Leadership

Mark Churella, Sr.

Mark entered into the industry in 1984 as an insurance agent in the family owned agency of Financial Designs, Inc. which was founded by his father, Robert G. Churella, Sr. in 1970. Mark was appointed President and CEO of Financial Designs, Inc. in 1988. Under his leadership the FDI Group was established in 1990 to serve as the controlling entity of the growing number of companies. Today, there are ten affiliates thriving under the FDI Group umbrella which exemplifies his commitment of creative business development to bring the best solutions, the best people and the best service to the marketplace.

Mark oversees the strategic direction, development and implementation of the enterprise investment strategy and provides direction to leadership functions and business organizations to meet the enduring needs of our customers. Mark earned a B.A. degree from the University of Michigan in 1979 and is a licensed Property & Casualty, Life & Health Insurance Producer.

Ryan Churella

As a member of the leadership team, Ryan manages a number of organization-wide processes and activities, driving seamless “FDI Group” strategies and execution across the enterprise. As Co-President, he shares in the day-to-day oversight and support of all FDI Group business affiliates and focuses on specific growth enablers, including provision performance, important national relationships, and leadership initiatives. Prior to being appointed to his current position, Ryan served as Vice President of Operations.

Ryan is a member of The FDI Group executive board and has played a leadership role in the expansion of technology engagement and was instrumental in the successful implementation of numerous corporate initiatives to ensure stability and continuity of service to customers.

Ryan is passionate about providing solutions to his clients and building upon the company started by his Grandfather over 50 years ago. Ryan earned a B.A. degree from the University of Michigan. He resides in Ann Arbor with his wife and their three young children.

Bruce Stubbs

Bruce began his career with The FDI Group of companies as Vice President of Sales in 2005. He led efforts in sales and business development and was an integral member in the financial planning, pricing, and cost management activities within the claims management companies. In 2006, Bruce was appointed to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of CompOne, ManageAbility and Startech Software. He holds the same title for two additional FDI Group companies, MAI IME and Rizikon, which were both formed in 2015.

Bruce is responsible for ensuring that the appropriate people, processes and tools are in place to enable delivery of services and for building a culture of continuous improvement within the companies. He integrates work across the core operations and quality assurance operations, and coordinates with other functions including Information Technology, and Risk Management, to support business success and provide value to customers.

Prior to joining FDI Group, Bruce entered into the industry in 1988 as an Account Executive for a rehabilitation and vocational provider. He then took a role with a regional TPA as an Account Executive in 1991. During his fourteen years, he held a number of posts finishing his tenure as Vice President of Sales in 2005. His experience included Claims Administration, Managed Care Products, and Independent Adjusting Services in the P&C Insurance markets.

Bruce is a member of the Knights of Columbus and a veteran of the U.S. Armed Services having served as a Military Police Officer. He firmly believes that God, AA (staying sober 31 years), hard work and helping others was the Key to his success, stating “Faith will move mountains but it is a good Idea to bring a shovel while you wait!”

Eric Waidelich

Eric was named to the position of Business Development in June 2017, due to his professional knowledge of the field, and his acumen in recognizing the best solutions, for our clients. He is
responsible for project deployment while still making himself available for special projects requiring his unique expertise.

Waidelich joined the FDI Group of companies in 2014, serving as a risk management consultant. In this position, he provided assessments, training and consultation to all levels of government, tribal nations, healthcare systems, petrochemical and manufacturing.

Prior to joining the FDI Group, Eric served in various local government administrations. Duties included working closely with policymakers, policyholders, brokers, agents and internal partners. Before that, Eric held an executive position with MERC International, a risk management and regulatory compliance consulting company. He had overall responsibility for managing projects and implementing client driven objectives performed throughout the Unites States, West Africa, Eastern Europe, South America and the Caribbean.

Waidelich earned a bachelors degree in public safety administration from Siena Heights University and currently pursuing his masters’ in Business Administration from the University of Michigan, Rackham School of Graduate Studies. He holds more than thirty industry related certifications in the fields of risk management, occupational safety, and emergency management.

Erica Healander

Experience: Erica joined the FDI Group of companies in 2021 as the Vice President of People Operations and Enterprise Risk Management. Erica’s roots in the risk management and insurance industry run deep with over 25 years of experience. She started her career as a student assistant in the Risk Management & Workers’ Compensation department at Eastern Michigan University where she was promoted to Manager of Risk Management. She later served as the Director of Risk Management at the University of California where she implemented the campus’ enterprise risk management program. Erica also has experience in client services with national third party administrators, specializing in self-insured public entities.

Specialty: Erica is focused on our greatest asset, our people! She is responsible for organizational transformation, employee development, overall human resource functions and managing our operational, strategic, and compliance-related risks. Her combined experience in the insurance industry along with her Master’s Degree of Human Resource Management & Organizational Development make her an exceptional Vice President of People Operations.

Years in Industry: 26

Job Highlights: The mentors – not many people grow up saying they want to be a risk manager when they grow up, but the mentorship Erica had at the beginning of and throughout her career made her fall in love with the practice and commit her career to the industry.

Personal Interests: Mom of 1 | Family | Boating | DIY Projects | Volunteering | Helping Others

Favorite Quote: You must be the change you wish to see in the world. – Mahatma Ghandi