Our promise & value
We are the architects’ trusted ally and authority on risk and professional liability insurance. Here to protect and defend your practices from the potential financial exposure of claims, freeing you to focus on your profession.
The Architects’
Full Circle
As a firm solely focused on architects, we know how to protect architects. We consider every angle and mitigate practice liability through expert risk advisory services and education. With 38 years of experience, our passion is to insure your practice, all around.
Alliance of
Expertise
In step with the architects’ world, we have a deep understanding of the architectural practice and know it’s all about the work. Our knowledge of the regulatory environment and liability risk prepare practices for better outcomes in the event of a claim without completely disrupting the business.
United in
design
We are united in knowing that design is paramount to architects and their practice. Unique protection, through customized liability limits and coverages that let you focus on your craft and help you build your business while protecting you right into retirement.
Aligned with the
profession
We strive for better, in every project and for the profession. Through risk education and services, we offer practices a better understanding of liability and risk through content and seminars delivered online and in-person events. Together, we can drive claims down, limit risk exposure and strengthen the profession.
An allied
force
Our reputation as a trusted and respected authority is built on a depth of experience and integrity. We come to the table armed with a vast history on claims and always ensure we have all the facts. We draw from a strong alliance with industry regulators, law firms and the building communities, to enable us to successfully challenge “nuisance” claims, eliminating the nuisance to your business.
Our History
The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) regulates architects in Ontario. Minimum mandatory insurance requirements applicable to Ontario architectural practices offering services to the public are included in the Architects Act and applicable Regulation.
When the Province of Ontario introduced the compulsory insurance requirement for architects in the mid-1980’s, insurers active in the market could not provide assurance that all Ontario architectural practices licensed to practice by the OAA would be able to obtain the necessary insurance, or that premiums and available coverage would be consistent for all architectural practices licensed by the OAA. This was unacceptable as it had the insurance industry become the de facto regulator of the profession, usurping the OAA’s legislated role.
To overcome the problem, in 1987 the OAA established its own Indemnity Plan to assure that the required professional liability insurance coverage would be available on the same basis to all architects that held a Certificate of Practice.
In 2003, the Indemnity Plan was replaced by Pro-Demnity Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Ontario Association of Architects. It is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) and is overseen by a Board of Directors that operates at arm’s length from the OAA.
Pro-Demnity employs approximately 30 staff members, several of which are architects who are directly involved in claims reviews, collaborate with legal counsel and provide risk management assistance and loss prevention guidance to Ontario architects.
The combination of ownership by the OAA, cooperation between the OAA and Pro-Demnity and the engagement of licensed architects in the insurance program is characterized as Architects Insuring Architects to provide an Alliance for Protection, a blending of architecture and insurance that serves the interests of the profession, architectural practices and the public.
Cause, Purpose, Ambition and Values
CAUSE: To support the architectural profession to take the risks necessary to design a better world. To enable the improvement of society and human interaction through better design by supporting the wise, effective, and efficient management of risk.
PURPOSE: To be the trusted ally to protect & defend the architectural profession and their families by strengthening and supporting their resiliency to the risks associated with practice.
AMBITION: To strive each day to be the authority on risk, resulting in financially sustainable practices that unleash the full potential of the profession to improve society and human interaction through better design.
VALUES: We build upon our core values of Trust, Accountability, Collaboration, Innovation.
See our Cause, Purpose, Ambition and Values in a visual representation.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that our office is located on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabe, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands. We recognize and deeply appreciate their historic connection to this place. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work, live and commune on this land and recognize the contributions made by Métis, Inuit, and other Indigenous peoples in shaping and strengthening communities across Turtle Island.
Corporate Responsibility
Across Pro-Demnity we’re dedicated to being a responsible, just and sustainable contributor to society and to the communities we serve. Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Roadmap will reflect Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity (DEI), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Our organization is committed to developing and growing ever more sustainable and responsible business practices. Across our operations, we’re thoughtfully finding, making and improving on opportunities that help reduce carbon footprint, increase community engagement, while preserving human dignity and advocating for the safeguarding of environmental resources.
