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PLANNING COMMITTEE


Planning Committee

The Planning Committee of the Houston Marine & Energy Insurance Conference is made up of a broad range of volunteers from the marine and energy insurance and law professions – attorneys, insurance brokers, underwriters, surveyors, loss adjusters, and US insurance company and P&I representatives.  From setting the program and booking speakers, to Conference logistics, to marketing and advertising, to fundraising, to student and community outreach, the committee of volunteers is the group that works to ensure that the Conference maintains its position as the pre-eminent meeting place for the global marine and energy insurance and legal communities.  The HMEIC could not continue without their dedication and commitment.

Chairman of the Board of Directors



Steven Weiss


Incarnation Specialty Underwriters

President &Chief Underwriting Officer


Steven’s experience in Ocean and Inland Marine Insurance includes over 36 years of experience as a Marine Surveyor, Loss Adjuster, Direct Insurance and Reinsurance Underwriter following his eight years of active and reserve service with the U.S. Navy.

Steven has recently started Incarnation Specialty Underwriters - an Ocean and Inland Marine Delegated Underwriting Authority focused on Cargo, Project Cargo, Transportation, Excess Casualty and other lines.

Steven has extensively travelled and worked internationally, opening offices in Latin America and worked with insureds on 6 continents.

Steven’s passions include family, gardening (including a small vineyard), sporting clays, the Houston Marine and Energy Insurance Conference (a 501c3) of which he is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and mentoring and developing incoming or current colleagues in the Insurance Space.

In March 2023, Steven was honored with the St Mary’s Greehey School of Business “Risk Management Professional of the Year”

2026 - 2027 Chair



Kelly Haas


Jones Walker LLP

Partner

Kelly Haas is a partner at Jones Walker in the Maritime Practice Group. She regularly counsels clients on maritime law and offshore energy‑related disputes and issues in state and federal courts along the Gulf Coast.

Kelly represents vessel owners, charters, shipyards, offshore operators, and energy clients regarding collisions, property damage, personal injury, pollution, environmental, cargo, insurance, construction and contract claims related to the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, OPA 90, Limitation of Liability, COGSA and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

Kelly’s extensive experience includes conducting investigations, vessel arrest, indemnity demands and administrative proceedings. She guides and counsels clients through all phases of mediation, arbitration, litigation, and appeals.

A recognized leader in the maritime bar, Kelly has served as president of the Galveston County Bar Association and chair of the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute. She is currently chair of the Houston Marine & Energy Insurance Conference. As noted, she is consistently recognized by industry publications for her excellence in admiralty and maritime dispute resolution.




Chris Bintcliffe


Global Maritime

Global Services Manager - Jackups & MODUs


An experienced Engineering Leader, Chris has specialized in the design, analysis, installation and forensic investigation of O&G and Renewable projects in both Engineering and Marine Warranty Survey roles over the last 20+ years.

Chris oversees all Jackup and MODU scopes on a global basis for Global Maritime and has held PM and management roles as MWS on many major projects for the installation of upstream energy projects, ranging from shallow water jackets and wind farms through to deep water installations including FPUs, FPSOs and FLNG.

Chris has been on the planning committee of HMEIC for 3 years and is a member of the Society of Offshore Marine Warranty Surveyors (SOMWS), qualified for all categories (Projects, Cargo, Rigs and Renewables).




Jennifer Bruce


The Hartford

Regional Manager US Ocean Marine Global Specialty





Wesley Bryan


The Baldwin Group

Managing Partner, Energy& Marine


Wesley currently serves as part of the leadership team for The Baldwin Group’s National Energy and Marine Practice. He duties include growth and expansion of the practice as well as managing insurance programs for Energy and Marine related clients.

Wesley previously served as the Managing Director at Wortham Insurance & Risk Management and was named one of the youngest partners. Before this, he spent two years as a third-party administrator handling claims for T.O.D.C.O, Transocean, and Cal-Dive.

In 2017 and 2019, Wesley received the Power Broker and Rising Star Award specific to Energy and Marine from Risk & Insurance Magazine.

Wesley received his bachelor’s degree in Insurance and Risk Management from Ole Miss and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Houston Mariners Club and the Seminar Committee for Houston Marine and Energy Insurance Conference (HMEIC).

Specialization:

Marine

Energy

Construction




Lisa Chines


Marsh

Senior Vice President

Lisa Chines is a Senior Client Advisor and Associate Client Executive in the Energy and Power sector in Marsh’s Houston office. Lisa is responsible for management and oversight of the delivery of all client related activities, such as program administration, coverage analysis, program implementation, renewal strategies and other daily service deliverables that may arise. Lisa also collaborates with the Upstream Energy team, where her responsibilities include providing technical expertise in insurance coverage and products.

