Our team is composed of professionals that are eager to help and are committed to providing the best possible client experience.

Founding Partner
Nick is a founding partner at Koru. He has been in the commercial insurance space for fifteen years, brokering all lines of coverage for clients of all shapes and sizes.
After successful runs with The Rule Company, Integro, and EPIC, Nick founded Koru to infuse renewed energy into the process of providing insurance solutions to all types of companies. While Nick has developed an expertise in construction and real estate, his clients depend on him for all things risk management. His tireless work ethic and industry knowledge are critical to Koru’s future, as he and the team build a formidable agency that is client-focused, service-driven, ethical, collaborative, creative, and proficient. Nick's ultimate ambition is helping clients realize peace of mind for their unique businesses.
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Founding Partner
Kevin is a founding partner of Koru Risk Management. He shares in Koru’s passion for excellence and is aiming to deliver the best possible results for Koru’s clients.
Kevin began his career with Marsh’s FINPRO group focusing on Executive Liability Coverages (Directors & Officers, Employment Practices Liability, Errors & Omissions, Cyber, Crime) in the early 2000’s. He then joined Aon to expand his product knowledge and client base. After Aon, Kevin developed a passion for the challenges of California businesses and joined the Venbrook Group to be better positioned to address the exposures of CA firms. Kevin opened and successfully led the Orange County Venbrook office until the firm sold to private equity. He is excited to dovetail industry innovations with the needs of Koru’s clients. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys playing with his cats, hence the nickname, Kevin Meowhoney.
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Director, Business Development and Legal
As the leader of Koru's business development initiatives and head of the company's legal affairs, Joe brings over 20 years of experience in real estate, finance, senior living, and aging industries.
He spent the majority of his career serving as the Director of Legal and EVP for a publicly traded REIT where he focused on risk management, compliance, mergers & acquisitions, and business development. More recently, Joe owned and operated a property management firm, which he successfully sold to a national real estate company.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe has a passion for nonprofit and volunteer work, having dedicated himself to organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics Orange County, and Age Well Senior Services. He has raised more than $10 million as chair for nonprofit galas and currently serves as the Vice President of the board of directors for Age Well Senior Services, providing critical services, resources, and programs to Orange County's aging population. Joe’s wealth of experience, passion for giving back, and thought leadership make him a valuable asset to both Koru and the wider community. His strategic guidance and corporate growth expertise have helped drive success in business, while his philanthropic efforts have made a meaningful impact on the lives of many.
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Vice President, Business Development
For the past 25 years, Rob has been dedicated to assisting clients, initially as a financial advisor specializing in strategic planning for business owners.
His expertise lies in risk management and employee benefits, where he's consistently added value through his broad and active network of subject matter experts. Throughout various stages of the business lifecycle, from startups to exits, Rob has successfully guided numerous clients. He's equally adept at working with smaller entrepreneurs as he is advising C-suite executives of Fortune 1000 firms, fostering enduring relationships built on his skillset and business acumen.
Rob takes pride in being acknowledged as a trusted resource for tackling complex issues. He thrives on thinking innovatively and facilitating connections for mutual benefit, both in his personal and professional endeavors.
Beyond his professional life, Rob finds fulfillment in family and community engagement. He and his wife Kara are proud parents to three children: Jake, Ava, and Dax. Rob's passion extends to youth sports, where he dedicates his time coaching multiple teams across different sports throughout the year. When he's not on the field, Rob unwinds by indulging in his hobby of maintaining saltwater reef aquariums or diving into a good book.
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Vice President, Business Development
Michael Boos is a Vice President of Business Development here at Koru. With a remarkable background in Operations and Personnel, Michael brings extensive experience from his 12-year tenure in the Air Force as a mobility officer and pilot.
Michael graduated with a business degree from the United States Air Force Academy, and later completed an MBA at the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley. Throughout his career, he has adeptly managed teams of varying sizes, ranging from small flight deck crews to entire unit mobilizations and deployments. Not only is he process-oriented, but he is also highly personable, making him an ideal addition to our company. While maintaining his role as a Captain at Southwest Airlines, Michael also concurrently offers risk management solutions to the business community, particularly within the aviation sector. While focusing on business development and fostering the Koru culture, Michael's greatest strength lies in building relationships.
