Who We Are – CIC Group

We know insurance; we don’t sell it.

Since 1976, CIC Group’s services have been 100% fee-based. Our responsive team of risk management professionals advocate for your business by uncovering what may have been overlooked.

Our history.

John (Jack) T. Madden, Jr. and his father, John T. Madden, Sr., were co-owners of Agency Associates of Western New York, a firm they established in 1960.

Even 60 years ago, brokers like Jack struggled to balance the best interests of their clients with broker placement. He knew there had to be a better option for all involved in the insurance process.

There was a solution: It turns out consultants can offer clients a full marketplace of broker options. Agents do not have these capabilities.

In 1976, Jack launched Commercial Insurance Consultants.

Nearly 45 years later, the team at CIC continues to honor Jack’s professional farsightedness and his desire to provide the most advantageous scenario for clients.

We do not sell insurance. We know insurance.

Meet the team

Timothy W. McMullen

Partner, Co-Owner

Timothy W. McMullen is owner and president of Commercial Insurance Consultants (CIC). From 1983 to 1989, Tim was the Director of Marketing and Sales for the company. He purchased the firm in 1989 and continues to be the driving force for both sales and marketing efforts.

Tim also owns Self Funding, Inc. (SFI). SFI provides consulting services focused on self-insured Workers’ Compensation programs and issues.

In 2001, Tim established a new Lender Insurance Review Services (LIRS) division of CIC. LIRS provides insurance due diligence services to the commercial lending industry, focusing on the protection of the lenders‘ interests under their borrowers’ insurance programs.

As a licensed Municipal and Commercial Property and Casualty Consultant, Tim’s areas of expertise include: insurance and lending, commercial property and casualty, Workers’ Compensation Insurance, self insurance and captive insurance programs, and claims adjusting.

Gina M. Teresi

Partner, Chief Operating Officer

Gina Teresi joined Commercial Insurance Consultants (CIC) in 2014 as a Partner and Chief Operating Officer. Entering the small business and entrepreneurial sectors with 22 years of corporate and industry experience, her years of work with AIG and Chubb insurance bring a variety experiences and expertise to CIC clients.

The core of her career involved a variety of underwriting and marketing positions in the insurance industry which included management and oversight of agents and brokers across the country. Her understanding of the industry and the brokers that serve clients gives her the insight needed to help customers select best in class brokers and carriers for their insurance programs.

Gina graduated from Gettysburg College with a dual major in Economics and Studio Art. She resides in Rochester, NY with her children. She is an avid horseback rider and enjoys competing when she is not working or with her family. She is a Certified Continuing Education Trainer for CPE, CFP and CE.

Chris O’Donnell, CPCU, ARM, AMIM

Partner

Chris O’Donnell joined Commercial Insurance Consultants (CIC), in 2018, as a Senior Consultant. He brings an extensive wealth of knowledge from the Insurance and Risk Management industry.

Chris began his career in corporate claims beginning as a Road Adjuster and Senior Adjuster with Liberty Mutual, then Claims Suit Supervisor at General Accident. From there he worked for Aldrich & Cox, an independent risk management consulting firm, before becoming a Large Risk Account Executive and Producer, then Senior Officer for Matthews, Bartlett & Dedecker, which merged into M&T Bank. Immediately prior to joining CIC, Chris was Administrative VP & Director of Corporate Insurance for M&T Bank.

Chris resides in Western New York with his wife Patty and daughter Falcon. They also have several other grown children. He is a volunteer in Scouts BSA, first an Eagle in his youth and throughout his adulthood with the participation of his children, now with the first of young women permitted into “Boy” Scouting with his youngest daughter. He is also a Master Black Belt and part time instructor in Tang Soo Do Karate.

Chris holds New York State Licenses as a Property and Casualty Broker and a Life, Accident and Health Agent. He holds a BA in Economics/BS in Urban Planning from SUNY Buffalo State, and an MBA in Finance from Canisius College, as well as professional Insurance designations – CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter), ARM (Associate in Risk Management) and AMIM (Associate in Marine Insurance Management).

Jacqueline Cook

Account Executive | Outsourced Risk Management

Jacqueline Cook joined Commercial Insurance Consultants (CIC), in 2017 as an Account Executive. She brings a wealth of expertise from the Insurance industry.

Jackie applies her combined knowledge and skills to help clients understand, maintain and manage their insurance programs.

Prior to joining our team, Jackie was a Workers’ Compensation Claims Examiner at Sedgwick in Rochester, New York. She managed and evaluated claims of all complexity levels from time of injury to resolution. She worked directly with clients to forecast future risks based on internal and industry trends, established strategies to mitigate exposures and developed plans to assist in resolution of outstanding claims.

She is a graduate of the State University of New York at Oswego where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Finance. She holds Workers’ Compensation Licenses in New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Vermont in addition to experience in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Meg Lute

Consultant | Outsourced Risk Management

Meg Lute joined Commercial Insurance Consultants (CIC) in October 2013 as a Consultant in the Outsourced Risk Management division.