Lisa is currently Sponsorship Chair of the Houston Marine & Energy Insurance Conference. She also served as Chairman of the Houston & Marine Energy Insurance Conference, Chairman of the AIMU Offshore Energy Committee and was a member of the IUMI Offshore Energy Committee.




Jennie Clements


Marsh

Sr. Vice President

Sr Client Executive with Marsh for 35 years. Originally from Colorado and relocated to Houston in 2000. Energy and Renewable Industries are my focus however I assist clients and colleagues anywhere I can.




Kyle Eddings


New Wave Offshore Energy

CEO


Kyle Eddings is the Founder and CEO of New Wave Offshore Energy, an international Marine Warranty Survey and marine assurance consultancy supporting offshore operators, EPC contractors, brokers, and underwriters on complex offshore energy projects worldwide. Since founding the company in 2018, he has led its growth from a startup operation into a globally recognized marine warranty provider trusted by organizations including ExxonMobil, Shell, TotalEnergies, SBM Offshore, Saipem, Chevron, and MODEC.

With a background in offshore operations, marine assurance, and complex transportation and installation projects, Kyle has developed a reputation for execution-focused leadership, technical problem solving, and commercially minded project support in high-risk offshore environments. Under his leadership, New Wave Offshore has expanded internationally, supporting projects across the Gulf of Mexico, South America, West Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Kyle is known for advocating responsive, practical approaches to marine warranty and offshore risk management while maintaining a strong focus on quality, integrity, and kindness.




Stephanie Espinoza


Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC

General Counsel

Stephanie Espinoza is Vice President and General Counsel with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC, a Houston-based dredging company. In this role, Stephanie provides general legal support and strategic advice to the business, manages the company's litigation portfolio, drafts and negotiates contracts in support of dredging, offshore energy and business support functions, and provides legal support and advice regarding a wide variety of regulatory and compliance matters. Stephanie is a graduate of Tulane Law School and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.



Charles Honner


SteegeXP

Managing Director, Americas

Charles holds an Honours degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Adelaide (Australia), retains professional Chartered status with the Institution of Chemical Engineers and is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the Engineering Council. He also holds ACII and MCILA accreditation, along with an MBA through Curtin University (Australia).

Charles has 13 years’ process engineering experience in the upstream oil and gas industry, spanning all phases of project development, along with operations, for both onshore and offshore upstream developments including Gas to Liquids (GTL) and LNG production. This included time spent in London working for Genesis, and 7 years in Norway in support of a world-scale offshore field redevelopment project.

Charles joined Braemar (now SteegeXP) in Singapore in 2014 and has managed a variety of complex Energy, Petrochem and Power claims in the APAC, MENA and Americas regions, including business interruption considerations, on behalf of reinsurers. Charles moved to Houston, USA, in January 2020, assuming the role of Managing Director for the Americas.




Nikki Howes


EPIC Brokers

Marine and Energy Division Lead


Retail insurance broker in Marine and Energy insurance with over 28 years of industry experience, bringing deep expertise across industry‑specific insurance solutions. Known for a creative, solutions‑oriented approach to structuring complex insurance programs, with a strong ability to think beyond traditional frameworks. Proven success in building and maintaining robust relationships with London and international markets, navigating both domestic and global placements. Experience spans traditional energy, renewable sectors, and a broad range of marine trades supporting vessel owners and offshore contractors.



Connor Jones


Energy | AIG Specialty

Underwriting Specialist, Upstream Energy


Connor Jones currently serves as an Underwriting Specialist in Upstream Energy for AIG with a combined 11+ years of dynamic insurance experience. Connor currently specializes in offering domestic support in tandem with Lloyd’s on the Energy Package component for operators and drilling contractors with onshore and offshore exposures. Connor’s career includes experience in multiple facets of the industry, having first began as a maritime claims adjuster for tugs, tows, and yachts. He later transitioned from marine into energy, working as a broker for 5+ years servicing upstream and midstream clientele in the placement of their OEE, Property and Casualty lines. Connor graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor in Music and a minor in Corporate Strategy, and will always find the time to discuss the highs and lows of being a ‘Dores fan in an otherwise stacked conference.

This is his second year serving on the Houston Marine and Energy Insurance Conference Committee.




Kevin Khoury


Lockton

Vice President

Kevin joined Lockton’s National Marine Practice in September 2025, bringing more than 15 years of specialized experience in marine insurance. As an Account Executive based in Houston, he leads the development of market strategies and oversees the design and placement of tailored insurance programs for clients engaged in maritime operations.

