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AGENDA 

8:00 AM 
REGISTRATION

8:30AM
INTRODUCTION
Chair Nichole Soriano, Assistant Vice President, Claims SIU Manager, Chubb

8:45AM-9:30AM
HOW TO EVALUATE PRESCRIPTIONS FOR LEGITIMACY AND RED FLAGS
Joseph Bova, Signet Claims Solutions, LLC 
In this presentation, we will look at the various types of prescriptions in community pharmacy practice. Using examples of previous cases, certain areas of concern will be discussed. The basis for my conclusions should assist the attendees by providing alerts as they go forward in the field.

Joseph Bova is a pharmacist with over 30 years of experience in community practice, pharmacy regulation, and education. A former Chair of the NY State Board of Pharmacy and past Vice Dean at LIU Pharmacy, he has taught thousands of pharmacists and held leadership roles in state pharmacy organizations. He recently served as Interim Executive Director of the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York. Mr. Bova has reviewed and provided expert opinion in SIU investigations.

9:30AM- 9:45AM 
BREAK

9:45AM- 10:30AM
FIRE INVESTIGATIONS
Jeffrey Wilson, Senior Fire Consultant, Rimkus
Session Description TBD 
Mr. Wilson holds a B.S. degree in Fire Science and is a Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI) with the International Association of Arson Investigators, a Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator (NAFI-CFEI) with the National Association of Fire Investigators, a Certified Fire Investigator with the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications (ProBoard), and a New York State Fire Investigator. He is also a licensed Private Investigator in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
His professional career includes 20 years of experience with the New Rochelle Police Department. He was promoted to the rank of Detective in 1995 and was later assigned to major case investigations in 2005 which included, among other investigations, arson. He obtained certification as a New York State Fire Investigator in 2005 and was then appointed to the Westchester County Cause and Origin team at that time, which he continues to serve on today. In addition to his law enforcement career, Mr. Wilson has over 40 years as a volunteer firefighter and obtained the rank of Fire Captain. He has investigated and determined the origin and cause of hundreds of fires to include commercial structures, residential structures, vehicles, and wild land. He has completed numerous educational seminars and continuing education courses in the field of fire investigation. Mr. Wilson has testified on several occasions involving the investigation of fires in New York.

9:45AM- 10:30AM
PING! UTILIZING MODERN TECHNOLOGY TO ANSWER THE WHO, WHERE AND WHEN 
Ariel Brownstein JD, Marshall Dennehey & Matthew Burdalski JD, Marshall Dennehey
Session Description TBD 
Ariel, a shareholder in the Casualty Department, focuses his practice on insurance fraud and Special Investigation Unit (SIU) litigation with particular emphasis on large loss fraud and medical provider fraud. His practice in the area of fraud investigation consists of assessing and analyzing fraud by both medical providers and falsified claims brought by his client's insureds. In doing so, Ariel has represented a significant number of insurance carriers on these issues and has assisted in multi-million dollar high-profile medical provider fraud investigations and law suits in various states. Moreover, Ariel has litigated on behalf of many different clients in favor of protecting the interests of insurance carriers in court seeking to disclaim coverage for fraudulent claims. He has taken numerous comprehensive Examinations Under Oath on SIU-related issues throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In particular, he has assisted in several high-value and high-profile matters regarding carrier recovery of monies paid to fraudulent medical providers and fraudulent motor vehicle accidents. Furthermore, Ariel has litigated extensive insurance fraud and other personal injury protection related matters in the National Arbitration Forum (NAF)/Forthright and Superior Court for his clients. During his career, Ariel has handled several high value cases on behalf of his clients. In one particular case, the amount sought by the Claimant was denied by the arbitrator due material misrepresentations made by the insured regarding his prior medical history and his injuries at the time of the subject loss during an Examination Under Oath, conducted by Ariel. In another matter, Ariel successfully argued that a claimant was subject to a personal injury protection benefit limit selected by the named insured, a live-in boyfriend and the amount demanded, was denied. Prior to joining the firm, Ariel served as a law clerk for the Honorable Richard Geiger in Cumberland County Superior Court. His responsibilities included researching criminal law precedence, reviewing memoranda and pre-trial motions, and mediating civil lawsuits.

