About
Paris Kirwan Associates is an independent insurance agency based out of Rochester with offices in New York City and a staff of over 50 insurance experts. With a focus on helping medical professionals with their insurance needs, PKA is a national leader in building Risk Retention Groups for the healthcare industry, managed by a board composed of physicians and surgeons, along with leaders in business and higher education.
Meet Our Executive Team
Skip Pleninger
President, Medical Insurance Division
Skip has been in the insurance business for 25 years and focuses primarily on risk financing vehicles to help physicians control their risk and cut their expenses. His experience in regulatory compliance and medical malpractice let him to be New York’s leading expert when it comes to protecting your practice from the unexpected. Skip will educate you on your options to secure the coverage that you need while also saving as much as possible on your premiums.
Melissa O’Brien
Account Executive, Medical Insurance Division
Melissa O’Brien has over 20 years experience in the insurance industry. As an Account Executive, she manages the underwriting process for physicians at Paris-Kirwan. Her expertise in medical malpractice insurance enables her to help configure the best possible program at an affordable price. Melissa will ensure you are provided with the information needed to process an application and answer questions throughout the process.
Kevin Curley
Vice President
Kevin has been at Paris-Kirwan for 11 years and in the insurance industry for 28 years. He has a wide range of experience in dealing with assisted living facilities, long-term care facilities, hospice, and physicians. His experience specializes in assisting clients within the health care industry and being able to help those within that particular field. Kevin will work directly with you to make sure you have the proper coverage that is needed.
Steve Smagala
Vice President, Marketing Department
Steve has been in the insurance business for 25 years and is the primary liaison with insurance companies. He also manages the Risk Management Commercial Insurance Marketing Department. His responsibilities include insurance company contract negotiation, client coverage review, along with cost review and negotiation. His goal is to offer proper coverage options and the best possible insurance price for Paris-Kirwan clients.
"Paris Kirwan reduced my malpractice insurance rates substantially and allowed me to customize my policy to fit the needs of my practice. This allowed me to manage my practice more effectively and changed my lifestyle personally!”
“Medical Malpractice premiums were killing our practice. Paris–Kirwan has provided us with a high quality, lower cost alternative which has helped both us and our patients. My calls are promptly returned, and my questions are fully addressed. I recommend Paris–Kirwan Associates without reservation.”
“Paris-Kirwan took great care of me! They listened to my malpractice insurance requirements and individualized my policy. They are always available especially when asking questions about adding new procedures or services for my practice. Plus, they saved me over 20% on my annual premium!”
“I am a practicing physician in New York, specialty in OB/GYN. Skip Pleninger and his valuable assistant, Melissa, [were] extremely helpful in navigating the malpractice marketplace and providing malpractice coverage with proper limits of liability. I highly recommend them!”
