Distribution Panel
James T. Lombardo – CPCU, AAI, AIM, MBA

Moderator – James T. Lombardo, CPCU, AAI, AIM, MBA
AVP of Learning and Development, Big I New York

James Lombardo has been in the insurance industry since 1982. He previously has worked for Utica National, Merchants, Met P+C and National Grange Mutual. He became licensed and worked for a large independent agency in Central NY until 2002 when he started his own firm. For the past 17 years, he ran an insurance agency and a Registered Investment Advisor for one of the largest credit unions in New York. He joined Big I NY in 2019 as The AVP of Learning and Development. He has a B.S. in Management Science from SUNY Geneseo and an M.B.A. from SUNY Empire State. Jim truly enjoys teaching insurance and “giving back” as an adjunct instructor for Utica College, Mohawk Valley Community College and LeMoyne College. He is a certified pre-licensing instructor for the New York State Department of Financial Services.


Ayesha Joseph – Claims Manager, Travelers

Ayesha Joseph
Claims Manager, Travelers

Ayesha started her career with Travelers in 2015 as a Auto Blend Claim Professional. To gain multi line exposure, Ayesha transferred into the property organization as an Outside Claim Professional in 2017. During her time within the property organization, Ayesha held additional responsibilities including Senior Outside Claim Professional and was promoted to Unit Manager in 2020. Ayesha has a degree from Rutgers University, where she double majored in Psychology and Human Resource Management. Outside of Travelers, Ayesha and her husband, Jamel enjoy exploring different cities and restaurants with their daughters Jalissa, Lailah, Janaiah, & Kyio.


Porter Dowling – Underwriter, Commercial Insurance Specialty, Chubb Limited

Porter Dowling
Underwriter, Commercial Insurance Specialty, Chubb Limited

Porter Dowling began his insurance career with Chubb Limited after receiving a B.A. in Political Science at Bates College in 2016. Prior to joining Chubb, he worked as a summer intern for One Beacon Insurance, Travelers Insurance and Alan Gray LLC. He joined Chubb as a Professional Associate in the training program at their corporate office in Whitehouse Station, NJ prior to joining his current team in New Haven, CT as a Middle Market underwriter. Over the past 4 years, he has worked with different partners in Southern and Central Connecticut as well as Western Massachusetts. Outside of his profession, Porter is involved in the non-for-profit segment in youth education and health. He is on the Board of Directors for Hartford Youth Scholars, a Steering Committee member for Connecticut Children’s Hospital Foundation and National Committee member at Avon Old Farms.