Nat Alliance NOW Risk & Insurance Podcast Series: Recent Episodes
The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research
The Nat Alliance NOW podcast series provides risk and insurance professionals with rich, nuanced conversations that deepen learning and promote the successful completion of National Alliance programs.
Contractors face environmental exposures that can lead to costly claims, coverage disputes, project delays, cleanup expenses, legal defense costs, and third-party liability. In this episode of the Environmental Strategist Podcast, presented in partnership with the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance, Brooks Bunbury is joined by Christopher Pell, Senior Underwriting Manager with Intact Insurance, Midwest and Eastern Environmental Division, to explore real-world contractor pollution liability claims and the environmental insurance solutions that can help protect businesses.
The conversation examines current environmental insurance market conditions, growth in contractor pollution liability coverage, and the types of claims carriers are seeing across the construction and contracting space. Examples include mold from an improperly installed HVAC system, asbestos-contaminated demolition debris, underground utility strikes, fuel line leaks, stormwater runoff, liquid asphalt spills, illicit dumping, vapor intrusion, and aging underground storage tanks.
Listeners will also learn how Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL), site pollution coverage, transportation pollution liability, underground storage tank coverage, and related environmental insurance products may respond to exposures that are often excluded or limited under general liability, commercial auto, or property policies. The episode also offers practical underwriting insights for agents and brokers, including why project lists, loss runs, financial stability, health and safety practices, and well-drafted contracts matter when placing environmental coverage.
This episode is ideal for insurance agents, brokers, risk managers, contractors, and environmental insurance professionals who want to better understand contractor pollution exposures, coverage gaps, and the importance of environmental financial assurance.
Key Topics
- Environmental liabilities facing contractors
- Current environmental insurance market conditions
- Growth trends in contractor pollution liability (CPL)
- Mold claims and water intrusion exposures
- Asbestos contamination and demolition risks
- Fuel spills, leaking tanks, and underground utility strikes
- Vapor intrusion, silica, PFAS, and stormwater runoff
- Contractor Pollution Liability (CPL) coverage
- Environmental Impairment Liability (EIL) and site pollution coverage
- Transportation Pollution Liability coverage
- Underground Storage Tank (UST) risks and insurance considerations
- Legal defense costs in environmental claims
- Contractual environmental insurance requirements
- Environmental financial assurance programs
- Underwriting best practices for contractors
- How pollution coverage can provide a competitive bidding advantage
Key Takeaways
- Environmental exposures exist for nearly every contractor, not just environmental specialists.
- Excavation, demolition, HVAC, plumbing, utility installation, roofing, and transportation operations can all trigger costly pollution claims.
- Standard general liability policies often contain pollution exclusions that leave contractors uninsured for significant environmental losses.
- Contractor Pollution Liability (CPL) coverage can address cleanup costs, bodily injury, property damage, business interruption, natural resource damages, and legal defense costs.
- Mold continues to be a major source of environmental claims affecting contractors across multiple trades.
- Underground utility strikes, fuel releases, asbestos discoveries, and stormwater runoff can quickly generate six- and seven-figure losses.
- Transportation Pollution Liability fills important coverage gaps that may not be addressed by commercial auto policies.
- Aging underground storage tanks present increasing risk and may become more difficult and expensive to insure over time.
- Strong safety programs, favorable loss histories, stable finances, and well-written contracts can improve underwriting outcomes and pricing.
- Contractors can use pollution liability coverage as a differentiator when competing for projects that require environmental financial assurance.
Want to build stronger environmental risk and insurance expertise? Enroll in the Certified Environmental Strategist, Self-Paced Online Course from the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance. This four-hour, on-demand course helps insurance professionals better understand environmental exposures, coverage solutions, and risk management strategies. Start learning on your schedule and earn your Certified Environmental Strategist certification.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Featured Guests
- Jeffrey Williams, Managing Director, Microsoft Global Insurance Advisory Practice
- Andy Welch, Product Architect, HSB
- Max Bedell, Head of Sales, Covenir
Topics Discussed
- AI liability insurance
- Emerging AI risks and exposures
- Insurance coverage gaps
- Underwriting AI-related risks
- Insurance operations and automation
- MGA and carrier strategy
- AI adoption and employee enablement
- Claims and customer service transformation
- Future insurance technology trends
- The evolving relationship between people and AI
Key Takeaways
- AI is creating new insurance coverage needs and exposures.
- Insurers are beginning to address AI-specific liability risks.
- Successful AI adoption requires employee education and engagement.
- AI should augment insurance professionals, not replace them.
- Insurance remains a relationship-driven industry.
- Organizations that thoughtfully integrate AI into workflows will gain a competitive advantage.
CIC Insurance Company Operations
Want a deeper understanding of how insurance companies operate, make underwriting decisions, manage claims, and leverage technology?
The CIC Insurance Company Operations course from the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides insurance professionals with a practical look inside carrier operations, business strategy, financial considerations, underwriting processes, and organizational decision-making.
Explore CIC Insurance Company Operations and gain the knowledge needed to better understand the insurance companies you work with every day.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Key Topics Discussed
- Building an enterprise risk management (ERM) program from scratch
- Creating a strong foundation for organizational risk management
- Gaining executive support and stakeholder buy-in
- Breaking down silos through relationship building
- Identifying and prioritizing enterprise risks
- Using risk assessments to guide strategic decisions
- Designing insurance programs that support organizational growth
- Building productive broker and underwriter relationships
- Business continuity planning and resilience strategies
- Managing supply chain risk in a global organization
- Navigating multinational insurance challenges
- Lessons learned for new and aspiring risk managers
- Why risk management offers diverse career opportunities
Key Takeaways
- Successful ERM programs begin with a clear understanding of an organization's most significant risks.
