Dara Holzman Email & Phone Number

Rye Brook, New York, United States

Greater New York City Area

Provided risk management analysis, made recommendations and provided claims advocacy for clients $25K in revenue and higher for multiple verticals including hospitality, real estate and private equity across all lines of business. Volunteered to source, host and develop lunch-n-learn and continuing education credit classes for the NYC and CT offices.Impact:• Scheduled and co-facilitated all safety group trainings and guided C-suite and Safety Leadership Team in creating a social recognition program for a boutique hotel. Coordinated with insured’s employment lawyer on unions and terminating low performing employees to result in a 50% reduction in workers compensation claims to lower premiums, increase worker productivity and profitability. • Developed expertise in empathetic and compassionate leadership after deaths and/or serious accidents of clients’ employees. Frequently commended by client colleagues. • Selected by Practice Leader and Producer to handle an international claim with a London intermediary. Received crash course in foreign claims, international maritime law in two different countries and cross-cultural differences in communication styles. Self-educated as trainer went out on medical leave during training and claims process.

New York City, Ny

Work with NYC's top hospitality, art, entertainment and VIP clients providing problem solving, claims training and negotiating settlements. Licensed NYS Insurance Broker for Property & Casualty Insurance.

New York City, Ny

Hired to develop claims processing capacity. Designed and built function from one part time staff to four claims professionals. Co-managed the claims processes of agency that provides personal, business specialized programs for restaurants/hospitality for top-rated New York City-based restaurants, caterers, nightlife and lounges. Championed, initiated and conducted training sessions for restaurants’ general managers on general liability claims. Frequently discussed trends and made recommendations concerning various safety issues with salespeople and underwriters. Organized and managed development meetings utilizing appreciative inquiry techniques for increased empathy. Impact:Drafted and instituted a company employee policy manual with the help of an attorney.Initiated and authored a company-disaster-recovery plan.Wrote and designed the company's first website with the help of a web developer including changes to SEO.Instituted procedures and wrote a training manual for claims handling.

New York City, Ny

Claims Manager for insurance brokerage specializing in some of the top Zagat Rated Restaurants and Nightlife in NYC.

New York City, Ny

Claims Manager for insurance brokerage specializing in some of the top Zagat Rated Restaurants and Nightlife in NYC.

Coached MIT graduate students and NYU undergraduate students in the Handel Group methodology. Conceptualized, planned and marketed two events for Handel Group "Finding the One" one day retreat and "Flying Free" with Anti-Gravity Yoga (R).

New York City, Ny

Organized "Goddess Day" for the Teens--sourcing yoga teachers to teach these girls about the positive mental and physical effects of practicing yoga.

New York City

Recruited, hired and set up training schedules for both permanent and temporary hires. Managed a computer network upgrade with computer consultant, while hosting a company summer outing. Impact:Hired a Controller from direct internet based recruitment source including checking allreferences. Created a Sales Manager Position resulting in the ability of the EVP of Sales to produce more revenue. Solely converted the 401K including managing all the withdrawals, salary deferments and beneficiaries. Converted the health plan from AETNA PPO to an AETNA Health Reimbursement Account with benefits broker.

Empowered women to view themselves as living works of art. See website http://www.cups-n-saucers.com.

National Volunteer Co-Chair, 2005Volunteer Chair, New York City, 2004 Courage Night, an inspirational, awareness and community event for breast cancer survivors.Planned and executed New York City “Courage Night” 2005 event for breast cancer survivors, wellness community and book signing audience. Organized and motivated team members for 20 host cities in the coordination and execution of Courage Night book parties. Planned and executed NYC “Courage Night” 2004 for breast cancer survivors including two celebrated breast cancer survivors.

Planned and executed New York City “Courage Night” 2005 event for breast cancer survivors, wellness community and book signing audience on behalf of Breast Cancer Survivor, motivational speaker and book author, Geralyn Lucas. Planned and executed NYC “Courage Night” 2004 for breast cancer survivors including the fashion designer, Betsey Johnson.

New York City, Ny

2002 to 2004Managed and resolved a portfolio of 50 open commercial property claims for this specialty property and casualty insurance company. Supervised independent adjusters and determined coverage. Tracked monthly open property claims assigned to attorneys. Initiated, created, and managed property claims as well as library and online indices. Proposed and implemented the creation of online internal claims forms.Impact:Was chosen to be co-presenter of presentation on "Attracting, Retaining and Training Claims Employees" at Property Loss Register Bureau Conference in March 2004.

New York City, Ny

Worked as part of a team in this organization that brings wellness and harmony into people's lives. Organized important documents, clothes and other personal possessions for household and individuals having special needs. Impact:Recognized by the President for outstanding service.

New York City, Ny

Progressive increases in responsibility and position in the same insurance agency; Accepted special assignment as project manager for the development of an AIG electronic data transfer feed program and customized online computer claims system. Conducted monthly needs analysis with the claims department and provided feedback on user needs and system design to the developer. Assessed and diagnosed training needs and recommended solutions to senior management.Impact:Pursued, recovered, and tracked third party recoveries receiving between 50-100% of money on all settled cases.Recognized by senior management for the highest level of recovery in the office.Managed the communication and all processes during Reliance National Indemnity Company's liquidation. Created and delivered individual training sessions for claims department employees to demonstrate the claims system and detail its integration with the AIG data transfer feed program. Provided feedback to the developer to refine criteria and specifications. Reinforced the positive benefits of the new computer system resulting in the retention of the current developer and a renewed commitment to the project. Helped design and test the claims system. Recognized by senior management for organizational, communication skills, diplomacy and successfully meeting all project deadlines on a manual AIG data transfer feed.

New York City, Ny

Advanced to this position on a merit basis, guiding a team in problem solving and troubleshooting. Additionally worked with a team that designed changes in reporting to insurance carriers. Accepted additional responsibilities of a property claims representatives after the1999 company downsizing. Impact:Tailored individual training to meet employees' learning styles that resulted in 12% productivity increase.Organized and led team meetings that improved workflow distribution, morale, communication and efficiency.Initiated and created online forms that saved 3 days per client/agency transaction.

New York City, Ny

Began working as a claims representative in 1995 for this agency that specializes in insurance for the real estate industry. Analyzed property and casualty claims and interpreted complex contracts. Researched topical insurance issues, interviewed clients regarding insurance claims, and negotiated settlements. Advanced to claims analyst, retaining previous responsibilities.Accomplishments:Created the first training manual for a claims representative position.Developed and conducted a workshop for employees on visible insurance issues, including building collapse, improving employees' analysis of complex claims, and defense strategies.Initiated, coordinated, and promoted a team building event with a strategic business partner attended by 100% of the employees, which increased morale and teamwork between companies.

New York City, Ny

Fulfilled a number of functions for this insurance agency. Conducted extensive telephone interviews with clients. Re-instituted, researched, wrote and edited an employee newsletter featuring human resources issues that improved morale. Developed and implemented the company's first comprehensive customer service and safety brochure as well as a presentation, which resulted in enhancing customers' awareness of safety and claims procedures.

Master Of Science - Ms, Organizational Development, Gpa 3.6

Activities and Societies: Organizational Development Network of Greater New York.New York City, NY

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Interpersonal Communication

Activities and Societies: President of Tulane Extension, an organization dedicated to assisting survivors of sexual assault..