We’re working toward creating a fulsome Corporate Social Responsibility roadmap, informed by at least three key pillars to guide our direction and forge our path forward:
Pro-Demnity stands up to build an open, accepting and just society, and we start by fostering Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity (DEI) in our workplace and with the clients and communities we serve.
We strive to provide an environment free from barriers, whether these be physical, perceptual, cultural, gender, age or otherwise. We demonstrate our commitment to this intent by providing a supportive work environment and a corporate culture that respects people’s dignity, ideas and beliefs within the framework of our corporate mission, vision, and values.
- In early Spring of 2020, the Board adopted a revised Diversity and Inclusivity Policy endorsed by Management and signed by each employee.
- Following the tragic events of George Floyd in the USA, Pro-Demnity staff formed an Anti-Racism Task Force that remains active, holding regular sessions with staff to build awareness of both conscious and unconscious bias and working to create the awareness and tools to ensure Pro-Demnity remains a thoughtful, diverse, equitable and inclusive employer.
- In June 2021, further to the discovery of 215 unmarked graves of Indigenous children at the Kamloops Residential School the organization began to bring Indigenous issues forward, starting with the first land acknowledgement at our 2021 Annual General Meeting and drawing more focused attention on the urgency to fulfil the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action, which detail how to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.
- In late 2020 and early 2021 the organization underwent a compensation review, using an external HR consultant to ensure our pay practices are fair and equitable.
- The Board of Directors, through the work of the HR Committee, has also increased its oversight of DEI, so that key metrics are captured and reported regularly.
- Looking specifically at the Ontario population disbursement in the 25 – 74 age ranges – the age range for the majority of working Ontarians – Pro-Demnity is representative of the overall population.
- In measuring the ethnic and gender diversity across our employee group as compared to the City of Toronto, Pro-Demnity’s staff of 26 persons closely matches the city’s ethnic mix, whereas our 8-person leadership team is one-person shy of meeting the same ethnic representation of the City.
- In terms of gender, our percentage of females at both leadership and the general staff levels exceeds the City’s percentage.
- Educationally too, our employees have a variety of formal degrees and diplomas, as well as professional designations from the architectural, insurance, financial, legal, and communications sectors.
- Our team’s experience both within and outside of Pro-Demnity is also varied, from the 30% who have joined us during the pandemic to the 27% who have been here 14 years or longer. This mix of experience helps ensure we balance corporate memory and wisdom with new ideas and external insights.
Pro-Demnity commits itself to operating and investing in a sustainable manner and, as part of this overall commitment, the Finance and Audit Committee of the Board are creating an ESG strategy to be explicitly included as part of its overall investment approach. The proactive divestiture of investments from fossil fuels and pipelines began several years ago in September 2018.
Read our Responsible Investment Statement
In creating its ESG strategy, the Board will continue to draw on the expertise of financial management advisors to ensure portfolio investments continue to align with corporate, fiscal and social values.
In late 2021/early 2022 Pro-Demnity will start the process of examining the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals with a view to adopting, integrating or applying actionable goals, as feasibly warranted, into our enterprise-wide operations and practices. Our intention is to participate more actively in this global endeavour while remaining mindful of local needs and available resources.
As we work toward developing our Corporate Social Responsibility roadmap, we look forward to engaging with our stakeholders and communities of practices along the way, in a productive ongoing discourse that will inform and continuously enhance our collective perspectives.
In 2021, Pro-Demnity made strategic charitable investments in support of organizations who respond to their communities in need and contribute to positive, improved outcomes. Our focus begins with the United Nations 17 Sustainability Goals and is informed by the interests of our employees.
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Bruce
PalmerPresident & CEO
Responsibilities as president and CEO
As Pro-Demnity’s fearless leader, Bruce believes in the power of building a team, where everyone is a leader. Empowering all to feel like a valued contributor to the common and united passion to support architects. Bruce is in charge of all strategic direction and is fueled by finding new solutions and services for architects, to better protect them, defend them and help the profession meet new levels. And he’s down-to-earth to boot.
