Meet the Team
Eagle Underwriting is an independent managing agent, founded in 1996 by our current Chairman, Bernie Cissek, and has offices in Brampton, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia. Since then Eagle has been writing insurance for “Things That Move”, delivering superior products, underwriting expertise, and first class claims service to our brokers and their clients. In January 2014, Mike Wills joined Eagle as President to expand the company into new areas. Mike has several successes in building niche businesses, and together with Bernie and our staff, plans to build Eagle into the leading insurance provider for risks associated with Things That Move™.Bernie Cissek (B.Sc., C.I.P.)
ChairmanBernie began his career over 30 years ago in marine and transportation insurance. After he gained experience in underwriting with Royal Insurance, he then became a producer in the Marine Departments of 2 major Brokerage Firms. He was the Vice Chairman of the International Union of Marine Insurance (I.U.M.I.) Executive Committee and former President of the Canadian Board of Marine Underwriters (C.B.M.U.). Bernie then founded Eagle Underwriting Group Inc. in 1996.
bcissek@eagleunderwriting.com
Mike Wills (F.C.I.P.)
PresidentMike has spent 30 years in the insurance business, most recently launching and building two successful specialty insurers in Canada. In addition, Mike has extensive experience in many niche areas with particular expertise in the transportation and trade sectors. Mike is Past President of the Canadian Board of Marine Underwriters, a Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional and the current Chair for the Academic Council of the Insurance Institute of Canada.
mwills@eagleunderwriting.com
Andrea J. Sterling (BCL, LLB)
V.P. Claims and Risk ManagementPreviously a partner of a major insurance law firm in Montreal, Andrea brings over 20 years of experience in maritime, transportation and insurance law. Andrea greatly expands Eagle Underwriting Group’s ability to provide comprehensive services in the management of claims, both before and after a loss. Her impressive experience in subrogation, contract and risk management is a tremendous asset to both brokers and their clients.
asterling@eagleunderwriting.com
(905) 497-6609
Christin Moss (B.A.)
Business Development Manager/ UnderwriterChristin has many years of experience in marine and transportation insurance. She joined Eagle in 2010 from a major North American insurer. Christin specializes in the development and underwriting of our Canadian cargo, yacht and Eagle Insure online system.
cmoss@eagleunderwriting.com
Nickie Chandegra
Senior UnderwriterNickie has had many years of experience in the London market at major insurers and a Lloyd’s broker. She presently specializes on our U.S. business; developing and underwriting freight liabilities, cargo, truck cargo and our US Eagle Insure online system.
nchandegra@eagleunderwriting.com
Veronica Piñon-Standen (B.A. Hons, MA)
Senior UnderwriterVeronica Joined Eagle in 2016 to develop the Fine Art and Specie book. Prior to joining Eagle she worked as a Cargo, Fine Art and Specie Broker in London, UK wholesaling business into the Lloyds Market. She brings 12 years of London experience to Eagle. Alongside the Fine Art and Specie, Veronica will also write General Cargo business.
vpinon@eagleunderwriting.com
Matthias Cissek (B.A. Hons.)
UnderwriterMatthias joined Eagle in 2011, and has recently completed an extensive development program in the Lloyds market. He underwrites the commercial hull, yacht, cargo and marine liability book, and supports the Eagle Insure Yacht system.
mcissek@eagleunderwriting.com
Jean Huynh (B.A.)
Underwriting AssistantJean joined Eagle in 2004. Jean supports the senior underwriters in the hull and yacht lines. Jean also prepares the quotes for commercial hull and marine liability lines.
jhuynh@eagleunderwriting.com
Winston Chang (B.A., B.Ed., C.R.M., C.I.P.)
Special UnderwriterWinston brings 30 years of experience to the Eagle Underwriting Group. Before joining Eagle, Winston worked in the Marine Departments of several large insurance companies. He is recognized as a leader in hull and liability insurance throughout Canada.
wchang@eagleunderwriting.com
Barbara Cissek
Accounting/Office ManagerBarbara has been with Eagle since 1996 and is responsible for all accounting and administrative duties. Barbara liaises with broker accounting and prepares insurers premium bordereaux.
barbcissek@eagleunderwriting.com
Janice Opena
Claims AssistantJanice joined Eagle in 2015 and has had many years of experience in the banking and insurance industries. She is assistant to our VP Claims, and works with our brokers, insureds, and third party administrators on claims files and recoveries.
jopena@eagleunderwriting.com
Vicki Thomson
UnderwriterVicki joined Eagle with several years of property and casualty experience at a major Canadian insurer. She has assisted Eagle in expanding product lines through Aviation and Property Casualty programs.
vthomson@eagleunderwriting.com
David Holden (B.Comm)
Underwriting AssistantSince graduating from the University of Guelph, David brings business and marketing knowledge to the table. In addition David assists Eagle’s underwriters in various product lines in order to meet the rising demand for Eagle’s rapidly expanding product lines. David also assists in managing Eagle’s online cargo and yacht systems.
dholden@eagleunderwriting.com
Cheryl Belland
Underwriting Assistant, Eagle Underwriting (Pacific), Inc. VancouverCheryl has been with Eagle for several years and supports the underwriters in marine and aviation lines of business.
cbelland@eagleunderwriting.com