Matt is a shareholder in the firm's Fraud/Special Investigation Practice Group where he focuses primarily on large loss fraud and medical provider fraud. His practice in the area of fraud investigation involves the assessment and evaluation of both medical provider fraud and fraudulent claims on the part of his clients' insureds. Matt also has experience dealing with insurance coverage disputes, representing numerous insurance carriers across multiple states for the purposes of SIU investigation, bad faith litigation and general defense litigation. In doing so, Matt has represented a significant number of insurance carriers on these issues and has assisted in high-dollar and highprofile medical provider fraud, property loss and insurance fraud matters. During his time with the firm, Matt has taken numerous Examinations Under Oath, drafted various complex coverage opinions and litigated topics of insurance fraud including, but not limited to, medical provider fraud, large loss property investigations and bad faith. In particular, he has assisted in multiple high-profile matters regarding carrier recovery of monies paid to fraudulent medical providers and as a result of fraudulent motor vehicle accidents. He has also successfully represented his clients in matters involving policy coverage and eligibility for benefits. Matt earned his undergraduate degree from West Chester University and went on to receive his juris doctor from Widener University, in Wilmington, Delaware, graduating cum laude and with pro bono distinction. As a law student, he took part in Widener's Environmental Law Clinic, working with clients in all aspects of complex environmental litigation, and was the recipient of the Greenwatch Award for excellence in environmental law. Prior to joining the firm, Matt represented insurance carriers and employers in the field of workers' compensation defense litigation where he handled matters in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

11:15AM- 11:30AM
BREAK

11:30AM-12:30PM
PANEL: RIDE SHARE 
Moderator: Francis X. (Frank) Sztuk, The Delta Group 
Panel Members: John Paul (JP) Gallo, Travelers; Brian O'Toole, NICB; Michael Callanin Esq, Callanin and Smith
Session Description TBD 
Frank is the Senior Vice President/Investigative Services for the Delta Group.  His fraud fighting career began in 1972 as a police officer in NJ.  He came to Delta after a rewarding 36-year career with the Hanover Insurance Company, where he developed the Special Investigation Unit Program at that company.  He retired as the National SIU Strategist, responsible for oversight of one of the leading anti-fraud programs in the industry.  He served on many boards and councils in his career, most notable being a past-Chair of the Massachusetts Insurance Fraud Bureau Governing Board.  He is also a former Chair of the national Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, and still retains an advisory seat on the executive committee of CAIF.  He is a past chair of the NY Alliance Against Insurance Fraud, where he still chairs the Public Outreach Committee of that organization.  He sat on the NJ Insurance Commissioner’s Fraud Advisory Board and the NJ Insurance Council Anti-Fraud Committee.  He has lectured both nationally and internationally on the subject of insurance fraud and continues to present at various programs such as the ISO/NICB Insurance Fraud Management Conference, the IASIU annual fraud conference, NJSIA Annual Fraud Conference, the annual FIFEC Conference as well as numerous local, state and national anti-fraud programs.  

Michael A. Callinan is a partner and principal with Callinan & Smith, LLP. His practice includes the defense of general liability claims, motor vehicle negligence claims, premises liability claims, commercial litigation claims, insurance coverage disputes and suspect/fraudulent insurance claims. In addition, he represents various insurers in declaratory judgment actions and in affirmative actions to recoup no-fault monies paid to fraudulently incorporated no-fault medical clinics. Mr. Callinan currently serves as the Attorney Liaison to the Board of Directors for the New York Anti-Car Theft and Fraud Association (NYACT).
Michael A. Callinan was admitted to practice in the State of New York in 2003, the United State District Court for the Eastern and Southern Districts in 2004, The United States District Court for the Western District of New York in 2015, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 2016. He received his Juris Doctor Degree from the Hofstra University School of Law in 2002. While a student at Hofstra, Mr. Callinan was a member of the Robert F. Wagner National Labor & Employment Law Moot Court Team and also Vice-President of the Moot Court Board. Mr. Callinan received a Master of Arts Degree in Political Since/Public Policy from SUNY at Stony Brook in 1999. His Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science was conferred upon him, Cum Laude, by SUNY Stony Brook in 1998. 