An ally to architects and insurance
30 years in commercial insurance
PRO-areas of expertise
When it comes to being a good student, Bruce is an expert. With a plethora of degrees, including an MBA, an engineering degree and within the insurance profession he holds degrees from the Global Risk Management Institute and the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada. Bruce is also a Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional. And we all know the best kind of leader is always a student.
As a senior insurance executive Bruce has a wealth of experience in the insurance industry, ranging from sales and distribution, to business development, general management leadership and most importantly client services.
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Helena
KasimovChief Financial Officer
Helena
KasimovChief Financial Officer
Responsibilities as financial leader
Like the financial wind beneath Pro-Demnity’s wings Helena is a powerful force. As a senior leader, she works alongside the CEO, COO and Board members to provide invaluable financial insights and analytical thinking to help achieve day-to-day plans and enable the company’s long-term vision to take flight.
A CPA and CGA, Helena is accountable for maintaining the integrity of financial data, compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), and the implementation of new accounting standards.
She oversees all financial matters including statutory and management reporting, planning, capital management, risk management, budgeting, reinsurance, investment accounting, and risk management.
An ally to architects and insurance
Over 24 years in the insurance sector.
PRO-areas of expertise
With demonstrated achievements in insurance accounting, her expertise extends to collaborative management, enterprise risk management, governance and compliance. Helena has also served as Secretary of the Canadian Risk Committee, and brings her broad fiscal acumen to bear on Pro-Demnity’s financial strength.
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Rosemarie
HurstSenior Vice President, Claims & Legal
Responsibilities as the lead legal eagle
Rosemarie’s primary responsibility is to mobilize the legal resources required to support architectural practices facing a claim or litigation. She develops and oversees strategic management of the integrated Legal & Claims team as well as engaging with external counsel. Rosemarie leads the charge to develop and implement claim processes, strategic litigation management and most importantly make sure Pro-Demnity’s services are perfectly aligned to protect your practices’ needs. And that’s the law.
An ally to architects and insurance
20 years practicing law, with a focus on the insurance defense industry
3 years specializing in construction law working with the architectural profession
PRO-areas of expertise
A lawyer not just on Canadian but American turf, Rosemarie has 2O years of expertise in insurance defense litigation and over ten years of in-house legal experience with the Canadian financial services sector. As well as being a top-notch defender, she has extensive management roots within the legal and claims forums. An advocate to fight the good fight, but only when necessary, of course.
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John
HackettExecutive Advisor
John
HackettExecutive Advisor
Responsibilities on risky business
John’s primary responsibility is more of a calling: to assist architects with concerning circumstances and risks that arise in their practice. He acts as a keen identifier of and advisor of risk issues that impact the architect’s business. John is in charge of preparing and presenting risk education programs and information for those in and outside of the field. But what John is probably most known as, is “that voice on the phone” to provide “architect to architect” advice and put you at ease if things start to feel out of alignment.
An ally to architects and insurance
- 37 years in practice as an architect
- 20 years with Pro-Demnity
PRO-Areas of expertise
Sometimes the most valuable expertise is the “takes one to know one” kind.
This rings true with John. He is a licensed architect in Ontario and several other provinces, as well as a previous co-owner of a practice for almost 20 years. John brings a deep awareness and “architect life experience” to the need and value of professional liability insurance, specifically Pro-Demnity’s program. He has a keen sense and instinct to identify the “trouble” moments and communicate those issues of concern with architects and others. With a ton of experience with publicly funded institutional clients and projects where stakeholder financial support and successful fundraising was critical, John is a pro at keeping you in line with how to best support and protect your practice. At the end of the day, he knows all you really want to do, is design for clients and communities.
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Andrea
LaLondeVice President, Underwriting
Andrea
LaLondeVice President, Underwriting
Responsibilities as an over and above underwriter
As head of the Pro-Demnity Underwriting department, to say Andrea’s role is critical is an understatement. She is responsible for leading the entire Underwriting team, while reviewing and approving all renewals and new business. Andrea is a seasoned analyst not just in the financial realm but on the client side as well. She is hands-on with client and policyholder coverage inquiries, keeping her grounded in what possible risks are on the horizon.
