VINCENT P.

FILAPELLO
8211 Perch Drive
Liverpool, NY 13090
315-622-3626
vpfilape@syr.edu

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Ambitious, resourceful Finance, Economics & Accounting
Specialist with an MBA and 11+ years success in high-volume
claims management. Pivotal technical and leadership resource
to leading firms, including Liberty Mutual and
Unitrin/Kemper Insurance. Record of achievement with
Unitrin/Kemper, promoted to Claims Supervisor and receiving
numerous awards for outstanding performance and
contributions. Extensive expertise in business process
improvement, claims investigation/evaluation, financial
analysis, best practices compliance, problem resolution,
risk mitigation, staff management and training.
* Versatile leader with "big picture" vision and a keen
ability to stay on top of all the details. Instrumental in
developing systems and processes that streamlined
operations, controlled costs, motivated/energized staff and
enhanced profit performance.
* Innovative contributor and skillful negotiator, with a
tenacious focus on goals and the ability to execute on
multiple priorities within demanding environments.
* Continuously seek innovative ways to improve operating
efficiency, through the introduction of new technologies,
systems and methods.
* Dedicated team builder, passionate about bringing out
the best in the people. Solid achievement built on the
ability to inspire teamwork and tap into the expertise of
subordinates.
KEY COMPETENCIES
Financial/Investment/Data Analysis Claims Investigation/Settlement
Regulatory Compliance Risk Management
Taxes and Business Strategy Corporate Governance
Business and Ethics Law Team Leadership/Training/Management
Project Management Customer Service
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Casualty Claim Law Associate
Licensed Independent Adjuster, State of New York
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE, Syracuse, NY; 06/2010 - Present
SENIOR CLAIM SPECIALIST (Consultant)
Investigate, evaluate and settle automobile and general
claims throughout a tri-state region for the 5th largest P&C
insurance company in the US earning an A.M. Best Co. "A"
rating.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
* Assumed total ownership of a backlog of 180 files
dispersed among many adjusters. Ensured customers knew they
had a personal representative for their claim who would
address their issues that were originally lost by numerous
adjusters handling their files.
* Rapidly mastered tort laws in 3 additional states: PA,
ME and MA.
* Leveraged subject matter expertise to properly address
standard auto claims as well as complex claims resulting
from slips/falls on premises.
UNITRIN (formerly Kemper Insurance), Syracuse, NY; 05/1998 -
04/2009
10 years 11 months
TECHNICAL CLAIMS SUPERVISOR (2001 - 2009) / LITIGATION
SPECIALIST (1998 - 2001)
Driving force in enforcing best claims practices, conducting
monthly claim reserve reviews on 100-120 files, and
assisting underwriting in improving premium rate analysis.
Trained, managed and mentored 6 direct reports in daily
claims processing, including material damage claims.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
* Promoted to Supervisory position due to exceptional
performance, team leadership and contributions to company's
claims management and cost savings.
* Awarded for contributions in development and
implementation of the successful First Call injury
settlement program, lowering bodily injury settlements by
18% and costs by 13%. Trained adjusters to recognize
potential bodily injury claimants during initial
investigations and make a nominal offer, reducing payouts
and legal expenses.
* Guaranteed best claims practices through rigorous
process of file reviews, using a Web-based program that
computed scores based on how compliant adjusters were to
best practices in the investigation, evaluation and
settlement of claims.
* Built a loyal and high-performing team; all 6 direct
reports consistently received monthly performance awards and
4 were promoted into leadership roles. Trained direct
reports in the handling of material damage claims as well as
mentoring them in daily claims handling.
* Guided and advised litigation adjusters to achieve the
most cost-effective resolution on their no fault suits and
arbitrations.
* Counseled claims adjusters on bodily injury evaluations
between $50K-$300K. Led careful review of loss, such as where
the loss occurred, liability and injuries, to determine a
proper value of the claim. Claims over $100K were reviewed
with a Home Office Technical Claims Technical Specialist,
with a focus on resolving claims through arbitration,
mediation or settlement. Process resulted in faster, more
cost efficient claim resolutions.
* Lauded by management and clients for dedication to best
practices, fair and equitable claims settlements and
effective cost containment. Savings were passed on to
policyholders in premium reductions or level premiums from
year to year. Reputation for assuring rapid claims contact,
investigation and settlement, enabling clients to recover
from their loss as quickly as possible.
ZURICH PERSONAL INSURANCE COMPANY, Hartford, CT; 10/1997-
01/1998
FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Efficiently appraised and settled 1st and 3rd party
automobile and homeowner property claims.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
* As Marketing representative, played central role in
launching company's successful reorganization and commitment
program.
* Acted as company liaison to Agents, skillfully
addressed and resolved concerns about claim service.
GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY, Syracuse, NY; 02/1991-
10/1997
SENIOR CLAIMS REPRESENTATIVE
Evaluated, reserved and settled bodily injury claims up to
$100,000. Adjusted New York no-fault claims in accordance
with the New York Department of Insurance regulations.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
* Closely monitored defense counsel's activities on
litigated claims involving wrongful death, assault and
battery, product liability, homeowner liability and
uninsured motorist's claims.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Arbitration Forum Panel member
TECHNOLOGY
Windows 7/Vista/XP/98/95, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint,
Louts Notes

EDUCATION
Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
M.B.A., Accounting, 2010 G.P.A. 3.67
B.A., Economics, 1989