Concerning the position he has held since 2011, President and CEO John DeMello says, “CEO should stand for Chief Explanation Officer because providing context and teaching are the most important aspects of the position.  Being the CEO of The Barnstable has been a great fit, allowing me to add value to an already great business.”  A 1988 graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with a Bachelor’s in Finance and Accounting, John joined The Barnstable in 1996 as Treasurer. The needs of policyholders, who count on The Barnstable to put their lives back together at their greatest time of need, and the partnerships with its independent agents are particularly important to him.  For John, each crossing of the Sagamore Bridge reinforces that the Cape is an island with its own unique culture and geography.  “I love the ocean,” he adds, “and spend most of my free time on the water boating and fishing.”

A Fairfield University graduate with a B.S. in Accounting, Christine M. Murphy also earned a Columbia University MBA and holds a CPA license and CPCU designation.  She joined The Barnstable in 2010 as the Chief Financial Officer and loves the variety of her duties.  “I’m involved in all aspects of the company, not just finance and accounting.  No two days are exactly alike and you have to be ready to shift gears on a moment’s notice.”  To Christine, her responsibility is making certain that The Barnstable operates efficiently and effectively and remains financially secure and sustainable. “We’re in this for the long haul and want to make sure we are here when our agents and policyholders need us the most.” Christine is an avid cyclist, usually completing several organized rides each year, including a century ride.  It’s a perfect activity for the Cape, which she describes simply as “a beautiful place to live.”

Deborah A. Sutton thoroughly understands the position of Claims Manager because of the experiences that led her to this post.  “I began my career at The Barnstable in 2008 as an assistant to the Claims Manager and as an Assistant Underwriting Manager. Since I had worked for a Barnstable agent for eight years before joining the company, I was well versed in the Barnstable’s mission.”  Underwriting decisions, cancellations, reinstatements and billing questions are therefore second nature for her.  Deborah appreciates working for a company like The Barnstable that does all it can to give the benefit of coverage to policyholders.  She also enjoys her relationship with independent agents who also “sell The Barnstable’s outstanding customer service and commitment to fair claims settlement.”  She enjoys life on the Cape for the same reasons that tourists do—the beautiful landscape, the sense of community, and restaurants with great views and great food.