North Atlantic Agency Team

After acquiring his MBA from Rutgers, Jack began his title insurance career that spanned over two decades.  Jack has held multiple roles with major underwriters including, Auditor, Director of Business Development, and Assistant District Manager.  Jack was instrumental in the New Jersey expansion plans of a regional underwriter serving as their New Jersey State Manager.  Most recently Jack served as the President of the New Jersey Land Title Association from 2022-2023.  Always maintaining a client centric approach, Jack has helped launch dozens of start-up agencies in the State of New Jersey.  In his spare time Jack enjoys swimming, fishing, and spending time with his three sons.

Devin Kelley is an Agency Representative with AmTrust Title Insurance Company, bringing 18 years of experience in the title insurance industry. He supports agency partners with informed guidance and responsive service.  Devin maintains active involvement with the American Land Title Association, multiple State Land Title Associations, and various State Rating Bureaus, ensuring he stays aligned with evolving industry standards. His commitment to accuracy, compliance, and partnership-driven service helps agencies navigate with confidence.

Marcus Smith is a Title Agency Manager with 5 plus years of experience supporting title companies across the Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia with their underwriting needs. Skilled in guiding agencies through complex title issues, ensuring compliance, and delivering accurate efficient underwriting solutions. Marcus advises title agencies on the best solutions for their operation, help them identify opportunities to grow their business and provide guidance on how we can partner effectively to strengthen their long-term success.

Michael P. Sasso joined First Nationwide Title, an AmTrust Financial Company, in May, 2016 as a Divisional Senior Vice President and Senior Underwriting Counsel. Prior to joining First Nationwide, Michael was senior underwriting counsel with First American Title Insurance Company.

Prior to moving into the title insurance industry Michael was in private practice where he worked for a boutique bankruptcy firm where he was the senior associate in the bankruptcy and reorganization department. Subsequently, he joined the staff of a Bankruptcy Panel Trustee in New York City.  

Most recently Michael served as an editor of the 4th Edition of Real Estate Titles (The Practice of Real Estate Law in New York) and contributed to the chapter on bankruptcy.

Michael is a graduate of Brooklyn Law School (1988), and received his BS in finance from St. John’s University (1985).

John has been in the title business for almost 50 years, starting as a searcher in New Jersey.  He has worked for both agents and underwriters and served as commercial title examiner and state underwriting counsel.

John is active in the New Jersey Land Title Association as vice chair of the Amicus Committee and Legislative Committee. He also serves on the Recording Practice Committee.  He has taught both pre-licensing and continuing education, and has authored numerous articles.  In 2017 John was recognized by the NJLTA as a Certified Title Professional. 

John joined AmTrust in 2021 as NJ Underwriting Counsel and currently is Underwriter for NJ, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

James Thanasules was with First American Title Insurance Company for 19 years, most recently as Vice President and Senior Underwriting Counsel for the New York Agency Division. James began his title career from the ground up, involved in production, sales, claims and underwriting, both on the Direct and Agency sides. James’ extensive Agency experience offers a unique perspective. He understands the interplay between agent and underwriter; the need for responsiveness and sound decisions; and working together to achieve a common goal. James has presented CLEs and CEs on a wide variety of hot topics, including Claims, Short Sales and Reverse Mortgages. He also provides training courses for agents and the NYSLTA. James’ background includes private practice, finance and advertising.