President and Chief Executive Officer, Lincoln J. Merrill Jr.

Merrill began working as an independent agent in Maine for 2 years after graduating from college. He then began a 21 year career at Hanover Insurance Company where he started as a Commercial Lines Underwriter. Merrill would eventually run the Maine Branch office for 10 years serving as Vice President of the company. He brings nearly three decades of insurance knowledge and management experience to the helm of Patriot Insurance.

Linc’s track record of success has taken him through several key areas of insurance operations. These areas include underwriting, claims, loss control, information technology, human resources, government relations, marketing and the duties of an independent agent.

Linc is a strong proponent of community service. He is an active member of several local and regional organizations, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The University of Southern Maine. During his career he earned the professional designations of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in Research and Planning (ARP), Associate in Reinsurance (ARe), Associate in Premium Audit (APA), and Associate in Insurance Services (AIS).  Additionally, Linc has served on the Maine Workers Compensation Residual Markets Pool Board and the Maine Medical Malpractice J.U.A. He currently serves on the Maine Life and Health Guaranty Fund Board and as Vice President of the Maine Association of Insurance Companies.

Vice President of Claims, Cynthia O. DeLong

Delong has over 30 years experience in property and casualty claims. She began her career in claims as a multi-line adjuster for Sentry Insurance Company in Concord, Massachusetts. She then moved to Hanover Insurance Company in Maine where she had many notable accomplishments over her twenty years.

Her tenure at Hanover broadened her role from Claim Specialist to a leadership position. Cyndy served in the capacity as Claim Supervisor and then as Claim Manager. After devoting 15 years to the Claim Manager position in Maine, she was promoted to the greater responsibility of Regional Claim Manager. She successfully handled all staffing, and the direction of both personal lines and commercial lines claims in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. She joined Patriot in 2002 as Vice President of Claims and designed and implemented all claims processes and systems.

Cyndy holds the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation, as well as the Associate in Claims (AIC) designation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from the University of New England. She is a member of the Maine Claim Managers Council and is an arbitrator and special arbitrator for Arbitration Forums, Inc. 

Vice President of Personal Lines, Charles D. Brakeley, Jr.

Brakeley brings over 30 years of insurance experience to Patriot. He began his career in Personal Lines Underwriting with Aetna Life & Casualty in Springfield, MA. He progressed through positions in Springfield, Brockton, Boston and Portland to become a Marketing Branch Manager responsible for Life, Annuities and Personal Lines. He became Personal Lines Manager for Hanover Insurance Company in Maine in 1991. Chuck was Personal Lines Manager for Maine and New Hampshire. Before joining Patriot in 2002 Brakeley held the position of Marketing Manager for Small Commercial Lines, Personal Lines and Groups for Hanover.

Chuck has also been active serving on Industry Boards for the Maine Auto Insurance Plan, the Vermont Auto Insurance Plan, and the New Hampshire Auto Reinsurance Facility.

In addition, Chuck holds a B.A. degree in Mathematics from Middlebury College, along with several insurance designations. His professional designations include Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Associate in Automation Management (AAM). 

Vice President of Commercial Lines, Alan R. Small

Small has over 20 years of Commercial Lines experience including positions with 3 other insurance companies. He began his underwriting and supervisory training with Safeco Insurance Company in Seattle, WA after graduating from the University of Maine with a degree in Business Administration.

After 3 years he returned to Maine and joined Commercial Union Insurance Company in South Portland. He spent 10 years with the company including 8 years as the Commercial Lines Manager for New Hampshire and Vermont. Alan left to become Vice President of Underwriting for Middlesex Mutual Insurance Company handling Personal and Commercial Lines for Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. He oversaw units in Freeport, ME and Concord, NH. The company tripled in premium volume during his tenure.

In 2008 after 8 years with Middlesex Mutual, Small joined Patriot Insurance Company.