Advocates for Property Owners

Founder & Principal Public Insurance Adjuster

For more than two decades, Joseph “Joe” Connelly has helped homeowners, business owners, condominium associations, and commercial property owners recover millions of dollars in insurance claim settlements following catastrophic property losses.

As Founder and Principal Public Adjuster of Recovery Insurance Adjusters, Joe combines extensive expertise in construction, real estate operations, property management, and insurance claims advocacy to protect policyholders when they need it most. Since 2004, he has successfully represented clients throughout Florida, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas.

Joe’s foundation was built in his family’s New England real estate business, where he learned construction practices, building systems, financial analysis, and property operations from the ground up. As the youngest of seven children, he gained hands-on experience in every aspect of residential and commercial real estate management, developing the practical knowledge and work ethic that continue to define his professional approach today.

He earned his degree in Business Management from Suffolk University in Boston and furthered his education through advanced studies in building systems, technology, building codes, and life-safety programs at Boston University and George Washington University.

Prior to entering the insurance claims industry, Joe managed Class A office buildings, Harvard University healthcare facilities, higher education campuses, and large residential communities. This experience provided him with a unique understanding of complex structures, building systems, construction standards, and property valuation—knowledge that now serves as a significant advantage for clients facing major property losses.

Recognized throughout the industry for his expertise in large-loss and complex claims, Joe was recruited to serve as the primary Public Adjuster for Association Adjusting, representing condominium and homeowners associations on high-value hurricane, flood, fire, and water damage claims. His portfolio includes high-rise buildings exceeding 25 stories and multi-structure communities where individual claim values surpassed $18 million. Over the course of his career, he has successfully guided policyholders through some of the most challenging commercial and residential insurance claims in the country.

Joe has served in numerous industry leadership roles throughout his career. He previously served on the Executive Board of the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA) and is a member of the American Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (AAPIA). He currently serves as Vice President of the Windstorm Insurance Network (WIND), one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to property insurance education and advocacy. Joe is also a Certified Insurance Appraiser and faculty instructor committed to advancing professional standards within the insurance claims industry.

Community Leadership & Public Service

Joe’s commitment to service extends well beyond the insurance profession. He has served as President of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce and as a Trustee of the Stuart/Martin Chamber of Commerce, helping support business development and economic growth within the communities he serves.

In recognition of his leadership, integrity, and commitment to public service, Joe was appointed by the Martin County Board of County Commissioners to serve on both the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the quasi-judicial Board of Zoning Adjustment. These appointments entrusted him with helping guide important community development, land-use, and quality-of-life decisions on behalf of Martin County residents.

Throughout his career, Joe has been recognized by numerous organizations for his contributions to both business and community leadership, including honors from the Palm City Chamber of Commerce, Martin County Realtors of the Treasure Coast, and the Business Development Board of Martin County.

In 2024, Joe re-entered Recovery Insurance Adjusters’ presence in Northern New England with the opening of the firm’s Portland, Maine office. Today, he remains actively involved in community organizations throughout Florida and Maine, including the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA), Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, Camp Susan Curtis and Cheverus Purple & Gold Boosters Club.

Under Joe’s leadership, Recovery Insurance Adjusters has built a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and results. The firm’s mission is to provide policyholders with knowledgeable, ethical representation and to help ensure they receive the full and fair settlement they deserve under their insurance policy.

“Our mission is simple: to level the playing field for policyholders and ensure they receive every dollar they are entitled to under their insurance policy.” – Joe Connelly

Cathleen Owen joined the Recovery Insurance Adjuster’s Team in 2017 in the capacity of Office Manager. Originally from Fort Lee, New Jersey; Cathleen continued her career in Real Estate Development when she relocated to Boca Raton, Florida in 1982.

She moved to the Treasure Coast in mid-1990 and joined the Visiting Nurse Association of Florida as Marketing Director. Cathleen also served as the Director of Community Development for New Horizons of the Treasure Coast and raised more than $2Million for the construction of the Children’s Crisis Stabilization Center in 2011.

Cathleen’s enjoys travel, golf and spending time with her family right here in Stuart, FL.

Priscilla Vega joined the Recovery Insurance Adjusters (RIA) team in 2019, bringing with her an extensive background in healthcare, where she spent many years caring for and advocating on behalf of the elderly in South Florida. Her passion for helping others and dedication to service seamlessly transitioned into her current role in public insurance adjusting.

