Retirements and Promotions at ALAS

ALAS recently underwent several important leadership transitions. As announced at our Annual General Meeting, Nancy Montroy, our Director of Underwriting, retired on September 30 after 29 years with ALAS. Darren Baker has succeeded Nancy as Director of Underwriting and Michael Hearon succeeded Darren as Corporate Secretary. Also on September 30, longtime Vice President and Senior Claims Counsel Sonya Naar retired from ALAS. 

We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Nancy, Sonya, Darren, and Michael.

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Darren C. Baker   

Darren joined ALAS in 2014 as Assistant Director of Underwriting and Corporate Secretary. He was promoted to Vice President in 2023. Working closely with Nancy, Darren has been deeply involved in all aspects of our underwriting operations. Among other responsibilities, he has helped oversee the annual renewal of LPL and CMB coverage, advised member firms on complex coverage issues, and guided prospective member firms through the application and underwriting process. In 2025, Darren led the implementation and rollout of OneShield, our underwriting platform. Darren was a partner in the Corporate and Securities Practice Group of member firm ArentFox Schiff (formerly Schiff Hardin) before joining ALAS. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.

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J. Michael Hearon   

In light of Darren’s promotion, the role of Corporate Secretary has been assumed by Senior Underwriting Counsel Michael Hearon. Michael joined ALAS in 2024 and has become a valued contributor to the Underwriting group. In addition to his underwriting duties, Michael has advised the ALAS Board and Senior Management team on corporate governance, compliance, and regulatory issues. Prior to joining ALAS, Michael was a partner in member firm Quarles & Brady and a litigation and coverage counsel for Liberty Mutual Insurance. He received his law degree from the University of Kentucky Rosenberg College of Law and his MBA from Georgetown University McDonough School of Business. 

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Nancy J. Montroy  

Nancy has served ALAS with distinction for nearly three decades, including as Director of Underwriting since 2000. She was promoted to Vice President in 2002. As the leader of our Underwriting group, Nancy was responsible for renewal and new business underwriting for our LPL and CMB coverages. She also engaged on a daily basis with our membership to address issues involving coverage, mergers, lateral hiring, ancillary services, and cyber liability. Throughout her career, Nancy displayed deep devotion to our member firms and served as a role model to her ALAS colleagues.  

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Sonya D. Naar  

Sonya has retired after 18 years with ALAS. She joined the Claims Department in 2008 and was promoted to Vice President in 2013. During her tenure, Sonya worked closely and cooperatively with our member firms to assess, defend, and resolve claims, including several of our most significant claims. She stood out for her diligence, knowledge, and negotiating skills. Sonya also organized and led numerous well-received AGM programs and the inaugural Defense Counsel Symposium in 2025.