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Executives Meet our team

Beau Brown, CPCU

Chairman, President and CEO

Beau is Chairman of California Casualty Group's Advisory Board, and he is President and CEO of California Casualty Management Company. He is the fourth generation of the Brown family to lead California Casualty, which was founded by his great-grandfather, Carl G. Brown, in 1914.

Beau's reason for wanting to work at California Casualty is simple: to perpetuate a successful family business, founded by his great-grandfather, that delivers on its promises to its customers and does everything it can to provide a great workplace environment for its employees.

Beau has been with California Casualty since 1989. Prior to assuming the role of CEO effective January 1, 2007, Beau held senior executive positions overseeing a variety of functions over time, including actuarial, corporate services, e-commerce, human resources, information technology, legal, product development, strategic planning, and underwriting. Earlier in his career, Beau spent seven years in California Casualty's Group Marketing department and its Calco Insurance Brokers & Agents subsidiary.

Beau is a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and has an undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College, as well as a MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. Beau has served as a member of both the Ad Hoc Planning Committee and the Information Technology Committee of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. Beau is a board member of the Palo Alto chapter of National Junior Basketball, and he is also a director of the Palo Alto Midnight, an AAU-affiliated youth basketball organization.
 

 

Thomas R. Brown, CLU

Honorary Chairman

Thomas Brown is Honorary Chairman of the California Casualty Group's Advisory Board. In addition, he serves as Chairman of the Board of California Casualty Management Company, a position he has held since 1978. From 1978 to January 1, 2004, he also served as Chief Executive Officer and remained Chairman of the CCMC Executive Committee until July 1, 2005. He represents the third generation of his family that has led the California Casualty Group since it was founded by his grandfather, Carl G. Brown, in 1914. After graduating from Stanford University with an AB in 1959, he served two years as an officer in the United States Navy prior to joining CCMC in 1961. He returned to the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University and received his MBA in 1964. Upon graduation, he resumed his career with CCMC, subsequently obtaining his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation in 1968.

Over the years, he has served many industry organizations such as the California Workers' Compensation Institute, the Association of California Insurance Companies as president and a member of the board of directors, and the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America on their board of governors. During Tom's career, he has also served as a member of the board of directors of three publicly held companies: Hexcel Corporation, CorVel Corporation, and the University Bank & Trust Company.
 

 

James M. Sevey, CPCU

Executive Vice President — Managing Director,
General Counsel & Secretary

Jim Sevey has been with California Casualty since 1973. He became the company's first General Counsel in 1989, after serving in a variety of capacities in the Business Insurance Division. He and his staff provide general legal and regulatory guidance to the company's business units. Jim is a member of the company's Board of Directors as well as its Executive and Operating Committees.

Jim obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Santa Clara University in 1971 and his law degree from Lincoln University in 1978. He obtained his Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter designation in 1988.

Jim has been active in industry affairs representing the company in various board and committee positions with the Association of California Insurance Companies and the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. Jim is a member of the Board of Governors of the California Insurance Guarantee Association where he has twice been elected Chairman.

Jim says that he has stayed at California Casualty for more than 35 years because "values really matter here. We live the California Casualty Code every day."

Jim was the 2005 recipient of the Carl G. Brown Jr. Award of Excellence.
 
 

 

Jackie A. Gatlin

Executive Vice President — Managing Director

Jackie began her career with California Casualty in January 1986, shortly after she graduated from college, and has grown up with the company. Jackie's bachelor's degree in Communication helped her prepare for her career, since communicating with California Casualty customers was her number one responsibility. Holding various front-line positions in the sales, marketing, and service functions gave her a true understanding of who we are and what we stand for.

In 1996 Jackie relocated from California to Colorado as a Sales Manager to be one of the founding leaders who aided in the startup of our largest and first service center. Shortly thereafter, the team embarked on a large strategic planning initiative, which involved the restructuring and design of the sales function. The outcome of these two efforts created the foundation for an extremely successful business model which has led to increased success for our company. Jackie was very gratified to be a part of such a large and meaningful undertaking.

"I think the number one reason I have chosen to work for California Casualty is how we treat people—not only our customers, but employees as well," Jackie tells us. There is a sense of belonging and a commitment to the well-being of others that is felt throughout the organization." One of the most rewarding responsibilities for Jackie has been the role she's been able to play in the development of others. Since nurturing employees is just as important as caring for our customers, that role has been a natural fit for her as well as the company.
 