Prior to joining CIC, Meg served as an Account Manager at Brown & Brown Insurance Agency and as a Property and Casualty Underwriter for the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies. She has 35 years of agency and insurance company experience working directly with clients, brokers, and other insurance representatives. Her agency and insurance company experience gives her a unique perspective to work alongside CIC consultants to provide service and support to clients.

Meg has a Bachelor’s of Science degree from SUNY Fredonia as well as extensive experience handling commercial insurance programs and claims issues for a number of industries including schools and other public and private entities. In addition, she is a Licensed New York State Property and Casualty Insurance Broker.

William J. McNamara, CPCU

Consultant | Lender Insurance Review Services

William J. McNamara joined Commercial Insurance Consultants (CIC) as a Consultant in 2004, bringing to the firm more than 20 years experience as a Commercial Property and Casualty Insurance Underwriter and Broker.

He started his career as an Underwriter for a regional wholesale insurance broker, handling commercial property and casualty accounts across New York State. After 10 years, Bill joined a large insurance brokerage firm, handling regional and international customers’ insurance and risk management needs.

Bill’s primary focus since joining CIC has been in the Lender Insurance Review Service (LIRS) division of the company. LIRS provides insurance due diligence services to the commercial lending industry, focusing on ensuring that the lender’s interests are properly and adequately protected under its borrowers’ insurance programs. In addition, Bill is a Licensed New York State Property and Casualty Insurance Broker and holds a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) Designation.

Thomas J. Weir, CPCU

Senior Consultant | Outsourced Risk Management

Tom Weir brings 43 years of middle and large commercial account experience in property and casualty insurance to Commercial Insurance Consultants (CIC). His industry specializations include manufacturing, medical facilities, marine contractors, transportation and environmental operations.

For the majority of his career, Tom worked with M&T Insurance Agency, Inc., formerly Matthews, Bartlett & Dedecker, Inc.

In his role as account executive and client advocate, Tom’s philosophies and responsibilities incorporate two sales: one to the client and other to the insurance carrier. He developed an in-depth series of risk management processes. Tom identifies and analyzes loss exposures, selects techniques to address exposures, implements these methodologies and monitors the systems so changes can be made when appropriate.

With this approach, there is a win-win situation. Clients better understand needs and options involved in protecting assets. The business is marketed to insurance companies in the best possible light. Simultaneously, these steps allow insurance companies to clearly determine their risk and recognize how their involvement supports clients in asset protection.

A lifelong resident of the Buffalo area, Tom is a graduate of Saint Bonaventure University (1972). In 1985, he earned the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) professional designation.

Cindy Marano

Consultant - Commercial Insurance Consultants, CIC Group

Cindy Marano brings significant and impressive experience as a Consultant to the CIC team. Most recently, Cindy managed the Corporate Insurance and Risk Management Department for a national bank listed on the Fortune 500.

Overseeing marketing processes for a spectrum of product offerings, she collaborated with worldwide insurance brokers including carriers spanning the US and Bermuda markets, as well as Lloyds of London. Perhaps the most significant benefit Cindy brings to our client base is her insight with reviews of and recommendations for commercial insurance and financial lines policies, both domestic and global.

With more than 30 years of industry experience, Cindy creates opportunities for CIC clients while furthering the professional development of our associates.

Cindy is a lifelong resident of Western New York where she resides with her husband.

Theresa Winkelsas

Consultant

Theresa brings more than 10 years of Property and Casualty Insurance experience to CIC Group. She began her career with Mueller Reports, with a focus on field inspecting property ITVs in the quality assurance department, eventually moving on to Training as well as developing a Wind Mitigation program in Florida. After Mueller, Theresa went to the agency side of insurance at First Niagara, assisting clients with insurance claims by reporting and identifying claim trends. Most recently, Theresa worked as an Account Executive at Walsh Duffield, and an Account Manager at Lawley. She has helped manage insurance programs for small family businesses, as well as large corporations.

At CIC Group, Theresa will help clients assess and manage their insurance programs, as well as advise regarding coverage. With a Bachelor’s Degree from University at Buffalo and a Master of Business Administration from Canisius College, she is currently pursuing her CPCU designation.

Accreditations: Property & Casualty Brokers Insurance Licenses

Sandra Atkins

Manager of Data Analytics | Self Funding Inc.

Sandra Atkins joined Self Funding, Inc. in 2018, as the Manager of Data Analytics. She brings more than 15 years of Workers’ Compensation industry expertise.

Utilizing her combined knowledge and experience, Sandra helps clients manage their Workers’ Compensation programs by analyzing claim performance and identifying trends. Furthermore, she employs her keen insight to ensure programs are managed at an optimum level.