An ally to architects and insurance
20 years providing professional liability insurance for the architectural profession.
PRO-areas of expertise
Andrea is an expert in insurance. Specifically, architectural professional liability insurance. As a chartered insurance professional, her acumen for re-insurance ensures that clients stay protected. Andrea is an expert at being in your practices’ corner and making it feel safe and secure to thrive.
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Iliana
ArapisVice President, Client Experience
Iliana
ArapisVice President, Client Experience
Responsibilities on making the right mark
As Vice President of Client Experience, Iliana is responsible for facilitating ownership of customer experience excellence throughout the company. She also leads the development, implementation and evaluation of all marketing and communications activities, and is passionate about enhancing customer experience and engagement.
With a brain for branding, Iliana leads Pro-Demnity’s brand awareness, always staying aligned with market growth, revenue targets and business goals.
Needless to say, Iliana is all about having good communication.
An ally to architects and insurance
17 years in the insurance sector ranging from property to professional liability.
PRO-areas of expertise
Iliana is an expert on getting the word out on Pro-Demnity, and making those words matter with the right people.
Her areas of expertise include strategic communication planning, corporate communications and stakeholder engagement. Iliana’s creative instincts and personable approach to public relations mixed with genuine enthusiasm and a “go-team” attitude make her not just a marketing expert put a people expert.
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Tracy
GerberChief Information Officer
Tracy
GerberChief Information Officer
Responsible for taking tech to the next level
As Chief Information Officer, Tracy is accountable for overseeing Pro-Demnity’s technology needs and ensuring that projects are effectively supported to deliver our organizational goals. She is also accountable, in collaboration with business leaders, to drive innovative technical solutions to provide value to our clients.
With a focus and passion for technology and execution, Tracy ensures that Pro-Demnity has safe, sustainable, and resilient technology solutions to meet the needs of an evolving liability insurance market. Tracy and her team deliver through collaboration with internal and external partners.
An ally to architects and insurance
17 years of experience in the Insurance Industry & 25 years of project experience.
PRO-areas of expertise
Tracy is an expert in managing and executing change. With a history of leading over 10 transformational projects in her career, she uses her knowledge of project and process management to drive results. She is a Project Management Professional and Six Sigma Black Belt that she uses to create the structure needed to execute and sustain positive business results.
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Debra
KrakowChair of the Board
Debra
KrakowChair of the Board
Debra is registered architect with the Ontario Association of Architects and holds a Bachelor of Architecture from McGill University in Montreal.
Debra has been a project manager with the City of Kingston since 2008. Her professional experience includes five years as capital projects manager for Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston and over ten years in architectural firms in Ontario and Quebec where she was involved in building projects in the institutional, commercial, industrial and residential sectors.
She served the Ontario Association of Architects as councilor for Eastern Ontario, most recently in the role of Senior Vice President and Treasurer.
Debra is also an accomplished visual artist with gallery representation in Toronto, Ottawa and Kingston.
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Barbara
HaynesLead Director
Barbara
HaynesLead Director
Barbara Haynes was Founding President and CEO of DAS Canada, part of the Munich Re Group, from 2009 to 2018. She led the licensing, and set up of the new insurance company, developed the strategy, built the team, processes and corporate governance and risk framework. The company became the fastest growing start up within the DAS Group, and was recognized in 2016 and 2018 as one of Canada’s Best Workplaces.
Prior to her role at DAS, she held executive positions with leading Canadian insurance brokers, driving growth and profitability through organic growth, acquisitions, and consolidation of markets. Previously, she was with Zurich Canada, CIBC, and Sun Alliance, where she led growth, reorganization of sales, underwriting and operations management, and the set up of new divisions.
Barbara is a Fellow, Chartered Insurance Professional, holds the designation of Canadian Risk Management, and is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors. She was a Director of DAS Canada, RIAD (International Association of Legal Protection Insurers), and Chair, National Sponsorships, Women In Insurance Cancer Crusade, where she was the recipient of the Lew Dunn Award for volunteerism in 2017.
