Management Team

The key to delivering outstanding service is having experienced, knowledgeable, passionate people at the helm who are dedicated to achieving results. We’re proud of these contributors to our success:

Dean Carras has spent more than 25 years in the insurance industry, focusing on special programs for restaurants. Early in his career he foresaw how concentration on a market niche creates value for policyholders—better coverage at lower prices. As a result, Dean expanded his clientele to include more than 2,000 restaurants in three states. Creation of Restaurant Programs of America was the initial step in a dynamic plan to bring the benefits of his restaurant insurance expertise to restaurants throughout the United States. As someone who continually demonstrates results, Dean has earned the trust and confidence of restaurant owners around the country.

Phil Lieberman entered the insurance agency business in 1960 and spent the next 30 years leading the agency in its growth from an initial staff of 5 employees to one with 65 people. He joined ICC at its inception and has been involved in all aspects of the firm’s operations. Phil teaches insurance and is the firm’s primary resource for contract analysis and coverage issues.

Paul Giunto’s early insurance career involved major posts at large brokerage firms, including Johnson & Higgins, Marsh & McLennan, and Aon. A graduate of St. Vincent College , Paul earned his CPCU designation in 1977. He has been involved in high levels of responsibility for automation, property/casualty operations and creation of specialized insurance programs. Paul joined RPA’s senior management team early in 2009 and will be intimately involved in direct production, building a sales team, and assisting with the development of various new initiatives.

GUNDI HOFMANN-ABELL, Account Executive

Gundi Hofmann-Abell is an insurance professional with more than 15 years of commercial / industrial insurance experience. She is a licensed insurance broker in more than 40 states throughout the country and manages RPA’s suburban Philadelphia branch office. Gundi is committed to providing service to her clients “above & beyond expectations,” making sure that they receive the benefit of her unique approach to service and RPA’s risk management plans to reduce future insurance costs.

TONY DAVENPORT, Vice-President of Florida Region

Tony has specialized in hospitality insurance since 1985 and is well respected throughout the industry for his honesty and integrity. He is currently a member of the Allied Member Council of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) and also Co-Chair of the FRLA Insurance Council. Tony has developed many programs to cover the specific needs of today’s hospitality industry and continuously strives to offer personalized service to all of his clients, from independent owners to multi-unit chains.

JEFFREY M. HALLMAN, Vice President/National Accounts

Jeff Hallman launched his career with a major insurance company more than 30 years ago. He specializes in large businesses with complex insurance needs—including multiple locations and unusual exposures—and understands the advanced techniques and special handling that such accounts demand. Jeff’s extensive experience with hospitality accounts is put to good use managing RPA’s national, multi-location restaurant accounts.

Since 1988, Marc has been intimately involved with claims management. For over ten years, he was on the front lines of litigation defense, attending trials and arbitrations, conducting claims audits, and adjusting claims for major insurance companies and third party administrators. Prior to joining RPA, Marc spent over six years with a major Third Party Administrator, managing twenty-five people and over five thousand claims. Mark will be working with clients in developing and implementing loss control protocols, as well as assuring that we provide excellence and responsiveness in our delivery of claims service.