- Executive sponsorship is critical when building a risk management function.
- Relationships across departments are essential for identifying and managing risk effectively.
- Business continuity planning requires both strategic planning and operational knowledge.
- Insurance is one component of a broader risk management strategy.
- The right consultants, brokers, and service providers can accelerate program maturity.
- Risk management professionals can find opportunities across virtually every industry.
Featured Guest
Emily Buckley
Risk Manager, Specialized Bicycle Components
Emily leads risk management, insurance strategy, business continuity, and resilience initiatives at Specialized Bicycle Components. As the company's first dedicated risk manager, she has been instrumental in developing its enterprise risk management framework and strengthening organizational resilience across a global footprint.
Learn More
Interested in advancing your risk management expertise?
The Practice of Risk Management course from the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance's CRM Designation program, provides practical frameworks for identifying, analyzing, controlling, financing, and monitoring organizational risks. Whether you're building an ERM program, improving business resilience, or advancing your career, PRM delivers the tools needed to make a measurable impact.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why insurance's biggest bottleneck isn't decision-making—it's the work surrounding the decision
- How AI agents differ from traditional automation and workflow tools
- Why governance, transparency, and auditability are essential for insurance AI
- How carriers can use AI to improve underwriting accuracy and speed-to-quote
- The role of AI in claims consistency, customer trust, and claims outcomes
- Why human oversight remains critical in underwriting, claims, and policy servicing
- The difference between general-purpose AI models and insurance-specific AI
- Lessons learned from more than 120 live insurance AI deployments
- Common mistakes organizations make when scaling AI initiatives
- How insurance leaders can build an AI strategy that delivers measurable business value
As AI changes how insurance work gets done, understanding how insurance companies operate becomes even more important.
The Alliance's CIC Insurance Company Operations course provides a deeper look into carrier structures, underwriting operations, claims management, profitability, financial performance, and the decisions that drive insurer success.
Explore CIC Insurance Company Operations through the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance and strengthen your understanding of today's insurance marketplace.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
- Why risks rarely exist in isolation and often interact, overlap, and amplify one another
- The limitations of traditional risk rankings, heat maps, and siloed risk assessments
- How interconnected risks can create cascading impacts across an organization
- Lessons from the World Economic Forum's risk network approach to understanding complexity
- Why rapidly evolving business environments require a more dynamic view of risk
- How digital transformation and growing dependencies increase interconnected exposures
- The concept of risk influence and how one event can trigger multiple downstream risks
- Why lower-ranked risks may have greater strategic importance than organizations realize
- Creating risk influence matrices to visualize relationships between risks
- Simple methods for assessing risk connections using high, medium, and low influence ratings
- The role of subject matter experts in identifying and evaluating risk interdependencies
- How surveys, workshops, and collaborative assessments can improve risk visibility
- Using AI-generated risk lists as a starting point for broader risk analysis
- Understanding catalyst risks that drive multiple business threats simultaneously
- Why executives often focus on only a handful of risks and overlook important triggers
- The value of risk networks in revealing hidden vulnerabilities and dependencies
- How organizations can prioritize mitigation efforts based on influence rather than rank alone
- Practical steps for integrating interconnected risk analysis into ERM programs
- The importance of communication, collaboration, and ongoing evaluation in risk management
- Why understanding risk interconnections can improve resilience, decision-making, and long-term organizational success
Ready to deepen your risk analysis skills? Explore the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance's Analysis of Risk course to learn practical techniques for identifying, evaluating, and communicating risk more effectively. Visit the link in the show notes to learn more and register.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
- Why product recalls in the food & beverage industry are becoming more frequent and complex
- How large-scale production and rapid distribution increase the potential impact of a recall
- The role of supply chain risk and why contamination often originates upstream
- Understanding strict liability and exposure across the entire stream of commerce
- Key differences in regulatory oversight between FDA and USDA
- Why certain products (e.g., those without a “kill step”) carry higher contamination risk
- How modern traceability and testing accelerate the speed of recalls
- The importance of responding quickly to remove affected product from the market
- Financial and operational consequences, including production shutdowns and revenue loss
- Why business continuity planning is essential to maintaining operations during a recall
- The need for clear crisis response plans, defined roles, and rapid communication
- How reputational damage can escalate without coordinated response strategies
- Gaps in traditional insurance coverage and the value of product recall insurance
- How proactive risk management, visibility, and preparedness reduce overall exposure
- Why recalls are not one-time events but continuous risks requiring ongoing attention
Want to go deeper on the strategies behind managing complex risks like product recalls?
The Alliance’s Control of Risk course offers practical frameworks to help you strengthen risk evaluation and response.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Topics Covered:
- Why high net worth individuals are considered “industry disruptors” in insurance
- The limitations of traditional personal and commercial insurance when addressing environmental risk
- Real-world environmental loss scenarios, including:
- Why many high-net-worth insureds are unknowingly self-insuring environmental exposures
- Environmental liability exposures tied to complex asset portfolios, including:
- How environmental risks for HNW individuals can rival those of corporations
- The disconnect between agent assumptions (e.g., mold coverage) and actual environmental coverage gaps
- The importance of integrating personal and commercial insurance into a cohesive environmental program
- How tailored environmental insurance solutions can eliminate gaps and reduce hidden liabilities
- Why education and expertise are critical for advisors serving high-net-worth clients
- The role of proactive environmental risk planning in protecting wealth, operations, and reputation
How many environmental exposures are your high-net-worth clients unknowingly self-insuring?
