Hello, All, and Happy New Year! We are particularly excited about some new adventures here at Claims and PropertyCasualty360.com, as 2014 represents a time to get back to our roots, so to speak. This will translate to more ways than ever for readers from virtually every nook and cranny of the industry to weigh in on what keeps them up at night and how we can educate future claims rock stars. I'd be remiss not to point out some exciting additions to our editorial lineup, including monthly "quizzes" on tricky claims scenarios—from comparative negligence to subrogation— and a virtual claims management roundtable to foster deeper collaboration amongst underwriters, litigators, SIU, risk professionals and, of course, our treasured claims managers.

It also bears mention that I am embarking upon a personal adventure of sorts—marriage—so you can call me "Mrs. Wichard," though I'd prefer "Christy." Talk to you soon!

Introducing Our "Boots on the Ground" Series

When pondering the 2013 cat season, it is important to reflect on both claims-handling successes and the myriad opportunities for improvement. So it seems fitting that we kick off the inaugural installment of our "Boots on the Ground" series with riveting personal accounts from some of the many who worked in the trenches after a powerful EF5 tornado struck Moore, Okla. Combining technical prowess with compassion, these dedicated claims pros discuss impediments they faced and the lives they touched.