Program Team

Talented, dedicated individuals motivated by clear objectives.

S.H. Smith & Company’s knowledge base is one of the best in the industry. Our dedicated team includes experienced individuals with combined industry experience of over 40 years. The S.H. Smith Bus Program has written over 20 million dollars of premium over the past 2 years. We are more than qualified to deliver a comprehensive policy to your insured. Put our team to work for you, today!

Shawn Young, Vice President, Programs

Shawn joined S.H. Smith in 2009 as a Vice President in the program department. As Program Manager for the Public Automobile Program, he is responsible for overseeing the underwriting of automobile liability, general liability, and excess liability insurance. Shawn has over twenty years of experience working with hard to place and complex casualty risks. Prior to joining S.H. Smith he served in senior management positions at national wholesale brokerage firms building and maintaining successful retail transportation practices. Shawn earned his Certified Insurance Counselor designation and has been an active member of The National Alliance for over 15 years. He is currently pursuing his Certified Risk Manager designation.

Weston Day, Program Manager, Public Auto

Wes joined S.H. Smith in 2010 as the Program Manager of the Public Automobile Program. He is the senior underwriting resource and oversees all staff underwriters and support specialists. Prior to joining S.H. Smith he served as Vice President for Ace Tempest Re where he was responsible for producing, underwriting and servicing large books of business with an emphasis on automobile and general liability coverages. Additionally, he was President of Amicus Re, serving as a liaison between Swett & Crawford and Northland Insurance Company in the sale of Northland Re and establishment of Amicus RE as a Managing General Underwriter, responsible for all aspects of operations in all branch offices. He is a graduate of the University of Hartford with a degree in business administration and has served in the U.S. Army as an OCS, Lieutenant.

Marci Bitner, Underwriter

Marci joined S.H. Smith in 2006 as an assistant underwriter in the program department. She will be augmenting our program as a Charter Bus Underwriter. Marci has had extensive experience in all lines of property and casualty, general liability, commercial auto and D&O insurance as an associate underwriter of distinction with Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance Company in Washington State. Whether you are just getting started with our bus program, have general eligibility questions, or coverage questions, Marci’s straight forward approach to underwriting and her accessibility has made her an in demand underwriter amongst many of our agents. Marci is in the process of completing the course requirements for her Bachelor of Arts degree and is currently licensed in Connecticut as a producer of property and casualty.

Heather Cruikshank, Account Manager

Heather joined S.H. Smith in 2007 as an Assistant Underwriter in the Program Department. As Underwriter for the Public Automobile Program, Heather is responsible for reviewing potential accounts to determine if the requested criteria meet the program’s guidelines. Prior to joining S.H. Smith, Heather was a broker assistant at an excess and surplus lines broker, and prior to that, a quality analyst at Chubb Specialty Insurance. Heather holds a Connecticut Property & Casualty license.

John Wilson, Assistant Underwriter

John joined us in 2008 with firm background in rating from the agency level. He has a solid working knowledge of both automated and manual rating guidelines. John’s excellent customer service skills allow him to take and ownership of difficult situations where customer concerns have precedence. John is involved with the whole policy process beginning with the initial running of typical insurance reports/searches such as Motor Vehicle Reports and OFAC searches. His responsibilities include entering, rating and obtaining a quote for all new business and renewals. He is also the primary contact for verbal and written information required to process policies. Once bound, John makes sure the necessary state filings and forms are acquired to insure a smooth transition from application to finished policy for the agent and policy holder.