Our Leadership Team
Peter Abitanto, RHU, Executive Vice President:
Peter began his insurance career in 1996 with Oxford Health Plans. He also served as a Vice President of the Northeast for United Healthcare’s Public Sector division. Prior to joining the team in Albany, he was Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Brown & Brown Benefit Advisors for ten years. As an officer of Brown & Brown of New York Inc., he is Executive Vice President and leads the local agency. Peter is also a Registered Health Underwriter.
Sandy DenBesten, Vice President of Sales:
With over 20 years of employee benefits experience, Sandy began her career in 1995 with Blue Shield of Northeastern New York and joined Rowlands+Barranca in 2000, which became part of Brown & Brown in 2012. Licensed in life, accident and health, Sandy is a member of PIA, the Capital Region Human Resource Association and the New York State Society for Human Resource Management.
Judi Burkhard, Vice President of Account Management:
Judi brings more than 30 years of experience in call center management and customer service to Brown & Brown. Prior to joining our Rowlands & Barranca team in 2005, Judi was the Assistant Vice President of Customer Service for Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield overseeing a staff of 400. Judi oversees our Client Services and Account Management departments to make sure the members we serve receive a prompt, accurate and courteous service experience.
Steve Piccolino, Director of Benefits Integration Technology:
Steve blends over 20 years of experience in design, development and implementation of Human Resource/Benefits Software with extensive experience in the benefits arena to provide innovative technology solutions to Brown & Brown clients. His main responsibilities include:
– Management of the Technology Department
– Project management for large scale technology implementation projects
– Researching and implementing new software and information systems
Patrick Markiewicz, Director of Marketing:
Patrick joined our team in 2011 and oversees the marketing department, which is responsible for monitoring monthly utilization data, performing in-depth underwriting analysis, identifying cost savings strategies, obtaining competitive proposals, and negotiating renewals with our carrier partners.