David Alter CPCU, AAI, AMIM, CRIS | Senior Vice President
With an illustrious career of more than 40 years in the insurance industry, David shares his wealth of information and experience by servicing his clients in the construction industry as well as manufacturing and commercial real estate to the highest level. As a leading insurance agent for Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & rench, and with an eagerness to continuously evolve and grow, David has taken advanced courses and earned the professional designations of CPCU, AAI, AMIM and CRIS. He has always had a strong desire to learn and broaden his knowledge and skills by continuing to take insurance related courses.
David received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and entered the workforce with the attributes of dedication, loyalty and hard work. He is extremely passionate about doing what he can to give back and for almost ten years, David was active in purchasing and sending “goodies” to deployed military troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. This speaks volumes to the kind of person he is and what he is willing to do to help others. No matter what the task is, he goes above and beyond to help others both personally and professionally.
David and his wife, Sandy, live in Broward County and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren who fortunately live nearby. He also loves escaping to North Carolina where he can spend quality time with family and friends enjoying the outdoors and the change of seasons which is quite a contrast from the South Florida lifestyle – he’s lucky to get the best of both worlds.
For more than twelve years, Justin has proven himself as a strong risk advisor for Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & French with a specialized area of focus in construction. Justin is responsible for developing new business relationships while also maintaining existing client retention and growth. While Justin works to continually secure new opportunities for CAFF in his position as a Construction Practice Leader, he is extremely loyal and dedicated to building solid and long-term relationships with his clients and has a built a solid reputation as the go-to guy in the industry.
Justin holds the following designations: Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS) and Certified Workers Compensation Underwriter (CWCU). Through this extensive training and more than a decade of hands-on experience, he has obtained comprehensive knowledge of risk management for the construction industry which he imparts to his clients to help ensure their success.
Justin is a motivated self-starter, a strategic thinker, and passionate career-minded professional. He is a native of South Florida and in his spare time, he enjoys all the outdoor activities that the South Florida lifestyle offers including fishing, boating, and golf, just to name a few.
As the Insurance Sales Leader for Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & French, Lee’s primary goal is to increase business for the agency. In this position, he is responsible for leading his team of agents towards meeting or exceeding their sales goals and increasing their industry knowledge and business strategies.
His experience spans more than 40 years in the industry, beginning his impressive career at Home Insurance Company and helping to establish CAFF almost 30 years ago. Lee is extremely passionate and driven and possesses a strong sales and business acumen . His duties are rooted in strategy, education and the mentorship he offers. He is an excellent coach and mediator who uplifts his team members and is committed to their professional development.
Lee graduated from the University of Florida and he holds a 2-20 License, a 6-20 Adjuster’s License and he is also an Accredited Insurance Advisor (AAI). He is the recipient of an Outstanding Performance Award from the Environmental Risk Insurance Company and he is a proud Board Member of the Associated General Contractors Board Member and Agent’s Counsel – Amerisure Insurance Co.
He is married with two children and resides in the Falls area of South Dade County. Lee enjoys all that the South Florida lifestyle has to offer.
As an Insurance Program Specialist for Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & French, Dick focuses on building and maintaining strong client relationships, servicing client accounts and securing new business opportunities. On a daily basis, he works with clients and other team members to assess client’s objectives and develop a comprehensive program to meet those goals.
Dick’s illustrious career with CAFF spans more than three decades specializing in the construction industry. Throughout this time, he has served as one of the primary expert resources and point of contact for clients. He possesses strong decision-making abilities and is an innovative thinker.
Dick is extremely committed and passionate about his work and he is a born leader. His dynamic personality, drive and impressive achievements have undoubtedly been an instrumental part of CAFF’s growth. He continually strives to build transparent, honest and reliable working relationship with clients and he has direct hands-on experience with clients.
Dick was born and raised in South Florida and currently resides in Southwest Ranches. Among his diverse hobbies, his favorite includes collecting classic cars and auto memorabilia.
As a Commercial Insurance Specialist for Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & French, Michael’s responsibilities include risk assessment and insurance program development for the construction industry. His primary focus is annual practice programs (General Liability, Auto, Property, Workers’ Compensation, Executive Package, & CPPI) and project specific programs (OCIP/CCIP, Builder’s Risk & OPPI).
Michael possesses nearly 20 years of construction insurance and risk anagement experience. He began his career in the industry on the corporate side where his focus was on loss control, claims management and underwriting for construction risks. He made the switch to the agency side joining CAFF more than 15 years ago.
Michael earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Business at Florida State University. He was honored with the prestigious 2017 Latin Builders Association Agent of the Year Award as well as the Trusted Insurance Advisor designation from The Hartford. Michael is a long-standing and active member of multiple construction associations including ABC, AGC, ´CASF, ECA and FTBA.