The Certified Environmental Strategist (eS) self-paced course gives you the tools to uncover those risks and help protect what matters most.
Environmental Strategist Resources:
- Hazardous Transportation Liability & Physical Damage Application
- Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL) Application
- New Business Application for Environmental Impairment Liability (EIL) Insurance
- StorageTank Pollution Liability Application
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
- Why rising claims costs, nuclear verdicts, and premiums are reshaping fleet risk management
- The shift from reactive claims handling to proactive crash prevention strategies
- Why crashes are predictable when you focus on leading indicators instead of outcomes
- The importance of identifying high-risk drivers and understanding behavior patterns
- How data sources like MVRs, telematics, and violation tracking reveal hidden risk
- The role of continuous monitoring vs. one-time or annual reviews
- Why increasing deductibles without a strategy can increase exposure
- Common gaps in fleet risk programs, including a lack of visibility and inconsistent workflows
- How to align brokers, carriers, and insureds around a shared risk mitigation strategy
- The connection between driver behavior, accountability, and safety culture
- Practical approaches to building a repeatable, data-driven prevention program
- Why combining analytics with real-world execution produces the best outcomes
- How better risk management reduces total cost of risk, not just insurance premiums
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
- Why onboarding should be treated as an experience, not just a checklist
- The critical difference between onboarding and true employee belonging
- Why first impressions extend beyond day one and shape long-term outcomes
- Common mistakes organizations make by focusing too heavily on tasks and compliance
- How understanding individual motivations, personalities, and learning styles improves engagement
- The role of curiosity and early feedback in building trust with new hires
- Practical ways to personalize the first-day experience and create meaningful connections
- Why onboarding should be a shared responsibility across leaders, managers, HR, and peers
- How involving cross-functional teams improves integration and team cohesion
- The importance of clear expectations and consistent communication from the start
- Simple, thoughtful gestures that can make employees feel welcomed and valued
- How better onboarding experiences drive retention, performance, and culture
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
In this episode:
- Why workers’ comp should be viewed beyond the claim
- How fear, uncertainty, and poor communication affect outcomes
- Why tone, timing, and clarity matter in claim conversations
- The employer’s role in building trust after an injury
- How return-to-work supports healing, dignity, and recovery
- Why consistency across HR, supervisors, and adjusters matters
- What agents and brokers should understand to better advise clients
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
In this episode of Alliance Insights, Noelle Codispoti of the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance is joined by Ron Hocutt of Angela Adams Consulting for a practical discussion on what AI readiness really looks like for today’s insurance agencies. Ron reframes the conversation away from “Which AI platform should we buy?” and toward the far more important questions of how we best use technology, how we ensure data quality, and how we encourage operational discipline.The episode breaks down the differences between generative AI and agentic AI, clarifying how each can support agency workflows without replacing licensed professionals or transferring legal responsibility. Ron explains why current AI tools remain limited in scope, why liability always stays with the agent or agency, and why fears of full automation often overlook regulatory and legal realities.Listeners are guided through real world applications—such as workflow coordination, policy analysis, client communication, and renewal preparation—while learning why inconsistent workflows and poor data can undermine any AI initiative. The discussion also highlights the competitive risks agencies face if they fail to prepare, emphasizing that efficiency gains, not job replacement, will define winners and losers. Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professionaldevelopment, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides apractical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participantsand their clients for confidence and success.
If this episode helped you better understand additional insured endorsements and contract requirements, explore Contractors RiskPRO for deeper training on contractor coverages and ISO forms. Learn more and become RiskPRO Certified: https://pro.scic.com/course-schedule/?name=Contractors%20Risk%20Professional
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
If this episode helped clarify additional insured requirements, explore Contractors RiskPRO for deeper training on contractor coverages and ISO forms, become RiskPRO Certified: https://pro.scic.com/course-schedule/?name=Contractors%20Risk%20Professional
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Topics Covered:
- What Environmental Financial Assurance (EFA) is and why it exists
- The regulatory origins of EFA, including Superfund and CERCLA
- How contracts and environmental indemnifications can create hidden self‑insurance
- Why insurance is often the most efficient tool for meeting EFA requirements
- Common industries impacted by EFA: construction, real estate, mergers and acquisitions, and environmental services
- Real‑world examples of contracts requesting the wrong environmental coverage
- Differences between insurance, bonds, letters of credit, escrow, and self‑funding
- How EFA strategies protect balance sheets, cash flow, and reputation
- The risks of discovering inadequate coverage only after a claim occurs
- Why Environmental Strategists focus on education, alignment, and structured EFA planning
Resources from Environmental Risk Managers, Inc.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
As you consider how AI might impact your workflows, your team, or your day-to-day work, the CIC Agency Management course offers a practical next step, helping you lead through change, improve operations, and apply new technology more effectively.