In addition to serving on the Pro-Demnity Board, she currently serves as a Director of Homes First Foundation.
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Binah
NathanDirector, Finance and Audit Committee Chair
Binah
NathanDirector, Finance and Audit Committee Chair
Binah Nathan is an experienced and accredited corporate director. She is a former senior capital markets professional who has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Ms. Nathan’s expertise includes mergers and acquisitions, risk management and investment management.
Ms. Nathan holds an ICD.D designation offered through the Institute of Corporate Directors in partnership with University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. She is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and has an MBA from the University of Windsor and an Honours BSc in Biochemistry from McMaster University.
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Paul
GoganDirector, Conduct Review, Governance and Nomination Committee Chair
Paul
GoganDirector, Conduct Review, Governance and Nomination Committee Chair
Paul has over 25 years of experience as an Architect, Practice Leader and Client/Market Sector leader. He is known for his ability to understand and address different agendas, deliver projects that maintain design excellence, and successfully manage multidisciplinary teams on complex projects. He has been extensively involved in public, municipal and heritage approvals processes, as well as the design of commercial and institutional projects.
Paul has an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships between the design, construction and real estate industries. Areas of expertise include integrated comprehensive business development and client relationship networks, alignment of A/E service offerings with client needs, leadership of proposal development and business pursuit strategies as well as financial performance monitoring.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Architecture from California Polytechnic State University and a Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech.
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Peter
BertonDirector, HR Committee Chair
Peter
BertonDirector, HR Committee Chair
Peter’s 40-year career has focused primarily on the design of municipal and institutional work, multi-family residential projects, and with custom residential projects. He is also experienced in heritage buildings having completed the LEED Gold, $50 Million Goodes Hall Renovation and Addition at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, and the CAHP award winning Fort Henry Discovery Centre, built on a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Peter started his career with The Thom Partnership Architects in Toronto in 1979 and joined The Ventin Group Architects (+VG Architects) in 1993. Peter is Partner-in-Charge of the Toronto office. He has volunteered in the past in several capacities in the profession including on the OAA Council; the Pro-Demnity Board of Directors; Chairman, The Foundation for Architectural Research; Treasurer, The Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals; and currently a Member of the Board of Directors of Heritage Toronto. Peter has also served as Professional Advisor on several Design Competitions and juries, most recently as the Professional Advisor to the City on the St. Lawrence Market Design Competition in Toronto.
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Lara
McKendrickDirector, OAA Senior Vice President and Treasurer
Lara
McKendrickDirector, OAA Senior Vice President and Treasurer
Based in Ottawa ON, Lara has been a practicing architect for over 25 years. Before starting her eponymous practice in 2011, she worked for 16 years at several well-established Ottawa firms.
Lara McKendrick Architecture’s practice specialization is in the adaptive reuse of buildings and sites as well as custom residential both new and deep energy retrofits. Preferring a collaborative approach, she takes a first principles approach to sustainability creating spaces and places that are healthy, flexible, durable, resilient and beautiful.
Lara is a graduate of Carleton University’s School of Architecture and holds licenses to practice in Ontario and Alberta. She is currently serving on OAA Council as SVP and Treasurer.
Lara’s other volunteer and leisure pursuits generally involve the outdoors; she volunteered for 10 years with the Canadian Ski Patrol and is an avid outdoor sport enthusiast. Living in both Ottawa Ontario and Canmore Alberta she and her partner Ben get outside to bike, ski, paddle or hike as often as possible.
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Susan
SpeigelDirector
Susan
SpeigelDirector
Susan has over 3 decades of experience working in architecture and the Public Realm through urbanism and landscape. She is a registered architect and Fellow of the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada (RAIC), and a Past President of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA). Susan’s design studio is rooted in community building and innovative thinking, in the service of actionable projects. Her current work crosses multiple disciplines to create what she calls ‘Social Architecture in the Public Realm’.
