Saeideh Paredes
Operations Manager
GB Technical Services
Saeideh Paredes has been in the construction industry for about 18 years and is currently one of the Operations Managers for the Technical Services team. Saeideh oversees client service relations and ensures smooth operations. Her team's efficiency allows their clients to receive exceptional customer care, stay informed about the latest codes and regulations, and benefit from tailored solutions to meet their needs and get their job done correctly.
For Saeideh, the construction industry is incredibly rewarding as it is constantly evolving with numerous innovations and technological advancements. Visiting New York City and seeing the high-rise buildings reminds her that her team played a role in their creation. Saeideh's journey is a testament to the endless opportunities for women to make a meaningful impact in construction.
For any women looking to join the construction industry, Saeideh says to go for it and don’t be shy! The construction industry was once predominately male, but a lot has changed over the past several years. More and more women are becoming engineers, architects, safety managers, project managers, etc. There are countless opportunities for women to work in a field where you can take charge and leave a meaningful impact.
Anita Litwin
Industrial Hygienist
GB North America
Anita Litwin moved to the US with a scientific background; 32 years and several certificates and training sessions later, she has laid a strong foundation for her career in the construction industry. As an Industrial Hygienist and Environmental Consultant, she tackles a wide array of environmental challenges at construction sites, from asbestos inspections and lead assessments to water damage and mold inspections, as well as OSHA monitoring for workers. Her role is crucial in ensuring that construction sites are not only compliant with environmental regulations but also safe for workers and the surrounding community.
Anita's story is a powerful reminder that with passion and perseverance, women can thrive and lead in any field, including construction. Despite the industry's male-dominated nature, Anita has carved out a successful career by embracing challenges and continuously welcoming diverse assignments and fieldwork that keep her engaged and inspired.
Sherri Brown
Supervisor, Investigations
GB North America
Sherri Brown has been working in conjunction with the construction industry for 20 years and is currently a Supervisor, working with the Gallagher Bassett Investigative Services team. Her expertise lies in conducting workers’ compensation claims investigations; she verifies the legitimacy of a claimed injury, determines whether the worker is entitled to benefits, and helps prevent fraudulent claims by individuals exaggerating or fabricating work-related injuries or illnesses. Her niche of conducting workers’ compensation investigations offers a unique blend of investigative work, legal knowledge, and a focus on ensuring injured workers receive appropriate compensation while also protecting employers, ultimately contributing to the fair administration of the workers' compensation system. Sherri's story highlights the evolving role of women in construction and the unique skills they bring to the table.
Sherri has had a long and interesting career in investigations with a focus on workers’ compensation claims. Construction was once thought to be only a man’s world. Times have changed, and now we are seeing women in roles such as Field Investigator, Site Claims Investigator, and Emergency Response. She believes that any women interested in the construction industry should take a chance on responding to those job postings. Don’t hold yourself back just because it’s perceived as a male-dominated role. Over the course of most of her career, she has been in a trainer role, and she has seen women flourish as investigators due to that innate intuition they possess. This really comes into play when conducting workers’ compensation investigations. Women possess the ability to balance what is best for the company and the employee.
Anna Martinez
President/CEO
Anna Martinez, co-owner of Safe T Professionals (STP), has been a driving force in the construction safety sector for 14 years. Inspired by her husband, a safety professional by trade, and his passion for safety, Anna has dedicated herself to the construction industry and contributes to safe working environments for tradespeople, allowing them to pursue their passions without fear.
Gallagher Bassett partners with STP to provide qualified OSHA-certified safety professionals to clients on an immediate basis, which allows clients to focus on their expertise, knowing they have knowledgeable, experienced, and certified safety professionals to support their specific needs.
Anna's journey is a testament to the impact of passion and dedication in making a meaningful difference in the industry. She advises any women entering the construction field to pursue your passion wholeheartedly; it will shine through in your work. The construction industry welcomes and rewards talent and hard work. Remember, being a woman should never stand in the way of your goals.
Safe T Professionals
Suzanne McCarthy
SVP — Carrier Practice Client Services
GB North America
With over 33 years in the industry, Suzanne McCarthy is a seasoned leader in her role as Senior Vice President responsible for the Carrier Client Services team. Her extensive experience in overseeing construction programs has been instrumental in building strong partnerships and driving growth within Gallagher Bassett, as her team ensures that they are executing on the service platform while delivering best outcomes. With experience in maintaining long-standing relationships, she has built a foundation for her expertise in the construction industry, overseeing all Lines of Business for multiple construction partners over the last 20+ years. Suzanne's journey showcases the vast opportunities for women to excel and lead in various facets of the construction industry.
Suzanne believes that the construction industry offers numerous opportunities to take on various roles at Gallagher Bassett while staying engaged and involved in the construction vertical. She encourages women in construction to take the knowledge and skills you can develop from industry expertise to open many doors.
