Loss Executives Association

About The
Loss
Executives
Association

Officers & Directors
Constitution & Bylaws
Antitrust & Policy
Cronin Award

Our Vision and Mission

Founded over 95 years ago, the Loss Executives Association provides a forum for discussion, study and consideration of common loss adjustment problems to explore options and alternatives. It is the LEA’s belief that a better understanding of such problems is the ultimate goal of the educational process.

Our
History

Building a Community of Experts: The LEA's Founding Story

Imagine a time when the complexities of loss adjustment demanded a brighter, more collaborative approach. In 1931, a passionate group of professionals in the heart of lower Manhattan sparked a movement. Meeting quarterly at the iconic Drug & Chemical Club, they weren’t just discussing problems; they were building a community. Their shared goal: to create a dedicated space for exploring common loss adjustment challenges, driven by the conviction that deeper understanding would elevate the entire claims profession. This powerful vision led to the birth of the Eastern Loss Executives Conference – an early network where expertise was shared, insights were forged, and lasting professional bonds were created.

Regional Roots, Shared Knowledge: The Eastern Underwriters Association Connection

In its early growth, the LEA’s influence was deeply connected to the Northeastern U.S., the heartland of the respected Eastern Underwriters Association. Its strength came from its core membership: the property insurance professionals on the front lines of loss adjustment, bringing invaluable real-world experience. But the vision extended beyond seasoned experts. Recognizing the power of collective learning, the organization welcomed those eager to expand their knowledge, from loss department specialists to industry organization members. Even those new to the field benefited from the rich discussions. This commitment to shared expertise, amplified through vital exchanges with the General Adjustment Bureaus and loss personnel from across the underwriting spectrum, built a powerful regional hub of knowledge. Leading this early charge was F.I. Crisfield of the Royal Liverpool Group, who served as the organization’s first guiding force.

A New Era of Leadership: The Loss Executives Association Emerges

By January 1950, the organization’s scope had expanded, and with it, its identity. With the Board’s enthusiastic endorsement, it adopted a new constitution and the resonant name we know today: the “Loss Executives Association” (LEA). This evolution marked a significant step in building a truly comprehensive network. The LEA’s enduring success is a testament to its diverse and engaged membership, now a powerful collective that includes not only insurance company professionals but also the specialized expertise of independent adjusters, legal strategists, financial analysts, engineering specialists, construction experts, and recovery professionals. The dedication of its founders and the vision of subsequent leaders have cultivated this thriving community, where the foundational principles of shared learning, established 95 years ago, continue to drive progress.

Empowering Professionals, Shaping the Future: The LEA's Ongoing Impact

The LEA’s story is one of lasting tradition and steady evolution. From its earliest days, the organization has empowered property insurance professionals through hands-on education, dynamic committee work, and membership-wide engagement. Its seminars and programs have long addressed the industry’s core challenges—from valuation and complex loss adjustment to arson, fraud, environmental concerns, and concurrent causation. Today, the LEA continues to shape the industry’s future through a strategic partnership with St. John’s University School of Risk Management, bringing academic insight and student innovation directly to its members. The LEA also fosters rising talent through its Young Professionals program, an immersive workshop that encourages shared learning and peer networking. With a focus on education, collaboration, and leadership development, the LEA remains a vital resource for professionals across the property insurance spectrum.

95 years later, the LEA is still here on the front lines, doing its part to help educate men and women in the property loss world.