It's Settled: The Ametros Podcast

Hosted by Ametros

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Jun 2026

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About the show

What happens after a serious injury? Who do you turn to? Hear the authentic and inspirational stories of those injured at work or in an accident, their loved ones, and industry professionals. Our guests discuss their experiences living with a life-changing injury or their professional initiatives working towards making a difference within the insurance industry. Hosted by Allison Kelly, Chief Revenue Officer of Ametros, Shawn Deane, General Counsel of Ametros, and Melissa Coleman, Senior Vice President of Marketing of Ametros.

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46 recent

June 3, 202642 min

Reforming the System: Abbie Hudgens on Building a Better Workers’ Comp Future

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics!In this episode of It’s Settled, hosts Shawn Deane and Allison Kelly sit down with Abbie Hudgens, former Administrator of the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Division, to explore her remarkable career and the sweeping reforms she led. Abbie shares how an unexpected path, from urban ministry to public policy, ultimately positioned her to transform Tennessee’s workers’ compensation system. Through her leadership, the state introduced major structural changes, including dedicated workers’ compensation courts, mediation requirements, ombudsman support, and new medical management tools. She reflects on how these reforms improved system consistency and accessibility while balancing the needs of both employers and injured workers.The conversation also dives into the human side of workers’ compensation, particularly the often-overlooked challenges injured individuals face after a claim is settled. Abbie emphasizes the importance of education, transparency, and ongoing support, noting that many workers feel overwhelmed once they must manage their own care and funds. She highlights the critical role of professional administration and resources that help individuals navigate complex requirements like Medicare compliance. Throughout the episode, Abbie underscores her core philosophy: a successful workers’ comp system should not only function efficiently but also provide compassionate, long-term support that leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience.Learn how Ametros can support you.

May 4, 202641 min

Supporting Futures After Injury: The Mission of Kids’ Chance

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics!Hosts Shawn Deane and Melissa Coleman sit down with Chris Letsos, Chief Executive Officer of Kids’ Chance of America, a nonprofit that provides scholarships and ongoing support to children whose parents have been critically or fatally injured.Chris shares the history and purpose behind Kids’ Chance and reflects on how he became involved with the organization through a deeply personal experience related to his father’s injury. He explains how the mission of Kids’ Chance helped him reconnect with his father and shaped his why behind leading the organization.Throughout the episode, Chris shares impactful stories of children Kids’ Chance has supported, emphasizing that the organization’s work goes beyond scholarships to include long term guidance, resources, and future planning. He discusses his vision for expanding partnerships, increasing awareness, and creating career pathways, particularly within the workers’ compensation industry, for the students served.The conversation wraps with ways listeners can get involved and support Kids’ Chance, along with a look at how Ametros and Kids’ Chance collaborate, highlighting their shared commitment to caring for individuals and families after injury.Learn more about Kids' Chance here: https://www.kidschance.org/Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience.Learn how Ametros can support you.

March 31, 202643 min

Leadership, Motherhood, and Mentorship: A Women's History Month Conversation

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics!In honor of Women’s History Month, Shawn Deane, Legal Counsel at Ametros, sits down with three accomplished leaders at Ametros: Allison Kelly, Chief Revenue Officer; Melissa Coleman, Senior Vice President of Marketing; and Tina Chirichiello, Vice President of Sales Enablement and Support. Together, they share their personal journeys into the insurance industry and to Ametros, reflecting on the moments that shaped their careers and inspired them to step into leadership. The conversation also explores the evolution of the insurance injury space as a traditionally male‑dominated industry and how progress and representation have continued to grow over time.The discussion goes deeper into leadership through the lens of motherhood, highlighting how parenting has influenced their leadership styles, perspectives on work‑life balance, and strategies for staying organized while managing demanding roles. In recognition of Women’s History Month, the leaders emphasize the importance of mentorship, supporting and uplifting other women in the industry, and building strong personal and professional support systems. They close the episode by sharing thoughtful, empowering advice for young women entering their careers, offering encouragement on confidence, balance, and long‑term success.Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience.Learn how Ametros can support you.

January 30, 202638 min

Built With Empathy: Krista Johnson on Supporting Injured Individuals Post-Settlement

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics!What happens after a catastrophic injury settlement, and how do we ensure injured individuals feel supported, informed, and empowered rather than overwhelmed? In this episode, hosts Shawn Deane and Allison Kelly welcome Krista Johnson, Vice President of Sales Operations at Ametros, for a thoughtful conversation on how empathy plays a critical role in supporting injured individuals after settlement. Krista shares her career journey and the inspiration behind building Ametros’ Special Programs team, created to address the unique and often complex challenges individuals face during the transition to post‑settlement life. The discussion explores how Ametros has evolved to simplify healthcare management while maintaining a deeply human approach. Krista highlights the importance of leading with empathy, providing a direct point of contact, and ensuring injured individuals never feel alone as they move away from a complex system into something easier to navigate.Listeners will hear real member stories that demonstrate how the Special Programs team goes above and beyond, from personalized outreach and care coordination to thoughtful gestures like care packages. The episode also addresses the top concerns injured individuals and carriers face when settling catastrophic cases, including access to long‑term care, fear of navigating healthcare independently, and uncertainty about the future. As Ametros looks toward 2026, Krista shares how our team is continuing to lead with empathy while making healthcare easier, proving that meaningful support doesn’t end at settlement, it begins there.Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience.Learn how Ametros can support you.

