2 Claim Representatives Join MCIT, 1 Promoted

Myaye “Sophie” Soe, Jude Mertz and Sam Hudacheck

MCIT recently hired and promoted claim representatives:

• Jude Mertz was hired as a property/casualty claims representative Aug. 6.
• Sam Hudacheck was promoted to the role of workers’ compensation indemnity claims representative Aug. 13.
• Myaye “Sophie” Soe was hired as a workers’ compensation medical only claims representative Sept. 2.

Decades of Experience

Mertz fills the P/C claims representative position left open after Jeff Hentges was promoted to property/casualty claims manager in February. Mertz has more than 30 years of experience handling commercial property, liability and complex claims, although most of his experience has been in commercial property.

Hentges says, “We are happy to have Jude working with us at MCIT. He brings valuable and extensive experience in handling and processing of property and casualty claims, and will be an asset for MCIT and our members.”

Prior to coming to MCIT, he worked for EMC Insurance for 18 years with a focus on school districts in Minnesota and Wisconsin, along with cities, municipalities and townships in various states. While at EMC, he also handled inland marine, cyber and general liability claims.

Mertz says he likes that MCIT has a physical presence in Minnesota and works directly with members. “Every department has a direct role with our members. MCIT has an office where the employees work together servicing their members.”

Dedicated, Skilled Employee

Hudacheck has worked for MCIT since 2022, recently being promoted from a workers’ compensation medical only claims representative to indemnity claims representative. He took the position left open after Rick Henning retired in August.

Andrew Essling, workers’ compensation claims manager, says, “Sam has consistently demonstrated dedication and skill in handling workers’ compensation claims.”

In his new role, Hudachek is responsible for handling claims with lost time, negotiating settlements and coordinating both the medical and indemnity aspects of claims. He assists members in Carver, Meeker, Scott, Sherburne, Stearns and Washington counties.

Hudachek says, “Working at MCIT has been rewarding for me, both in the work I do and the atmosphere of the office and co-workers. So, the promotion to a lost time workers’ compensation claims representative was an easy decision. I’m looking forward to the new challenges.”

Knowledge Applicable to Workers’ Compensation

Soe was hired to fill the role left open after Hudachek’s promotion. As a workers’ compensation medical only claims representative, Soe handles claims that just have a medical component to them (e.g., no lost time). She serves all members.

Soe’s previous job was as a clinical triage coordinator for a hospital in Baltimore. In that role, she coordinated care for patients and triaged referrals for providers. In addition, she has experience with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance and medical records management.

Essling says, “Sophie brings valuable experience from a hospital setting to her role in handling workers’ compensation claims. This experience, coupled with her certification as a professional crisis management professional, has equipped her with the unique skills needed to provide the high level of service our members expect.”

MCIT’s strong reputation for supporting Minnesota counties attracted Soe to working for the organization. She says, “Even in my first weeks, I have seen the professionalism, expertise and dedication this team brings to serving members. It is a privilege to be a part of an organization with such a meaningful mission.”