Peter Scarpato and Marcus Doran have been named new Vice-Chairs as a result of their work and commitment to the organization.
We asked them to tell us why they have put so much energy and time into their work for the organization or, in other words, what was in it for them?
Since you have dedicated a lot of time to AIRROC over the last 10+ years, tell me what you get out of it, both personally and professionally?
Peter: I spent a good chunk of my career handling run-off, either running off books of business for companies or as an arbitrator/mediator handling disputes involving run-off company claims. My connection with people through AIRROC, developing the AIRROC Matters magazine by working with its contributors and working with the organizers of AIRROC has made me more effective in whatever I do. The relationships I have acquired serve as a basis for developing trust and that is critical to resolving disputes and getting work done whether you are doing it as a company employee or as a mediator/arbitrator.
Marcus: I have met a number of people through AIRROC so, when an issue arises with another company, I can say, “I know a few people over there. Let me make a call”. That communication brings about greater understanding of each other’s perspective, which allows for the negotiation of win/win solutions. I remember going to the first October event with Andrew Maneval, my former boss and the first AIRROC chairman. There was a lot of potential for friction, but the process of being isolated for days in a hotel that was inside a highway cloverleaf near the Meadowlands (I don’t think you could escape on foot) kept everyone talking and changed the tone of how people dealt with issues. We might not agree, but we all wanted to get things done and that set the framework for the future.
Can you tell me about a time where you had an assignment related to AIRROC that served as a basis for further opportunity and growth?
Peter: Being the editor of AIRROC Matters was a stretch for the first few years. As I was developing management skills and responsibilities at AIG, I was also developing those skills as editor of the magazine—I had to manage a team effort, keeping the contributors on track while respecting their expertise, but still be ready to pitch in and do what needed to be done. The additional management experience accelerated my development of management skills.
Marcus: My work on the Education Committee has been a great resource for my company and a bit self-serving for me as well. First, like many of our members, I am curious about our business and the evolving issues that impact what we do. As a co-chair on the Education Committee, I can propose education sessions to get timely information about pressing issues from great lawyers and company professionals. I enjoy working with the incredibly bright people that partner with AIRROC on our educational presentations. Second, I encourage people at my company to take part in the education sessions as an opportunity to learn and, just as importantly, to network with their peers from other companies. It’s beneficial to them and the company. My involvement in AIRROC also gives me greater visibility at my company—people know to come to me for issues that AIRROC may be able to help solve.
For the full article, refer to page 11 in the Spring 2016 issue. https://www.airroc.org/assets/docs/matters/airroc%20matters%20spring%202016%20vol%2012%20no%201.pdf