Susan’s pioneering work includes pilot projects which demonstrate her adept hand at executing a social architecture vision with a community of citizens and institutional stakeholders. Her consultative and collaborative approach has ushered in design strategies that generate funding models that fuel, not only the cost of construction but operating capital for educating and employing the local residential pool to maintain and grow with the design executions. Her innate ability to design with empathy through this multidisciplinary approach has allowed for the creation of unique solutions in response to community concerns and global dialogues.
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Kelley
IrwinDirector
Kelley
IrwinDirector
Kelley Irwin is a Chief Information Officer (CIO) and C,Dir certified Chartered Director. She is a seasoned executive with experience leading global technology teams. Kelley started her career at Sun Life Financial (SLF), and has held executive roles at SLF, TD Bank, Economical and Sonnet Insurance, and the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Her career includes experience as a Board Director and Board Advisor.
She is a cyber advocate and is active in public forums on cyber security. Kelley is an award winning author of the book “Please Stay, How Women in Tech Survive and Thrive”, and a frequent keynote speaker at events focused on diversity in technology.
Kelley holds a BA in Math from the University of Western Ontario, Computer Science Diploma from Fanshawe College, Cyber Security certificate from the University of Washington, and completed executive education at the Harvard Kennedy School.
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John
CartwrightDirector
John
CartwrightDirector
John Cartwright joined our board in 2023 after a successful 35+ career in the financial services industry. His extensive background includes the accounting, banking, investment, and insurance/reinsurance industries both in Canada and abroad.
He began his career in 1979 in the audit profession with Coopers and Lybrand where he obtained his C.A. (now C.P.A.) designation and followed with a role in the domestic Canadian banking industry focused on the middle market.
After this initial foray into the financial services industry, John left banking in 1986 and began his career in the insurance/reinsurance industry with an analyst’s role in a specialty property/casualty insurance investment vehicle owned by London Life where he rose to become one of its two Managing Directors. London Life subsequently offered him leadership roles as Managing Director/President of its international property/casualty underwriting operations where he relocated his family first to Dublin, Ireland and then to Barbados.
In 2003, he returned to Canada as a major shareholder and global Chief Operating Officer of a Canadian based privately-owned reinsurance intermediary with offices around the world.
During his career, John’s roles/responsibilities in the insurance/reinsurance industries included board positions and leadership/operating responsibility for sales, investments/acquisitions, underwriting, operations, claims, finance, IT, HR, risk management and regulatory compliance in multiple domestic and international jurisdictions.
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Robert
AllenDirector
Robert
AllenDirector
Appointed March 27, 2025. Biography and Photo coming soon.
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Jennifer
FangDirector
Jennifer
FangDirector
Jennifer Fang is a corporate director and investment professional with 30 years of cross-border investment and management experience at multinational corporations in New York and Toronto.
Ms. Fang advises public and private companies, institutional investors, and family offices as one of few seasoned business executives with deep insights, experiences and networks in both the Asia Pacific and Western markets. She has in-depth experience and knowledge of corporate finance & strategy; mergers & acquisitions; private equity/venture capital; capital markets and corporate governance.
Ms. Fang is a Faculty Advisory Board member at the UBC Sauder School of Business, serves on the boards of Ontario Securities Commission, Alectra Inc., DUCA Financial Services Credit Union Ltd. and Pro-Demnity Insurance Co.; previously held board positions for a TSX–listed mining company, and is a past board director at Providence Healthcare Foundation (part of Unity Health Toronto now), York Region Police Services Board and OAPSB. She holds an MBA in Finance from UBC, is a CFA charter-holder, maintains the ICD.D designation, and completed the ESG Investing certification at the CFA Institute and the Diversity and Inclusion program at Cornell University.
She was appointed to Pro-Demnity’s Board of Directors on March 27, 2025.
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Anna
RichterDirector
Anna
RichterDirector
Anna Richter is the founder and active president of ar architects inc. based in Toronto. One of the firm’s objectives is that the architectural community (practitioners, educators and regulators) augment its service to broader communities by advancing enhanced understanding, engagement and sustained leadership in the design and process of creating meaningful spaces and places for people to live, learn, heal, work, play and come together.