Crystal Springs
Claims Investigator
GB Technical Services
With just over a year in the industry, Crystal Springs has already made a significant impact as a Claims Investigator. Her role involves ensuring the integrity of construction-related claims, protecting businesses from unnecessary risk, and upholding safety standards. Crystal's work helping construction companies navigate workers’ compensation and liability claims contributes to safer job sites, protects workers, and ensures fair resolutions, highlighting the importance of claims investigation in maintaining industry safety and stability. Her story is a testament to the rewarding and dynamic nature of a career in construction.
She advises any women entering the industry to stay strong, stay focused, and keep learning. The construction industry will test you, but it will also shape you into someone stronger and more resilient than you ever imagined. There will be challenges, but don't be discouraged—it gets better. Keep pushing forward, and you won't regret it.
Jessica Palagonia
Supervisor Investigations
GB North America
Jessica Palagonia has been specializing in insurance fraud investigations since 2011, focusing on areas such as general liability, workers' compensation, and auto claims. As the Division Manager for Desktop Investigations, she plays a crucial role in providing insurance companies with detailed information about claimants, which can aid in mitigating or settling claims effectively. Jessica's unique blend of investigative skills and construction knowledge ensures fair resolutions and protects businesses from unnecessary risks. Her journey underscores the diverse opportunities available in the construction industry.
Jessica’s advice to any women entering the construction industry is to be confident and pursue your goals, whether you're interested in the physical labor or the administrative aspects of construction. Every role is essential and contributes to the industry's success. Construction is not limited to job sites; it encompasses various facets, including administrative work, engineering, inspections, and investigations. There are numerous opportunities to find a position you love, and with the continuous growth and maintenance needs of the world, construction will always be a vital industry.
Meet the Leaders
Patti Landy-Rivas
Director of Operations
GB Technical Services
Since 1997, Patti Landy-Rivas has been a dynamic force in the construction industry. Starting at a women-owned consulting firm, she now serves as Operations Manager for the Services. Patti helps employees, most of whom are on active construction sites daily, and clients with project start-up and ongoing document compliance to ensure the success of a project.
Patti thrives in this fast-paced environment where she manages multiple projects and no day is the same. Ultimately, her top priority is making sure everyone gets home safely at night, especially those on-site doing a very demanding job each day. Her journey is marked by a passion for safety and a commitment to making a difference.
A jobsite is like a school or a hospital in terms of it being an enclosed environment where everyone must work together for the greater good of those around them. Patti advises women entering the industry to embrace the challenges, develop a thick skin, and work passionately in this demanding yet rewarding field.
Kerri Onan
Workers’ Compensation Supervisor
GB North America
With 36 years in workers’ compensation claims and 15 years in construction, Kerri Onan has become a pivotal figure in the industry. As a Workers’ Construction Claim Supervisor, she plays a crucial role in new construction sales presentations and mentors her team in navigating the complexities of construction claims. Kerri finds the uniqueness of each claim fascinating and takes satisfaction in successfully closing claims by collaborating with clients, carriers, and the injured worker while also working with defense counsel and vendors to protect all parties involved. Kerri’s journey highlights the importance of embracing new opportunities and leveraging experience for growth.
Kerri advises women entering the construction industry to not be afraid to learn a new line in the claims realm. Allow yourself to use your knowledge and experience to grow into a challenging line of business. Construction is extremely interesting and offers you the opportunity to continue to grow in the Insurance field.
Julie Chiappa
Account Manager, Terrier Claims Services
GB North America
With 15 years in the industry, Julie Chiappa serves as an Account Manager for Terrier Claims Services. She ensures timely investigation and reporting of construction incidents to minimize client exposure and liability. Julie thrives in the fast-paced environment of emergency response claims and values the opportunity to provide essential services to the industry. Julie’s career exemplifies the dynamic nature of the industry and the importance of staying informed and adaptable.
Her advice to women entering the field is to stay informed about industry trends and policies, as construction claims offer a wealth of interesting challenges.
Karen Houser
GBCARE Advisor
GB North America
Karen Houser has spent 20 years in workers’ compensation insurance, with a focus on construction claims for the past 13 years. As a Senior Advisor on the GBCARE team, she leverages her extensive knowledge in Operations, namely, managing claims and building a construction team to strategically work with clients on early medical intervention, the reduction of lost workdays, and cost management. Karen’s journey to construction was serendipitous, but her passion for the industry’s complexity and her respect for the workers who build our country have kept her engaged. Her journey is a testament to the power of strategic thinking and an appreciation for the industry’s workforce.
Karen would advise any woman joining the construction industry to remember that there are many facets to insurance and construction. Ask lots of questions, do the research, and steer your path with confidence and knowledge. You will be challenged, but that will make you better and stronger.
