About the ACA

Agricultural Claims Association, LLC is an organization founded by a group of experienced insurance professionals with extensive background in the agricultural claims industry. Our mission as an organization is to provide other ag claims professionals with a resource that will offer training, education, and support. Members will have access to an extensive subject library, tutorials, conferences, and continuing education in the areas of agricultural policies, damage to equipment and agricultural buildings, damage to irrigation equipment, cattle theft, and a wide variety of agricultural liability claims, just to name a few.

Additionally, the ACA offers the most comprehensive and thorough Agricultural Claims Professional Certification in the industry. The Farm Ranch Certified Specialist training courses combine online learning, classroom instruction, and a series of tests. Please continue to watch this space for more information on the next certification program.

The Agricultural Claims Association offers training, education, and support to agriculture insurance claims professionals throughout the United States.

 

 

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about the Association.

ACA Presentation

 

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benefits of the Association.

Meet the Team

Brandan McGehee
Brandan McGehee

Founder and Partner

Since 1999, Mr. Brandan McGehee has amassed a diverse array of claims adjusting experience in all disciplines, including staff, independent adjuster, claims manager, vice president of operations, and owner-operator sides of the claims industry.  His claims emphasis has been on residential, commercial property, and agricultural.  Brandan’s independent management and adjusting experience provides an extensive knowledge of field investigations.

Julie Overdeer
Julie Overdeer

Executive Director and Partner

Julie Overdeer has a background in agriculture insurance, including farm and ranch, crop liability, crop insurance, and weather-based insurance. Her farm roots started when she was growing up on a farm in north-west Indiana, where she ran a 600 farrow-to-finish hog operation after graduating with a B.S. from Purdue. During this time, she worked her way from a contract adjuster to a national claims manager. After 21 years in the crop insurance sector, she joined the Climate Corporation focused on weather index products, private products, and crop insurance. Since the sale of the Climate Corporation, Julie has adjusted farm and ranch insurance and trains adjusters on agricultural claims.

Doug Overdeer
Doug Overdeer

Information & Technology Director

Doug Overdeer is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Officer (Green Beret) with extensive experience in operations, technology, and business.  He joined the ACA team in 2019 providing his experience in business development and planning, operational execution, adult education, and technology innovation to help the ACA grow.

Mike Sutton
Mike Sutton

Founder and Partner

Since 1987, Mr. Mike Sutton has amassed a wide range of claims adjusting experience in all disciplines, including staff, independent adjuster, claims supervisor, director of claims operations, and owner-operator sides of the claims industry.  His claims emphasis has been on residential, commercial property, and agricultural.  Mike’s company management experience provides insight into the specific claims and underwriting guidelines for our customers.

Karina Orr
Karina Orr

Marketing and Publishing

Karina Orr is an editor with more than 15 years of experience working with writers to polish and enhance their messages. She's worked for newspapers, magazines, and educational institutions since graduating summa cum laude from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.  

The Advisory Team

Lance Palko
Lance Palko

Claims Manager with American Family Insurance Claims Services

Lance Palko is a Claims Manager with American Family Insurance Claims Services. Lance leads a team of adjusters that handle agricultural liability claims across 15 states. He has been in the insurance industry for 25 years and has worked agricultural claims for the past 15 years. He has worked closely with all parties to a claim, providing them with guidance and support throughout the claims process. Lance has become a trusted resource in managing and resolving complex claims related to agricultural operations, ensuring fair and timely settlements for all parties involved. When not working, he enjoys camping and kayaking with his family.

John Jennings, CPCU
John Jennings, CPCU

Director of American National Insurance

John has more than 16 years of experience in the insurance claims industry.  Mr. Jennings held manager and director positions with various companies.  In addition to claims, he also has sales experience in the agricultural insurance industry.  John brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the ACA and is excited to help lead this cutting-edge organization. 

Lisa Noel
Lisa Noel

Executive Vice President and General Manager of D.L. Dravis & Associates, Inc.

Lisa is the executive vice president and general manager of D.L. Dravis & Associates, Inc., a multi-regional independent claims adjusting firm established in 1982.  Lisa joined the company and the insurance industry nearly 10 years ago.  She brings more than 20 years of marketing and management experience with her and has also served in leadership roles on boards for community organizations and in elected local government seats.  When not working, she spends time with her family and works with philanthropic organizations.

Legal Advisor

Debbie Champion
Debbie Champion

Founding Partner in the Firm Rynearson, Suess, Schnurbusch, and Champion

Debbie is a founding partner in one of the 25 largest law firms in Missouri. Ms. Champion actively practices in Missouri and southern Illinois state and federal courts. She has argued before the Missouri Supreme Court and the Eastern, Western, and Southern District Missouri Courts of Appeals, and the Illinois Court of Appeals. She has also argued in the federal court of the United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri, and the Eighth Circuit and the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. She is a member of the Bar of the United States Supreme Court. Ms. Champion has been named as one of the top 50 attorneys in St. Louis, top 100 attorneys in Missouri, and top lawyers in America. She has received numerous awards including 2020 Lawyer of the Year for Missouri in   Litigation – Insurance, the Lawyer’s Lawyer Award by the Women’s Justice Award, and designated as an Acritis Star—just to mention a few of her distinguished accomplishments. Ms. Champion finds time to devote many hours to community and charitable causes, and she actively provides legal services to the indigent; she is committed to the advancement of women in law.