meet the team

Born: Cleveland, Ohio

Currently Reside: Fort Myers, Florida

Family: 3 adult children

Hobbies: Skiing, Biking, Boating

Working in the specialty chemical business supporting heavy manufacturing for 18 years before a career in insurance served as great training ground for Michael. Serving a variety of businesses and industries introduced him to creative business thinking and processes he brings to Westwood in his role as business manager.

As a result, Michael helps Westwood differentiate by listening and responding to client’s problems with a more holistic approach.

Specialties: Long Term Care, Allied Health, Physicians, Cyber, Captives, Alternative Structures, Third Party Claims Administration

Articles by Michael

Born: Fremont, Nebraska

Currently Reside: Black Mountain, North Carolina

Family: Wife Gina, son Lee Nelson and daughter-in-law Brenda

Hobbies: Wine, Golf, Travel

Dale Nelson joined Westwood in 2019 after he and his wife Gina decided to leave sunny (humid) Florida to build their dream home in Black Mountain, NC. Both Dale and Gina are wine aficionados. Gina was in the wine business for many years in Florida. You might guess their favorite travel destinations is to wine-growing regions, especially France. On weekends their other favorite pass time is golf. Dale has a son Lee in Omaha, NE and when they are together it is usually for Nebraska Cornhusker football and golf.

Dale started his insurance carrier after college with The Hartford. He also spent several years with CNA which allowed him to branch into the Medical Professional Liability area of Insurance. This has been his passion ever since, specializing in the healthcare niche. He thoroughly enjoys the long-term relationships he has developed with insurance carriers and retailers. Having worked for carriers, retail and brokerage gives Dale a great perspective of managing all relationships. Helping agents solve problems for their clients, being an extension of their agency when needed and providing responsive service feeds his enjoyment of his long-time brokerage career.

Specialties: Home Health Care, Nurse Staffing, Long Term Care, Hospitals, Physicians, Treatment and Outpatient Facilities, Cyber Security

Articles by Dale

Born: Youngstown, Ohio

Currently Reside: Northfield, Ohio

Family: Husband and Daughter

Hobbies: Walking the dog, reading, crafting with my daughter, cooking/baking, spending time with family and friends

Elizabeth Cappabianca joined Westwood Insurance Group in May of 2016. Currently her role includes assisting Dale Nelson with items such as marketing new business, processing proposals, binders, policy documents, and endorsements. Maintaining agent and carrier relationships is her strong suit and what she enjoys most about her role.

Elizabeth holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Education from Kent State University. Previously, she taught high school then moved on to various roles at several local universities. Currently Elizabeth resides in Northfield, Ohio where she lives with her husband, daughter, and beagle named Spud.

Specialties: Submissions, Policies and Endorsements, Claims, Loss Run Requests, Invoicing, Carrier Marketing, Account Inquires

Born: Cleveland, Ohio

Currently Reside: Cleveland, Ohio

Family: Husband, Five Children (all married), 9 Grandchildren

Hobbies: Being with family, outdoor games, drawing, travel

Mary joined Westwood Insurance Group in September of 2012. Her role at Westwood includes accounts receivable and payable, maintaining licensing, filing surplus lines taxes and general office duties.

When not working, Mary enjoys walking and family game nights and spending time with her grandchildren. She is also very involved in her church and has taught Sunday School to third grade girls for over 30 years.

Specialties: Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Licensing, Payroll, Credentialing, Mail Processing

Born: Mobile, Alabama

Currently Reside: Mobile, Alabama

Family: Husband and 2 dogs

Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, traveling, going to the beach, playing and coaching volleyball

Laura Emanuel joined Westwood in October 2022 after spending 10 years in the Agency side of Property & Casualty Insurance. Currently her role includes marketing new business, processing proposals, binders, policy documents, and endorsements. Providing prompt and efficient service to our agent’s and carrier’s is her number one goal.

Laura has a passion for volleyball, she has been a head coach at a travel volleyball club for over a decade. She also officiates high school volleyball. Her and her husband are active in Mardi Gras Organizations and with the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. Laura enjoys spending time on the water boating and fishing or simply relaxing at home with her two Pitbull dogs named Kane and Abel.

Specialties: Submissions, Policies and Endorsements, Claims, Loss Run Requests, Invoicing, Carrier Marketing, Account Inquires.