Learn more: https://pro.scic.com/course-schedule/?name=Agency%20Management
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
In this episode, Darren moderates a deep dive into the fast evolving intersection of venture capital, startups, and carrier partnerships within the insurance industry. Guests Adam Care (HSB Funds) and John Javan (BrokerTech Ventures) unpack how AI is reshaping insurance, the explosion of new vendors, and what makes certain startups stand out.The discussion covers the rapid acceleration of AI—from early process automation tools to individualized productivity solutions—while highlighting a major industry shift: companies no longer market themselves as “AI companies,” but instead focus on the real problems they solve. They explore challenges in product market fit, the complexity of insurance sales cycles, and the disconnect between frontline users and C suite decision makers.The conversation also goes into why carriers are eager but cautious adopters of innovation, the role of accelerators in bridging gaps between startups and legacy players, and what founders must understand about risk aversion, compliance expectations, and long adoption timelines in insurance.Looking ahead, Adam and John predict foundational changes as AI becomes ubiquitous—impacting underwriting, claims, customer service, distribution, and even insurance policy structures themselves (including AI-related exclusions). Their closing advice to founders: fall in love with the problem, not the solution, stay persistent in the face of industry complexity, and partner with organizations that can help accelerate market access and credibility. Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professionaldevelopment, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides apractical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participantsand their clients for confidence and success.
Featured GuestJay Gates
Managing Director, Gallagher National Restaurant Practice
20+ years in insurance, former Applebee’s risk leader, RIMS committee member, and Kids Chance Nebraska board member.
What We Cover* Jay’s unexpected path into risk and insurance * Lessons learned investigating EEOC claims early in his career * Leadership principles developed while managing large claims teams * Building a full ERM program for 165+ Applebee’s locations * The most surprising and severe claims in restaurant operations * How Gallagher reduces the total cost of risk for restaurant clients * Innovative approaches including captives and proprietary analytics * Underestimated risks: cyber breaches + product recalls * The growing impact of AI on restaurant ops and risk * Privacy + liability concerns tied to AI adoption * The future of restaurant risk management over the next decade
Key Takeaways Restaurant risks are broader than most expect. From contaminated produce to liquor liability fatalities, claims can escalate fast. * Cyber and product recall coverages are essential, despite being commonly undervalued. * AI will reshape restaurant risk—from customer service to operations tracking—creating both efficiencies and new exposures. * Gallagher’s differentiator is proactive service, deep data analysis, and tailoring insurance strategy to each client's risk tolerance. * Risk leaders benefit from diverse career experiences*, which Jay draws on daily.
Resources & Links Learn more about the Restaurant Risk Professional (RRP) certification:
riskeducation.org/restaurant-RiskPro
* Explore additional Alliance Insights episodes at riskeducation.org*
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Topics Covered:
- What inspired Chris Bunbury’s career in environmental risk
- How pollutants are defined beyond chemicals
- Why most businesses unknowingly self‑insure environmental exposures
- The limitations of CGL policies & hidden pollution exclusions
- Environmental Impairment Liability (EIL) vs. Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL)
- Real‑world examples of unexpected pollution claims
- The role and value of an Environmental Strategist
- How environmental stewardship creates competitive advantage
- Preview of future episodes: PFAS, stormwater, brownfields, due diligence & more
Resources Mentioned:
- Environmental Risk Managers, Inc. — ermi.us
- Environmental Strategist Certification — https://www.riskeducation.org/environmental-strategist/
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
In this episode of the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance Insights podcast, CEO William Hold talks with Dan Chuparkoff, AI expert, innovation educator, and former product leader at Google, McKinsey, and Atlassian. Dan shares his compelling journey—from discovering disruptive technology as a teenager in an architecture firm to spending 25 years guiding teams through massive shifts in how work gets done.
He discusses how early exposure to breakthrough tools shaped his understanding of digital transformation, why AI is accelerating faster than any previous change in workplace technology, and how professionals can adapt without fear. Dan explains the real impact of AI on today’s workforce—why it takes away repetitive tasks rather than entire jobs, how it turns “word managers” into problem solvers, and why human skills like empathy, creativity, and judgment remain more valuable than ever. This conversation is full of insights into the future of work, collaboration, and the growing importance of authentic human connection in an AI‑saturated world.
Key Topics Covered:
✅ Dan’s early journey from architecture intern to software developer
✅ Lessons learned from leading teams at Google, McKinsey, and Atlassian
✅ How AI evolved from autocomplete to powerful generative assistants
✅ Why AI won’t replace most jobs—but will reshape daily tasks
✅ Improving productivity with AI: meetings, email, communication, and strategy
✅ The “analog renaissance” and the rising value of real human interaction
✅ How professionals in risk and insurance can prepare for AI‑driven change
Why Listen:
If you’re an insurance professional, leader, educator, or simply curious about how AI will redefine work, this episode offers practical guidance and a forward‑looking perspective. Dan’s insights will help you understand the opportunities, limitations, and human implications of AI—empowering you to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly changing industry.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
As you’re thinking about how these changes might impact your team or your day-to-day work, the CIC Agency Management course is a helpful next step, offering practical ways to lead through change, improve workflows, and apply new technology more effectively.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
In this episode of the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance Insights podcast, hosts Mitch Dunford and Dr. Lisa Gardner talk with Deborah Buettner, CIC, personal lines underwriter and manager at Risk Placement Services. Deborah shares her inspiring story—from making cold calls at age 12 in her father’s agency to building a thriving career in underwriting hard-to-place risks like homeowners, farms, aviation, and drones.
