As environmental liabilities and emerging claim issues continue to grow in complexity, industry collaboration remains essential for navigating evolving risks and regulatory frameworks.
The Environmental & Emerging Claim Manager Association (EECMA) will host its 40th Annual Conference from May 6–8, 2026 at the LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples, FL. The event will convene claims professionals, environmental specialists, and industry stakeholders for a multi-day program focused on current challenges and practical approaches across the sector. VERTEX will serve as a Silver Sponsor of the event.
VERTEX’s Technical Claims and Disputes team will be featured in two sessions during the conference program.
On Thursday, May 7, Technical Claims and Disputes Director Tori Spina will speak from 9:45 to 10:25 AM during the session “What Is a Pollutant.” The discussion will explore how pollutant-related issues are evaluated within environmental claims and coverage matters, offering perspective on a topic that continues to shape complex claims conversations.
On Friday, May 8, Technical Claims and Disputes Technical Director Christopher DeCarlo, CHMM, LSRP, will speak from 10:15 to 10:55 AM during the session “You Need Coverage Counsel: How Did We Get Here?” This session will examine key considerations in coverage disputes, including how complex claims develop and the role coverage counsel can play in navigating these matters.
Additional members of the Technical Claims and Disputes team will be in attendance, including Senior Managing Director Cathy Pierce, MBA, Senior Managing Director Michael Bator, PG, and Senior Project Manager Brooke Tomchinsky, CIE, to engage with industry professionals throughout the conference.
The event will also feature a kickoff dinner on May 6 and a cocktail reception on May 7, providing additional opportunities for networking and collaboration among attendees.
Through participation in events such as the EECMA Annual Conference, VERTEX continues to engage with industry professionals and contribute to conversations that inform decision-making across environmental and claims sectors.
For additional information about the event, please visit: https://eecma.org/conference/
To learn more about VERTEX’s Technical Claims and Disputes services or to speak with an expert, call 888.298.5162 or submit an inquiry here.
The Author
Victoria Spina
Director, Environmental Insurance
Victoria Spina, has over nine years of experience working on environmental projects, particularly investigation and remediation of environmental contamination. She has participated in multiple phases of site remediation including site investigation, remedial investigation, and remedial action.
The Author
Christopher De Carlo
CHMM, LSRP
Technical Director, Environmental Insurance
Christopher De Carlo has over 20 years of experience performing environmental services for a broad range of clients including government agencies, utilities, private corporations, municipalities, real estate developers, financial institutions, and insurance companies.
The Author
Catherine Pierce
MBA
Senior Managing Director, Growth Strategy, Claims, Disputes & Forensics
Ms. Pierce has 23+ years of experience in environmental consulting and insurance. She manages account programs and identifies growth opportunities as VERTEX's Senior Managing Director, Growth Strategy for Claims, Disputes & Forensics.
The Author
Michael Bator
PG
Senior Managing Director, Claims, Disputes and Forensics
Michael Bator is a Senior Managing Director of Environmental Insurance at VERTEX with over 22 years of experience in the environmental consulting industry. In this position, Mr. Bator is responsible for claim investigations, invoice and proposal reviews, and environmental site assessments.
The Author
Brooke Tomchinsky
CIE
Senior Project Manager, Environmental Insurance
Brooke Tomchinsky, CIE, is a Senior Project Manager at VERTEX, specializing in environmental insurance claims, risk assessment, and remediation.