Meet the Team

Jim started out as an insurance adjuster and has worn many hats for insurers in both Canada and the United States. However, his life’s work for the past 30+ years has been the Reliance Insurance Group and he has been growing and nurturing it since he purchased a small brokerage in 1985.

Jim got involved in the marine insurance business in 2000 when he acquired a portfolio of BC pleasure craft insurance policyholders. Expanding across the country Pacific Marine now underwrites pleasure craft insurance in seven provinces with offices in Vancouver, London Ontario and Laval Quebec.

Today the Group of companies is comprised of seven insurance or insurance related businesses in both the wholesale and retail sides of the business and has grown to over 100 employees.

During his career, Jim has also been and industry leader in both the BC and national insurance communities. Jim also works tirelessly supporting his various charities and enjoys travelling with his wife Katie.

Connect with Jim: Linkedin

With over two decades of expertise in the insurance industry and a genuine passion for the marine sector, Nilanjana Mittra has become a cornerstone of Pacific Marine Underwriting’s Western Canada operations. Since joining PMU in 2007 as a marine underwriter, she has steadily grown with the organization, advancing to senior underwriter before stepping into her current role as Vice President for Western Canada in 2018.

Nilanjana’s journey into insurance may seem unexpected given her Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Management. This diverse background gives her a unique perspective on client service and relationship building. Her Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation, combined with 22 years of industry experience, has equipped her with deep technical knowledge and the strategic vision needed to lead PMU’s western operations with confidence.

What truly sets Nilanjana apart is her remarkable ability to adapt to changing circumstances and her infectious sense of humor—qualities that serve her well in navigating the complexities of marine insurance. She thrives on challenges that offer opportunities to learn, grow, and make a meaningful difference for both clients and colleagues.

Outside the office, Nilanjana enjoys exploring new cities on long walks, shopping, and indulging her unexpected love of horror films. She’s an enthusiast of life’s finer pleasures, regularly sampling wine and sake with friends and family, with the stunning Mediterranean Coast as her dream destination.

True to her favourite Coco Chanel quote, Nilanjana believes in being both “classy and fabulous”—an ethos she brings to every client interaction. While she’s achieved remarkable success throughout her career, she maintains that her greatest achievement is still on the horizon, a testament to her forward-thinking mindset and continued ambition.

Connect with Nilanjana: Linkedin

Breanna Sedar brings a decade of specialized professional experience and a solution-oriented approach to her role as Senior Underwriter and Team Lead for Western Canada. Since joining the Pacific Marine family in 2016, Breanna has become a cornerstone of the West Coast operations, combining a background in Criminology with a deep-seated commitment to the intricacies of marine insurance.

Breanna’s journey to PMU was driven by a desire for professional autonomy and continuous growth. After spending over six years in the retail sector, she sought a career path where she could take direct control of her advancement and education. She began her tenure at PMU West as a processor, quickly mastering the foundational elements of the industry before transitioning into underwriting in 2018. Her upward trajectory is a direct result of her meticulous attention to detail and her relentless pursuit of technical excellence—a journey that continues as she works toward completing her CAIB designation to further enhance the expertise she provides to her broker partners.

As a Team Lead, Breanna is professionally motivated by the success of the collective. She prides herself on creating a supportive, high-energy environment where her team feels empowered to solve complex problems. For Breanna, underwriting is about more than just assessing risk; it is about finding creative solutions that help brokers win while ensuring clients are protected. Her “can-do” attitude and positive outlook serve as the fuel for her team’s productivity and the high standard of service that Western Canada’s brokers have come to expect.

Personally, Breanna is guided by the belief that kindness and hard work are the ultimate catalysts for success. This philosophy is perfectly captured in her favorite quote by Conan O’Brien: “Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.” This mindset allows her to navigate the challenges of the insurance industry with grace and a focus on having a positive impact on everyone she encounters.

Outside the office, Breanna embraces the West Coast lifestyle, exploring the local culinary scene and enjoying craft cocktails with friends. At home, she finds the perfect balance to her busy professional life with her two cats, Scooby and Tony. Whether she is navigating a complex file or hitting her next educational milestone, Breanna remains dedicated to the belief that expertise, paired with a positive spirit, makes all the difference.

Connect with Breanna: Linkedin

Justine Brooke brings dedication, efficiency, and a genuine commitment to her role as Underwriter at Pacific Marine Underwriting. With seven years of industry experience, Justine has built her career from the ground up at PMU, starting as a processor in 2018 before transitioning into underwriting in 2022—a journey that has given her insight into every aspect of the marine insurance process.

Known for her strong work ethic, dependability, and exceptional time management skills, Justine approaches each policy with meticulous attention to detail and a focus on delivering results. What drives her professionally is the opportunity to build strong team bonds while continuously acquiring new skills and expanding her knowledge. She’s passionate about achieving true expertise in marine insurance and values the collaborative environment.

Justine is motivated by staying true to herself and being a positive, kind presence for colleagues and clients. This authenticity shines through in every interaction, making her not just a reliable professional but also a valued team member who brings warmth and integrity to her work.

Outside the office, Justine’s greatest joy and proudest achievement is being a mother. She treasures time with her family, loves exploring new destinations, and enjoys discovering new restaurants with friends. True to her favourite quote by Kate Hodges, she believes in the power of women supporting women—a philosophy she embodies daily. And while she loves exploring the world, her favourite destination will always be her parents’ home, a testament to the deep family values that ground everything she does.