She discusses how early experiences as a CSR shaped her understanding of underwriting, why continuous learning and designations like CIC matter, and how RPS’s values-driven culture has kept her passionate for over two decades. This conversation is packed with insights on resilience, career growth, and the importance of integrity in the insurance industry.
Key Topics Covered:✅ How Deborah started in insurance as a child
✅ Transition from nursing to insurance
✅ The role of a CSR and its impact on career development
✅ Underwriting hard-to-place risks and E&S markets
✅ Importance of professional designations like CIC
✅ How company culture and core values drive success
Why Listen:If you’re an insurance professional, aspiring underwriter, or simply curious about career growth in the industry, this episode offers practical advice and an inspiring story of perseverance and passion.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
As you think about how your role and your team may evolve with AI, the CIC Agency Management course provides a practical path to strengthen your leadership skills and navigate change with confidence.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
In this episode of Alliance Insights, Tyler Jensen, President of Top Performance Group, breaks down the powerful ways business owners can use life insurance to protect their companies, employees, and long-term legacy. From key person insurance and buy-sell agreements to cash value accumulation, loan collateralization, and executive bonus plans, Tyler explains how life insurance becomes a strategic financial tool, not just personal protection.Through real-world stories and step-by-step examples, you’ll learn how life insurance supports business continuity, safeguards revenue, funds succession plans, retains top talent, and strengthens financial stability. Whether you advise business owners or run a company yourself, this session gives you the clarity and confidence to use life insurance as a powerful planning resource. Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professionaldevelopment, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides apractical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participantsand their clients for confidence and success.
As you reflect on how strategy and innovation impact your organization, the CIC Agency Management course offers a practical way to build stronger decision-making, improve performance, and lead more effectively.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
In this episode of Alliance Insights, we’re excited to spotlight CISR High School Program graduate Katy Knapp - a rising insurance professional who is already charting her career path just one year out of high school. Thanks to early exposure, effective industry engagement, and internship opportunities, Katy has fast-tracked her journey into insurance and is already giving back by sharing practical, actionable advice for both students and employers.The Academy’s Sharla Floyd sits down with Katy to explore how the CISR High School Program shaped her trajectory, what she learned from hands-on experience, and how the industry can better support emerging talent. Katy’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of early engagement, and a reminder that investing in young professionals truly transforms futures. Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professionaldevelopment, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides apractical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participantsand their clients for confidence and success.
In this episode of Alliance Insights, Jack Elliott, Regional VP of Operations with Alera Group and Risk & Insurance Research Academy Board Chair, shares how a high school internship changed the course of his life. The Academy's Sharla Floyd talks with Jack about his path from the classroom to the C-suite and why he is so passionate about creating opportunities for today’s students through initiatives like the CISR High School Program. Jack’s story is a powerful reminder of how early exposure and industry engagement can truly change lives, and why giving back to the next generation matters now more than ever. Watch now and be inspired to help build the future of our industry. Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professionaldevelopment, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides apractical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participantsand their clients for confidence and success.
As you reflect on how ethics shows up in your daily work, the Alliance’s ethics courses and CE webinars provide a helpful next step, offering practical ways to strengthen your judgment, build trust, and apply ethical decision-making in real-world situations.
View Ethics Webinar Schedule: https://pro.scic.com/course-schedule/?name=Ethics
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
On this episode of Streamlining Insurance, Darren Bloomfield sits down with Charles Merritt, CEO and co-founder of Buddy, an insurtech firm pioneering embedded insurance solutions. With their flagship ION™ engine, Buddy makes it easier than ever for businesses to integrate insurance directly into digital platforms.Charles shares his insights on how embedded insurance is reshaping customer experiences, the role of APIs in modernizing distribution, and what the next wave of innovation looks like in insurance technology. Whether you’re an insurer, broker, or technologist, this conversation will spark ideas on how to unlock new channels and streamline operations in today’s digital-first world. Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professionaldevelopment, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides apractical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participantsand their clients for confidence and success.
If you want to go deeper into insurance risk analysis and better understand how to interpret actuarial data in real-world scenarios, the Alliance’s Analysis of Risk course is designed to help you build those skills—so you can make more confident, informed decisions every day.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
In this episode of Streamlining Insurance, Darren speaks with Zhiyu Frank Quan, Ph.D. and Panyi Dong, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who recently co-authored “Automated Machine Learning in Insurance.” Together, they explore how automation and machine learning are reshaping actuarial science, underwriting, and risk management. We’ll also connect the dots to practical implementation—how insurers can move from academic theory to real-world tools that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enable better decision-making. Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professionaldevelopment, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides apractical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participantsand their clients for confidence and success.
In this episode of Alliance Insights, Dr. Claire Musselman dives into the human side of workers’ compensation. From the history of the system to modern challenges, she explains why empathy, communication, and dignity matter in every claim—and how they lead to better outcomes for employees and organizations alike. Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professionaldevelopment, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides apractical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participantsand their clients for confidence and success.
CyberCube is delivering the world’s leading cyber risk modeling and analytics. With best-in-class data access and advanced multi-disciplinary analytics, the company’s cloud-based platform helps insurance organizations quantify cyber risk to facilitate placing insurance, underwriting cyber risk and managing cyber risk aggregation. CyberCube’s enterprise intelligence layer provides insights on millions of companies globally and includes modeling on thousands of points of technology failure. The CyberCube platform was established in 2015 within Symantec and now operates as a standalone company exclusively focused on the insurance industry, with access to an unparalleled ecosystem of data partners. It is backed by Morgan Stanley Tactical Value, Forgepoint Capital, HSCM Bermuda, MTech Capital, individuals from Stone Point Capital and Scott G. Stephenson. For more information, please visit www.cybcube.com or email info@cybcube.com.