Prior to joining our team, Sandra was a Claims Team Lead at Sedgwick in Rochester, New York where she supervised a team of six adjusters handling Workers’ Compensation claims in multiple jurisdictions. She was also the designated State Expert for Connecticut for the past 10 years.

Sandra holds Workers’ Compensation Claims Administration licenses with the New York State and Connecticut Insurance Department. She is a graduate of Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario where she earned a graduate degree in Anthropology.

Greg O’Sullivan

Senior Consultant - Workers’ Compensation | Self Funding Inc.

Greg O’Sullivan brings over 20 years of industry experience with Sedgwick Claims Management Services.

Greg provides clients with high level consulting and assists businesses to manage Workers’ Compensation claims while mitigating claim costs.

He began with Sedgwick as a Lost Time Claims Manager. After less than two years, Greg was offered a significant promotion to Team Lead. He quickly grew into this elevated role. As Team Lead, Greg managed a team of eight including six loss Examiners, a medical-only Examiner and a claims assistant. Their work involved Workers’ Compensation files for compliance with jurisdictional, carriers, company (Sedgwick), audit and client standards. Consistently augmenting customer service and principles, he developed action plans to reduce claim cost and proficiently bring files to closure.

A lifelong resident of Rochester, he holds a Casualty Adjuster license with the New York State Insurance Department. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Oswego where he earned his degree in Business with a minor in Economics.

Rolana Tripp

Senior Consultant - Workers’ Compensation | Self Funding Inc.

Rolana Tripp joined Self Funding, Inc. in 2017, as a Senior Workers’ Compensation Consultant. She brings more than 25 years of Workers’ Compensation industry expertise.

Rolana utilizes her combined knowledge and experience to help clients manage Workers’ Compensation claims and find cost-efficient and effective solutions.

Prior to joining our team, Rolana was a Claims Supervisor at Sedgewick in Rochester, New York. She mentored and trained her multiple teams of Claims Examiners. She worked directly with clients to identify claim trends, problems and issues and assisted in finding resolutions. Additionally, she would attend in person quarterly meetings with clients to consult on claims and advise on cost-efficient and effective solutions.

A lifelong resident of Rochester, she holds a Workers’ Compensation license with the New York State Insurance Department. She is an avid gardener and enjoys traveling with her family.

Melissa Bautz

Controller

Joining CIC in 2020, Melissa Bautz’s diverse background is a benefit to both CIC and its client base. Her range of experience includes financial administration, construction project management and operations oversight. Melissa has even worked as a health insurance broker. Her involvement with a range of businesses in New York and Florida have developed her resourcefulness and capabilities in fiscal management.

Gowan Marshall

Account Manager

Gowan Marshall joined CIC in March 2019. His organizational experience augments CIC’s client service endeavors while supporting account management and IT. Previously in a similar role in residential real estate, Gowan has lived in both Rochester and Buffalo where he graduated from SUNY Buffalo State College.

Nicki Colosi Trilling, CPCU

Partner | Private Risk Insurance Advisory

Nicki Colosi Trilling, a member of the Commercial Insurance Consultants (CIC) consulting team, is a partner in CIC’s Private Risk Insurance Advisory (PRIA). PRIA blends personal and commercial property & casualty insurance and risk management expertise to offer tailored solutions to the private wealth community.

Nicki’s professional experience includes working with personal, commercial and specialty property & casualty organizations in a variety of disciplines including customer service, sales, operations, finance, human resources, distribution management, marketing, pricing and underwriting. As an independent consultant, she leverages industry knowledge, analytics and marketplace savvy with operational and technical disciplines to create client centric solutions.

Nicki holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the State University of New York at Brockport, where she graduated Magna cum Laude. A lifelong learner, Nicki earned the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in Insurance Services (AIS), Associate in Personal Insurance (API) designations and is a Licensed Property and Casualty Producer (RI). She also completed the Certificate Program in Association Management at the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and is a Net Promoter® Certified Associate.

Richard Resnick, MBA, ARM

Construction Specialist

For over 41 years, Richard Resnick has been associated with the insurance industry, earning a reputation for particular expertise in the design and development of project-specific insurance programs. Richard has been involved in well over 125 major projects totaling in excess of $17B. He has extensive experience in all project-related insurance overages, i.e., Wrap-ups, Builders Risk, Professional Liability, Environmental and Owners Interest, as well as business risk and contract analysis. He serves as an outstanding resource for all clients (owners and contractors), providing knowledge of cash flow programs, captives, and self-insurance plans.

Richard is Founder and President of Project Risk Consultants, Inc., a consulting firm dedicated to Construction Risk Management. Prior to founding Project Risk Consultants, Richard was a National Program Executive for Aon‘s Construction Services Group. His role was to provide oversight and leadership for Aon clients with large national construction programs. Additionally, he lent his experience to assist in providing strategic direction for all of Aon’s wrap-up clients across the country.

A graduate of CW Post College, Richard earned an MBA in finance from Pace University. He also holds the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation.