Management Team

The Next Wave team has extensive underwriting, brokering, risk management and claims administration experience bringing a complimentary skill set as we service our client’s needs.

Jeffrey S. Ward, CEO

Mr. Ward is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Ward Group, LLC (TWG) & Next Wave Insurance Services, LLC.

The TWG holding company, owns a majority interest in a number of insurance related businesses, including Next Wave, Ward-Askew Insurance Partners, LLC and HVS Insurance Services Ltd. (London). Mr. Ward has over 28 years experience in the Property and Casualty Insurance and Alternative Risk marketplace. He founded and grew one of the largest claims management/TPA businesses in the country, Ward North America.

At Next Wave, Mr. Ward focuses on developing and marketing niche insurance programs and carrier appointments. He works closely with our management team, insurance carrier partners and distribution sources.

Edgar Salcedo, Vice President Underwriting

Mr. Salcedo joined Next Wave in June of 2005 overseeing all day to day operations associated with the processing of commercial insurance related business. Mr. Salcedo has a total of 12 years experience in the insurance industry, five of which was spent as a Senior Underwriter for the General Reinsurance (GenRe), property department.

Prior to joining Next Wave, Mr. Salcedo served as a broker for one nation’s largest Wholesale Brokers, (Swett & Crawford Group) and was responsible for a hospitality specific book of business, which was assigned Managing General Agent authorization by an “A” rated carrier, Axis Specialty Group.

Corisa Ackley, Underwriting Manager

Ms. Ackley joined Next Wave in 2008 to focus on the Next Wave "Mid-Market Program", dealing with both package and Workers Comp accounts nationwide. With several years of underwriting experience, Ms. Ackley oversees the various Next Wave commercial programs, while assisting with sales and client relations.

She began her career with Chubb Insurance Company in San Diego, where she worked as an underwriter on large middle market accounts. After spending one year with a regional brokerage firm, Ms. Ackley joined Golden Eagle Insurance Co as a Senior Underwriter handling a wide array of commercial accounts in Southern California.

Donald Gould, Product development/Marketing

Mr. Gould joined Next Wave in late 2005 to support our product development and marketing efforts. He brings over 40 years of property & casualty expertise in the area of underwriting, brokering and sales. He has also supported Next Wave's parent company, The Ward Group, LLC, on a number of acquisitions in the insurance, risk management and captive markets.

He began his career with a national insurance company, where he spent over 10 years managing several underwriting and production branches in Oregon and Washington. He then joined Farmers Insurance Group as a regional sales manager in the western territory. In 1999 he partnered with Willis to develop and market a "Not for Profit" and Church program nationwide through a risk purchasing group where he served as President.