As you think about how to better serve your clients and adapt to changes in technology, the CIC Agency Management course offers practical guidance to help you improve workflows, strengthen client relationships, and grow your business with confidence.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
In this episode of Alliance Insights, Jonathan Peters (JP) shares his journey into the insurance industry—from his start in finance and music to building a successful career as a producer at South Point Risk. He talks about the impact of earning his CIC designation, the importance of education, building client trust, and how persistence pays off in a hard market. Whether you’re new to insurance or a seasoned professional, JP’s story offers valuable lessons on growth, relationships, and the power of continuous learning. Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professionaldevelopment, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides apractical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participantsand their clients for confidence and success.
Explore the Dynamics Series—a proven program designed to help insurance professionals shift from price-driven conversations to meaningful, value-based sales. Whether you're building a new approach or refining your team's strategy, the Dynamics Series gives you the tools, techniques, and confidence to sell smarter.
Start changing your sales culture today—one conversation at a time
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Ready to transform your sales culture and lead with value? Explore the Dynamics Series—a proven program designed to help insurance professionals shift from price-driven conversations to meaningful, value-based sales. Whether you're building a new approach or refining your team's strategy, the Dynamics Series gives you the tools, techniques, and confidence to sell smarter.
Start changing your sales culture today—browse the Dynamics Course Schedule.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
n this episode of Alliance Insights, Noelle Codispoti interviews Dale Randol, President and CEO of IBC Insurance, about how one agency is transforming the insurance industry — one high school student at a time. Learn how Dale’s team partnered with Laredo ISD to launch a CISR High School Program, offered guaranteed internships, and created real-world opportunities for students to start careers in insurance.If you're passionate about solving the insurance talent gap or curious how your agency can get involved, this conversation is packed with real success stories, practical strategies, and inspiration for building the future of our industry. Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professionaldevelopment, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides apractical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participantsand their clients for confidence and success.
Become Restaurant RiskPRO Certified
Register today and earn your badge in this fast-growing niche.
Learn more and sign up now. https://www.riskeducation.org/restaurant-riskpro/
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
In this episode, Darren Bloomfield sits down with Shannon Spies, Technology Alliance Manager at Guidewire Software, to explore how Guidewire is reshaping the global P&C insurance ecosystem through strategic partnerships, digital transformation, and AI innovation. Shannon shares insights into the Insurtech Vanguard program—an incubator for startups driving real change in the industry—and explains how Guidewire connects carriers with validated, scalable solutions that reduce manual processes and accelerate underwriting and claims workflows. From tips for startups entering the space to the evolving role of AI, IoT, and telematics, this episode dives into what it takes to innovate in a risk-averse industry—and why collaboration is key.Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professionaldevelopment, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides apractical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participantsand their clients for confidence and success.
Both Connor and Angela emphasized the importance of attending the 2025 Houston Marine & Energy Insurance Conference, being held September 21-23 at the Westin Galleria Houston. The conference provides an opportunity to expand professional networks, earn CE credit, and learn more about marine and energy insurance. For more information, see www.houstonmeic.com.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Interested in contributing to future reports?
SambaSafety is currently gathering input from commercial insurers, brokers and fleets on telematics adoption. Take our survey through July 17th to contribute to the next telematics report - your voice matters!
Take the Survey: https://sambasafety.surveymonkey.com/r/MRBLH96
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
On this episode of Streamlining Insurance, I sit down with Rahul Daryanani, CFA—an investor with deep experience across venture capital and insurance—to unpack how AI and automation are transforming the industry from the inside out.
We dive into:
- Where VCs are still excited to invest in insurtech
- The real-world impact of AI on underwriting, claims, and distribution
- How startups should approach building for legacy industries
- What’s hype vs. what’s real in the automation revolution
Whether you're a founder, operator, or insurance veteran, this episode offers a sharp look into what’s next for the future of insurance.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Protect what matters most.
Gain confidence in commercial property coverage by enrolling in the CIC Commercial Property course. Identify exposures, apply the latest forms, and deliver smarter coverage solutions.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
We go beyond the surface to talk:
- How AI and automation are actually transforming insurance workflows
- What it takes to launch and scale a successful insurance innovation event
- Why Ohio became an unexpected hub for insurtech collaboration
- The art of matchmaking the right vendor to the right buyer
- How to tap into sponsorships and corporate support without losing authenticity
Whether you’re trying to enter the insurtech space, plan a high-impact event, or simply keep up with what’s next in AI and digital transformation—this episode is packed with practical insights.
Listen to more Streamlining Insurance
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
In this episode of Streamlining Insurance, host Darren Bloomfield sits down with Nick Coenen and Charles Sybert from Wikifri to explore how innovation and human connection drive success in a rapidly evolving insurance landscape.Nick and Charles—leaders in insurance technology, consulting, and business development—share insights on:How economic uncertainty is reshaping insurer and MGA buying behaviorsWhy strong relationships still power effective teams (even as technology transforms the industry)Where insurers and vendors often get misaligned—and how to bridge the gapHow AI, automation, and emerging technologies are streamlining operationsStrategic frameworks for startups, investors, and insurance leaders looking to scale smartlyWhether you're navigating tech investments, leading modernization efforts, or building your career in insurance, this conversation delivers clarity, practical advice, and a forward-looking roadmap.Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professionaldevelopment, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides apractical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participantsand their clients for confidence and success.