November 14, 202518 min

Celebrating Shawn’s Return: Why It’s Settled Matters & What’s Next

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics!In this episode of "It’s Settled", we’re thrilled to welcome back Shawn Deane, General Counsel of Ametros, as our co-host alongside Melissa Coleman, SVP of Marketing. Andrea kicks things off by celebrating Shawn’s return to Ametros and the podcast. Together, Melissa, Shawn, and Andrea dive into industry events, share key takeaways, and reflect on their favorite moments from "It’s Settled", including impactful conversations with injured workers and industry professionals. This episode highlights why "It’s Settled "matters and how these discussions empower our community. We’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas for future episodes! Please take a moment to complete our feedback survey: https://nam.dcv.ms/4xQhvPfhLZ.We’re excited to have Shawn back on the mic and can’t wait to bring you more inspiring conversations in upcoming episodes!Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience.Learn how Ametros can support you.

July 31, 202546 min

James Benham on Entrepreneurship, Strategy, and Staying Ahead

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics!In this episode of It’s Settled, we sit down with James Benham, Co-Founder and CEO of JBK, a global tech and consulting firm he built from his college dorm room into a 280-person powerhouse spanning three continents. James shares his entrepreneurial journey, the lessons he’s learned from founding four companies, and how he’s helped shape the future of insurance technology.We also dive into his leadership philosophy, career development tips for insurance professionals, and insights from his book on innovation and growth. Whether he's streamlining claims systems or piloting aircraft, James exemplifies how to align passion with purpose. Don’t miss his advice for aspiring leaders and where to follow his work.Learn More About JamesJames on LinkedInJBKThe InsurTech Geek PodcastAmetros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience.Learn how Ametros can support you.

June 18, 2025Episode 3945 min

Ametros Member Story: Derek Demun on Life After Injury

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics!In this inspiring episode of It's Settled, we sit down with Derek Demun, an Ametros member whose life took a dramatic turn after a workplace injury at just 21 years old. Derek opens up about his life before the injury, his passions, ambitions, and adventurous spirit, and how everything changed in an instant. Despite the challenges, Derek’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. He shares how he’s embraced a new way of living, staying active and adventurous, and finding joy in the everyday. His journey is a powerful reminder that life doesn’t end with injury, it evolves.Derek also dives into how Ametros has played a crucial role in his post-settlement life. He highlights how CareGuard and Ametros’ support services have simplified the complexities of managing healthcare after settlement. From streamlining medical payments to providing peace of mind, Derek explains how these resources have allowed him to focus more on living fully and less on paperwork. Tune in to hear how Derek continues to push boundaries, stay positive, and live life on his own terms.Learn more about Derek Dereks Photography Business: T8Media.comDereks Instagram: @T8_OutdoorsmanResources MentionedTriumph Foundation: https://triumph-foundation.orgDisabled Outdoorsmen: https://disabledoutdoorsmen.comAmetros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience.Learn how Ametros can support you.

May 29, 2025Episode 3837 min

Through the Lens of Resilience: James Passmore's Journey After Injury

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics!In this episode, we sit down with James Passmore, an Ametros member who shares his powerful story of resilience following a life-changing workplace injury. He opens up about the moment everything changed, the physical and emotional toll of the recovery process, and what life looks like today. With honesty and heart, James offers advice to others facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and hope.James also takes us through his workers’ compensation journey, reflecting on the key people who supported him and how that network helped him navigate the ups and downs. He shares his experience transitioning to CareGuard and professional administration after settlement, highlighting the impact it’s had on managing his medical care and finances. We close with a look toward the future, James’ passion for photography and the goals he’s now working toward as he builds a new chapter in his life.Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience.Learn how Ametros can support you.

April 24, 2025Episode 3746 min

Doing Right by Clients: George Patrick on Workers' Comp and Professional Administration

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics!On this episode of "It's Settled", we're joined by Indiana based attorney George Patrick, a longtime partner of Ametros. George shares how he found his way into the workers' compensation space, the moments that confirmed he was in the right field, and what drives him to serve his clients with care and integrity. He opens up about the mentors who shaped his path, the industry groups he's involved in, and the lesson he's learned along the way. We also dive into George's experience working with Ametros and why he is a firm believer in professional administration. From navigating the complexities of Medicare to understand what is actually covered, George explains why self-administering a Medicare Set Aside account can be overwhelming, and why having a trusted partner makes all the difference. Whether you are a fellow attorney, an industry professional, or handling an MSA, this episode offers real insights from someone who truly cares about doing right by his clients.Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience.Learn how Ametros can support you.

March 27, 20251 hr 0 min

Celebrating Women's History Month: Empowering Stories from Women in the Workers' Comp Space

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics!In celebration of Women’s History Month, this episode of It’s Settled is all about empowering women in the workforce. Hosts Andrea and Melissa are joined by two incredible guests—Erin Bishop, ADR Supervisor at the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission, and Stephanie Tucker, a claimant’s attorney based in Denver, Colorado. Together, they dive into their career journeys, sharing the challenges and triumphs they’ve faced as women in the workers’ comp industry.In this conversation, we discuss the importance of work-life balance, setting boundaries, and navigating the unique challenges of being a working mom. Our guests also explore the power of mentorship, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the confidence it takes to thrive in the workplace. They offer valuable advice for the next generation of women entering the workforce and share the organizations they’re involved with to help foster growth and connection in their communities and the workers’ comp space. Tune in for an inspiring conversation full of insights and empowering stories! Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience.Learn how Ametros can support you.