David Keeton

David Keeton is currently the CPO at Avondale / Avoca Risk Underwriting Services. As part of Avoca’s leadership team, he is responsible for providing guidance in steering Underwriting, Pricing, Risk Assessment and Portfolio Management within the company. David is also, responsible for creating a new initiative to support innovative and cost-effective wind mitigation technologies including AeroEdge, to the construction and insurance industries. With over 30 years of professional experience, Mr. Keeton’s expertise as a licensed structural engineer specializing in forensic building science has proven a good foundation for his underwriting, risk management, loss assessment and insurance pricing experience. He also serves as an executive board member of the International Society of Catastrophe Managers (ISCM) which promotes improved understanding of catastrophe and risk management issues.

Prior to Avoca, David worked in wide variety of capacities at Salient Risk Advisors, Weather Predict (a Renaissance Reinsurance Affiliate) and Willis Re. He started his (re)insurance career at Underwriters Re which continued with Swiss Re as an Underwriter, Actuarial Associate, Property Pricing Manager and the Division Americas Catastrophe Risk Manager. Specializing in catastrophe loss assessment, capital allocation and catastrophe risk management, David’s expertise led to thought leadership roles across each of these companies.

Mr. Keeton has performed numerous structural field surveys following catastrophes most notably including the Loma Prieta and Northridge earthquakes as well as Hurricane Irma. David has also leveraged his structural engineering expertise and experience in developing loss estimations following major catastrophes including the terrorist attack on New York (9/11), Hurricane Katrina and the Tōhoku, Japan earthquake.

David obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo. After obtaining his Civil and Structural licenses in California, David became the chief structural engineer of a consulting firm where his expertise in seismic / wind design led to further specialization as a forensic expert.

As an Engineer, Mr. Keeton served on a National Board of Structural engineers and was a volunteer grader on California structural licensing exams (i.e. de facto national exam). As a Cat risk management professional, David sits on the advisor steering committee for the annual ISCM / RAA Cat Risk Management Conference and is currently the immediate past president of the ISCM. During his tenure on ISCM’s Executive Committee, David shepherded the new credentialization process for Cat Risk Management Professionals, a joint ISCM / Casualty Actuary Society endeavor.