People

Satellite Agency Network Group Inc. (SAN), a Hampton, N.H.-based alliance of independent insurance agencies in the Northeast, has hired Sondra Collins as a commercial lines placement specialist for its AccessPlus department.

In this role, Collins is responsible for the placement of new commercial lines accounts on behalf of SAN member agencies and will work closely with those agents and insurance carriers to streamline the delivery of information on new and renewal insurance policies.

Collins has more than 20 years of experience as a commercial lines account manager for a number of insurance agencies in Maine, including seven years for Cross Insurance in Portland, and most recently, Ronel J Dubois Agency in Sanford.

Wilson Elser has hired James Sharp as of counsel in its New Jersey office.

Sharp’s practice focus is professional liability and insurance defense with a particular emphasis on health care. He most frequently represents hospitals and health care facilities, physicians, nurses and other health care professionals. Sharp has experience representing corporate and individual clients in litigation including contract breach and product liability matters.

Prior to joining Wilson Elser, Sharp was a partner with Schenck, Price, Smith & King and a member of the firm’s Health Care Law and Professional Liability practices. Before that, Sharp was the senior and founding partner of Sharp & Mahoney – a firm with a concentration in insurance litigation – and subsequently, the chair of the professional liability and health care department at a Northern New Jersey firm. He began his career as the legal assistant to the director of the New Jersey Alcoholic Beverage Control.

The Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey has named Paul Monacelli as its PIA national director.

Monacelli is CEO of ADP/Statewide Insurance Agencies Inc. in Florham Park, N.J. With more than four decades of experience in the insurance industry, Monacelli has been a member of PIA of New Jersey since 1991, serving as president from 1999-2000 and president-elect from 1998-1999.

He is active with the association, has served on every committee and currently is a member of the Membership Services/Programs and Nominations Committees. He also served on the agent advisory councils of Travelers, Encompass and Selective insurance companies.

Socius Insurance Services Inc., a management liability and property/casualty insurance wholesaler, has hired Jerry Ascolese to join its casualty practice as vice president. Ascolese will be based in New York City – a new region for Socius.

Ascolese brings 25 years of experience to Socius, and for the last 15 years, he has spent his time specializing in construction, energy and casualty brokerage products in New York City. At Socius, Ascolese will be responsible for providing casualty insurance services for clients with complex and hard-to-place risks as well as building a full-service team and office.

Socius is working to continue expanding its business ventures though new programs and office locations nationwide.