Over several decades of private architectural practice, Anna gained experience and insight on projects involving large, international and collaborative teams as well as multifaceted and interdisciplinary, solo and small teams work.
Previously, Anna was jointly appointed by CCUSA and ROAC as a Director to the Canadian Architectural Certification Board for three years. After appointments to the OAA Interns’ and statutory Complaints Committees, Anna is now an elected member of OAA council and has been appointed as an Interlocking Director to the Pro-Demnity Board as of March 27, 2025.
A graduate of the U of Waterloo having earned a Bachelor of Environmental Studies and Architecture (prof) degrees, Anna is also a LeedAP, holds a U of Alberta’s Indigenous Canada Certificate, and AAAC (Association of Accreditation Agencies of Canada) Certification. Anna has enjoyed serving as a community volunteer and leader at school and sports organizations as well.
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Bruce
PalmerPresident & CEO
Responsibilities as president and CEO
As Pro-Demnity’s fearless leader, Bruce believes in the power of building a team, where everyone is a leader. Empowering all to feel like a valued contributor to the common and united passion to support architects. Bruce is in charge of all strategic direction and is fueled by finding new solutions and services for architects, to better protect them, defend them and help the profession meet new levels. And he’s down-to-earth to boot.
An ally to architects and insurance
30 years in commercial insurance
PRO-areas of expertise
When it comes to being a good student, Bruce is an expert. With a plethora of degrees, including an MBA, an engineering degree and within the insurance profession he holds degrees from the Global Risk Management Institute and the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada. Bruce is also a Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional. And we all know the best kind of leader is always a student.
As a senior insurance executive Bruce has a wealth of experience in the insurance industry, ranging from sales and distribution, to business development, general management leadership and most importantly client services.
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Sal
KnafoLead Architect, Risk Services
Sal
KnafoLead Architect, Risk Services
Responsibilities as Lead Architect
Salvador’s primary role is to lead the in-house architectural team and provide an architect’s perspective on issues across all facets of the company, working with leadership, stakeholders, claim specialists, legal counsel in and outside the organization. Salvador’s breadth of experience includes having worked in professional liability claims with architects, construction dispute, as well as interacting with insurance underwriters in product development and other initiatives within the Company. Most importantly Salvador passionately serves the Profession of Architecture by providing consultation to its stakeholders on avoiding liability and minimizing risk.
An ally to architects and insurance
30 years at Pro-Demnity (previously the OAA Indemnity Plan) defending architects on claims and providing advice on how to avoid getting caught up in one.
Pro-Areas of Expertise
In a profession fraught with attacks from clients, contractors and many others within the backdrop of a litigious construction industry through which millions of dollars passes hands every day, Salvador understands the challenges facing architects and makes time to lend an empathetic ear and assist with developing positive solutions. He passionately advocates for architects and the profession so that those “out in the trenches” can strive for excellence while exercising their skills and creativity to the fullest with peace of mind.
Salvador holds degrees from the University of Waterloo and is a long-time member of the OAA and RAIC.
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Leslie
ParkerSenior Architect, Risk Services
Responsibilities as Senior Architect
Leslie is a key member of the Risk Services team within the Risk Alliance Centre for Excellence at Pro-Demnity. She brings her architectural expertise to bear when providing relevant risk guidance to architects on a broad range of questions. Always protective of architects, she closely reviews claims involving architects, digging into the circumstances, and providing a professional, internal opinion to support the formulation of the claims and legal defense strategy.
In her role, Leslie monitors new developments in the profession and leverages this knowledge to contribute to the research and development of Pro-Demnity’s risk education material, initiatives and programs.
An ally to architects and insurance
Leslie is committed to providing relevant strategies to architects that help them mitigate, manage, or reduce risk for their practice.
Pro-Area of Expertise
With her extensive experience in contract administration, particularly for stipulated sum contracts, as well as project management of large teams, Leslie considers all the angles when offering relevant and timely risk guidance to architects. Through her architectural career spanning 20+ years, Leslie has deep expertise in built environments for healthcare, long term care homes and design for seniors.
