Starfish Specialty Insurance Homepage

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What We Do

We are a managing general agent (MGA) that intentionally creates long-lasting partnerships with insurance carriers and retail brokers. We do this by applying our program management acumen and leading-edge technologies to provide superior insurance solutions for underserved markets and niche industries. Our products are delivered, serviced, and managed efficiently to remove communication barriers and better serve our partners.

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Our Approach

Unwavering Integrity

Our goal is to protect the bottom line for carriers and provide the right solutions for brokers by listening closely, responding quickly and putting the needs of our partners first.

Unparalleled Service

We've combine leading technology applications with a distinctly human approach to ensure efficiency, dependability and quality in every aspect of service delivery.

Unmatched Expertise

Our team brings depth of experience from a wide range of industries and specialties, allowing us to serve providers and partners throughout the carrier ecosystem.

Meet Jeremy

Jeremy R. Hitzig | CEO and Founder

Email Jeremy (914) 556-3241

Jeremy began his insurance career in 1995 as a principal at Capital Risk Strategies where he focused on emerging risk transfer tools.
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In 1997 he joined Distinguished Programs and held multiple executive positions before being named Chief Executive Officer in 2006, serving in that role until the end of 2018. During Jeremy’s tenure at Distinguished Programs the company grew dramatically in size and profitability, generating nearly $150 million in annual revenue in 2018.
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A graduate of McGill University, Jeremy also holds an MBA from Columbia Business School in New York and the Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter designations.

our leadership

We are insurance experts

Margret McBurney

Program Executive and Partner

Email Margret
(914) 556-3196

Meg started her career as an insurance defense attorney, litigating cases in the tri-state area for carrier clients and Fortune 500 corporations before undertaking the role of Litigation Counsel at The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. (A&P). Meg subsequently became Director of Risk Management at the A&P before joining Distinguished Programs as VP of Claims and Loss Control, and then Program Manager for the Community Associations lines of business. Meg is adept at crafting program growth strategies and long-term vision planning, and brings those skills to Starfish

Brooks Chase

Senior Advisor and Partner

Email Brooks
(914) 556-3238

Brooks has been involved in the program and specialty insurance arena for his entire career. For 25 years he held various roles with the former Willis Programs. In 2004 Brooks joined the Resort Hotel Association as President and CEO, where he oversaw its Risk Purchase Group and captive. In 2014 Brooks became President of the Specialty Division of Distinguished Programs where he was responsible for the integration of several acquisitions, management of all the high limit Umbrella products and the portfolio of hospitality programs. Brooks brings his strong market relationships and business development skills to the Starfish team.

Michael Thabet

Program Executive and Partner

Email Michael
(914) 556-3242

Prior to joining Starfish, Michael held executive positions for Distinguished Programs, including his most recent position as Head of New Product Development. In this role, Michael was responsible for creating and driving organizational strategy, developing carrier relationships, and ultimately bringing new and differentiated products to the marketplace. Previously, Michael also served as Program Executive for Distinguished’s Express division and Head of Analytics. Michael’s prior experience gives him unique insight and perspective on launching profitable new programs in the market.

Tom Lane

Head of Distribution and Partner

Email Tom
(914) 556-3243

Tom Lane has nearly 30 years of insurance program experience. Tom began his career at Aon’s Affinity Program division in Philadelphia, later relocating to Seattle to manage a sales team for various Aon specialty programs. In 2005, Tom joined National Specialty Underwriters (NSU) serving as Sales Executive of NSU’s flagship Hospitality Program. Distinguished Programs acquired NSU in 2012, and Tom’s role as Sales Executive expanded to distribute multiple products. Tom brings his 30 years of sales expertise and strong broker partnerships to the Starfish team.

James Flynn

CFO and Partner

Email James
(914) 266-2131

A former Naval Officer, James served as a Surface Warfare officer, completing three deployments during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Prior to co-founding Starfish, James served in several executive management positions including President and COO of Distinguished Programs where he was responsible for strategic planning, key carrier relationships, and management of the portfolio of programs. James is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and earned his MBA from the School of Management at Yale University.

careers

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Learn more about what it's like to work at Starfish Specialty Insurance, including our processes, people and clear path to success.

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