Beyond his professional achievements, Michael's greatest source of pride and joy lies in his growing family, consisting of his wife and two young children—an energetic three-year-old son and an adorable one-year-old daughter. Away from work, Michael's passion is leather tooling, which allows him to express his creativity and hook his friends up with sweet wallets that showcase his intricate patterns or personalized motifs.
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Senior Account Executive
CoCo Bennett is Senior Account Executive for Employee Benefits at Koru. CoCo is responsible for all aspects of benefits including the strategic planning, service, financial and contractual aspects of client relationships.
CoCo has more than 35 years of experience in the insurance industry specializing in employee benefits. She brings a broad, deep skillset to Koru including expertise in both self-funded and fully insured benefits programs. Prior to Koru, CoCo served as a medical claims adjuster, eventually going on to help build a third-party administrator. She has worked for Arthur J. Gallagher, USI, Venbrook, and OneDigital, where she developed her background in operations, marketing, and servicing of clients. She has been successful at negotiating large group renewals and implementing the full spectrum of employee benefits coverage. CoCo has established and implemented plans for national accounts, including clients with several hundred to thousands of employees. CoCo holds a Group Benefits Disability Specialist (GBDS) designation. She was born and raised in California. She loves spending time with family & friends, working out, hiking, and live music.
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Account Manager
Cora is an account manager at Koru. Cora’s impressive, 23-year background as a commercial lines account manager includes holding key roles at leading firms throughout California where she serviced an exceptionally diverse range of clients and industries––from aerospace to cannabis.
A “life cycle” expert in commercial lines accounts, Cora’s an expert at managing every phase of the renewal process from start to finish and has the know-how to take on any account seamlessly and meticulously. Cora’s longstanding track record and commitment to servicing clients with true professionalism make her a shining star at Koru.
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Senior Account Manager
Emily is an accomplished Account Manager with over six years of experience in the insurance industry.
Currently serving as a SeniorAccount Manager, she has successfully acted as the primary liaison for clients, addressing a range of insurance-related inquiries and ensuring exceptional service. Her commitment to maintaining accurate client records has proven vital in managing exposures, policy details, and premiums. With a robust background in client management and a dedication to excellence, Emily continues to thrive and grow in the dynamic world of insurance, leveraging her expertise to deliver comprehensive solutions for clients.
Currently studying for CIC designation - she is expanding her insurance knowledge by pursuing several risk management designations, CISR being completed in 2023.
In her free time, she enjoys taking a drive in her car (nicknamed Mr. Hankey), trying new foods, hanging out with friends and family, and spoiling her dog, Arlo.
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Director of Operations
Delana brings 18 years of experience in the insurance industry, specializing in property & casualty risk management. She spent 16 years with Lockton, where she advanced through multiple operational and client leadership roles, gaining deep insight into brokerage strategy, service execution, and organizational performance.
Her experience includes advising law firms, construction firms, and private equity–backed operating companies, providing her with a strong understanding of complex risk portfolios and growth-focused organizations. She is known for her ability to bring structure, accountability, and strategic clarity to operations while elevating client service standards across the firm, all with the goal of delivering an exceptional client experience at every touchpoint.
When she's not in the office, Delana enjoys spending time with her husband and nine-year-old daughter, who keeps them both busy with soccer and cheerleading.
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Vice President of Business Development
As lifelong Newport Beach native, Brett Matsen brings a relationship-driven approach built on years of experience in sales across the senior living, assisted living, and residential alarm industries. His background has given him a deep appreciation of risk management, safety, and the unique needs of businesses that serve people and communities.
In addition to his professional work, Brett is the Associate Head Coach for the Corona del Mar High School varsity boys basketball team, where he has become deeply entrenched in the local community. He is grateful for the lasting friendships he has built with countless local families and takes pride in serving the same community he calls home—both on and off the court.
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Account Manager
Richard is a seasoned Account Manager with more than a decade of experience in the insurance industry, spanning a broad range of coverages and sectors throughout his career.
A true problem-solver, Richard is all about identifying the most practical solutions for his clients—and his attention to detail and strong negotiation skills ensure that they receive the best and most competitive coverage available.
Outside of work, Richard enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. When he’s not cheering on college football, you’ll likely find him fishing, hiking, or gathered around a bonfire with family and friends.
