Leadership

Meet our Leaders

Christopher D. Nichols, CPCU, AIC, AIM 

President, CEO

Chris is a graduate of Florida International University with a double-major in Management and International Business. He  has devoted his entire career, now over 30 years, and has both Property and Casualty claims handling experience.  He is an expert in several areas, including policy coverage and interpretation, as well as large/complex loss handling. He has extensive experience in litigation management and as an Appraiser for disputed property claims.


After graduating in 1994 he began working for a regional firm in Miami, FL as an independent adjuster, starting in commercial auto and CGL claims and eventually, large exposure liability claims.  In 1999, he expanded to property claims, and also briefly worked for

a major cruise line adjusting passenger and crew claims. During his tenures in Miami, he served as a Senior Adjuster, Supervisor and General Adjuster. 


In 2003, Chris moved "in-house" to a global, reputable insurance company, where he gained a deeper understanding of overall insurance operations, and which allowed his property expertise (both residential and commercial) to mature in one of the most challenging claims environments in the United States. In 2005, Chris relocated his family to Atlanta, GA where he served as a National General Adjuster and National TPA Manager for an independent adjusting company.


In 2009, Chris founded Acclaim Property-Casualty Services, LLC, an independent adjusting company, where he served as President, CEO until he merged with PLS Claims in 2013.  In his role as Vice President, he headed up its DCA (Delegated Claims Administrator) operations, including litigated claims, and serves as the Corporate Representative deponent on behalf of a London-based client.

In 2024, Chris became President of PLS Claims.


Chris maintains All-Lines Independent Adjuster Licenses in Georgia as well as in numerous other states. He has earned CPCU, AIC and AIM designations. He has also served as President of the Southern Loss Association, a claims group for property adjusters, attorneys, and other insurance professionals interested in furthering education and networking within the loss adjustment field since 1957, and for four years was a Scout Master in the Boy Scouts of America.


Contact Chris: 
cnichols@plsclaims.us | (770) 381-8855

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Ann Nichols, ARM

Vice President, Controller

Ann joined PLS Claims in 2013 in a minor support role. Her position at PLS has grown over the years and evolved into that of Controller, overseeing the compliance and regulatory operations of PLS Claims. She is a pivotal member of PLS Claims team, overseeing the day-to-day operations of both the company and the TPA program, as well as all accounting/finance, HR/Payroll, and technology.

Ann graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Finance.  Prior to working at PLS Claims, she

at Acclaim Property-Casualty Services, LLC.  She spent many years volunteering for various non-profit organizations, serving on their boards, while staying home to raise her family.


Contact Ann: anichols@plsclaims.us | (770) 381-8855

Mike Gates, AIC

Founder and Executive General Adjuster

Mike has been adjusting claims for over 50 years now.  After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University in 1973, Mike began his claims career with The Continental Insurance Companies in Orlando, FL, later transferring to Atlanta, GA as a regional supervisor responsible for large losses and the property claims product for twenty-three offices in seven states. In 1983, Mike started in the independent adjusting business, where he has worked ever since


In 1997, he established PLS Claims and served as President until 2024.  Mike continues with PLS Claims as an Executive General Adjuster


Mike Gates, AIC

Founder and Executive General Adjuster

Mike has been adjusting claims for over 50 years now.  After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University in 1973, Mike began his claims career with The Continental Insurance Companies in Orlando, FL, later transferring to Atlanta, GA as a regional supervisor responsible for large losses and the property claims product for twenty-three offices in seven states. In 1983, Mike started in the independent adjusting business, where he has worked ever since


In 1997, he established PLS Claims and served as President until 2024.  Mike continues with PLS Claims as an Executive General Adjuster


Mike has served as President (two terms) of the Southern Loss Association. He has been a member of the Atlanta Claims Association and Atlanta Insurance Professionals. Over the years, he has taught IIA courses and other classes. He has also addressed local claims and professional groups for both the Southeastern and Midwestern Claims Managers organizations on various topics, including environmental claims. He additionally also been a presenter at the PLRB national and regional conferences on "Commercial Theft Claims," "Period of Restoration," and "Rejecting Proofs of Loss and Denial of Claims."
 
Contact Mike:
mgates@plsclaims.us | (770) 381-8855

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Call us today to talk to our team at (770) 381-8855.

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