A Brief History of the NBCA

The National Bond Claims Association traces its lineage back to the early 1970’s. Bob Wavrek, then the bond claims manager for Westfield Insurance Company – Ohio Farmers Insurance Company, and Richard McGhee, the head of Westfield’s bond underwriting department, conceived the idea of an annual social gathering for a small group of company representatives. 

In 1974, the original group decided to formalize their meeting which was officially named the Westfield Bond Claim Open and Seminar.  The initial seminar was held at Westfield’s campus in October 1974 and was limited strictly to company representatives.  The program was chaired by Paul McNamara, Esq. and featured presentations by John Petro, Bernie Balkin and Charlie Ackerman.

In 1975 the invitation list was expanded and more company representatives attended.  Each year thereafter, the event became larger as attorneys and consultants were also invited to attend.  Eventually, as the meeting grew in reputation and size, a core group of members, led by our departed but still beloved friend, John Mercogliano, decided to form a national organization, hence the name change to the National Bond Claims Association.  The affairs of the NBCA are directed by a Board of Directors that includes twelve of the most senior claims representatives of major bonding companies in the United States.  Our current membership includes approximately 350 individuals who work in the fidelity and surety bond industry.

 

Although the organization has enjoyed great success and growth over the years, the objective of fostering a fraternity of bonding industry colleagues remains our goal.  The Board members strongly believe that an organization dedicated to the goals of shared knowledge and the development of professional camaraderie benefits all who work in our industry.

 

The Board thanks John Petro for his detailed history of the origins of the Westfield/NBCA.