Douglas Jackson, current president of the Society of RegisteredProfessional Adjusters (RPA), was crowned the 2008 ClaimsProfessional of the Year at a special award ceremony held onTuesday, June 10, 2008 during the 12th Annual ACE America's ClaimsEvent. Sponsored by New York-based law firm Smith & Brink, P.C.and Claims Magazine, the award recognizes overall excellence in theclaim-handling arena. Recipients are usually involved heavily incontinuing education initiatives that foster a sense of commitmentto not only upholding the integrity of current industry practicesbut also improving upon them.

Throughout his more than 30 years of experience as a claimprofessional, Mr. Jackson has worked as a staff adjuster with bothcommercial and residential carriers. He now serves as president ofsouthern California-based Southwest Claims Service, an independentinsurance adjusting company that Mr. Jackson started with his wife,Elaine. The company provides claim adjusting and consultationservices to commercial and personal line insurers, with a primaryfocus on property and casualty lines.

Early on, it was apparent to the California Association ofIndependent Insurance Adjusters (CAIIA) board that Mr. Jackson wasa consummate claim professional extremely worthy of such adistinction. In a letter nominating Mr. Jackson for this award,Peter Schifrin, CAIIA president, cited the RPA president's tirelessefforts to rejuvenate the RPA board, all of which has culminated inan increase in membership and heightened organizationalcredibility. Mr. Schifrin also emphasized successful educationinitiatives and other contributions.

“Mr. Jackson is the past president of the CAIIA,” he said.“During his time on the executive board, he was instrumental in thecreation of the Seminar for the Evaluation of Earthquake Damage(SEED), a program that assists adjusters in complying withCalifornia earthquake certifications requirements.”

The program combines the expertise of top earthquake engineers,attorneys, the California Earthquake Authority, and insuranceadjusters. It continually evolves and improves as more scientificstudies confirm the damages that can be expected during a majorquake. Mr. Jackson stays involved by being one of the organizersand instructors at each SEED seminar that CAIIA hosts.

“The one-day program is intense and enlightening,” Mr. Jacksonsaid. “It not only satisfies the 3-year certification requirementfor earthquake losses, but also handles fair claims and SIUrecertification guidelines. I am very proud to still be involved inthis training today.”

Aside from this specific program, Mr. Jackson reinforces thenotion that nurturing the potential in each professional willstrengthen the industry — its image and effectiveness — for yearsto come.

“We need to remember that education takes many forms,” Mr.Jackson said. “Each of us has found our path to furthering ourcompetence and professionalism and any educational format should beresults-driven. I still look back to my first job and to thecommitment the company made to me and other rookies by sending usto 'property' school and then 'policy' school. Even after 2 monthsof rigorous training, it realized that pairing us with senioradjusters — destined to become our mentors, our guides to the realworld — was just as important as the tangible resources, such asbooks and classes.”

When asked to what he can attribute his success, Mr. Jacksonsays that he is grateful for the helping hands of coworkers,mentors and educators. He also encourages others to get involvedand take pride in such a commendable profession. To all who havemet him, his fervor seems infectious.

“I, a regional independent adjuster, take on the numerous andmostly volunteer training programs and am involved in variousprofessional claim organizations because we should all givesomething back, whether this is in the form of time for organizingevents or teaching classes,” Mr. Jackson concluded. “Every adjusteris ultimately responsible for improving his or her own expertiseand professionalism. Challenge yourself. Commit yourself. Considerthis an invitation to step forward and be the mentor that some newadjuster is desperate to have.”

The 2008 ACE America's Claim Event is being held at theRenaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, fromJune 9 to 11, 2008.

For more information about RPA, check out www.rpa-adjuster.com.To read more about the CAIIA, including the SEED program, visitwww.caiia.org.

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