Ready to Specialize in Contractors? Take the next step in your professional journey and become a go-to resource for contractor clients. Register now for the Contractors RiskPRO course and earn your certification while gaining real-world tools you can use immediately: https://riskeducation.org/riskpro-contractor/
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Own Your Expertise. Elevate Your Career.
The Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation isn’t just a credential—it’s a commitment to excellence, a mark of dedication, and a signal to clients and colleagues that you’re serious about your craft. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your edge, the CIC program empowers you with practical, real-world knowledge taught by seasoned professionals.
Join a community of driven insurance leaders who are setting the standard. Your journey to becoming a trusted advisor starts here.
👉 Start your CIC journey today.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
The insurance industry is undergoing a major digital transformation, and AI is at the center of it. In this episode of Alliance Insights, host Darren Bloomfield and guests Mike Roy of Dark Matter and David Derigiotis of Flow Specialty, discuss how AI and Automation are reshaping workflows, enhancing efficiency, and redefining the broker-carrier relationship. We dive into the ROI of AI investments, the challenges of tech adoption, and how the E&S Market is leading innovation. Plus, we discuss how companies can future-proof their teams and prepare for the evolving workplace. Whether you're navigating changes or leading it, this conversation offers key insights for thriving in the next era of insurance.Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professionaldevelopment, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides apractical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participantsand their clients for confidence and success.
Join us as we discuss how RiskPRO Certification equips professionals with essential skills to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, earning them a respected credential that enhances credibility and career opportunities. Featuring insights from industry leaders, this episode will uncover why specialized risk management education is more important than ever in an evolving insurance landscape.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Looking Ahead: Take Action NowPlanning ahead ensures that businesses, families, and individuals can return to operation quickly and efficiently.
Want to deepen your expertise in disaster planning and risk management? Consider earning your CRM designation through the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance. Learn how to develop comprehensive disaster plans that go beyond the basics and truly protect what matters most.
Browse upcoming CRM Control of Risk courses:
https://pro.scic.com/course-schedule/?name=Control%20of%20Risk
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Join CEO & President Will Hold, Chief Marketing Officer Mitch Dunford, and Chief Experience Officer Danielle Janecka as they explore:
✅ The evolution of the Alliance’s culture and its commitment to supporting industry professionals.
✅ AI-powered advancements with AlliBot, the game-changing knowledge assistant for designees.
✅ The launch of self-paced learning, microlearning for update credit, and new Risk Pro Series certifications.
✅ Expanded support for designees affected by disasters, with flexible extensions and enhanced communication.
✅ Participant experience enhancements, including live chat support, text reminders, and website upgrades.
✅ The Alliance’s rebranding and its renewed focus on delivering practical education that meets industry needs.
This episode is packed with insights into how the Alliance is innovating to better serve the insurance and risk management industry. Tune in now to stay ahead in your professional journey!
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Kathy Fraley retired as the Service Center Director for the Travelers Select Service Center located in Spokane, Washington and Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her teams were responsible for providing direct service to insureds and agents in all states. Kathy has spent more than 30 years in the agents and carrier ranks. Her career started in the underwriting side at a carrier and after 4 years moved to the agency side.
Prior to joining Travelers, Kathy retired after 28 years as a partner/owner from Propel Insurance where she held the position of Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Operations located in the Pacific Northwest. Kathy developed a passion for the industry and feels it is important to give back to the industry by teaching. She has been a teacher in the Junior Achievement program and enjoyed working with students as they learned about community involvement. Kathy earned her CIC designation in 1987 and has previously served on the CISR Board of Governors. She also acts as an instructor and Education Consultant for various programs with the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Amber is consistently one of Burns & Wilcox’s top producers. She writes a book of business of $50 million and manages all underwriting activities for the Burns & Wilcox, Salt Lake City office. Her accomplishments have been recognized across the Burns & Wilcox international network, receiving the company's "Top Producer Award" for 10+ consecutive years, as well as the "Top New Business Income Award" for many of those years.
Amber can attribute much of her success to her competitive focus. Prior to starting her insurance career, she graduated from the Salt Lake City Police Academy and was certified to be an officer.
Amber belongs to the Utah Surplus Lines Association and is a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC). She also has served on many Carriers advisory boards. She is actively involved in the community outreach programs within Burns & Wilcox, including volunteering at Ronald McDonald House Charities, The Road Home & For the Kids Charity.
Amber’s biggest accomplishment is her family. Amber loves spending time with her husband Brady and their 3 beautiful daughters.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Ivan Hudson, Director of the UCA Center for Insurance & Risk Management and Lecturer, joined the College of Business faculty in the fall of 2023. Before UCA, he began his career at the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce and later worked with the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation as a program associate. In 2009, he joined the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery's start-up team, serving in various roles, including Procurement Director. After completing his MBA at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2012, Ivan the insurance industry when he founded the Ivan Hudson Agency. He obtained a Series 6 and Series 63 license by 2014.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Vince Staub, MS, CRM, CCP, is a distinguished executive and leader with over 30 years of experience in risk management, compliance, corporate security, and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). As the President of Risk Managers International and a Managing Partner at Make the Shift Consulting Group, he drives innovative strategies that enhance organizational resilience. Vince's career began at age 16 as a YMCA Day Camp leader, laying the foundation for his lifelong dedication to leadership. He has held prominent roles, including Chief Risk & Security Officer for a major multinational semiconductor company and National Faculty Member at The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. With a Doctor's Degree in Strategic Leadership and multiple certifications, Vince combines extensive knowledge with a passion for community service, serving on various boards and leading youth leadership initiatives.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Learn more about Marine & Energy Insurance in a PROFocus courses: Course Schedule
Steven Paul Weiss, MS-Inc, CPCU, AMIM, NAMS-CMS
Steven’s experience in Ocean and Inland Marine Insurance includes over 35 years of experience as a Marine Surveyor, Loss Adjuster, Direct Insurance and Reinsurance Underwriter following his eight years of active and reserve service with the U.S. Navy.
