Preventing Construction Defects and Mitigating Damages

Michael (Mike) Koppang, Director, Construction Claim Services, is currently responsible for a group of 10 construction engineers, architects and forensic specialists located throughout the country. Mike and his team assist construction claim professionals and defense attorneys to understand complex aspects of construction defect claims through on-site investigations, products failure analyses and design validation. Results from these efforts are aggregated and leveraged in loss prevention efforts through customer interactions.

 Prior to joining Travelers, Mike spent eight years working for a high-profile construction management firm coordinating construction activities of high-rise buildings, laboratories, hospitals and schools. Mike’s eight years of experience as a Superintendent with the construction management firm included reinforced concrete construction, elevators, roof installations, vivarium construction, mechanical systems, life safety testing and code compliance. Prior to working in construction management, Mike worked in the Design Service Center for a national engineering consulting firm. Mike graduated from The University of Massachusetts Lowell with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.

Ken Wengert has been with Travelers since 2000, currently serving as Regional Director for Construction Risk Control in the Northeast and Metro Regions. Prior to joining Travelers he held various leadership roles at a national insurance carrier, largely focused on contractors with loss sensitive and owner/contractor controlled insurance programs. Ken has worked with many small, mid-size and large construction firms engaged in a wide range of projects including infrastructure, education, healthcare, general building, heavy civil, semiconductor, steel, energy and biopharma construction.

Ken has worked in risk control and safety management since 1992, dedicating his efforts to resolving complex client issues and providing technical insight for business partners in claim and underwriting. He is a Certified Safety Professional and a Professional Member of the American Society of Safety Engineers, currently serving as Secretary and Government Affairs Chair of the Eastern New York Chapter. He is actively involved with the Associated General Contractors of New York State, including participation on

the Safety Committee and currently serving as Chair of the AGC of NYS Code Rule 61 - Crane Regulation Revision Task Force. In addition to being a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, Ken also participates in military veteran service organizations such as the Military Caddy and American Corporate Partners programs.