He was born and raised in South Florida and currently resides in South Miami with his wife and two beautiful and rambunctious children. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, working with his son’s football team and attending his daughter’s dance recitals.
As a Risk Manager for Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & French, Eric is ultimately responsible for ensuring that CAFF clients secure their reputation and profitability by controlling risk. In his position, he oversees, monitors, and advises clients on various types of risk including business, financial, legal and security. He helps to improve safety and identify potential threats to his clients’ businesses. He excels at creating planned solutions that help mitigate potential risks for his clients.
Eric is a highly perceptive and a methodical professional. He has the talent and ability to communicate effectively the programs best suited to his clients’ needs. His career spans 14 years in the industry with a strong focus on construction and large property programs. Prior to joining CAFF, he spent nearly a decade at Brown & Brown where he gained valuable experience. He has earned the professional designations of Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS) as well as Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC). His background also includes being the Past President of the Independent Insurance Agents of South Florida.
Eric was born and raised in Miami and is a University of Miami graduate. He loves all that the South Florida lifestyle offers – boating, fishing, and the opportunity to play sports year-round. He currently lives in Miami Lakes and is the proud father of 4.
Mel has specialized in commercial, construction and personal lines insurance for over 35 years. Many of his clients have been with Mel since he started in the industry, which is an excellent testament to his ability, service and integrity.
He believes that there are two key elements to being a good agent: Understanding your client’s needs and designing coverage plans that meet those needs, and once this is accomplished, service the heck out of the account! Mel’s unique problem solving abilities help him handle unusual and hard to place coverages, because of his creative approach.
A native New Yorker, Mel, along with his wife and daughter currently reside in Miami Beach.
As a processing clerk for Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & French, Cecile’s responsibilities are diverse and includes assisting with various items within the agency.
For the past 30 years, Cecile has been involved in the insurance industry in some capacity. Throughout her career, she gained valuable experience and still today, the old school skills she learned come in quite handy in her day to day role.
Cecile graduated from a Alpha Commercial College in Kingston, Jamaica, WI. She currently resides with her husband in Homestead. Her greatest pleasure is spending quality time with her children and extended family.
Since 1995, Mayelin has been building an impressive career in the Industry. Her knowledge and experience has been a key component to the success of the Nielson Hoover Group of companies. Since joining Nielson, Hoover & Company in 2010, Mayelin has been in charge of the company’s Account Payables and Vendor Payables. Her strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task are imperative when it comes to making sure the company’s finances are accurate and up to date and that vendors and suppliers are paid within established time limits. There is a lot of pressure and responsibility in her role, so Mayelin’s time and stress management skills are definitely an important part of her job description.
Mayelin is a graduate of Broward College and has lived in South Florida since the early 1980’s. She is married and has two children.
A native Floridian, Tricia has been in the insurance industry since 2006 and with Nielson Hoover Group since 2012. As part of the Company’s Accounting Department, she is responsible for the processing of accounts receivables and incoming payments; performing day-to-day financial transactions, including verifying, classifying, computing, posting and reconciling accounts receivables’ data. She is also tasked with preparing bills, invoices and reconciling bank deposits daily. Tricia is a customer service-oriented professional with hands-on experience and a strong attention to detail.
When Tricia’s not busy performing her daily accounting responsibilities, you might find her greeting people at the front desk, signing for packages or assisting with the phones. She is a true team player who has the ability to jump in wherever necessary.
Tricia and her two children live in Davie, Florida.
As a Commercial Lines Account Manager for Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & French, Damaris is responsible for the retention of assigned client account. Her duties include, but are not limited to, new and renewal marketing, handling client questions and requests, and coverage review. She prides herself on delivering exceptional client service and ensuring the satisfaction of current clients on a day-to-day basis. Damaris focuses on building strong client relationships and applying her industry experience to support CAFF’s clients as well as her team.
Prior to joining CAFF, Damaris worked for 17 years as a Commercial Lines Account Manager for NCF Insurance Associates and brings with her a breadth of expertise. Although new to CAFF, Damaris plays an integral role in the team’s success. She possesses a broad background with more than 25 years of industry and customer service experience as well as personal and commercial lines knowledge. In addition, she obtained her 220 Property & Casualty License to provide her clients with the level of professionalism they demand.
Damaris lives in Miami Lakes and is just a stone’s throw from CAFF’s offices (her second home). In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with family and as a true outdoorsman, she is passionate about outdoor activities, especially hiking and camping and she loves to travel whenever she is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do so.
In Teresa’s role as an Account Manager at Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & French, she is directly responsible for managing an assigned book of business. Her duties include providing timely and accurate feedback to client inquiries on existing policies with regards to policy amendments, billing, claims and upcoming renewals. In addition, she handles service requests, processes necessary paperwork and maintains files on new and existing accounts.
