Our Key Personnel
Cathy Macfarlane, CEO:
Cathy is our CEO. She joined Blue Eagle in 2003 and immediately set upon transforming Blue Eagle into a national brand. She has since succeeded in establishing Blue Eagle as the premier investigations company in the United States. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Communications from the University of Kansas. She has over 21 years of investigative and surveillance experience in the insurance industry, and she specializes in open-source investigations. She is a sought-after public speaker in insurance fraud investigations, and has served as President and Chairman of the Kansas Association of Private Investigators. In her spare time, she is a member the local School Board, and is active in foster care.
Stu Macfarlane, President:
Stu founded Blue Eagle in 1994 and quickly established Blue Eagle as a leader in the insurance fraud investigations industry. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Psychology from Florida State University, and has worked with numerous military, federal and state law enforcement entities. Stu has over 33 years of experience in insurance fraud investigations and surveillance and has served as President and Chairman of the Kansas Association of Private Investigators. He has instilled in Blue Eagle the dedication to being the best every day, for every client and on every case.
John Lederhaus, COO:
John Lederhaus is our COO of Blue Eagle Investigations, Inc., and is the Director of Operations in the Southeast. He is a graduate from Troy University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Prior to working in the private sector, he worked as a Georgia Sheriff’s Deputy and a South Carolina State Trooper. He further has 25 years of investigative and surveillance experience in the insurance industry, including Work Comp, Liability, Disability, Property & Casualty claims, Collision Investigations, Interview and Interrogations, Skip Tracing, as well as experience in Civil matters.
Jeanette Massey, National Account Manager:
Jeanette is our National Account Manager. She is a graduate of North Carolina Central University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Sciences with a Minor in Design. Prior to joining Blue Eagle Investigations, Jeanette worked as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant for Cataract & Lasik Surgery for a private practice. She is an excellent marketing and sales manager. When she is not working, Jeanette enjoys spending time with her family, reading suspense crime novels, and organizing/cleaning, yes, she likes to clean! Her favorite quote is “Everything is impossible…until somebody does it”.
Stuart Ford, Director of Operations:
Stu is our Director of Operations for Kansas. He has his roots in the United States Army and the Kansas Army National Guard, with over 21 years total military service, many of which were in addition to his duties at Blue Eagle. Stu has a comprehensive background in interviewing and interrogations, statement taking and rural surveillance. Stu’s many “out of the box” methods, have netted significant positive results for our clients, including those hard to watch rural claimants. Stu’s attention to detail and communication with clients is unrivaled. He has specialized training in Interview and Interrogation, basic fire sciences and fire investigations, retail loss prevention strategy training and implementation, and much more. Stu has been with Blue Eagle since 1998!
Cory Wasilewski, Director of Operations:
Cory is our Director of Operations in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University. He has worked in the field of investigations since 2011, specializing in insurance fraud investigations. He is a highly skilled investigator that has worked throughout the United States. Cory is always eager to learn and takes pride in his final product.
Rashad Gaynor, Director of Operations:
Rashad is our Director of Operations for North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with a Minor in Criminal Justice. Prior to joining Blue Eagle Investigations, Rashad worked as a government contractor conducting Background Investigations for the Federal Government and United States Military. He is an excellent investigator and leader. When he is not working, Rashad enjoys spending time with his family, Videography/photography, and donating his money to the casino. His words to live by: “Remember what’s important!”
Thomas Kennedy, Director of Operations:
Tom is our Director of Operations in Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota & South Dakota, as well as our Director of Nationwide Unmanned Surveillance. He is a seasoned professional with more than 19 years of experience in the investigations industry. Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and strategic problem-solving abilities, Tom has established himself as a respected figure in the field. His leadership and commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards have allowed him to build and lead a cohesive and dynamic investigative team, while his forward-thinking approach keeps the agency at the forefront of industry advancements. A passionate lifelong learner, Tom stays current with the latest industry trends and technologies, ensuring that Blue Eagle Investigations remains a leader in the field. Beyond his professional pursuits, he finds inspiration in outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, reflecting his dedication to a balanced and fulfilling life. Tom’s enduring dedication to excellence and ethical conduct continues to shape and elevate the investigative landscape.
Chris Sieminski, Director of Operations:
Chris is our Director of Operations in Louisiana, Texas & Oklahoma. With an extensive 25-year tenure in claims investigation encompassing both management and fieldwork, Chris brings unparalleled expertise to the table. Holding an MBA and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Sul Ross State University, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Kansas Wesleyan University, his educational background mirrors his dedication to the field. Membership in the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business attests to his commitment to excellence. Furthermore, Chris’s experience is enriched by an impactful internship with the ATF, further solidifying his distinguished career in the realm of claims investigation.
Ron Uzeta, Director of Operations:
Ron Uzeta is our Director of Operations in Washington. With a background in providing legal services to attorneys and the public in Eastern Washington since 2015, Ron is a licensed private investigator and a Washington State Certified Trainer for private investigators. Ron’s ongoing goal is to expand a team of investigators across Washington State. This expansion will enable Blue Eagle Investigations to better serve clients in any Washington county. His motto: “Always Ready to Assist”.
Chris Appleby, Director of Operations:
Chris is our Director of Operations for Mississippi. Chris has over 28 years of investigative experience including military, federal, and private sector. He is highly skilled in SIU and surveillance investigations having managed and investigated thousands of insurance fraud cases throughout the southeastern United States. As an Air Force Special Agent, he managed and participated in numerous investigative operations including felony-level economic crime, narcotics investigations, surveillance, counterintelligence, and executive protection missions throughout Europe and Southwest Asia. Chris is also the recipient of a Bronze Star, one of the nation’s highest military honors. He is a subject matter expert on the exam development team responsible for private investigation company owner licensing in the state of Georgia, and he has also served as the President of the Georgia Association of Professional Private Investigators and is a member of various other professional associations.
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The Blue Eagle Investigations Story
Blue Eagle Investigations®, Inc., was founded in 1994 by Stu Macfarlane. The Blue Eagle name comes from the US Air Force F-15 “Eagle” fighter jet. Stu’s father, Willard R. “Mac” Macfarlane, was a highly decorated military fighter pilot-many say the best there ever was. His favorite jet was the F-15 and it’s natural color is blue, hence Blue Eagle.