About Us

You need someone that speaks your language. At our core, we work to protect people, property, and businesses from the unforeseen circumstances that can upend daily life. The human element of our work guides our principles of transparency, trust, and integrity.

Our Team

Our clients are the lifeblood of our business – we pride ourselves as active partners, committed to securing their success. We don’t simply respond to needs; we anticipate them by learning the ins and outs of their business, and staying ahead of the curve so they don’t have to.

Commercial Lines

President & Founder

Adrian Morgenstern

Adrian founded Morgenstern Insurance Services in early 2020 after serving the insurance industry in Upstate New York for the past fifteen years. Adrian oversees all agency management functions as well as direct and outside sales. His analytical and strategic approach to every aspect of the insurance buying process has set Adrian apart among his competitors. Known for his remarkably high retention rate, Adrian builds strong relationships with his clients by delivering data-driven risk management strategic planning accompanied with high quality service.

Professional Experience

USI Insurance - Vice President
Key Insurance - Vice President/Insurance Producer
First Niagara Risk Management – Vice President/Sales

Education

William J Angell School of Surety 1 & 11
Rochester Institute of Technology (MBA)
University of Rochester (Economics)

Senior Vice President

Heidi Hollman

Heidi is an insurance professional of nearly thirty-years, having worked on the agency and company sides of the insurance business, in both commercial and personal insurance, as well as in computer systems support. Heidi has worked on a wide variety of commercial accounts including large property, agriculture, construction, technology, manufacturing, not-for-profit, social service, and municipalities, which will now allow Morgenstern to provide a larger scope of service and support for our clients. She holds a New York State brokers license and has earned designations as both a Registered Workers Compensation Specialist (RWCS) and Management Liability Insurance Specialist (MLIS).

Professional Experience

Tompkins Insurance Agencies - WNY Commercial Lines Supervisor
USI Insurance Services - Account Executive
Safeco Insurance Company - Senior Agency Technology Specialist
VanderMallie Insurance Agency - Licensed Insurance Broker
Hatch-Leonard/Markin-Shaw - Commercial Lines Assistant/Analyst
Taylor Marshall Insurance Agency - Personal Insurance Service Rep.

Education

Rochester Institute of Technology (BS, International Business)

Director of Brokerage & Placement

Adrienne O'Neill, CPCU

As the newest addition to the company, Adrienne brings unique talents to Morgenstern Insurance. Having been in the insurance industry for 32 years, she has spent the last 25 years developing her skillset and expertise in brokerage and placement. She has worked with clients with diverse and complicated coverage programs, including commercial real estate, apartments, and hospitality risks. She took an early interest in the fields of cyber insurance and professional liability, and has subsequently developed and maintained the specialized expertise required to navigate these branches of the industry. Her work ethic, uncompromising integrity, and rock-solid relationships with our underwriting partners set her apart from her peers, and allow her to deliver optimal results for her teammates and clients. Adrienne embodies the Morgenstern Insurance value proposition, with a collaborative and thoughtful approach to her work. She works alongside our Sales and Service Teams to develop and execute a winning strategy for our clients when they are presented to the Insurance Marketplace. Adrienne holds a CPCU designation, and is widely known within the insurance industry as being a top performer. We are thrilled to have her on our team.

Professional Experience

Gallagher – Broker & Placement Director
M&T Insurance Agency – Senior Vice President/Director of Marketing – WNY
Key Insurance & Benefits Services – Senior Client Marketing Analyst
Marshall & Sterling – Underwriting Manager

Education

Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)

Coordinator of Client Services

Jillian Sherwin

After finishing graduate school, Jillian worked on the carrier side of the business for more than seven years, first as a Personal Lines Underwriter, and then as a Claims Adjuster for personal, commercial, and agricultural losses. This breadth of experience allows Jillian to offer clients a loss-based perspective on their risk management strategies, and she is deeply committed to helping insureds understand their policies and choose coverage that fully meets their needs and goals.

Professional Experience

Ontario Insurance Company - Personal Lines Underwriter,  Claims Representative
Dobbin Agency - Customer Service Representative

Education

St. Lawrence University (BA - English, Speech & Theatre)
Syracuse University (MA - English)

Professional Organizations

CPCU Society, Rochester Chapter - Executive Board

Coordinator of Client Services

Joel Miller

More information coming soon!

Senior Insurance Consultant

Gene Gorman

Gene has more than 40 years of experience in commercial insurance working as a Broker, Risk Manager and Consultant for firms in the Construction, Engineering, Food, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Senior care, Technology and Transportation sectors. His experience includes managing domestic and international insurance and risk management programs for entities ranging from Main St. businesses up to, and including, Fortune 500 companies. Gene is licensed in New York and Pennsylvania and has earned the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation.

