About Us
Service
The professionals here at Merit Insurance have spent years acquiring advanced education and experience in the insurance industry. And as a result of the positive workplace environment that we’ve cultivated over these many years, we are all able to work together as a cohesive team serving your insurance needs in an efficient, speedy, and friendly manner.
Agency Biographies
| Sean M. Carroll, CPCU, President Sean has over 15 years in the agency’s management. He is very active with leaders in the industry along with a strong client interaction. He has served on both national and state advisory boards for various companies including The Hartford and Travelers. He is a past president of both the Southern Connecticut Chapter of C.P.C.U. and Greater Bridgeport Independent Insurance Agents. Sean has or is serving on numerous non-profit boards in the area including The Kennedy Center, The Charles Smith Foundation, Housatonic Community College Foundation Board, and The Fairfield University Alumni Board. scarroll@meritinsurance.com |
| James A. Benson, CPCU, Executive Vice President and Managing Partner Jim has over 20 years of experience in the insurance field specializing in larger property and casualty account and is quite involved with both industry and civic-related organizations. He is past President of the Professional Insurance Agents of Connecticut and Southern Connecticut Chapter of CPCU. He has and is serving on national and local councils of The Hartford, Travelers, and One Beacon. Jim has also served as President of the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce, and is a Director of both The Bridgeport Regional Business Council and The United Way. jbenson@meritinsurance.com |
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William Carroll, (of Counsel)
Bill is the past Chairman of The Hartford and Aetna National Agent Advisory Board. With over 35 years of insurance experience, he has been recognized both statewide and nationally for his ability to transform a small Personal Lines company into a large Property and Casualty Risk Management agency. Bill presently serves as Chairman of the Board at St. Vincent’s Hospital Foundation.
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| Robert Caldwell, CIC, Vice President Bob joined Merit Insurance in 1994 after working as a Senior Commercial Underwriter with Travelers. This underwriting background gives Bob a unique expertise in the commercial insurance field. He specializes in construction, manufacturing and environmental insurance. Bob has served as chairman of the Stratford Economic Development Commission and has served on the Stratford Historic Commission. Bob is also heavily involved in youth coaching through Sterling House and Pony Baseball. rcaldwell@meritinsurance.com |
| James Tomchik, CPCU, President of Merit PLC With over 30 years of insurance experience, Jim is President of Merit PLC, a division of Merit Insurance which specializes in Professional Liability coverage, including Lawyers Professional Liability. He has served on numerous committees for The Hartford and The Travelers/Aetna, including the Aetna Elite National Committee. Jim was also Chairman of both the Bridgeport Regional Business Council and The United Way of Eastern Fairfield County. jtomchik@meritinsurance.com |
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Kenneth Schod
Ken has over 15 years experience as an Employee Benefits Agent. He has sat on the advisory board of Connecticare. He is also a member of the Southwest Chapter of the National Association of Life Underwriters and a Certified Member of the Connecticut Partnership on Long Term Care. |
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Edward C. Buckmir, Director of Operations
Ed oversees the day to day operations of the agency. A licensed producer, he also handles all agency Bond business. He has over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry. Ed serves on the Burroughs Community Center Board of Directors and is a volunteer tutor at Mercy Learning Center. He is also a volunteer coach for Sterling House Community Center. |
| David S. Lavine, Producer David has over 40 years of insurance experience. He is former President of Marcus Hirsch & Co., an agency founded in 1904. He also a former President of the Greater Bridgeport Independent Insurance Agents and past President of Probus Club. dlavine@meritinsurance.com |
| Carole Sabia, (of Counsel) Carole has over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. She has served as President of the Bridgeport Chapter of the National Association of Insurance Women and currently co-chairs The Women’s Leadership Council, an affiliate of The Bridgeport Regional Business Council. |
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Lee Bailey, Benefits Consultant
Lee has come over to the agency side after twelve years with Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield as an Employee Benefits Specialist. He will focus on new, innovative, consumer-driven health programs such as HSA’S and HRA’s for small and large business and will bring tremendous knowledge and expertise to our clients. Away from the office, Lee is an Assistant coach for Cheshire High School Lacrosse and has served as a volunteer for the Cheshire Youth Lacrosse program since 1994.
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Eileen Rappa, Producer
Eileen has over 30 years personal lines experience, both on the carrier and agency side. Primarily working in Fairfield and New Haven Counties, She is extremely knowledgeable about flood and coastal property insurance issues. In addition, Eileen has a great deal of experience with Auto (especially youthful operator exposures), umbrella, rental property, small commercial exposures and difficult to place risks.
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| Andrew Trister, Senior Account Executive Andy has over 20 years of consultative insurance sales experience; both with direct writers and independent brokerages. While primarily focusing on commercial property & casualty risks, Andy is well versed in personal lines coverage and holds his Life & Health license to fulfill his clients’ needs.atrister@meritinsurance.com |
Employee Roster
Donna Mladina
Commercial Lines Representative
dmladina@meritinsurance.com
Diane M. Peal, AAI
Commercial Lines Representative
dpeal@meritinsurance.com
Michelle DiLeonardo
Commercial Lines Representative
mdileonardo@meritinsurance.com
Jessica Strazza
Commercial Lines Representative
Marlene A. Leja
Claims Manager
mleja@meritinsurance.com
Meghan White
Comptroller
mwhite@meritinsurance.com
Jamie Carroll
Administrative Assistant
jcarroll@meritinsurance.com
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