Sterling & Sterling’s Commitment to Aviation Continues to Soar

WOODBURY, N.Y., Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- One year after opening its first aviation office, and following the acquisition of an additional team in Utah to further strengthen its aviation practice, Sterling & Sterling, Inc., one of the largest private insurance brokerages in the country, today reaffirmed its commitment to the aviation industry.

Sterling Aviation Insurance Services, based in Miramar Beach, FL, continues to flourish and grow under the leadership of Carl Shephard, President.  Shephard brings over 30 years of international aviation insurance experience to Sterling & Sterling.  Along with Mike O'Donnell, Senior Vice President, both were hired for their extensive history in the aviation insurance field.  The practice serves as the primary underwriting and risk management service center for Sterling & Sterling clients, which include corporate and offshore aircraft owners, domestic and international helicopter companies, aircraft management, air and ground ambulance companies, ground handlers, fixed base operations and flight academies, among others.

Sterling Ascend Insurance Resources, headquartered in Park City, UT, was formed last July as part of a strategy to compliment Sterling & Sterling's existing efforts in the aviation field.  Leslie DeWald, President, is a veteran of the aviation and aerospace field with more than 30 years of experience.  The practice handles underwriting and risk management services for large aerospace companies, helicopter fleets and airports, among others.

"Our deep knowledge of the aviation industry is what sets us apart from others in the insurance field," said David Sterling, Chairman & CEO of Sterling & Sterling.  "Between our offices in Florida and Utah, we have an impressive roster of talent that brings with it a wealth of experience working with aviation clients big and small.  We also employ a very customer-oriented approach, which our clients appreciate because they know they are getting the attention they deserve."

Aviation services provided by Sterling & Sterling extend to owners, operators and managers of aviation-related businesses.  The firm also offers various Property and Casualty insurance products, including workers' compensation, airport general liability, auto, pollution, directors and officers, internet and privacy liability and much more.

About Sterling & Sterling, Inc.
Founded in 1932, Sterling & Sterling employs over 170 highly skilled insurance professionals, with offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Utah and California.  Ranked in the nation's top 100 insurance brokerages, the firm has grown to become one of the largest in the New York metropolitan area, with premiums exceeding $350 million.  Sterling & Sterling services regional, national and international clients, and specializes in multiple areas, including property and casualty insurance, employee benefits consulting, risk management, loss control, claims management, estate planning and business succession planning.  For more information, visit www.sterlingrisk.com.

SOURCE Sterling & Sterling, Inc.