Professional Experience

USI Insurance Services – Senior Client Account Manager
Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. – Account Executive
Willis of Pennsylvania, Inc. – Vice President/Broker
J.J. White, Inc. – Director of Risk Management
M.F. Irvine & Associates, Inc. – Vice President/Consultant
Henkels & McCoy, Inc. – Director of Risk Management
Liberty Mutual Group – National Account Manager
Rollins Truck Leasing Corp. – Insurance & Risk Manager
ADVANTA Corp. – Insurance & Risk Manager

Education

University of Notre Dame (BBA, Accounting)
LaSalle University (MBA, Finance)

Account Executive

Jamie Chandler

Jamie is a dedicated insurance professional who recently joined Morgenstern Insurance Services in May 2023. With nearly a decade of experience in the insurance industry, Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. His background spans both sales and customer service, enabling him to provide a well-rounded approach to assisting clients. Throughout his career, Jamie has consistently delivered outstanding performance, earning numerous awards for his exceptional production. He was named Rookie of the Year in his first year at Paychex and qualified for Conference, a prestigious trip awarded to top-performing sales professionals, during each fiscal year of his tenure at Paychex. He has a proven track record of handling complex real estate portfolios and development projects, using his expertise in navigating the intricacies of the insurance landscape to provide clients with ideal risk management plans. Driven by a passion for delivering exceptional service and tailored insurance solutions, Jamie aspires to consistently exceed client expectations and contribute to the success of his clients' ventures.

Professional Experience

RPS – Wholesale Broker
USI – Vice President
Paychex – Middle Market Producer
Key Insurance – Account Manager

Education

University at Buffalo (BS, Business Administration & BA, Fine Arts)
Property & Casualty License

Personal Lines

VP/Director of Personal Insurance, Partner

Matt Harding

Matt partnered with Morgenstern Insurance Services in August 2022 after serving the insurance industry for nearly a decade. Matt overseas the personal insurance department as well as direct and outside sales. His career started with an exclusive agency where he developed his expertise in the insurance business while achieving numerous awards for his production. Matt later founded a local brokerage in 2019 and worked to cultivate relationships with many insurance carriers with the goal of helping every client possible. Matt sold his brokerage and partnered with Morgenstern Insurance in 2022 to enhance the personal insurance department. With his industry knowledge and experience, Morgenstern Insurance has options for every type of client, personal and commercial, to deliver the best customer experience possible.

Professional Experience

Allstate - Producer
Elmwood Agency - Founder/President

Education

State University of New York at Oswego (BS, Technology Management)
Property & Casualty License
NYS Life, Accident and Health Broker License

Professional Organizations

BIG I of WNY - Board Member

Coordinator of Client Services

Connie Pullinzi

Prior to joining the Morgenstern Insurance services team, Connie was an account manager for a high-volume agency. She holds a New York State Brokers license in Property and Casualty, and Commercial Insurance. Having experience with a wide variety of clientele has provided her the ability to recognize and predict her client’s needs. She prides herself on her organizational talents which are only matched by her compassionate and optimistic personality. As the newest member of the team, Connie is eager to provide clients with the individually curated service that Morgenstern Insurance Services is known for.

Professional Experience

Account Manager – Elmwood Agency

Education

Property & Casualty License

Group and Individual Benefits

Strategic Account Manager

Brekke Jensen

With over five years of experience in benefits account management, Brekke brings strong industry expertise and a deep understanding of product offerings and strategic planning. At Morgenstern Benefits, she plays a key role in process development, renewal strategy, and the successful execution of Open Enrollment. Brekke is committed to helping clients build competitive, high-value benefits packages that support their business goals and resonate with their employees.

Professional Experience

Account Manager – Simco Capital, LTD
Account Manager – Bond Benefits Consulting
Enrollment Specialist – Bond Benefits Consulting

Education

NYS Life, Accident and Health Broker License
Canisius College (BS)

Director of Morgenstern Benefits

Michael Gurowski

With 39 years of experience in the employee benefits industry, Mike brings unmatched expertise and insight to his role as Director of Morgenstern Benefits. He leads the benefits team with a focus on sales management, client retention, and long-term strategy. Known for his proactive approach and deep industry relationships, Mike consistently delivers tailored solutions and exceptional service. His ability to align strategic planning with client goals has made him a trusted partner to organizations across the region.

Professional Experience

Titan Insurance & Employee Benefits, acquired by US Retirement & Benefit Partners - Founder, Managing Partner

Education

NYS Life, Accident and Health Broker License

Professional Organizations

Meals on Wheels - Volunteer Driver
Midtown Athletic Club - Fitness Instructor

Account Executive

Matthew Ceracchi

Matthew is a dedicated Account Executive at Morgenstern Benefits, having joined the team in 2023. He brings over 14 years of experience in the healthcare insurance and business development sectors, offering a unique and strategic approach to client relationship management. Matt built a strong foundation in healthcare insurance during his 11 years at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and later refined his skills in client engagement and growth strategy within the staffing industry.

At Morgenstern Benefits, Matthew leverages his diverse experience to cultivate new business relationships and support our ongoing commitment to exceptional client service and sustainable growth.

Professional Experience

Customer Service and Account Services - Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
Business Development - Nesco Resource
Business Development - AppleOne Staffing

Education

SUNY Brockport
Monroe Community College

About Us

Our Team

Commercial Lines

Adrian Morgenstern

Heidi Hollman

Adrienne O'Neill, CPCU

Jillian Sherwin

Joel Miller

Gene Gorman

Jamie Chandler

Personal Lines

Matt Harding

Connie Pullinzi

Group and Individual Benefits

Brekke Jensen

Michael Gurowski

Matthew Ceracchi

@MorgensternInsurance