About the ACA

Agricultural Claims Association, LLC is an organization founded by a group of experienced insurance professionals with extensive background in the agricultural claims industry. Our mission as an organization is to provide other ag claims professionals with a resource that will offer training, education, and support. Members will have access to an extensive subject library, tutorials, conferences, and continuing education in the areas of agricultural policies, damage to equipment and agricultural buildings, damage to irrigation equipment, cattle theft, and a wide variety of agricultural liability claims, just to name a few.

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 the next certification program.

The Agricultural Claims Association offers training, education, and support to agriculture insurance claims professionals throughout the United States.

 

 

Click this button to view a PDF
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.  

Meet the Advisory Board

John Jennings
John Jennings

American National Property and Casualty Company (ANPAC)

John Jennings, CPCU, is currently a director of Multiple Line Claims-Property with American National Insurance in Springfield, MO. With over 16 years of experience in the insurance claims industry, Mr. Jennings has held manager and director positions with various companies. In addition to claims, he also has sales experience in the agricultural insurance industry. John brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Agricultural Claims Association and is excited to help lead this cutting-edge organization. 

Dan Behrens
Dan Behrens

Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company

Dan Behrens is in the company’s home office in West Des Moines, Iowa.  In his current role, he is responsible for the governance, subject matter expertise, vendor management, and process improvements/innovation for Ag, Personal, and Commercial lines of property, auto physical damage, material damage, and catastrophe operations. Prior leadership positions include casualty and litigation management, data and business analytics, and FNOL/express claims. He is also involved in row crop farming operations in Iowa. Dan obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Iowa. His professional designations include the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associates in Claims (AIC), Lean Six Sigma Green & Black Belts, and American Agricultural Insurance Company’s Ag Advisor certification.

Lance Palko
Lance Palko

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. During those 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.

Lisa Noel
Lisa Noel

D.L. Dravis & Associates, Inc.

Lisa Noel is the executive vice president and general manager of D.L. Dravis & Associates, Inc., a multi-regional independent claims adjusting firm established in 1982. Lisa joined the company and the insurance industry nearly 10 years ago. She brings more than 20 years of marketing and management experience with her and has also served in leadership roles on boards for community organizations and in elected local government seats. When not working, she spends time with her family and works with philanthropic organizations.