David Chocheles
New Orleans
Summary
Dynamic professional with a diverse background in claims/financial analysis, risk mitigation, and strategic decision-making; skilled in leveraging data to optimize processes, driving efficiency and cost reductions in high-stakes environments. Proven ability to manage large portfolios and cross-functional teams, building scalable processes that improve budgeting, resource allocation, and performance for Fortune 500 clients, including The Home Depot and Lyft Rideshare. Independent investor and active trader specializing in equities, options, and digital assets. Leverage AI-powered tools to enhance market analysis and manage personal investment strategies. Conduct daily market analysis using ChatGPT Premium and Perplexity to summarize data and financial news. Use AI-generative scripts to alert and identify price patterns.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Graduate Student
Purdue University
01.2024 - 03.2026
- Currently pursuing a Master’s in finance at Purdue University (March 2026) with a 4.0 GPA and have completed the following courses: Derivatives & Hedging, Financial Statement Analysis, Corporate Finance, Risk Analysis & Management, Financial Institutions & Markets, Investment & Securities Analysis, Retirement Planning, Business Communications
- Passed the Security Industry Essentials (SIE) exam in October 2024. Passed the Series 66 exam in February 2025.
- Internship with StellarPath Private Wealth Advisors – Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
- Sponsored by StellarPath Private Wealth Advisors – Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Claims Supervisor
SEDGWICK CMS
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Provided accurate financial forecasting and frequent updates to executive management for strategic budgeting; collaborated with Risk Management and in-house legal teams to align processes with company goals and improve accuracy
- Spearheaded a Small Claims Court efficiency project to address unanswered complaints (up to $7.5K cash award); Over 20 appearances on behalf of The Home Depot in Small Claims Court.
- Prepared and presented comprehensive financial analysis of injury claims and negotiated settlements with claimants and attorneys.
- 8 Direct Reports | Client: The Home Depot | General Liability Claims | 50-States
Claims Team Lead
SEDGWICK CMS
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Led a team managing a high-volume portfolio for Lyft Rideshare; conducted financial analysis on claim trends and reserve allocations, and structured the 1st standardized operating procedures and guidelines.
- Recruited during a period of rapid growth (grew team from 6-16) to represent Lyft Rideshare established KPIs and processes from scratch with data-driven improvements that reduced operational costs by 20%.
- Installed a structured, data-backed claims process for unrepresented Lyft injury claims, establishing settlement guidelines based on injury severity that reduced attorney involvement by 11% YOY and attorney transfer rates by 8% monthly.
- 16 Direct Reports | Client: Lyft | Bodily Injury/Property Damage Claims | 50-States
Casualty Claims Manager
USAGENICIES CLAIMS MANAGEMENT
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Company Overview: Provider of auto, motorcycle & renters’ insurance in LA and AL.
- Directed financial performance analysis for claims processes; established structured protocols/processes and workflow improvements that decreased average claim age by 10% and reduced payout amounts by 11%.
- Created and maintained data-driven forecasting models to manage claim reserves, providing accurate financial insights for improved budget planning and strategic decision-making.
- Conducted in-depth analysis of claims expenses and reserve requirements, presenting actionable recommendations to executive management including projected financial statements and financial implications review.
- Led cross-functional teams to refine data collection processes and develop KPIs, ensuring alignment with company goals and accurate tracking of financial trends and performance metrics.
- 12 Direct Reports | $1M Claim Reserves | $15K Settlement Authority
Complex Adjuster
PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Company Overview: American insurance company & largest motor insurance carrier in the US.
- Earned consistent promotions to specialize in litigation claims, working directly with active lawsuits, including negotiations, medical evaluations, and management of complex litigation processes directly with attorneys and stakeholders.
- Managed a high-value portfolio of complex bodily injury claims and implemented a structured case management approach that reduced resolution time by 15%.
- Analyzed legal documents, medical records, and accident reports to develop strategic case positions, effectively minimizing financial exposure on claims.
- Represented the company in mediations and depositions, collaborating with defense attorneys and in-house counsel to secure favorable outcomes and maintain compliance with state-specific legal regulations.
- Trained junior adjusters on litigation and negotiation techniques, standardizing processes that improved team efficiency and accuracy in handling intricate bodily injury cases.
- Individual Contributor | $500K Claim Reserves | $25K Settlement Authority
Education
Master of Science - Finance – Treasury Management
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN03.2026
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Louisiana State University (LSU)
Baton Rouge, LASkills
- Process Management
- Financial Analysis
- Risk Management
- Credit Analysis
- Investing / Trading
- Financial Valuation & Modeling
- AI-Tool Utilization
- Risk Identification & Mitigation
- Research & Analysis
- Regulatory Compliance
- Performance Metrics & KPIs
- Forecasting
- Culture Building, Team & People Development
- Strategic Planning & Execution
Certification
- Passed (SIE) Exam FINRA October 2024
- Passed Series 66 Exam NASAA February 2025
- Passed Series 7 Exam FINRA 2025
- Licensed Claim Adjuster (P&C) LA TX MI
COMPANIES
- SEDGWICK CMS: Recruited to scale/grow team 0 unanswered complaints 100% compliance in 50-states Reduced attorney involvement Clients: Lyft Rideshare The Home Depot
- USAGENICIES: $1M Claim Reserves Installed new processes Set data-driven forecasting Reduced payouts by 11% Decreased claim age by 10%
- PROGRESSIVE: Promoted 2x $25K settlement authority Specialized in bodily injury Reduced resolution time 15% Detailed financial analysis
Timeline
Graduate Student
Purdue University
01.2024 - 03.2026
Claims Supervisor
SEDGWICK CMS
01.2020 - 01.2022
Claims Team Lead
SEDGWICK CMS
01.2017 - 01.2020
Casualty Claims Manager
USAGENICIES CLAIMS MANAGEMENT
01.2011 - 01.2015
Complex Adjuster
PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE
01.2007 - 01.2011
Master of Science - Finance – Treasury Management
Purdue University
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Louisiana State University (LSU)
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