1:00pm – 1:15pm

Welcome to Savannah

Maritime conference kickoff, overview of the agenda, and pertinent information on the conference.

• Erik Lassow | Head of Technical Claims, Signal Mutual
• Stacy Franz | President, Longshore Claims Association

1:15pm – 2:00pm

Updates for the Waterfront Community

Our panelists speak about their respective Association’s initiatives, priorities, and lobbying efforts. They will share what they are focused on leading up to the presidential election and their perspectives on how the election results may impact the waterfront community.

• Stephen Peranich, Esq.| President, NAWE
• Paula Zorensky | Vice President, SCA
• Tony Filiato, Esq. | General Counsel, Signal Mutual

2:00pm – 2:45pm

The State of the Defense Base Act Market

Our speaker will address current trends in the DBA coverage market, including insights from carriers operating in the space and the opportunities presented by the US Government. Additionally, our speaker will offer his perspective on how potential resolutions to the Ukraine-Russia and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts might impact the market. They will also discuss any recent shifts in US military strategy, including changes in the deployment of contractors to larger or smaller bases and/or into conflict zones.

• Bert Iams | SVP Practice Leader - Government Contracting, Signal Mutual

2:45pm – 3:00pm

Break

3:00pm – 4:00pm

Making sense of CMS Section 111 Reporting Changes

Are you as a self-insured employer, carrier, or as a Responsible Reporting Entity ready for CMS’ April 4, 2025, deadline for the additional reporting requirements? Additionally, the issues of compliance audits and civil monetary penalties will be addressed and several key reminders will be provided.

• Ciara Koba, Esq. | Principal, Allan Koba Compliance Solutions
• Suzanne Banda | AVP Claim Systems, Governance & Controls, Signal Mutual

4:00pm – 4:45pm

Combating Recreational and Narcotic Drug Use in Workers' Compensation Claims

Our speakers will discuss the trends in Workers’ Compensation claims involving the use of legal and illegal drugs and the techniques that can be utilized to ensure injured workers are complying with their physician’s prescribing of medication(s).  

• Artemis Emslie | CEO and President, Cadence Rx
• Gia Sawko | Chief Claims Officer, Signal Mutual

4:45pm – 5:00pm

Day One - Wrap up

• Erik Lassow | Head of Technical Claims, Signal Mutual