Our Team
You can count on the highest level of service from North Star's experienced team of professionals. With over 120 years of combined insurance experience handling all types of coverage, we work closely with our clients to provide the best insurance program for their needs.
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John Walsh, PresidentJohn Walsh founded North Star Insurance Services in 2001, bringing with him an extensive background in the insurance industry as well as commercial fishing experience. With expertise in the areas of Marine, D&O, EPLI, USL&H and markets for Property and Casualty, he provides services to many of our large marine industry accounts. His many professional affiliations include the Marine Insurance Association of Seattle, Surplus Lines Association, and the North Pacific Longliner's Association. Additionally, John established the North Pacific Fishing Association to pool up to 30 vessels. He is licensed in Washington, Alaska, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Florida, with Surplus Lines licenses in several of these states. E-mail: jwalsh@nsis.biz |
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John Long, BrokerJohn Long started with the Hartford in 1972 and entered the insurance brokerage arena in 1976. John's 40 years' experience specializing in Marine and Property Casualty business gives him a unique depth of knowledge which is invaluable to the clients he serves. John is licensed in the states of Maine, Washington, Alaska, Oregon and California and is a member of the Marine Insurance Association of Seattle. E-mail: jlong@nsis.biz |
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John Baynes, Vice PresidentWith expertise in the areas of Hull & Machinery, Protection & Indemnity, Pollution, Cargo and ancillary marine insurances, John Baynes has over 30 years experience in brokerage and underwriting. To best meet the needs of his clients in the commercial fishing industry, he has worked with domestic and international insurers to develop multi-interest package policies for these companies. Licensed in the states of Washington, Alaska and Oregon, John is a member of the Marine Insurance Association of Seattle and the Surplus Lines Association of Washington. E-mail: jbaynes@nsis.biz |
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Ian Blackburn, Vice PresidentIan Blackburn has been involved in the marine insurance market for over 35 years, having spent 20 years in the London Market. His experience in the international marketplace, and extensive knowledge of marine policy terms and conditions make him a valuable resource to his clients. Licensed in the states of Washington, Alaska, Oregon, and California, he is a board member of the Marine Insurance Association of Seattle and an associate member of the Association of United States Average Adjusters and the Association of Average Adjusters. E-mail: iblackburn@nsis.biz |
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Bradford Bowen, PartnerBradford Bowen has recently joined North Star Insurance Service after a 30 year career in the east coast commercial fishing industry. Licensed as a Massachusetts Producer, he will oversee our new office in Fairhaven, MA. Brad will draw from his experience at sea where he earned his 200 ton Master Coast Guard license, Able Seaman card, Radar endorsement, STCW and Safety Drill Conductor certification. He plans to bring a "hands on" service approach to his clients and their crew. E-mail: bbowen@nsis.biz |
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Nadia Warness, Account AdministratorLicensed in Washington and Alaska, Nadia Warness has been with North Star Insurance Services for seven years. The first point of contact for many of our clients, she responds promptly to any inquiries and concerns. Responsible for much of North Star's documentation, she produces and reviews application forms for specifications and reconciles policy audits, ensuring accuracy and a seamless, worry-free process for our clients. Nadia is a member of the Marine Insurance Association of Seattle and the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owner's Association. E-mail: nwarness@nsis.biz |
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Linda James, Account AdministratorLinda James brings more than 20 years of experience in the marine insurance industry to North Star Insurance Services. She works directly with fishing vessel owners to provide an insurance program specifically tailored to their needs and requirements. Linda is licensed in the states of Washington and Alaska and is a member of the Marine Insurance Association of Seattle and the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owner's Association. E-mail: ljames@nsis.biz |
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Mina Lawson, Account AdministratorMina Lawson works directly with our insurers, negotiating renewal terms and coverage enhancements, to ensure that we receive the best possible terms for our clients. A member of the Marine Insurance Association of Seattle and licensed in the states of Washington, Alaska, and California, Mina has extensive experience processing claims insured in the international market. E-mail: mlawson@nsis.biz |
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Caitlin Leady, Account AdministratorCaitlin Leady has been in the insurance industry for three years. She is licensed in Washington and Alaska. She is responsible for much of North Star's documentation. She produces and reviews applications, policies and certificates to client's specifications. E-mail: cleady@nsis.biz |
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Robert Stomp, Account AdministratorRobert Stomp started in the insurance industry at a small Northwest based brokerage in 1993. In 1996 Robert moved to a local office of a Worldwide Brokerage firm where he began as a Freight Claims adjuster for a national / worldwide client. He was promoted to the brokerage side of the Marine Department where he spent 13 years handling various marine clients, including Terminal Operators, Stevedores, Cargo owners and Cargo handling accounts. Robert utilizes his Property & Casualty as well as Marine background to provide combined services to our clients. Robert holds licenses in the states of Washington, Oregon and California. He is currently studying for the Associates in Risk Management. (ARM). E-mail: rstomp@nsis.biz |
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Kelly Lubkowski, AccountantKelly Lubkowski brings over 20 years experience as a controller in the marine industry, more than 7 of them with North Star. She is licensed in the states of Washington and Alaska, and holds a Surplus Lines license in Washington. E-mail: klubkowski@nsis.biz |
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Debbie Johnson, Accounting Assistant / Account AdministratorServing over 30 years in the commercial insurance brokerage industry, Debbie Johnson comes to North Star with a variety of experience. Her expertise is in the commercial fishing industry and includes account administration, assisting in the marketing process and fiduciary accounting. Licensed in the states of Washington and Alaska, she is a member of the Marine Insurance Association of Seattle and the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners Association. E-mail: djohnson@nsis.biz |
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Jonathan Walsh, Claims Assistant / TraineeJonathan assists both the production and claims departments. He reviews application forms for accuracy and maintains both client and claim files. Jonathan is currently studying for his broker's license, whilst taking the AMIM 121 (Ocean Marine) insurance courses. E-mail: jonwalsh@nsis.biz |
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Chuck Pappas, Office Assistant / TraineeChuck assists both the production and claims departments in general office duties. As a new employee, Chuck is enrolled in the North Star training program. Chuck is currently studying for his broker's license. E-mail: cpappas@nsis.biz |