With a career that spans 35 years in the insurance industry, Teresa is an expert in the field and she maintains knowledge of a diverse product line. She obtained her 220 Property and Casualty Agent License and continually delivers an outstanding level of service and the highest quality of professional service to every client and prospect. Teresa has been an integral part of the CAFF team for 13 years. She is a true leader and mentor who focuses on leading her team to success. Prior to joining CAFF, she worked for Wilson, Washburn & Forster.
Teresa has spent her entire life in Miami and she and her husband have no plans to leave paradise. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and soaking up every minute she can with her grandchildren.
For nearly 14 years, Rosie has been a Marketing Manager for Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & French, and has played an integral role in the company’s growth. Her key areas of responsibility include marketing both new and renewal commercial accounts. In her role, Rosie provides direction, support and marketing guidance to the CAFF’s commercial line client and their producers. Rosie works closely with brokers, contract carriers and the CAFF account managers to ensure
the customers’ needs are met.
Rosie’s broad experience spans more than four decades in the insurance industry. She started her distinguished career as a file clerk and successfully navigated her way through claims and account management. For the past 20 years, her focus has been marketing commercial accounts and the last 10 years she’s been also marketing medium to large construction accounts. Rosie’s industry expertise is unparalleled and she works diligently to impart her breadth of
knowledge to her CAFF team members as well as CAFF’s clients on a daily basis.
Mayda has dual positions as both the front office receptionist for Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & French as well as the phone operator for Nielson, Hoover & Company.
Before joining the team, she worked for Fred McGilvray Inc. Construction Company for 18 years. It was there that she gained valuable industry experience and had the opportunity to meet Chuck Nielson who had been their bonding agent. When the opportunity presented itself for Mayda to join the Nielson Hoover Group of Companies, she was excited, It was a comfortable and natural fit for her.
In her role, Mayda is the first impression of the company, whether it be in person or on the phone. She takes great pride in her duties and is a consummate professional and an outstanding people person. She is a strong multi-tasker and possesses excellent communication skills.
Mayda is devoted to her family and will tell you that her greatest accomplishments are her daughter and son whom she is extremely proud of. She lives in Hialeah with her husband and mother and enjoys spending as much time as she can with her loving family.
As a Commercial & Personal Lines Account Manager for Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & French, Gladys’ responsibilities include managing a book of business, issuing renewals and endorsements, creating proposals, quoting new and renewal business, and other general account management duties.
Gladys’ impressive insurance career spans more than 35 years and her knowledge is unsurpassed. When she entered the field, her focus was primarily in personal lines. When she joined the CAFF team nearly 20 years ago, she began in Commercial Lines and has since transitioned to managing both Personal & Commercial lines with her extensive experience.
She is a licensed 220 agent who possesses a keen understanding of the diverse insurance products available and she prides herself on delivering the highest quality of professional service to every client and helping to develop customized solutions to meet their needs.
Gladys’ greatest sources of pride are her two sons and granddaughter.
In Rosy’s role as a Commercial Lines Marketing Assistant at Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & French, she is responsible for assisting the team through customer service, account retention, general back office support and other assigned duties.
Rosy prides herself on delivering outstanding customer service by working with clients to help answer questions, solve issues and make recommendations. She possesses a strong work ethic and is a team player. On a daily basis, she assists multiple producers while working hand in hand with the experienced CAFF service team. In this position, Rosy performs various functions including policy quoting, binding, issuing, as well as marketing for new and renewal business. With more than a decade of commercial lines insurance experience, she is knowledgeable in all facets of the field as well as being skilled in underwriting.
With more than 30 years of proven experience in the construction and risk management insurance industry, Sonia is responsible for creating and managing commercial insurance strategies for a growing client base in both the U.S. and Latin America. As an Account
Executive for NHG Specialty, she is uniquely qualified for her role and possesses key strengths that have helped her make significant contributions to the companies that have been fortunate enough to receive her expertise.
Sonia focuses on building solid client relationships rather than just insurance programs.
She recognizes that an insurance certificate can make or break any project, therefore, she approaches each program with a sense of urgency and dedication to service – this combination has earned her a superior client retention record. Sonia provides diverse and well-rounded industry knowledge to her clients. Having previously provided insurance solutions to real estate firms, retailers and resort complexes, Sonia has a keen understanding of her client’s client and the market pressures facing construction firms.
She is bilingual and is an active member of the Latin Builders’ Association as well as the Association of General Contractors and Builders’ Association of South Florida. She holds professional designations as an Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI) and Associate in Risk Management (ARM), in addition to an Associate Degree in Business Management from Miami Dade College.