Leslie is a licensed Ontario architect, with a BA from St. Thomas University, Fredericton, New Brunswick, as well as a Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies and Master of Architecture from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
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John
HackettExecutive Advisor
John
HackettExecutive Advisor
Responsibilities on risky business
John’s primary responsibility is more of a calling: to assist architects with concerning circumstances and risks that arise in their practice. He acts as a keen identifier of and advisor of risk issues that impact the architect’s business. John is in charge of preparing and presenting risk education programs and information for those in and outside of the field. But what John is probably most known as, is “that voice on the phone” to provide “architect to architect” advice and put you at ease if things start to feel out of alignment.
An ally to architects and insurance
- 37 years in practice as an architect
- 20 years with Pro-Demnity
PRO-Areas of expertise
Sometimes the most valuable expertise is the “takes one to know one” kind.
This rings true with John. He is a licensed architect in Ontario and several other provinces, as well as a previous co-owner of a practice for almost 20 years. John brings a deep awareness and “architect life experience” to the need and value of professional liability insurance, specifically Pro-Demnity’s program. He has a keen sense and instinct to identify the “trouble” moments and communicate those issues of concern with architects and others. With a ton of experience with publicly funded institutional clients and projects where stakeholder financial support and successful fundraising was critical, John is a pro at keeping you in line with how to best support and protect your practice. At the end of the day, he knows all you really want to do, is design for clients and communities.
Architects are supported in their professional liability insurance needs by a capable team across the organization throughout Underwriting, Risk Management, Legal & Claims, Finance, Operations and Marketing. Our employees are multi-generational, multi-skilled, multi-tenured and diverse, dedicated to growing our client-centricity and helping architectural practices to succeed.
CAREERS
An alliance for protection unique to employees. The Pro-Demnity Team is allied with architects and architectural practices. Our talent is leveraged across many disciplines such as Underwriting, Claims, Finance, Risk Management, Operations, IT and Marketing. If you are an architect’s ally too, then consider joining us.
WHY WORK WITH US?
As the leading professional liability insurer to architectural practices, we provide insurance solutions and protections to over 1,500 firms in the province of Ontario. Our alliance for protection to architects extends in unique ways to our employees. We strive to attract talent with wide range of experiences and expertise from students/new grads to seasoned professionals and offer opportunities for our people to become even better.
years in business
protected Architectural Practices
Claims processed
Attractive Compensation
Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity
A Dynamic Team serving Ontario Architects
Accountable Flexplace
Accountable
Flexplace
Flexible work arrangements support productivity and performance, so employees thrive whether they are working remotely or in the office. We offer work from home (WFH) – especially during the pandemic – and include technology support (laptop, dedicated VOIP phone line, etc.) to ensure smooth ongoing connectivity. Return-to-work safety protocols are aligned with public health guidelines.
Diversity, Equity
and Inclusivity
Pro-Demnity stands up to build an open, accepting and just society, and we start by fostering Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity (DEI) in our workplace and with the clients and communities we serve. We strive to provide an environment free from barriers, whether these be physical, perceptual, cultural, gender, age or otherwise. We demonstrate our commitment to this intent by providing a supportive work environment and a corporate culture that respects people’s dignity, ideas and beliefs within the framework of our corporate mission, vision, and values.
A Dynamic Team
serving Ontario Architects
Individually, we’re purpose-driven. As a team, we’re purposeful. We bring our individual expertise, skills and knowledge together in support of architects and each other. We foster a collaborative and respectful work environment where knowledge is shared, continuous improvement nurtured, and innovation is encouraged. Organizational development learning and skills acquisition training is offered throughout the year and employees are supported in pursuing industry-centric or role-specific professional development opportunities.
Attractive
Compensation
Our Total Rewards offering is a complete package of competitive compensation, health and insurance protections, professional development and learning opportunities, retirement planning, well-being programs and perks that foster your success at Pro-Demnity.