Smart. Fast. Innovative. Responsive.
Not the words usually associated with insurance providers. But at NAS Insurance, this is how we’ve been operating for more than 35 years. Because insurance is no simple matter, we wanted to find a way to make it easy to work with us. We are a specialty insurance company and this is our team of specialized insurance experts that keep our clients and partners at the top of their game. So, meet some of our team.
Executive Team
Ed Robin Chairman
Ed entered the commercial insurance business after running a successful law practice in Los Angeles. Recognizing the impact of litigation on business operations, Ed left law to spearhead the growth of NAS. 20 years later, NAS is a leading insurance innovator, having pioneered cutting edge products like EPLI, MEDEFENSE™ and e-MD™. Today, Ed has transferred operational responsibilities to his son, Rich, while he continues to concentrate on strategic issues, mentoring and the growth of related businesses.
Rich Robin CEO
Rich isn’t your typical insurance guy. After graduating from Colby College, he lived in Israel, served in the Israeli Defense Forces and then worked in investment management. Rich joined NAS in 1994. While working full time, he earned an MBA from Loyola Marymount University. As CEO, Rich brings broad business expertise to NAS with a mission to develop and place innovative products that meet demand, make good business sense and are easily delivered. Rich has developed a work hard / play hard culture at NAS that has become renowned in the industry. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters. Rich is active in his local community in Los Angeles, serving as the President of VBS Day School, and takes time to enjoy travel, hiking, biking and beer.
David Lloyd COO
Dave joined NAS in October of 2010 to help manage and grow the reinsurance business, set strategic direction for NAS Online and oversee day-to-day operations. Prior to NAS, Dave was Senior Vice President at Venbrook where he ran retail and wholesale operations, client services and automation. Dave’s career began in software and web development, including e-learning programs for Fortune 500 companies and an IPO at an internet banking company. Dave lives in Woodland Hills with his wife and three children and enjoys a weekly basketball game with friends, coaching youth sports and playing golf when he can squeeze it into a busy work/family schedule. He holds a BA in Communication Studies from UCLA.
Michael Palotay Senior Vice President, Underwriting
Michael Palotay has been at NAS since 2009, managing production and strategy for the NAS Underwriting Department. Michael is a key leader in product strategy, marketing, production management and underwriting for NAS. He joined NAS to develop a Technology & Cyber Liability product, offering what is now recognized as one of the broadest on the market. Michael began his insurance career at American International Group and focused on Technology Services and Security & Privacy product lines. Mike attended California State University at Chico and graduated with a degree in Business. During the winter months, he can usually be found at Mammoth Mountain enjoying the snow on the weekends.
Jerid Schmickle Senior Vice President, Underwriting, Entertainment and Sports
Jerid joined NAS in 2011 to develop a new line of business around Entertainment & Sports events. For over 15 years, he has combined his work with his passion for sports and fitness & entertainment, including brokering for boutique insurance firms and recently, as an underwriting director for a large global insurer. Having had his start in his family’s insurance business, joining NAS was a return to his roots. Jerid spends most of his free time with his wife and two kids. He also enjoys fine food & spirits, music, boats, sports and fitness.
Jill Linhardt Senior Vice President, Claims
Jill started at NAS in the Underwriting Department in 1994; but within a few years, the Claims Supervisor retired and Jill jumped for the position. Her years in underwriting give her a unique perspective on claims. She also earned a B.A. from Columbia University in New York and graduated from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. Jill enjoys communicating with NAS insureds directly, putting them in touch with attorneys and vendors who can assist them in resolving their claims efficiently and without too much disruption to the operations of their daily business. In her off-hours, Jill enjoys spending time with her husband, five children and four dogs. She also benefits from running, watching the Steelers, sitting on the beach and drinking Russian Standard vodka on the rocks.
Jeremy Barnett Senior Vice President, Marketing
Jeremy joined NAS in 2012 to develop innovative marketing programs as well as lead NAS' online business activities. With over 15 years of marketing and technology experience, Jeremy aims to simplify communications in the commercial insurance business, encourage more straight talk, and use fewer acronyms. Prior to NAS, Jeremy led digital product development and marketing programs for Qualcomm, Charles Schwab, Toyota, Credit Suisse, HP and Discovery. He's a big fan of Trader Joe's, Steely Dan, Margate, NJ and doing just about anything with his 3 kids and their dog, Bowie.
Management Team
Emily Aleyner Vice President, Accounting
Having been recruited by Ed Robin in the formative days of NAS, Emily has been an essential team leader for over 20 years. Emily is responsible for all aspects of accounting, including reinsurance reporting. With her love of numbers and problem solving capabilities, she has been instrumental in the growth and financial health of the company. Emily graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo, is a voracious reader and enjoys walking, swimming and Pilates. She shares a rich life with close friends.
Melvin Osswald Vice President, Underwriting
As the leader of our Underwriting team, Melvin is responsible for EPLI, D&O and Tenant Discrimination product lines, along with Underwriting Department operations. She joined NAS in 2002 and has been an essential part of our growth and success this past decade. Melvin knows how to listen; she understands clients' needs and always delivers an effective solution. She is active as a Committee Member with the PLUS Southern California Chapter Steering Committee. Melvin attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a major in mathematics. She loves spending time with her family, traveling and enjoys outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, camping, skiing, skydiving and running marathons.
Phil Rajewski Vice President, Technology
As the technology leader for NAS since 2003, Phil has been responsible for modernizing the company’s infrastructure and taking the office ‘paperless.‘ In addition, Phil has led the development and implementation of our business intelligence tools and guided our evolution to transacting business online. He is currently managing the development of the NAS Online platform, a state-of-the-art system allowing clients to quote and bind NAS products directly from their web browser. Phil has always believed in making technology work for businesses, seeing its value as a profit center and not just an expense. When Phil finds time to disconnect, he enjoys improv comedy, traveling and playing tennis.