 

Joseph L. Volponi, FCAS

Executive Vice President — Managing Director

Joseph L. Volponi is an Executive Vice President with the California Casualty Management Company and a member of the Board of Directors. In his current role, he oversees all aspects of the Actuarial, Underwriting, Claims and Product Development functions. He is a member of the Executive and Operating Committees and chairs both the Reinsurance and Pension Committees. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Mr. Volponi is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries.
 

 

George L. Bowen, CPCU

Senior Vice President, Group Development Partner Programs & Agency Services

George began his career with California Casualty almost 30 years ago, in 1979, and has worked in many areas of the company including sales, customer service, claims, underwriting, marketing, and in the field, meeting our customers where they work. George has seen first-hand over the years what a "day in the life" is like for the people we serve, and has come to better understand the sacrifices made by those who serve our communities.

A lifelong learner with a bachelor's degree in History and a passion for reading about American history, George also has professional designations including Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), and Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI). He participates in national industry groups such as the Society of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters, and the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America.

George was a founding board member of Impact Teen Drivers, a non-profit corporation formed in 2007. Impact Teen Drivers was funded by California Casualty for the purpose of reducing teenage traffic related deaths and injuries.

The most humbling moments for George have been the times he has called the widows of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty to let them know that California Casualty would waive their insurance premiums as our way of easing their burden. "Our Fallen Hero benefit makes me proud of our company," he says. When we say, 'We serve those who serve our communities,'  we really mean it."
 

 

Mike Bower

Senior Vice President — Strategic Planning and Investments

Mike Bower joined California Casualty Management Company (CCMC) in 1990. Since that time he has held various positions of increasing responsibility, gaining experience in the areas of accounting, banking, investments, forecasting, strategic planning, business analysis, and financial systems.

In November 2007 he assumed the title of Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and Investments, and his current responsibilities include investments, financial analysis, strategic planning, Customer Value Group, and Internal Audit. In addition, he works closely with the CIO and other IT staff to maximize the benefit IT brings to the organization.

Before coming to California Casualty, Mike held financial and technology positions with Electronic Data Systems, Computerland, and Kraft. Mike holds a B.S. in Finance from Golden Gate University.
 

 

James F. Grady, Ph.D.

Senior Vice President — Administration

Jim Grady joined the Executive Team at California Casualty Management Company in 1998 and is currently responsible for leading the Human Resources, Learning and Development and Corporate Services functions. He has advised executive management teams in a variety of industries on the integration of organizational purpose, processes, and people to ensure strategic and operational success.

Jim's broad areas of expertise include designing and implementing organizational systems that support high performance teams, as well as coaching executives and senior managers. He has led projects in strategy development, linking human resource plans to business strategy, retooling performance management systems, as well as succession planning.

In addition to his business experience, Jim has volunteered his time by serving on and consulting with various not-for-profit boards. In addition, he currently serves on the City Council of his home town.

Jim received a B.S. in Psychology and a Master's and Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Pittsburgh. He has also attended classes as part of the Executive Program at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.  Jim is regularly invited to speak at professional conferences and industry meetings.
 

 

Vasu Kadambi

Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer

Vasu Kadambi joined California Casualty in the Information Technology department in 1988. He has been strategically involved in managing computer systems that impact every aspect of our business, including customer service, sales, marketing, claims, underwriting, billing, and finance. "During the 34 years of my career, I have not seen or experienced this passion for service in any other place I have worked," Vasu says.

"Trained in engineering and business, I am always curious to understand how various systems work together." It gives Vasu great satisfaction to know that the automation solutions developed by the people in Information Technology help California Casualty deliver superior service to our policy holders.
 

 

James R. Kauffman

Senior Vice President — Claims

Jim is an attorney who manages the Claims Department for California Casualty Management Company. He has 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, beginning his career in the Claims Department at Allstate Insurance. Jim joined California Casualty in 1985. During the past 25 years at California Casualty he has also spent time in the Underwriting Department and General Counsel’s Office. Jim has both trial court and appellate experience.

Jim is a graduate of the University of Arizona and Golden Gate University School of Law. He has also completed coursework at the University of California Hastings College of Trial Advocacy and Harvard University Center for Mediation Studies. He is licensed to practice law in both California and Illinois.
 

