Meet our Leaders
Mike Gates, AIC
President and Executive General Adjuster
Mike has served as President of the Southern Loss Association, a claims group for property adjusters, attorneys, and other insurance professionals interested in furthering education and communication in the loss adjustment field since 1957. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University in 1973, Mike began his claims career with The Continental Insurance Companies in Orlando, later transferring to Atlanta as a regional supervisor responsible for large losses and the property claims product for twenty-three offices in seven states.
In 1983, Mike started in the independent adjusting business--where he has worked ever since. In 1997, he established PLS Claims. He is a member of the Atlanta Claims Association
and the Atlanta Insurance Professionals. Over the years, Mike, who has an AIC designation, has taught IIA courses and other classes. He has addressed local claims and professional groups and both the Southeastern and Midwestern Claims Managers organizations on various topics including environmental claims. He has also been a presenter at the PLRB national and regional conferences on "Commercial Theft Claims," "Period of Restoration," and "Rejecting Proofs of Loss and Denial of Claims."
Contact Mike:
mgates@plsclaims.us | (770) 381-8855
Christopher D. Nichols, CPCU, AIC, AIM
Vice President and General Adjuster
Chris graduated from Florida International University in 1994 with a doulbe major in Management and International Business. He earned his Associate in Claims (AIC) designation in 1996, and Associate in Management (AIM) designation in 1997. He earned the CPCU designation in 2000.
He has devoted his entire career to claims adjusting, beginning after graduation as an independent adjuster in Miami, FL. He expanded from primary liability to property claims in 1999 and also adjusted passenger and crew claims for Norwegian Cruise Lines.
During his tenures in Miami, he rose to the positions of Supervisor & General Adjuster. In 2003, Chris moved "in-house" to The Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, providing him with a deeper understanding of overall insurance operations and allowing his property expertise to mature in one of the most challenging claims environments in the United States. He relocated his family to Atlanta, GA, in 2005, where he served as a National General Adjuster and National TPA Manager for an independent adjusting company.
Chris founded the independent adjusting company Acclaim Property-Casualty Services, LLC in 2009, where he served as the President and Executive General Adjuster until he joined PLS Claims in 2013. He maintains All-Lines Independent Adjuster Licenses in Georgia as well as numerous other states.
He served on the executive board for the Southern Loss Association in Atlanta, GA, and as Scout Master in Boy Scouts of America.
Contact Chris: cnichols@plsclaims.us | (770) 381-8855
Ann Nichols, ARM
Controller and Corporate Secretary
Ann joined PLS Claims in 2013 in a minor support role, as well as that of Corporate Secretary. Her position at PLS has grown over the years and evolved into that of Controller. She is a pivotal member of PLS Claims, overseeing the day-to-day operations of both the company and the TPA program, including accounting/finance, HR/Payroll, technology, and compliance .
Ann graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in
Business Administration/Finance and obtained her Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation. Prior to working at PLS Claims, she worked at Acclaim Property-Casualty Services, LLC. She spent many years volunteering for various non-profit organizations, serving on their boards, while staying home to raise her family.
Contact Ann: anichols@plsclaims.us | (770) 381-8855
5635 Peachtree Pkwy
Suite 170
Peachtree Corners,
GA 30092-2856
atlanta@plsclaims.us
Mon - Fri 9:00am-5:00pm
Sat - Sun Closed