In her spare time, Sonia enjoys traveling, exercising and cooking.
In Estela’s position as a Claims Administrator for Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & French, she is responsible for a variety of tasks including processing new claims, coordinating with various departments to settle claims, maintaining records, and monitoring all personal and commercial lines claims for all clients, producers and management.
Her impressive experience spans more than 40 years in the insurance industry and throughout her career, she’s held a variety of positions. She began her insurance profession at Cigna and her background also includes working for Seitlin Insurance and Advanced Insurance Underwriters. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the CAFF team and clients.
Immediately following her high school graduation, Estela became immersed in the world of insurance. She took a crash course and quickly obtained her 4-40 CSR License and to date, she maintains the designation License 2-20. Estela was born and raised in Miami and currently resides in Hialeah with her husband. Her greatest pride is her twin adult daughters, both of whom are pursuing careers in the medical field. In her free time, she loves spending quality time with her family, traveling, reading, and her favorite pastime, enjoying watching old westerns.
With over 11 years of industry experience, Sandy is often one of the first people you’ll talk to when you call CAFF. She takes great care of her clients and works diligently to ensure that her customer’s questions are answered and their needs are taken care of promptly. Prior to joining Collinsworth Alter, Fowler & French, Sandy worked as a Paralegal. During that time, her experience preparing legal documents and assisting clients provided her with a keen understanding of those documents and helped to hone the skills she uses on a daily basis at CAFF. She possesses a strong work ethic, is extremely detail-oriented
and is quick to follow-up with her clients to ensure they are 100% satisfied with their insurance plan.
Sandy loves horses and dogs so naturally, as a horse owner, she calls Davie her home. Along with horseback riding, she enjoys life on the water – both swimming and skiing.
With nearly 40 years in the insurance industry, Michelle has held almost every position in the industry starting as a receptionist but quickly working her way up the corporate ladder. She’s worked on the service side as a Personal Lines Account Manager and a Personal Lines Manager. She eventually turned her sights on to the commercial side of the business, becoming a Commercial Lines Account Manager, then switched to Sales as a producer. Later went into
Marketing and is currently the Commercial Lines Manager. With more than 10 years as part of the Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & French team, Michelle has instilled her vast industry knowledge and experience with the rest of the CAFF support staff.
Because of her understanding of the inner workings of how agencies operate, she was asked to contribute to an article for IA (Independent Agents) on “Surviving the Agency Management System Switch.“ Her experience with helping CAFF migrate multiple offices and converting their different operating systems into one, she was instrumental to the crux of the article. “As a manager in the agency, I actually worked the workflow and I created cheat sheets in Epic for every workflow in the organization,” Somberg says. “I had an open-door policy and literally at one point had six people standing outside my office. I felt like I was at Publix: ‘I’m now serving customer number 101’, but that’s OK”. She has also earned a CRIS (Construction, Risk Insurance Specialist) designation and is 220 Licensed.
Michelle is very passionate about her career, but in her spare time, she enjoys vacationing in North Carolina.
In her role as an Account Representative at Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & French, Shelia is primarily responsible for providing direct support to CAFF clients and agents to help establish and meet client’s needs. Her duties include, but are not limited to, developing leads, scheduling appointments, identifying customer needs, and marketing diverse products and services.
In her position, Sheila serves as a liaison between the clients and the agents providing prompt, accurate, and friendly customer service. This includes responding to inquiries regarding insurance availability, eligibility, coverages, policy changes, transfers, claim submissions, and billing clarification, and so much more.
With more than 12 years of insurance industry experience, she is a seasoned professional with a breadth of knowledge and a solid reputation in the field. She is self-motivated as well as a team player and she knows the importance of establishing and building strong customer relationships.
Sheila was born and raised in Miami and continues to enjoy all that the South Florida lifestyle offers. Her two adult daughters are her greatest source of pride and she is extremely passionate about giving back to her community by being a mentor to young children. Her philosophy is living life to the fullest and she does this by always trying to maintain a positive attitude and imparting that to others.
As Collinsworth, Alter, & Fowler’s Senior Marketing Manager, Jannette’s primary responsibilitiesinclude overseeing insurance carrier relations, managing and executing business development, placement of new business and renewal accounts, and management of the marketing team.
Her impressive career spans more than 30 years in the insurance industry and with her sole focus on Commercial Lines Marketing, she has established her reputation as an expert in the field. She is a motivated, positive and driven leader with the ability to identify market trends and administer change.
Prior to joining CAFF, Jannette worked at HUB International (formerly MDW Insurance Group) and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience which she shares with the CAFF team. She obtained her 2-20 License and received a CIC (Certificated Insurance Counselor) designation more than 15 years ago.