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Vice President of Business Development
Kelly Watson brings over a decade and a half of insurance experience to her role at Koru, where she specializes in property and casualty insurance risk management.
Prior to joining us, Kelly served as a client advisor at Acrisure, where she specialized in manufacturing/distribution, logistics/trucking, and the construction industry, delivering tailored solutions to protect businesses and support their growth. Her experience also includes 12 years with Allstate, where she successfully drove sales and agency growth while focusing on the unique needs of small businesses, primarily in construction and retail.
A former classical musician and member of the Azusa Pacific University Orchestra, Kelly enjoys distance running and is a semi-professional ballerina.
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Vice President of Business Development
We're pleased to introduce Kevin Michelena, Vice President of Business Development. Drawing on his unique, integrated background across government, big tech, and emerging automotive technology, Kevin provides strategic guidance to Koru clients seeking tailored risk management solutions. He is regarded as a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies, boards, founders, and executive teams navigating cyber, privacy, and operational risk at scale.
Prior to Koru, Kevin was a Cyber and Counterintelligence Analyst with the FBI, where he supported investigations into nation‑state threats and sophisticated cyber operations. He also worked at Twitter as an Executive Protection Analyst and Privacy Advisor, partnering with senior leadership to safeguard high‑profile individuals and sensitive information in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Outside of work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife and two young daughters introducing them to snow and water sports from the beach to the Sierra Nevadas. He also volunteers his time as a youth baseball coach in Long Beach.
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Account Manager
With more than two decades of experience supporting commercial clients, Loida is known for her genuine commitment to building long-term relationships and serving clients with integrity and consistency.
Prior to joining Koru, Loida spent more than 20 years as a Commercial Account Manager at Acrisure, where she managed commercial insurance operations and led client support.
Outside of work, Loida enjoys traveling to new destinations and discovering new cuisines--and she also loves to cook.
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Vice President of Business Development
Travis Robinson, Employee Benefits Specialist, brings more than 20 years of experience helping employers navigate the complex world of health and employee benefits. He has built his career around solving problems, not just selling insurance plans, with a focus on cost control, compliance, and creating better experiences for companies of all sizes.
Travis’ past experience includes serving his community as both a Juvenile Probation Officer and a Police Officer, roles that shaped his commitment to accountability, integrity, and service. Today, he brings that same mindset to his clients as a strategic advisor who helps business owners make smart, sustainable benefits decisions.
Fun fact: Outside of work, Travis has been a high school football coach for over 24 years and is currently in his fourth year at St. John Bosco High School coaching linebackers. He and his wife, Jaime, have two children.
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Associate Account Manager
Michaela is beginning her career in the insurance industry with a strong foundation and a deep family legacy in the business. A third-generation insurance professional, she grew up around the industry and brings both curiosity and commitment to her role at Koru.
She is a graduate of the Hartford School of Insurance and serves as a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist. Michaela is actively pursuing multiple designations as she continues her professional development and builds expertise in every level of Property & Casualty insurance. She is licensed in Property & Casualty and remains focused on expanding her knowledge and technical proficiency.
Known for her strong work ethic and eagerness to learn, Michaela is dedicated to growing her career thoughtfully and building long-term relationships within the industry. She values doing things the right way and understands that experience is earned — not inherited.
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Director of Claims, Workers' Compensation
Ginger Benter brings more than 25 years of experience in workers’ compensation claims management and oversight. From the HR side to the brokerage side and everything in between, she has spent her career helping employers and risk professionals navigate complex claims while improving outcomes and controlling costs.
Ginger specializes in proactive claims oversight, strategic claim direction, and identifying opportunities to move claims toward resolution. She works closely with employers, adjusters, and defense counsel to help ensure claims stay on track while injured employees receive appropriate care and organizations maintain strong cost control.
Throughout her career, Ginger has partnered with organizations across a wide range of industries including healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and professional services. She is known for her practical approach to claims management, persistence in moving claims forward, and her ability to serve as a trusted resource to both the brokerage and its clients.
Outside of her professional work, Ginger enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and being an active grandmother to her two granddaughters.
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If you’re ready to advise and advocate for our clients, we’re ready for you. As a company, we help our employees be at their best, which elevates the entire team. We are an inclusive environment that ensures every person feels safe to be themselves.
