Sam Carson Named Managing Director for Burns & Wilcox in Chicago; O’Neil Franso Moves to Operations Lead, As Company Promotes Leaders Nationwide

FARMINGTON HILLS, MICH. (JANUARY 15, 2026) — Burns & Wilcox, a globally recognized leader in wholesale insurance brokerage and underwriting, today announced the transition of its professionals into new leadership positions:

• Sam Carson, formerly Vice President, Operations, is now Vice President & Managing Director with responsibilities for the Burns & Wilcox offices in Chicago and Milwaukee. Along with Erica Rangel, Associate Managing Director, Chicago, Carson will head a dynamic leadership team that will continue fueling growth for one of the company’s largest offices. In the more than 15 years since Carson joined Burns & Wilcox, he has held a multitude of roles supporting underwriting, business development and operations.
• O’Neil Franso, who previously served as Vice President, Human Resources, will move to Vice President, Operations. For more than a decade Franso has been a highly respected HR leader, working across the company as a partner and advisor to the Burns & Wilcox field leadership and executive team.
• Rahmad Bauldrick and Laura McCormick, formerly Associate Vice Presidents and Regional Practice Group Leaders for Professional Liability, were both promoted to Vice President. They will continue expanding the company’s Professional Liability products and broadening the reach of the Practice across the country.

Additionally, Burns & Wilcox shared the promotion of several associates who will take on additional leadership responsibilities:

• Kris Guasch, Underwriter, Personal Insurance, is now Associate Managing Director in Fort Lauderdale.
• Jenna Zalud, Manager, Personal Insurance has been named Associate Managing Director in Milwaukee.
• Ashley Poe, Commercial Lines Manager, is the Associate Managing Director in Charlotte.

“Burns & Wilcox fundamentally believes in providing our associates with limitless opportunities to advance their professional development,” said Burns & Wilcox President Danny Kaufman. “We appreciate Sam, O’Neil, Rahmad, Laura, Kris, Jenna and Ashley proactively stepping up to take on new challenges and foster their career growth. It promises to be an exciting year ahead for Burns & Wilcox and we wish them all much continued success.”

About Burns & Wilcox:
Burns & Wilcox is the insurance industry’s leading insurance wholesaler, internationally recognized for its expertise in commercial and professional liability, property, environmental, marine and personal insurance.

Burns & Wilcox is a member of H.W. Kaufman Group, a privately held global insurance organization with offices in the United States, Canada, U.K., Europe, and the UAE. The company employs thousands of professionals and conducts business in more than 90 countries worldwide.

More information can be found at www.hwkaufman.com or at www.burnsandwilcox.com.

# # #