Our Claims Team
At Berkley Technology Underwriters, your claims are managed by experts in technology, data security, and privacy. We maximize results and minimize loss with customized solutions for all lines of business.
Joel Zylstra
Senior Vice President, Chief Claims Officer
With over 20 years of insurance claims and litigation experience, Joel’s dynamic blend of insight, energy, and expertise makes him the ideal leader for our claims team. Before joining BTU, Joel led major case litigation for a global insurance competitor, overseeing high-severity and complex trial litigation.
In law and technology, you have to keep up or you’ll be left behind. That’s why after earning his law degree at Mitchell Hamline, Joel continued his studies at both Oxford University and The London School of Economics and Political Science. As a state Certified Legal Specialist, his litigation expertise, legal knowledge, and qualifications have been documented, tested, and certified by accrediting organizations. This commitment to continued improvement has helped Joel build our technology claims team into a key competitive advantage for BTU.
When not working to improving our claims offerings, Joel enjoys spending time with his wife and children, appreciating the design and performance of sports cars, and playing guitar.
“Ensuring your success by insuring the technology behind it.”
John Swain
Assistant Vice President, Claims
A graduate of Winona State University, John brings over 25 years of industry experience as a senior claims representative, supervisor, and investigator for some of the largest and most well-known insurance companies in the world.
John’s extraordinary blend of investigative experience, industry insight, and technological intelligence gives him a unique perspective when it comes to managing and resolving complex claims to support the insured, protect their property, and preserve their potential. This dedicated focus on providing positive outcomes is what makes our claims team a real point of strength.
Away from the office, John enjoys spending quality time with his wife and three daughters, traveling, hiking, tackling home projects, and relaxing around a bonfire.
“At the intersection of limited risk and unlimited potential.”
Andy Herbert
Assistant Vice President, Workers Compensation Claims Manager
Andy’s 35+ years of experience in the worker's compensation insurance industry make him a perfect fit for BTU’s unique coverages and often-complex claims. Andy’s impressive and extensive resume includes senior positions leading worker’s compensation teams, investigative units, claims departments, and business divisions for some of the world’s largest insurance carriers.
With meticulous attention to detail and a tenacity for protecting the rights, property and interests of the insured, Andy’s natural leadership abilities and extensive category experience have helped transform our BTU Claims Teams into a true point of differentiation and advantage.
A graduate of Shippensburg University, Andy spends his time away from work playing golf with his sons, tackling DIY home projects, and gardening.
“Innovation takes risk. We give confidence.”