12:30PM-2:00PM
AWARDS

2:00PM 
CLOSING

THANK YOU TO OUR SPEAKERS, SPONSORS AND ATTENDEES OF THE NYACT 2024 ANNUAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE!

The NYACT State Education Conference is an annual flagship event that brings together up to 300 professionals from State and Local Law Enforcement, Government, and New York's largest insurance companies Special Investigative Unit specialists to engage, learn and network with their peers from the northeast.  The agenda is built to enhance attendees' knowledge, whether you are new to fraud investigation work or a seasoned professional.

Visit our past event calendar pages for past agendas and more information:
2024 Annual Education Conference
2023 Annual Education Conference
2022 Annual Education Conference
2021 Annual Education Conference

NYACT Annual Awards

Each year, the NYACT Board of Directors requests nominations from member companies and organizations for the following awards to be presented at the NYACT Annual Education Conference. 

NOMINATION FOR THE JOE McDONALD AWARD - For Law Enforcement Personnel
The Joe McDonald Award is NYACT’s highest and most prestigious honor and is given to an individual or team in Law Enforcement in recognition of their contributions to the prevention and investigation of auto theft and insurance fraud in New York State, and for their dedication, support and contributions to the mission and work of NYACT.  This award is named in honor of Joe McDonald, a co-founder of NYACT and dedicated vehicle crime and fraud fighter. (Plaque)

NOMINATION FOR THE JOHN J. KENNEDY AWARD - For Insurance Personnel
The John J. Kennedy Award is presented for Outstanding Service by an individual or team in the insurance industry in recognition of the investigation and prevention of auto theft and insurance fraud. This award is named in honor of J.J. Kennedy, who started his career with the New York City Police Department in 1966 and retired as a Detective from the Auto Crimes Division.  He started his second career as a Special Agent with the National Auto Theft Bureau, which later became the National Insurance Crime Bureau where he spent the next twenty years of his life. (Plaque)

CERTIFICATES OF MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT (Law Enforcement)
To recognize the efforts of investigation and fraud fighting by law enforcement personnel in the current year. Certificates will be awarded to one employee per Law Enforcement organization.

CERTIFICATES OF MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT (Member Insurance Companies)
To recognize the efforts of investigation and fraud fighting by insurance personnel in the current year. Certificates of Meritorious Achievement will be awarded to one employee per member Insurance Company.

Past Annual Award Winners

THE JOSEPH MCDONALD AWARD

THE JOHN J. KENNEDY AWARD

2024 - Offices of the New York State Inspector General, Workers' Compensation Fraud Triage Team
2023 - Fernando Candia, Progressive 
2022 - Glen Lombardi Progressive
2021 - Robert Lewis, Progressive Casualty Insurance Company
2020 - William Maasz, Special Agent, NICB
2019 - Travelers Investigative Services - Tara Arce, Dan Goldstein, JP Gallo, Mike Pigno, Raumert Hubert, Marianne Rice
2018 - NYS DMV DFI TEAM - Senior Investigator Antoine Rainville and Senior Investigator William Corp
2017 - Investigator Stacie Iovenelli, NYS DMV DFI
2016 - Detective Thomas Burke, New York City Police Department Auto Crime
2015 - Detective Gregory Gonzalez, Suffolk County Police Department, District Attorneys Section Special Investigation Bureau
2014 - Police Officer Daryl R. Pierson, Rochester Police Department
2013 - New York City Police Department Auto Crime Division
2012 - Deputy Inspector Joseph Kenny, New York City Police Department
2011 - Investigator Rodney Polite, New York State Police
2010 - Detective Thomas Burke
           Detective Christopher Connolly, New York City Police Department

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

2024 - Michael Bruno, Allstate Insurance Company
            Chief Joseph Kenny, NYPD
2021 - Stephen Englert, Hereford Insurance and William Mitzeliotis, Liberty Mutual
2020 - Joseph Guidice, Retired Detective, NYPD Auto Crime
2018 - Charles Bardong, Retired, New York City Police Department
Senior Investigator Hugh Brickley, NYS DFS Insurance Frauds Bureau
2016 - John Abounader, NYS DMV DFI
2015 - Detective Roger Benash, Yonkers Police Department