Connect with Justine: Linkedin

As Vice President – Central Canada, Allicia leads with a “boots-on-the-dock” perspective that has defined her career since she first joined the team as a summer student in 2017. Allicia’s inspired journey within Pacific Marine is a testament to her dedication and deep-seated expertise. Transitioning from a summer position to a full-time underwriter, Allicia successfully achieved her RIBO license in the spring of 2018, and her Canadian Managing General Agent (CMGA) designation in spring 2022.

Beyond her work at Pacific Marine, Allicia is a prominent advocate for the local insurance community. She joined the London Insurance Brokers Association (LIBA) Board of Directors in 2020 and served as LIBA President for two consecutive terms in 2023 and 2024. Today, she continues to shape the industry as the current LIBA Chair and Treasurer, ensuring the local brokerage community remains vibrant and informed.

Allicia’s professional drive is balanced by a love for adventure and the simple joys of life. Whether she is planning her next adventure with her husband, Tyler, or spending time with her pets, she understands that the memories made during down time are exactly what make protecting those moments so vital. When Allicia isn’t steering the ship for Central Canada, you’ll likely find her enjoying her favorite pastime: the quiet, restorative stillness of a Sunday afternoon.

Connect with Allicia: Linkedin

Joining the PMU team in May 2021 as a summer student, Ashley’s natural aptitude for risk assessment and her commitment to the craft led her to transition quickly into a permanent role within the underwriting department. A 2019 graduate, Ashley seeks a career path that promotes a work-life balance – a synergy she has found and fostered at Pacific Marine.

Before entering the world of insurance, Ashley spent years immersed in competitive sports, including hockey, soccer, basketball and lacrosse. This being the foundation of her professional identity she understands that a successful underwriting partnership is built on the same principles as a winning team: hard work, adaptability, and communication. Ashley’s dedication to her broker partners is evident in her daily interactions.

When she isn’t analyzing risks, you can often find her exploring the local culinary scene with friends or trekking through hiking trails with her dog Lily. Ashley’s connection to nature runs deep; her ultimate “dream job” is running a hobby farm with horses, Highland cows and miniature goats.

Inspired by the Dr. Seuss quote, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”, Ashley brings an authentic, vibrant presence to the Pacific Marine team, making her a trusted and standout partner for brokers navigating the pleasure craft market.

Yverca Gervais Morales brings +10 years of insurance expertise and a specialized focus in marine underwriting to her role as Vice President for PMU Québec. AMF licensed with six years dedicated specifically to marine insurance, Yverca joined the Pacific Marine family in 2025, bringing her deep industry knowledge and passion for the sector to lead the Quebec operations.

What sets Yverca apart is her natural talent for relationship building combined with a playful approach that makes working with her both productive and enjoyable. She’s driven professionally by a desire to push boundaries and embrace new challenges, always looking for opportunities to innovate and elevate the client experience. Personally, she draws inspiration from her family, who motivate her daily, and maintains a strong commitment to both physical and mental well-being.

Outside the office, Yverca enjoys hiking and has a fascination with crime documentaries. Her greatest achievement is getting to where she is today, though she knows the best is yet to come. Having fallen in love with the West Indies on previous travels, Yverca’s favorite way to unwind is returning there to enjoy a beach BBQ with her loved ones. For her, it isn’t just a vacation spot; it’s the ultimate soul-refresher. True to her favourite quote, “You are more than your struggles,” Yverca approaches both challenges and successes with resilience and perspective, bringing authenticity and determination to every client relationship.

Connect with Yverca: Linkedin

Katy Rabouin brings a unique blend of analytical expertise and thoughtful client service to her role as Senior Underwriter for Pacific Marine Underwriting’s Quebec. With a diploma in Hotel Management and over five years of experience as a Risk Analyst in Life and Disability Insurance, Katy transitioned to the Damage Insurance industry in 2016, discovering her passion for marine underwriting.

Katy joined PMU in 2017 as a Junior Underwriter and quickly demonstrated her capabilities, earning a promotion to Senior Underwriter in 2018. Her strengths lie in analytical thinking, research skills, intellectual curiosity, and strong communication abilities—qualities that enable her to assess complex risks with precision while maintaining clear, collaborative relationships with brokers and clients.

What drives Katy professionally is a commitment to continuous improvement, delivering quality work, and contributing to team success. She approaches each file with careful attention to detail and a genuine desire to find the right solutions. Personally, she values balance, wellness, and personal development, ensuring she brings her best self to both work and life.

In her downtime, Katy gravitates toward calm environments and enjoys reading, watching movies and documentaries, and spending quality time with loved ones. Her greatest achievement is building a fulfilling life and stable career while continuing to grow—a testament to her patient, steady approach. Her ideal getaway involves peaceful places close to nature and the beach.
True to her favourite quote by François Rabelais, “Everything comes in time to those who can wait,” Katy brings patience, persistence, and perspective to every challenge, making her a trusted partner in navigating marine insurance needs.

Connect with Katy: Linkedin

With a background in digital marketing and design, Steffi is the person behind our marketing and brand management.

Steffi’s career started back in 2012 working for a tourism based digital agency where she worked with top resort brands and tourism destinations from her country of origin, the beautiful Dominican Republic. She also worked with Remax DR, financial and advertising companies.

In 2016, looking to experience life abroad, Steffi moved to British Columbia and joined the Reliance Group Marketing Team as the Digital Marketing Coordinator. Since coming on board, Steffi has revamped the brand identity for all the REL Group of Companies brands. In true millennial fashion, creating and making connections in the digital world is Steffi’s passion, and it shows.

“Bringing brands to life is something I really enjoy doing. I also love technology and design, and I am lucky I get to do exactly that for PMU.”

Steffi loves to spend time with her son and husband. She also enjoys drinking hot coffee every morning, and going to the gym every night.

Connect with Steffi: Linkedin