Charles Witter Bates
CEO

cbates@northstar-ins.com

Charles Witter Bates, CPCU is CEO of NorthStar Risk Management & Insurance Services, Inc. With over 30 years of commercial property program experience, Charles has positioned NorthStar to become an industry leader in real estate related insurance.

Mr. Bates began his career with the brokerage firm of Johnson & Higgins in San Francisco in 1977 as an account executive in their commercial casualty department. In 1984 he joined Schroder, White & Johnson (which was later acquired by AON) to put together a Worker's Compensation Captive in Bermuda. Charlie served as a Vice President of AON, and later assumed the position of a Limited Partner with Nationwide Insurance as a general commercial broker.

In 1992 Mr. Bates co-founded NorthStar Risk Management. Furthering his interest in creating insurance programs for niche markets, Charles was instrumental in founding the following:

Mr. Bates also jointly oversees the agency's daily operations for CIBA, a large Group Purchasing Facility for habitational and commercial buildings.

In 1998 Charles joined forces with David Costello, developing an exclusive homeowner's/earthquake insurance product for the affluent market.

Mr. Bates currently serves on the boards of NorthStar, The CIBA Foundation, and E-Ministrate.

Charles is very active in the local communities of Piedmont and San Francisco CA where he grew up. Charles comes from a family of industry leaders: his grandfather was Gene Witter of the famed Dean Witter Company. His father was head of the prestigious law firm Pillsbury, Madison Suttro in San Francisco. Charlie is a member of the Pacific Union Club of San Francisco, The Bohemian Club, The California Vintners Club, Ducks Unlimited, and the Claremont Country Club. His hobbies include horseback riding, hunting, skiing, golf and traveling.

Mr. Bates enjoys spending his leisure time at this family's ranch in Gilroy, CA with his wife Diane, and daughters Cameron, Cecily & Carolyn.

A particular source of pride is the "Bates Ranch/JANACA Wines" his family produces. With the assistance of wine makers Ahlgren & Byington, the Bate's Family has been honored with numerous gold medals for their Santa Cruz Mountain Cabernet Sauvignons.



Chris Thorndike
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

cthorndike@northstar-ins.com

Chris Thorndike is Executive Vice President of NorthStar Risk Management & Insurance Services, Inc.

Chris started his insurance career with Peck & Peck Insurance Brokers in San Carlos, California in 1995, focusing on both personal and commercial insurance risks. In 2001 he joined the NorthStar Team, bring with him a wealth of knowledge, experience and professionalism.

With a strong background in insurance and sales, Chris understands the importance of helping each client find proper coverage for a competitive premium.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Art degree in Organizational Communication from California State University, Chico (1992).

Chris is a board member of an annual charity golf tournament, "Swing for Shelter", benefiting Shelter, Inc. of Contra Costa County, which assists homeless and low-income Contra Costa families in sustaining permanent housing along with economic self-sufficiency.

Active in the local community where he grew up, Chris resides in Walnut Creek CA with his wife Ally and their two young children Will & Kate. An outdoorsman at heart, Chris enjoys golfing, fishing, skiing, playing basketball, and travel.



Michael Martin
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

mmartin@northstar-ins.com

Michael P. Martin is Executive Vice President of NorthStar Risk Management & Insurance Services, Inc.

Prior to entering the insurance business, in 1996 Mr. Martin began his career with American General Finance. Working in the capacity of financial advisor and loan underwriter, Michael was responsible for mortgage portfolios and estate planning review.

In 1999 Michael joined NEK Insurance Brokers in El Cerrito, CA to oversee their personal lines department. During his tenure at NEK he chaired the Hartford/CSR producer counsel.

In 2001 Mr. Martin joined NorthStar Risk Management as vice president of personal lines. With Michael's help, NorthStar has been recognized by Kemper Insurance and AIG Private Client Group as one of the fastest growing personal lines agencies in California.

Michael's more recent focus has been on property insurance for commercial buildings (apartments & complexes) through NorthStar's group purchasing facility, 'CIBA'.

Mr. Martin is an actively involved member of the 'Investment Group Forum' located in Orinda CA, assisting local community executives in placing insurance.

Michael resides in Walnut Creek CA, and is a graduate of Cal State University Chico. His interests include water polo, swimming, basketball, and softball. He enjoys spending his leisure time with his wife Lisa, and children Brittany and Matthew.



George Dias
VICE PRESIDENT

gdias@northstar-ins.com

George Dias is Vice President of NorthStar Risk Management & Insurance Services, Inc.

George began his insurance career with Continental Insurance in 1991, where he worked as an adjuster and underwriter, before coming to California to work on the brokerage side of the business.

George holds a Bachelor of Art degree in History and English from the University of Rochester (1984.) He is the President of the Hamilton Condominium Association in San Francisco and is involved in various non-profit groups.









Lynn Weis
CONTROLLER

lweis@northstar-ins.com