The Environmental Edge #2

Environmental Edge #2

Welcome to the Environmental Edge. In this issue, we have a Q&A with Kaitlyn Dudzinski, RPLU, VP, Head of Product and Underwriting. You’ll also find insights on contractual liability from Yvette Nadgir, Senior Claims Manager. 

Team Insights

Q&A with Kaitlyn Dudzinski

Kaitlyn Dudzinski, RPLU, VP, Head of Product and Underwriting shares her perspective on the evolving risk landscape, how our team educates its brokers and insureds and her thoughts on the future of the industry. 

Q&A with Kaitlyn Dudzinski 
In this edition, Kaitlyn Dudzinski, RPLU, VP, Head of Environmental Product and Underwriting shares her perspective on the evolving risk landscape, how our team educates brokers and insureds, and her thoughts on the future of the industry.

1. What new trends or client needs are shaping how you design and underwrite environmental products today?

“One of the most significant trends I’ve observed over my career is the growing awareness of professional liability exposures among contractors. Many construction professionals believe that if they aren’t performing traditional design work, such as licensed engineering or stamping, they don’t have any professional liability exposure. However, many contractors 
make decisions in the normal course of their work that qualify as professional services.

‘Professional services’ are typically defined as those requiring specialized knowledge, education, or experience, though not necessarily formal licensure or certification. Historically, professional liability policies were designed for individuals with formal credentials, but modern policies have evolved considerably. As society has become more litigious, many contractors have discovered too late that their General Liability (GL) policies exclude professional services, leaving them without coverage. The increasing understanding of this gap has led to steady growth in the purchase of Professional and Pollution Liability coverage among contractors. Another growing trend is the increased use of Owners Protective Professional Indemnity (OPPI) policies. While these have existed for years, they were traditionally reserved for large, complex projects. As litigation and costs have escalated, project owners have found themselves absorbing expenses when subcontractors’ professional liability programs were inadequate or exhausted. The OPPI product provides an essential safety net, covering losses that exceed the underlying subcontractor policies. In recent years, as brokers and agents have become more educated about this coverage, we’re seeing OPPI adopted not only for major projects but also for smaller, less complex ones where owners want greater financial control.

Our goal is to provide brokers and clients with confidence that they have the necessary coverages, often even for exposures they may not initially recognize. As we continue to develop new products, we maintain the same philosophy: to serve as a trusted partner and resource for our brokers.”

2. How do you approach educating brokers and clients about the importance of understanding and managing their environmental exposures?

“Many insureds and brokers pose theoretical ‘what if’ scenarios, and we welcome those conversations. Our goal is to understand the client’s concerns and explore creative ways to address them. Even when we can’t offer a specific solution, we aim to guide brokers toward appropriate resources or products that can. We focus on education through multiple channels, daily interactions with individual brokers, formal presentations to teams or offices, and participation in industry panels and 
conferences.

Our team offers a range of presentations, including CPPL 101, CPPL Wording 101, and OPPI 101, which we provide both to brokers and their agency partners. Additionally, our participation in conferences allows us not only to share our expertise but also to learn from others. We’re committed to staying informed about evolving exposures 
and trends, ensuring we remain nimble, adaptive, and responsive to the needs of our 
brokers and clients.”

3. You’ve been actively involved in initiatives that support diversity in insurance. What progress have you seen across the industry in terms of leadership representation, and what still needs to change to create more equitable 
opportunities?

“When I first entered the field, many women had already worked hard to open doors for future female leaders, but there is still progress to be made. Diverse teams bring diverse perspectives, and there is clear evidence that this leads to stronger business outcomes. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors, sponsors, and leaders, many of them women, who 
have supported me throughout my career. I began my career as an intern with little understanding of insurance, and I’ve been able to advance, thanks to the support of those who invested in me. As I’ve grown, I’ve made it a 
personal priority to offer that same support to professionals early in their careers. Westfield Specialty provides numerous opportunities for developing talent, including intern and underwriter trainee programs. 

Additionally, I’m proud to serve as a Strategic Board Member for RISE Professionals, an organization Westfield Specialty sponsors. RISE focuses on empowering early-career insurance professionals through education, mentorship, and career development. As part of RISE’s Education Committee, I help produce accessible, high-quality educational content and mentor emerging talent in our field. With intentional leadership, mentorship, and sponsorship, I believe our industry’s future leaders can more fully reflect the diverse world we serve."