Prior to starting her hands-on career with RIA, Priscilla earned her Certified Adjuster designation in 2018. She continued her professional development with specialized training in Xactimate and roof adjusting, laying a strong foundation for success in the field.

Priscilla is an active leader in her community. She serves on the Board of Directors at the St. Lucie Chamber of Commerce and is a proud graduate of the St. Lucie Chamber Leadership Class of 2022. In recognition of her marketing excellence and community involvement, she was honored with the Jane Rowley Marketer of the Year Award in 2024.

A devoted wife and mother, Priscilla has lived in Port St. Lucie with her family since 2000. She is the proud parent of two accomplished children: her daughter is an EMT studying to become a Physician Assistant, and her son, a high school senior, is passionate about automotive engineering.

Since becoming a Public Insurance Adjuster, Priscilla has thrived—embracing new challenges, advancing her education, and making a meaningful impact through advocacy and customer service.

Recovery Insurance Adjusters was delighted to welcome Jane Rowley to our team as the St. Lucie County Community Liaison.

Jane’s history in St. Lucie County includes serving as a Representative on the City of Port St. Lucie Council, President of the Treasure Coast Hospice www.treasurehealth.org Board for 12 years, Director of Public Relations & Marketing for West Development & Tradition from 2001 – 2016.  She served as a Board Member of Indian River State College from 2001 – 2016, and as President of the St. Lucie County 100 Club.  She also served on theSt. Lucie Medical CenterBoard for 9 years.

Jane and her husband Eugene are proud parents of three sons and owned a Floral Design & Catering Business for more than 25 years.  They have enjoyed traveling the world when they found spare time.

Among other not-for profit organizations Jane has served include Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful, New Horizons of the Treasure Coast, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Safe Space of St. Lucie County, and as a Board Member of the Port St. Lucie Policy Foundation.

Daniel Sierra moved to Cape Coral Florida in 1989 from the suburbs of Chicago, IL, having studied Business Administration at DePaul University, His extensive experience in the construction industry includes insurance claim related water damage remediation and restoration, and storm damaged roof replacement. He also represented industrial and commercial construction manufacturing producers of paint, low slope roof design, and coating application.

A proud father of five sons, one serving in the US Air force; and 6 grandchildren; Daniel is an avid reader enjoying the subjects of history and human psychology. In addition to his continued work-related education, work-out activities, and occasional visits to our beaches; Daniel responsibly cares for his elderly parents residing in Stuart.

Daniel proudly represents Recovery Insurance Adjusters working together with clients and their insurance carrier to resolve the issues related to their claim for damages to their property in the best interest of the Policyholder.

Deborah (Debi) Wisneski is a dedicated and licensed Public Insurance Adjuster committed to protecting the rights of policyholders. Bringing 24 years of experience to the table, Debi levels the playing field for property owners dealing with fire, water, and weather-related damage. With a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of the insurance claims process, she knows that navigating a claim can be overwhelming. That is why she approaches every case with fierce advocacy and personalized attention. From the initial damage inspection to the final settlement negotiation, Debi ensures that every loss is meticulously documented and rigorously pursued so her clients receive the maximum compensation they are rightfully owed.

Patrick J. Forbes joined the Recovery Insurance Adjusters team in 2024. Having personally experienced the loss of his home during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, Patrick is passionate about advocating for people who have been impacted by a disaster, helping them to achieve a fair and equitable settlement from their insurance carrier.

In addition to being designated a certified public adjuster, Patrick is also a Florida licensed real estate agent. Prior to relocating to Stuart in 2019, he managed one of the largest independent businesses on the New York Stock Exchange for 25 years, working closely with his four siblings and father in the family business. Patrick has always enjoyed a stellar reputation for integrity, hard work, and providing the highest level of customer service.

Patrick’s wife teaches Latin at Treasure Coast Classical Academy; his son, a former police officer, is currently working in health insurance; and his daughter will soon be graduating from Florida State University.

Patrick brings extreme professionalism, keen intuition and a drive to help others. Recovery Insurance Adjusters is delighted to welcome Patrick to our team.

Catherine Stoner is a licensed public adjuster and joined Recovery Insurance Adjusters to serve homeowners in Greater Central Florida. In addition to Cathy’s insurance expertise, she possesses an extensive understanding of the real estate market, both of which will assist her in advocating for clients with their insurance carrier in the claim process. She is a graduate of Hillsboro College with Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration and Management. Cathy is committed to providing professional and knowledgeable customer service as she works with homeowners in navigating their insurance claim.