Built for Human Services Risk
Underwriting leadership shaped by specialized insight, local authority, and accountability
Meet Dan Mertes
Chief Underwriting Officer at Berkley Human Services
With more than 25 years of underwriting and operational leadership experience—and two years focused exclusively on the human services sector—Dan plays a central role in guiding how Berkley Human Services evaluates risk, supports producers, and delivers tailored coverage solutions. In this Spotlight Q&A, Dan shares his perspective on disciplined decision-making, the value of specialization, and how collaboration across teams helps create clarity, consistency, and better outcomes for the organizations we serve.
Purpose-driven underwriting leadership
Q: What is your role, and what does your team do day to day?
A: I serve as Chief Underwriting Officer for Berkley Human Services, with responsibility for underwriting, operations, and risk control, and also act as Chief Risk Officer and Innovation Leader—supporting strategic growth and operational excellence across the organization.
Q: How does your team support clients, producers, or distribution?
A: We work closely with brokers to deliver tailored coverage solutions that reflect the unique needs of human services organizations.
Q: What problems does your team help solve most often?
A: We help navigate complex underwriting and risk challenges by aligning coverage with real-world operations of human service organizations, managing evolving exposures, improving operational efficiency, and maintaining consistent risk governance to support sustainable growth.
Leadership perspective and decision-making
Q: How do you approach decision-making in complex or high-stakes situations?
A: I believe sound decision making starts with our values. By combining thoughtful, fact-based judgment with a sense of urgency, we can navigate complexity and arrive at the best possible solutions and achieve the right outcome.
Q: What guides your judgment when balancing risk, service, and growth?
A: My judgement centers on making decisions with a strong sense of accountability, while also empowering our teams to contribute their expertise and to make decisions. We take ownership of outcomes, grounding decisions in facts, and acting with urgency to enable the right results for our clients, partners, and organization.
Q: How do cross-functional teams contribute to stronger outcomes?
A: Cross functional teams strengthen outcomes by promoting teamwork and shared ownership, allowing diverse expertise to come together in support of well informed, confident decision making.
Value to clients, broker partners, and stakeholders
Q: What does your approach mean for the people you serve?
A: Our approach helps clients and stakeholders receive thoughtful, well designed coverage solutions that reflect a deep understanding of their unique risks and operational realities. By combining underwriting discipline, risk insight, and collaboration, we help create stability, clarity, and long-term value.
Q: How does your leadership shape the producer and client experience?
A: By emphasizing accountability, transparency, and timely decisions, we create confidence for producers and clients alike. By empowering teams while maintaining clear ownership, we deliver consistent, responsive, and relationship-driven experiences.
Q: What should producers expect when working with your team?
A: Partners can expect a collaborative, solutions-oriented team that values teamwork, mutual respect, and clear communication. We bring consistency, expertise, and a shared commitment to achieving the right outcomes for all stakeholders.
Differentiation through specialization
Q: What differentiates your approach or expertise in the market?
A: Our differentiation is rooted in deep specialization, local decision-making authority, and disciplined underwriting focused exclusively on the human services space. By staying close to the risk and the market, we deliver tailored solutions—not one-size-fits-all answers.
Q: Why does specialization matter in this segment of the business?
A: Human services organizations face complex, evolving risks that require industry-specific expertise. Specialization enables a deeper understanding of those nuances, more relevant coverage and risk guidance, and consistently informed underwriting decisions.
Q: How does your team remain aligned as the business evolves?
A: We stay aligned through clear accountability, strong communication, and a shared commitment to Berkley’s decentralized operating model. This approach empowers teams while reinforcing consistent risk principles and strategic focus as we adapt and grow.