Since launching his career in 2009, Kevin has served a diverse portfolio of clients, including terminal operators, ship owners, workboat fleets, marine construction firms, and oilfield service providers. His expertise spans the full spectrum of marine coverages, with a particular focus on marine hull and liability risks such as inland towing, port and terminal operations, commercial diving, and offshore construction.

Kevin has worked extensively with mid- to large-sized companies in the Oil & Gas sector, helping them navigate the complex marine exposures tied to their operations. His deep industry knowledge and strategic approach make him a trusted advisor for clients seeking comprehensive and cost-effective risk solutions.




Pete Krouse


CAC Specialty

SVP Energy/Marine Claims

Pete is Senior Vice President of Energy and Marine Claims at CAC Specialty (a Baldwin Group Company). Through his extensive experience, he helps clients navigate the, often complex, claims process. He has over 43 years of claims and marine surveying experience. Before joining CAC, Pete was a Director with Aqualis Braemar / Steege Kingston. He was an officer in the USCG and also the Captain of a commercial tug after leaving the Coast Guard.


Pete holds a Juris Doctor degree from South Texas College of Law, Bachelor of Science degree from the US Coast Guard Academy. He is a licensed ocean-going Master, All-lines licensed adjuster, licensed Insurance Producer, and current member of the Texas Bar. Pete has surveyed, investigated, and adjusted platform, mining, pipeline, vessel, chemical plant, well control, refinery and mobile offshore drilling unit claims.




Jack Meikle


CAC Specialty,

part of The Baldwin Group

Senior Vice President


Jack Meikle is the Senior Vice President for Oil & Gas within CAC Specialty’s Natural Resources Practice. He works closely with our account teams to provide exceptional customer service to clients. His responsibilities include analyzing carrier quotes, tracking all received quotes, and conducting in-depth data analysis to explore different program structure options. Jack also plays a vital role in ensuring document accuracy, preparing submissions for carrier marketing, and creating persuasive presentations for clients.

Before joining CAC Group, Jack spent four years in the offshore oil and gas industry, which gives him a unique perspective that enhances his contributions to the insurance sector. He previously worked with Lockton Companies as part of their Energy team.

Jack earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Finance from the University of Houston.




Todd Mohr


Palmer & Cay

Account Executive


Todd is an accomplished insurance professional with 17 years of experience, recently hired to help lead the new Houston office for Palmer & Cay. With a deep specialization in the Oil & Gas industry, Todd delivers strategic energy and marine insurance solutions to clients operating in the complex upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors.

A graduate of Rice University, Todd holds a degree in Managerial Studies and Sports Management. He combines strong business acumen with a client-focused approach developed through his extensive career in commercial insurance

Beyond his professional achievements, Todd is actively involved in the Houston community, serving on the board of a local non-profit organization that provides grant funding to support children on the autism spectrum.




Michael Orlando, Jr.


Phelps Dunbar LLP

Partner

Mike is a Partner in Phelps’ Houston office and focuses his legal practice on casualty events that arise in the marine and energy sectors. Mike has spent his seventeen-year legal career helping domestic and international insurance underwriters and their insureds navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with operations in these sectors. Mike also serves as outside general counsel for several energy and transportation companies that seek his guidance on governance, litigation, insurance, and risk issues. Mike serves as lead trial counsel for many of his clients’ most complex files, including energy and marine contract disputes, defending insureds against multi-million-dollar personal injury claims, subrogation opportunities, and coverage issues that have market-wide effects.




Ali Rizvi


AON

Associate Account Executive





Hayley Stancil


Jones Walker LLC

Associate

Hayley Stancil is an associate in the Maritime Practice Group at Jones Walker LLP. She counsels clients on admiralty and maritime law disputes and litigation in state and federal courts, drawing on experience gained in private practice and through a range of academic and government roles involving maritime, environmental, and regulatory issues.




Aamir Syed


Aon

Broker

Aamir is a broker within the Global Marine Practice responsible for the placement and servicing of Marine Cargo and Stock Throughput Programs.


Experience

Before joining Aon in 2025, Aamir worked as a cargo underwriter. He graduated with a Bachelors in Supply Chain Management from the University of Houston and also earned an MBA from the University of Houston.


Expertise

Aamir’s expertise includes the placement and servicing of Global Marine Cargo programs in various industries.




Jason Weingartner


Berkley Offshore Underwriting Managers

Energy Underwriter


Jason began his career as a cost accountant for an oilfield service company prior to transitioning into the insurance sector as an Energy Loss Adjuster in 2013. He has been in his current role as upstream / midstream property underwriter for Berkley Offshore since 2021. He has served on the HMEIC Planning Committee since 2023.


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