ABOUT US
Tampa Bay Claims Association is dedicated to the advancement of professional ethics and education in the field of insurance claims and related businesses in the Greater Tampa Bay Area. We focus on insurance education and positive engagement with Adjusters, Insurance Carriers and supporting Vendors.
Candice Hill | President
Candice Hill is Vice President of Flood Operations of Allied American USA’s Flood Division and is responsible for all WYO/NFIP and Private Flood claims servicing the company’s diverse list of client partners, including the nation’s largest flood company, which supports in excess of 17,000 agents across 42 states. Candice has more than 23 years of claims technical experience working homeowner multi-peril and large complex commercial losses in addition to flood losses. She has worked catastrophe events affecting the U.S. since 2001 both from field and leadership capacities. The Flood Department at Allied American has experienced dynamic growth in recent years during which Candice consistently receives high marks from our flood clients for speed, quality, responsiveness, customer service, compliance and overall program management. Candice is a multi-state licensed adjuster, IICRC certified, and has been an active participant in multiple forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including countless numbers of mediations and appraisals.
Ricky Filepas | Vice President
Ricky Filepas is a seasoned insurance claims professional with extensive experience in operations, catastrophe response, and complex claims management. Ricky is the Director of Operations at NextEra Claim Solutions, an independent adjusting and third-party administration firm founded in January 2025 and headquartered in the Tampa Bay area. Ricky drives strategic growth, operational excellence, and the delivery of exceptional claims service, particularly during large-loss and catastrophe events.
As the newly elected Vice President of the Tampa Bay Claims Association, Ricky is committed to advancing the organization’s goals of education, ethical standards, and professional networking for adjusters and industry partners throughout the Greater Tampa Bay region. A longtime active supporter of the TBCA, Ricky has contributed to its educational programs, networking events, and community initiatives. In his role as Vice President, he plans to expand membership and strengthen partnerships that benefit both the industry and the Tampa Bay community. Outside of work, Ricky is a proud father, husband, and avid golfer. He enjoys the Florida outdoors and remains deeply connected to the insurance community and local charitable causes.
Heather Swett | Secretary
In 2017 my husband, Tim and I opened Prism Specialties Art, a specialty contents cleaning and restoration company that focuses on art, collectibles, sports memorabilia, taxidermy, photography & much more!
We restore our customer’s sense of home while saving insurance companies over the cost of replacing their clients treasured items.
Prior to opening our company I was a homeschool mom for 13 years & ran a non-traditional homeschool group teaching art, American Government and Civics.
Our kids and I were heavily involved in the arts with art, theater, dance, music and singing. I volunteered creating various painting and sewing projects for theater productions.
Our family also started and ran a tutoring club for inner city youth in Tampa.
I’m excited to serve as Secretary for TBCA this year!
Thanks for electing me!
Selena Zambito | Treasurer
Selena Zambito Kranick is the Marketing and Communications Manager at NV5, where she supports the claims and insurance industry through clear communication and strong client relationships. She holds an MBA from the University of South Florida and has been a member of the Tampa Bay Claims Association for four years.
As Treasurer, Selena looks forward to keeping the association’s finances organized so TBCA can continue focusing on building connections and strengthening its community. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and staying active at the gym.
William J. Thomas | Adjuster at Large
William J. Thomas is a dynamic and results-driven leader with extensive experience in property claims management, business development, and operational strategy. He has successfully built and led high-performing teams, driving growth and efficiency across insurance claims services and CAT operations. With a strong entrepreneurial background, William has founded and managed innovative companies, leveraging technology, analytics, and strategic restructuring to deliver exceptional results. His expertise spans recruiting, training, and mentoring professionals, fostering collaborative cultures, and consistently achieving organizational P&L goals while maintaining superior customer service.
Jim West | Associate at Large
Following a successful college baseball campaign at University of Miami (CWS ’89) and University of Tampa (National Champions ’93); and honorable service as a gunner on an M1-A1 main battle tank in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, I began my career in the insurance industry in 1999. As a young pup in Claims at Allstate, I was a first-party casualty adjuster. After five years with The Hartford as a Claims Supervisor and Vendor Manager, I moved into the vendor space. The carrier life called again in 2018 when I accepted a role as the enterprise Vendor Relationship Manager for American Integrity Insurance. I credit this position for introducing me to the property side of the P&C house, and for a deeper understanding of insurance operations as a whole.
I’m looking forward to taking what I’ve learned over 27 years in this industry meeting brilliant people in all aspects of insurance, and utilizing that knowledge and those relationships to help make the TBCA it’s best iteration yet.