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Learn from Industry Experts

About the ACA

The Agricultural Claims Association, LLC is an organization founded by a group of experienced insurance professionals with extensive background in the agricultural P&C industry - both Farm/Ranch and Commercial Ag. Our mission as an organization is to provide other agriculture insurance professionals with a resource that will offer training, education, resources, and support. Members have access to an extensive subject library, tutorials, conferences, training events and continuing education in the areas of agricultural policies, damage to equipment and agricultural buildings, damage to farm equipment, cattle theft, and a wide variety of agricultural liability topics, just to name a few. We are connected across the United States by members, sponsors, specialists in a number of fields, and our friends who help the ACA continue to provide industry leading support and to grow as an association.

Additionally, the ACA offers the most comprehensive and thorough Agricultural Claims Professional Certification in the industry. The Farm Ranch Certified Specialist training courses combine online learning, classroom instruction, and a series of tests. Please continue to watch this space for more information on future certification programs.

 

 

 

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show about the Association.

ACA Presentation

 

Click the video to see some of the
benefits of the Association.

Meet the Team

Brandan McGehee
Brandan McGehee

Founder and Partner

Since 1999, Mr. Brandan McGehee has amassed a diverse array of claims adjusting experience in all disciplines, including staff, independent adjuster, claims manager, vice president of operations, and owner-operator sides of the claims industry.  His claims emphasis has been on residential, commercial property, and agricultural.  Brandan’s independent management and adjusting experience provides an extensive knowledge of field investigations.

Julie Overdeer
Julie Overdeer

Executive Director and Partner

Julie Overdeer has a background in agriculture insurance, including farm and ranch, crop liability, crop insurance, and weather-based insurance. Her farm roots started when she was growing up on a farm in north-west Indiana, where she ran a 600 farrow-to-finish hog operation after graduating with a B.S. from Purdue. During this time, she worked her way from a contract adjuster to a national claims manager. After 21 years in the crop insurance sector, she joined the Climate Corporation focused on weather index products, private products, and crop insurance. Since the sale of the Climate Corporation, Julie has adjusted farm and ranch insurance and trains adjusters on agricultural claims.

Doug Overdeer
Doug Overdeer

Information & Technology Director

Doug Overdeer is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Officer (Green Beret) with extensive experience in operations, technology, and business.  He joined the ACA team in 2019 providing his experience in business development and planning, operational execution, adult education, and technology innovation to help the ACA grow.

Mike Sutton
Mike Sutton

Founder and Partner

Since 1987, Mr. Mike Sutton has amassed a wide range of claims adjusting experience in all disciplines, including staff, independent adjuster, claims supervisor, director of claims operations, and owner-operator sides of the claims industry.  His claims emphasis has been on residential, commercial property, and agricultural.  Mike’s company management experience provides insight into the specific claims and underwriting guidelines for our customers.

Karina Orr
Karina Orr

Marketing and Publishing

Karina Orr is an editor with more than 15 years of experience working with writers to polish and enhance their messages. She's worked for newspapers, magazines, and educational institutions since graduating summa cum laude from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.  

Olivia Latham
Olivia Latham

Communications Lead and Event Coordinator

Olivia joined the ACA team in January 2026. She is a recent graduate, with honors, from Austin Peay State university with a B.B.A in marketing. She brings a stong passion in marketing, communications, and event coordination to the ACA. She is excited to grow in her role, collaborate with industry professionals, and contribute to meaningful initiatives that serve the agriculture insurance industry. 

The Advisory Team

Lance Palko
Lance Palko

Claims Manager with American Family Insurance Claims Services

Lance Palko is a Claims Manager with American Family Insurance Claims Services. Lance leads a team of adjusters that handle agricultural liability claims across 15 states. He has been in the insurance industry for 25 years and has worked agricultural claims for the past 15 years. He has worked closely with all parties to a claim, providing them with guidance and support throughout the claims process. Lance has become a trusted resource in managing and resolving complex claims related to agricultural operations, ensuring fair and timely settlements for all parties involved. When not working, he enjoys camping and kayaking with his family.

Vallery Eisenmann
Vallery Eisenmann

Sr. Field Training Consultant with American National

Vallery started her career in insurance 31 years ago as a captive agent with Farm Bureau. Her focus was on agricultural and commercial insurance, as well as life, health, and annuities. After 10 years of building that business, she went to work for an independent agency, focusing on large agricultural businesses, co-ops, fertilizer dealers, chemical dealers, and similar entities. After a few years with that agency, she joined Travelers Insurance as their Select Sales Manager in Iowa, where Vallery focused on smaller businesses with fewer than 100 employees. After four years of building the territory, a small regional company asked her to open the state of Iowa for them, and she took on that challenge. In four years, she grew the Iowa territory from 0 agencies and 0 premium dollars to 45 agencies and over $13 million in premium dollars.

Vallery have spent the last 10 years working with American National. Her initial focus was to grow engagement from agents in the Midwest and build a profitable agricultural and commercial book. Over the past two years, she have developed training programs for their agency force. Vallery's philosophy in building training programs is that when agents understand their appetite and the benefits of solid risk management, along with a comprehensive understanding of the policy and real-world claims, they receive the most comprehensive training that can be delivered. An agent who can see the account more holistically is better for their clients and the companies they write for.

Monica Clobes
Monica Clobes

P&C Field Training Consultant

With over 27 years in the property and casualty insurance industry, Monica Clobes brings a wealth of hands-on experience and a lifelong passion for agriculture to her role on the Ag Claims Association advisory team. Her journey with Farm Bureau Financial Services began in 1998, rooted in Nebraska, where she built a strong foundation in multi-line claims and developed a deep appreciation for the unique challenges and needs of rural communities and agricultural operations. Over time, Monica’s focus sharpened on complex property and Ag claims. Her passion to rural communities and agricultural claims led her to transition into an Ag field underwriter role.  In that role, she expanded her expertise in risk evaluation and sound underwriting practices to help protect the livelihoods of Ag clients.Today, Monica serves as a Property & Casualty Field Training Consultant, drawing on her extensive field experience in both claims and underwriting to support training and development initiatives across the organization. Her practical insights and commitment to continuous learning make her a trusted resource. Monica’s involvement with the Ag Claims Association reflects her dedication to advancing the profession and fostering collaboration among peers. She is passionate about bringing real-world insights from the field and advocates for ongoing education and training to meet the evolving needs of Ag insurance professionals.

Outside of work, Monica enjoys baking sweet treats, caring for her koi pond, classic cars, and traveling with family.

Legal Advisor

Debbie Champion
Debbie Champion

Founding Partner in the Firm Rynearson, Suess, Schnurbusch, and Champion

Debbie is a founding partner in one of the 25 largest law firms in Missouri. Ms. Champion actively practices in Missouri and southern Illinois state and federal courts. She has argued before the Missouri Supreme Court and the Eastern, Western, and Southern District Missouri Courts of Appeals, and the Illinois Court of Appeals. She has also argued in the federal court of the United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri, and the Eighth Circuit and the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. She is a member of the Bar of the United States Supreme Court. Ms. Champion has been named as one of the top 50 attorneys in St. Louis, top 100 attorneys in Missouri, and top lawyers in America. She has received numerous awards including 2020 Lawyer of the Year for Missouri in   Litigation – Insurance, the Lawyer’s Lawyer Award by the Women’s Justice Award, and designated as an Acritis Star—just to mention a few of her distinguished accomplishments. Ms. Champion finds time to devote many hours to community and charitable causes, and she actively provides legal services to the indigent; she is committed to the advancement of women in law.