Ryann Elliott

Managing Principal
+1-443-682-0102
relliott@euclidlss.com
Underwriting: Large, Complex Risk Underwriting

Underwriting Territory: West Coast

Ryann has over 30 years of experience in underwriting, program management and brokering of all property and casualty lines, both admitted and surplus lines. She has focused on the Life Sciences industry since 2004 and most recent served as the segment head of Life Sciences for one of the leading Life Sciences insurers for over six years. Prior to this, Ryann lead six branch offices for one of the top five national brokers with primary responsibility of driving growth in the region through both organic and acquisition opportunity where she was also a principal in the Life Sciences Niche global practice, serving as an insurance academic and risk management “expert” for her colleagues and the firm’s clients.

She also held a senior vice president brokerage position with a London-based global broker. She served in as the regional property/casualty underwriting manager and practice leader for the industry-leading Fortune 50 insurance company and market leader serving the Technology and Life Science clients worldwide. Spending time on advocacy, she developed proprietary insurance programs for a trade association serving the technology industry and lobbied for policy reform and development of insurance coverage specific to the industry. Ryann also served the director of a multi-practice brokerage operation with the largest trade organization in the US working with 25,000 independent agencies to model best practices in insurance brokerage and risk management.

Prior to completing a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Averett University in Virginia, Ryann focused her early college education on pre-med course work including internships working with kidney disease research at the University of Virginia and kinesiology/orthopedics at Chippenham Sports Medicine Clinic. Now, more than two decades later, she blends both her love for science, technology and insurance through industry, community and trade association outreach.

Alex Braner

Assistant Vice President, Senior Underwriter, Midwest Territory Manager
+1-773-332-3465
abraner@euclidlss.com
Underwriting Territory: Midwest

Alex S. Braner joined the Life Science executive underwriting team in the summer of 2021.  Alex is responsible for cultivating and growing the book of life science products-work hazard liability and professional liability in the Midwest.   Alex rejoined Ryann Elliott from CNA where he, as an Underwriting Specialist, focused on the life science industry, he grew his underwriting expertise and topped production results year over year.

Mr. Braner holds a Bachelor of Entrepreneurial Management from University of Iowa during which he was a member of Gamma Iota Sigma collegiate professional fraternity.  He is based in Iowa and is an avid Iowa Hawks fan.

Steven Blackwell

Senior Vice President, Executive Underwriter,       East Coast Director
+1-226-210-0714
sblackwell@euclidlss.com 
Underwriting Territory: East Coast

Steven Blackwell recently joined ELSS in the Spring of 2023 as vice president and executive underwriter overseeing the Northeast Territory.  His underwriting specializing in Life Sciences spans over a decade and he will focus his efforts on developing business and a team presence in the Northeast.

Steve’s underwriting career began learning the ropes as underwriting trainee and evolved into roles with increased responsibilities including senior underwriter, product specialist, and large risk referral underwriter with Life Science leading carriers including Berkley, Chubb and Hartford. His most recent role tasked him with building and leading the Life Sciences Division for Hamilton, a US E&S Carrier.

Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from LeMoyne College, where he was a scholar athlete on the Men’s Soccer Team. Steve currently lives in Cornelius, NC with his wife Rachel, daughter Madison, son Conner and their golden retriever Toby.

Sarah Harriman

Assistant Underwriter
+1-630-238-2760
sharriman@euclidlss.com 
Underwriting Territory: East Coast

Sarah Harriman joined Euclid Life Science Specialty in 2023 through its underwriting apprenticeship and advanced to Assistant Underwriter. Sarah is responsible for assessing life science risks and supporting the growth and development of the products-work hazard and professional liability book of business, with a focus on primary renewals across the East Coast and new small business opportunities in the Southeast.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland, College Park’s School of Public Health. Before entering insurance, she worked in physical therapy rehabilitation and autism support services with diverse patient populations. Her background in health sciences and patient care adds another dimension to her understanding of life science risks. She is based in Maryland and reports to Senior Vice President Steven Blackwell.

Julianne Elliott

Assistant Underwriter
+1-443-878-3405
jelliott@euclidlss.com 
Underwriting Territory: Midwest and West Coast

Julianne Elliott joined Euclid Life Science Specialty in the fall of 2026, supporting underwriting efforts across the Midwest and West Coast territories. She previously worked as an Equine Underwriting Intern and Marketing Intern at Euclid Insurance Services, gaining experience in underwriting, marketing, and business development.

Julianne holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the College of Charleston. Her background across underwriting and marketing brings a well-rounded perspective to her role. She spends time outside of work competing in the equestrian sport of Eventing, and as a professional in that industry, also coaches, trains and produces both equine and rider athletes.