 

Pat Lynch

Senior Vice President, Manager of Customer Service and Field Underwriting

Pat Lynch is currently Senior Vice President, Manager of Customer Service and Field Underwriting. He was appointed a Vice President in 1991 and First Vice President in 2002.

Pat joined California Casualty in 1981 as a Field Marketing Representative in Southern California. During Pat's more than  28-year tenure with the company, he has progressed through a number of different Operations and District Management positions having responsibility for Sales, Customer Service, Claims, Field Marketing, and Underwriting Operations. During the course of his career, Pat relocated five times and gained experience working in the Branch/District structure as well as the current Service Center structure. Pat has been instrumental in operation performance turnarounds, as well as operational start-up efforts. Pat has also contributed to a variety of project and strategic planning teams over the years. Recently he was involved in leading the Customer Service Satisfaction Survey Project Team.

Prior to his employment with CCMC, Pat worked in Sales and International Administrative Management. Pat holds a B.A. from Loyola Marymount University and an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University. He completed the American Management Association Management Course as well as participated in a variety of leadership and management development workshops over the years.
 

 

Mike Ray, CPA

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

Mike Ray, Senior Vice President, serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for California Casualty Management Company (CCMC). Mike joined California Casualty in 2001 as CCMC's Controller, a position he held through 2006. Prior to CCMC, Mike spent seven years within the property and casualty insurance audit practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers. There, he served for three years as a manager, focusing on traditional external audits, co-sourced internal audit, and enterprise risk management engagements.

Mike is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, California Society of Certified Public Accountants, and Western Pension & Benefits Conference. For the past four years, Mike has served as a Board Member and Treasurer of Cabrillo School's Parent Teacher Organization. He is the chairperson of the Pacifica School District's Parcel Tax Oversight Committee.

Mike holds a B.A. in economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He earned the designation of Certified Public Accountant from the State of California.
 

 

Doug Goldberg, CIC

First Vice President
Group Marketing — Account Relations & Business Development

Doug began his career with California Casualty in the Personal Insurance Division in December 1986 as a Customer Service Representative, before spending two years as a Sales Representative. He spent five years as a Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster and Producer, culminating his tenure in commercial insurance as Group Marketing Account Manager from 1995 to 1999. Doug then transitioned back to manager in our Personal Lines Group Marketing department, and was promoted to First Vice President and department manager in January 2005. He has achieved the Certified Insurance Counselor designation, a nationally recognized distinction in our industry. In January of 2009, Doug took on added responsibility for Business Development and oversight of Account Relations.

Doug has worked in nearly all of the operating departments of California Casualty. This experience gives him familiarity when managing our group and customer relationships, whether it's working with the leadership of national or state-level accounts.

"What sets California Casualty apart from other insurance companies is our sense of family and community," Doug says. "The Brown family's guidance of California Casualty is rooted in fairness and the spirit of the California Casualty Code." Doug's father was also a long-time executive of the company. This sense of community permeates the quality of service we provide our customers.

"Nothing is more rewarding than receiving feedback from our customers how deeply they appreciate California Casualty and our partnerships with their professional organization," Doug says. In his role, Doug travels across the country meeting with group leaders, members, and our policyholders. Regardless of the many regional characteristics he encounters, one thing is always the same: people want to trust their insurance company.
 

 

Barbara K. Gurnett

First Vice President, Chief Learning Officer

Barbara has worked in the Insurance Industry for 20 years and has been with California Casualty since 2000. Throughout her career, she worked in many operational areas including customer service, underwriting, policy contracts, and training. When Barbara joined California Casualty, she was able to bring her passion for learning and development to the organization. "We demonstrate commitment to our employees through lifelong learning, which translates into excellent service for our customers and overall organizational success," she says.

Barbara has a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and Organizational Communications, and a professional designation as a Senior Professional in Corporate Universities. She also participates in the following professional organizations: Society of Insurance Trainers, American Management Association, American Society of Training and Development, and the International Society of Performance Improvement.

Barbara feels she is very fortunate to work for a company that understands and values learning and development. "This commitment has allowed us to establish a first-class training organization and a culture that supports performance improvement and organizational success," she says. As a result, we have successfully launched an award-winning corporate university that reaches out to all employees regardless of geographic location.