Kristen Nardini helps Pulice manage complex claims, control risk and protect employees.
For Corporate Claims Manager Kristen Nardini, no two workdays follow the same plan.
She oversees claims filed by or against Pulice – a FlatironDragados company, including general liability, auto liability, workers’ compensation and, at times, builder’s risk claims. Her work is expansive, spanning evaluation, documentation, coordination and resolution (often over months or even years).
Her goal is to protect people and the business while helping claims reach fair, efficient outcomes.
In workers’ compensation cases, that responsibility starts with the employee.
“My first priority is to oversee the welfare of our workforce by ensuring our carrier is providing the necessary care to our workers,” Kristen says.
What does a corporate claims manager do?
Claims management in heavy civil construction requires knowledge well beyond insurance.
Kristen works with project managers, safety professionals, attorneys, insurance carriers, brokers, nurse case managers and risk management teams. She investigates the circumstances behind a claim, maintains accurate records, keeps stakeholders informed and helps determine the appropriate path toward resolution.
Simply put, her position requires a broad base of expertise.
“This role requires you to be a ‘jack of all trades,’” Kristen says. “I have to have a degree of medical knowledge, legal knowledge, accounting knowledge, insurance knowledge and risk mitigation strategies.”
“Kristen is exceptionally organized and has an unmatched ability to follow up and follow through,” says her supervisor, Corporate Director of Environmental, Health & Safety Tommy Mastrocinque. “Even while managing an intense workload, she never loses track of the details, deadlines, or next steps—and she makes sure nothing falls through the cracks.”
Just as important is understanding construction itself.
Kristen says a strong claims professional needs working knowledge of operations and safety because every claim begins with the facts surrounding the work.
Why does organization matter in construction claims management?
It’s not uncommon for a construction claim to remain active for years.
That makes disciplined documentation critical. Kristen categorizes and routes claims, records correspondence and file updates and maintains electronic records so information remains accessible as a case develops.
She also keeps a wide group of stakeholders aligned.
“Most claims go on for many months to several years, so I can never let a single claim fall off my radar,” Kristen says.
That organization helps Pulice evaluate risk, respond consistently and make decisions based on a complete record rather than incomplete information.
What makes claims management challenging?
Kristen enjoys the challenges that come her way.
Claims can change direction quickly as new information emerges, medical circumstances develop, or legal strategies evolve. She often begins a day with one set of priorities only to adjust them within hours.
“I am driven by the fast-paced, unpredictable nature of claims management,” Kristen says. “No two days are identical.”
She also enjoys the strategy behind complex cases, particularly working with attorneys to evaluate facts and develop legal defenses when litigation arises.
How did Kristen Nardini build a career in claims management?
Kristen first joined Pulice’s Equipment team 13 years ago.
Early in her tenure, her manager recognized that her skills aligned more closely with risk management and claims resolution. That decision redirected her career.
“They took a chance on me and pivoted my role into claims management,” Kristen says. “A move that shaped the entire trajectory of my career.”
Since then, she has continued developing expertise across construction risk, insurance, legal matters and claims strategy.
“It may be impossible to quantify how much money Kristen has saved this company over the years, but two things are certain: the total would be measured in millions of dollars, and Pulice is unquestionably stronger because Kristen is part of the team,” Tommy says.
With extensive experience in the claims field, she offers honest advice to anyone considering carving out their own path in her area.
“Learning to separate your work from your daily life is absolutely vital. The details of these claims can carry heavy emotional and mental weight, so you need to find an outlet that allows you to disconnect at the end of the day,” Kristen says. “To prevent the job from coming home with you, establishing that boundary early on is essential for your long-term well-being.”
Thank you, Kristen, for your claims management leadership and for making us a stronger team in the process!
Learn about career opportunities in claims management and more on our careers page.