background includes leading close activities for multinational entities, managing intercompany transactions, supporting global ERP implementations, and driving process improvements that reduced close timelines and improved data quality. Tram also brings unique experience from her time as an Internal Revenue Agent with the Internal Revenue Service, where she examined complex tax returns for large domestic and international entities, strengthening her expertise in tax law, audit procedures, and regulatory compliance.
Tram is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in the State of Texas. She holds a Master of Science in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from The University of Texas at Dallas, graduating summa cum laude. Tram brings a disciplined, analytical approach to accounting operations and plays a key role in supporting SubroSmart’s financial integrity and reporting standards.
Witnessa Taylor
Brand Marketing Manager
Witnessa Taylor
Brand Marketing Manager
Witnessa Taylor is the Brand Marketing Manager at SubroSmart, where she leads brand strategy and marketing initiatives. In her role, she helps shape how SubroSmart presents its value to the market, ensuring the brand communicates credibility, clarity, and confidence across every touchpoint.
Working closely with leadership, Witnessa translates complex subrogation concepts into clear, accessible messaging that builds client trust and supports long-term relationships. Her approach blends strategic thinking with thoughtful execution, helping strengthen SubroSmart’s market presence and reinforce its position as a trusted recovery partner.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Edward Brown
Subrogation Associate
Edward Brown
Subrogation Associate
Edward Brown joined SubroSmart in 2023 as a Subrogation Associate, where he supports claims handling and recovery efforts across a range of loss types and complexities. In his role, Edward is responsible for claim evaluation, investigations, recovery strategy execution, and end-to-end handling of subrogation matters, working across both low-value and high-value losses.
Edward brings a strong, well-rounded understanding of the subrogation lifecycle, developed through hands-on experience across BDX reviews, claim enquiries, investigations, and recovery workflows. He works closely with internal teams and external partners to support effective and timely recovery outcomes.
Prior to joining SubroSmart, Edward worked as an Account Handler at Finura, where he built a solid foundation in client engagement, communication, and operational processes. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with joint honors in Business Management and Accounting and Finance.