Meet
The Team
We practice utmost selectivity in recruitment and retention of OUR ASSOCIATES.
COMMERCIAL INSURANCE TEAM
Colleen Aaker
Colleen joined Durham and Bates in 2006 with over 30 years of experience as Vice President and Workers Compensation Practice Leader. Today, Colleen works with clients on large Loss Sensitive programs, Retrospective Rating and Self Insured accounts. Colleen also helps clients reduce experience ratings and frequency of claims and assisted in many training and loss prevention programs. Colleen is a licensed consultant, Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC).
Jeremy Andersen
Jeremy began his insurance career with Durham and Bates in 1998. Today, Jeremy is a Vice President and Leader of the Durham and Bates Management Liability Practice. Jeremy specializes in Directors & Officers Liability, Employment Practices Liability, Fiduciary Liability, Errors & Omissions programs for larger risks, and structured risk management and insurance programs for companies with complex professional liability needs. Jeremy is also a Board Member of the March of Dimes Organization.
Janna Brown
Janna joined Durham and Bates in 1982 and is currently Senior Vice President and a member of the Durham and Bates Board of Directors. Janna is Durham and Bates’ transportation and fleet specialist and while she concentrates on clients requiring deep heavy auto and truck expertise, Janna works with complex commercial business spanning a variety of industries. Janna is on committees for the Oregon Humane Society, West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, a Komen volunteer, and a Breast Cancer Outreach volunteer for Providence Portland/St. Vincent.
Mike Davis
Mike joined Durham and Bates in 1985. Mike moved into account management, where he developed his expertise in insurance and risk management programs for marine-related companies, including shipyards, terminal operators, boat builders, boat yards, stevedores, marine contractors and other marine-related companies. Today, Mike is a Senior Vice President and a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC).
Diane Girard
Diane joined Durham and Bates in 2006, bringing more than 25 years of commercial insurance industry experience, many of them spent working for major Property and Casualty insurance companies in underwriting, marketing and territory management. Diane's specialties include commercial fleet and excess liability. Diane earned her Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter(CPCU) designation in 1998 and is currently working on her Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) designation. Today Diane leads our Business Owners Specialty Team. Diane is also on the Board of The Artz Center for Developmental Health (Formerly Hearing and Speech Intitute).
David Hearns
David Hearns joined Durham & Bates in 2001. Today, Dave is a Vice President, Commercial Lines Manager and Durham and Bates' property insurance expert. Dave focuses on all aspects of property, including business interruption, equipment breakdown and inland marine exposures. Dave's client experience includes forest industries, larger non-profits, manufacturing and food processing.
Christen Picot
Christen joined Durham and Bates in 1996 and is the New Business Development Manager, where she is responsible for the creation of agency-wide strategic alliances and partnerships. Prior to this, she worked with our Management Liability Practice, building upon her background as our agency's Director of Human Resources and Recruitment. Christen is also on the Board of Directors of Children’s Cancer Association, as well as Association for Corporate Growth Portland Chapter.
Bill Prenger
Bill joined Durham and Bates in 1999, bringing a career span of major client responsibility from all industries. Today, Bill leads our Environmental Practice, is a Senior Vice President, and a member of the Durham and Bates Board of Directors. Bill’s deep expertise includes forest industries, heavy manufacturers, food processing and environmental exposures.
Greg Ryerson
Greg joined Durham and Bates in 2001 and today is a Senior Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors. Greg is our Construction Practice Leader and specializes on risk management for the commercial construction industry, including general building, street and road, marine, and specialty trade contractors. Additionally, Greg also heads the Durham and Bates’ surety practice and handles the commercial and contract surety needs for his clients. Greg is active in industry associations including the Associated General Contractors, Surety Association of Oregon, and the Construction Financial Management Association.