Who We Are

Deborah Mackoul

As a founding partner and President Debbie has guided New Empire Group’s growth and expansion with her over 20 years of insurance experience. Debbie is a member of Napslo, Elany, WINLI (Women of Insurance of Long Island), Long Beach Lions and AIM Society. Debbie is active in her local school district. In previous years she has been a member of the Long Beach High School Budget Committee. Currently, Debbi offers a mentoring program to local high school students that may be interested in pursuing a career in insurance. Ms. Mackoul is also currently pursuing her CPCU designation.

Robert G. Mackoul

Rob is both a founding partner of New Empire Group and the Executive Vice President of Underwriting. With his 16 years of insurance experience Rob is responsible for New Empire Group’s underwriting results. 

James O’Neill

Jim brings 20 years of insurance underwriting, sales and marketing experience to New Empire Group as the Director of Business Development. Jim is a graduate of Long Island University and is a licensed NYS insurance broker. Jim is currently a Board Member for the Long Island Insurance Community.

Jennifer Teague

Jennifer Teague joined NEG in 2005 as a Commercial Lines Underwriting Assistant while working towards the completion of college which she attended full time in the evening. Jennifer has worked in multiple underwriting capacities in both the Commercial Umbrella and Property Managers Errors and Omissions Programs. She currently handles New Empire Group’s Agency Accounting. Jennifer is also a licensed NYS insurance broker.

Emma Mahnken

In 2003 Emma began her years of part-time experience working with the NEG umbrella team between 2003 and 2006. Following her graduation from Michigan State with a degree in Finance, Emma worked in Financial Management before deciding that NEG was where she belonged. Emma re-joined NEG as a full-time program underwriter and we’re glad to have her back.

Kathleen Burrowes

Katie, who is a licensed NYS Insurance Broker, has been employed with New Empire Group since 2004. She joined our Team after attending Molloy College and has grown from an Underwriter to an Underwriter Supervisor. She is currently perusing her CPCU Designation.

Marisa Vutrano

Marisa earned her undergraduate degree in Accounting & Financial Systems from UMASS Amherst. While completing her Masters in finance from Boston’s Suffolk University Marisa worked in mutual funds. Marisa joined NEG in 2008 as a Commercial Umbrella Underwriter. Marisa is a licensed insurance broker currently pursuing her CPCU designation.

Monica Bustamante

Monica majored in Business Administration at Queens College and worked as a tax administrator. Since joining NEG in 2009 Monica has obtained her NYS brokers license and is pursuing her CPCU designation. Monica is a Commercial Umbrella Underwriter for NEG.

Stephanie Corr

Stephanie’s enthusiasm for the insurance business began in high school when she was an assistant at a direct writer. Stephanie joined New Empire Group in October of 2010, bringing with her over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. She continues to have a positive impact on her coworkers and the agents that she serves.

Daniel Breen

Dan is a graduate of York College in Pennsylvania. Having earned his degree in Business Marketing, Dan brings his business skills and his 8 years of experience in Accident and Health Underwriting to New Empire Group’s Umbrella Underwriting department.

Lina Gallego

Lina joined New Empire Group’s in 2009 in the Agency Accounting department. After completing her Associates degree Lina has worked in Real Estate, Property Management and Underwriting. Lina has since grown into her current position of Underwriting Associate for our exclusive Property Managers E&O Program. Lina’s experience makes her a valuable asset to New Empire Group.

Nicole Shiels

Nicole is a graduate of Farmingdale State University with a degree in Business Administration. Coming to New Empire Group with administrative experience at some of the most well known companies, Nicole brings with her all of the unique skills required to manage the many compliance issues of a national program manager.

Rachela Martin

Rachela brings over 15 years of administration and office operations experience to New Empire Group along with her high energy and enthusiasm. Rachela’s experience is invaluable in her handling of our technology and marketing needs as well as in her oversight of our account processing.

Michele Symes

Michele’s 10+ years of sales and marketing experience have given all her of the tools that she needs to deal with the many demands of her position as our Agency Administrator.

Her boundless energy and enthusiasm are infectious.