Eastern Public is a leader in the field of property insurance claims and public adjusting, working primarily with businesses, multi-unit buildings, and luxury apartments or homes. We strive to be client-centric, and everything we do is backed by our commitment to excellence, integrity, and service. 

Eastern Public is based in New York City, and serves clients across the Eastern U.S.

Read more about us below and learn how we've helped our clients in the past.

Founder and certified Public Adjuster Brian C. Evans leverages his 20+ years of experience to take thought leadership positions in the industry, and to push for consumer protections in insurance law and improved industry standards nationally.

We are informed.

We stay on top of developments in insurance law and practices and build relationships with industry leaders and the most respected professionals across the country. 

Our recommendations and referrals are based not on our financial interest or short-term profit, but on our interest in integrity and our clients’ needs. 

We are committed.

We volunteer time in the communities we serve through associations and direct claims guidance as well as pro bono assistance when formal representation may not be possible. 

Brian C. Evans is the Founder and CEO of Eastern Public LLC, a public adjusting and property claims advisory firm headquartered in New York City and active throughout the Eastern United States. He advises property owners, businesses, boards, and institutions on complex property damage events where construction realities, financial considerations, and insurance obligations converge.

With decades of experience spanning building construction, business leadership, and insurance claims management, Brian brings a disciplined, practical perspective to high-stakes losses. His work focuses on aligning recovery strategy, scope development, and financial outcomes with both the technical demands of rebuilding and the long-term interests of ownership.

Brian is frequently engaged on technically complex and high-value losses involving luxury residences, multi-unit residential properties, and commercial assets, often working in close coordination with legal counsel, engineers, architects, and restoration professionals. His role is to provide independent analysis, strategic oversight, and continuity throughout the recovery process.

He also serves as a court-certified expert witness and court-appointed insurance appraisal umpire, and holds leadership positions within national and state professional organizations dedicated to advancing professional standards in claims practice and policyholder advocacy.

Liza leads operations and public relations at Eastern Public. With experience in technology, research, and communications, Liza brings a comprehensive knowledge of corporate and operational strategy to her role at Eastern Public, helping to direct the company’s growth and core technological competencies. Liza has a B.A. in cognitive and computer sciences from Vassar College and a Masters in clinical psychology with a focus on industrial applications. 

Outside of her work at Eastern Public, Liza loves reading, being outdoors, spending time with her two teenage children, and staying connected to her large extended family in Pennsylvania. 

Marla Reilly

Office Manager

Marla has been an integral part of Eastern Public since 2017. She works as a claims administrator, interfacing with clients in addition to managing our office operations.

Marla brings many years of experience in insurance and construction to Eastern Public. She spent 15 years managing a Loss Control Department, and prior to that, in sales and business development at an engineering firm, where she worked closely with general contractors to review architectural plans and assemble bids on projects in New York City and surrounding suburbs. 

When Marla’s off the clock, she’s an avid Green Bay Packers, Yankees and Rangers fan. She loves spending time with her husband Kevin and their two daughters and dog in NJ where they live.

Peter Smyth-Rafferty

Business Development

Peter was born and raised in Nassau County on the South Shore of Long Island, and, before becoming a public adjuster, co-founded an e-commerce firm in Winter Haven, Florida. He brings a facility with technology and passion for helping others to his work, making him a tenacious advocate for clients.

Peter takes pride in working with integrity, compassion, and professionalism, especially during times of need. Peter has been widely involved with the development of Clean Food and Water Initiatives and Community Outreach and Safe Spaces for homeless and impoverished residents in NYC and on Long Island (Operation S.P.L.A.S.H., Grow Brownsville, Universe City NYC, Midnight Run).

Peter's a proud stepfather, and enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, at the beach, on the water, or on the golf course in his spare time.

Ana Torres
Marketing Manager

Ana joined Eastern Public in 2016, when she managed client communications and quickly learned the ins and outs of claims administration. Now she manages our marketing strategy, helping to keep Eastern Public in the public eye. 

Ana started out as an insurance agent, getting her Property & Casualty license after graduating high school, before working as a social media manager at a digital marketing agency in New York City. 

A native of Mexico, Ana settled with her family in North Carolina at a young age. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and mentoring in her church community.

Tori Kelly

Public Adjuster

Tori is a licensed public adjuster with over 15 years of experience. He manages mid- to large-loss commercial and residential claims at Eastern Public. 

Tori brings professional claims knowledge with a personal touch to claims handling. As a skilled communicator with a wide range of prior experience, from customer service to sales team management, he's adept at handling complex situations and difficult negotiations. Driven by the desire to help clients who are sometimes facing devastating challenges in claims situations, he is a versatile team player and innovative thinker who takes pride in maintaining great relationships across the industry. 

Outside of work, Tori is a dedicated father supporting his daughter's pursuit of Olympic gymnastics, and a committed mentor to inner-city youth.

Thomas McKay
Architect

Tom directs forensic investigations and physical condition surveys for Eastern Public, and lends his versatile skills in design and architecture to address the challenges our clients face.

Tom received his BFA/ B.A. degree at Rhode Island School of Design and a Masters Degree in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University. After working on commercial, corporate office, and residential architectural projects across Europe, Asia and throughout the US, he formed MA/D McKay Architecture/Design to concentrate on architecture, development, interior design and product design projects. 

McKay has been a member and investor in a series of residential and mixed-use development teams in NYC, New York state, Massachusetts, Florida and Indonesia. 

Yuichi Seki

Forensic Accounting

Yuichi Seki leads Forensic Accounting at Eastern Public. He has over two decades of extensive experience in financial forecasting, reporting and analysis as well as strategy and business development. 

Throughout his prior 20-year tenure at a Global Fortune 500 company, he managed venture capital portfolios, developed business plans for Japanese companies entering the US and managed financial matters for the division and subsidiaries in the technology, aerospace, entertainment, machinery, energy and healthcare industries. He holds a Marketing degree from Columbia University and a MBA in Economics from Rutgers University. 

Yuichi was raised in Japan, Australia and the United States, where he comes from an extremely international background. In his spare time, Yuchi loves composing music and enjoys cooking for friends and family.

Our Work