Steven has recently started Incarnation Specialty Underwriters an Ocean and Inland Marine Delegated Underwriting Authority focused on Cargo, Project Cargo, Transportation and other lines.
Previously as Senior Vice President/Chief Underwriting Officer at Munich Re Specialty Group Insurance Services, Steven was responsible for a team of Ocean and Inland Marine Underwriters writing over 140 million in direct premium at loss ratios below 40%. He worked closely with underwriters, brokers, and assureds to minimize risk and maximize return for both parties.
Steven has extensively travelled and worked internationally, opening offices in Latin America while at Liberty and worked with insureds on 6 continents.
Steven’s passions include family, gardening, Sporting clays, the Houston Marine and Energy Insurance Conference and mentoring and developing incoming or current colleagues in the Insurance Space.
A lifetime learner and self-professed insurance nerd, Steven received his BA-History from Virginia Military Institute, MS – Insurance Management from Boston University and the Associate in Marine Insurance Management and Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter certification from the American Institute for CPCU. Steven is also an active member of the National Association of Marine Surveyors serving as a president (first for 4 years) and now as an International Regional Vice President.
In March 2023, Steven was honored with the St Mary’s Greehey School of Business “Risk Management Professional of the Year”
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Discover how you can make a difference and help other high school students "Own their potential" by becoming an Emerging Talent Partner!
Established in 1991, the Center for Insurance and Risk Management (also known as The Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management) supports Illinois State University's nationally recognized undergraduate insurance and risk management program and actuarial science program. We are committed to the preparation of future industry leaders by supporting strong industry involvement with our students, innovative teaching by outstanding faculty, cutting-edge applied research, and a student-centered learning environment. See the Business Insurance video on how the Katie School is preparing the next generation of insurance leaders.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Empower the Future of Risk & InsuranceGive back and help support educating and inspiring the next generation of professionals by becoming an Emerging Talent Partner or by bringing the CISR High School Program to your community!
- Emerging Talent Partners Program
- CISR High School Program
About Our Difference Maker: Anne is a native Hoosier and a graduate of Indiana University. She began her insurance career in 1978 as a receptionist at an independent insurance agency. She has held every position at an agency including receptionist, assistant, producer, sales manager, carrier liaison as well as owning her own agency. When Anne sold her agency, she served as executive director of I.T.D.I., an insurance training and development project for the state of Indiana. Anne joined Arlington/Roe in 2004 and retired as a full-time employee in 2019. She currently helps part-time with Sales & Marketing for Minnesota.
Anne has always been involved with the Big I (Independent Insurance Agents) and the PIA (Professional Insurance Agents) throughout her career. Mentoring young people and promoting insurance education has always been a passion of Anne’s. She served on the Indiana State University Insurance & Risk Management Advisory Council. She assists with the Ivy Tech and CISR high school insurance programs in collaboration with other insurance schools like Ball State, Butler and Indiana State. In her spare time, Anne likes to do other volunteer work, travel, garden and do fun activities with her family and grandchildren.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Get the Industry's Latest Insights on Automotive Mobility Risk!
The report sheds light on critical violation trends influencing the industry's current and future state of driving risk. SambaSafety tapped into an extensive database of motor vehicle record (MVR), telematics, and compliance, safety, and accountability (CSA) data to offer never-before-seen insights – from violation frequency to the probability of costly claims.
Download Now!
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
Learn more about the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance's rebrand.
Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
In this Episode of Nat Alliance Now, Awkward Insurance Podcast hosts Dustyne Bryant and Ashley Fitzsimmons are taking over, with the mission to dive deep into Pet Insurance insurance with guest, Mike Bechthold from Nationwide Pet Insurance. Join us as we explore the invaluable benefits Pet Health Insurance offers and the common misunderstandings that might be holding you back from providing this essential coverage to your clients. Discover where insurance professionals can tap into the growing demand for pet insurance and gain insights into what you need to know to effectively sell pet insurance to your clients. Whether you're an insurance professional seeking new markets or a pet owner curious about safeguarding your furry friend's health, this episode is for you.
Listen now and nominate a colleague who is making a similar impact in our field!
Matthew K. Cashion, Jr., CIC, CRM (Matt), born and raised in Little Rock, was enrolled in the seventh grade at Pulaski Academy upon its inception by his parents. Before graduating in 1977, he attended Boys State and served as state president of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). His next phase of life found him following in the footsteps of his next older brother, Ted, graduating from Westminster College in Fulton, MO in 1981 with degrees in Economics & Business Administration and Accounting, and a fiancee, Susan Pippin. While at Westminster, he served as a member of the college’s prestigious Skulls of Seven Society and is a Sigma Chi. After graduation, he joined the family agency alongside both brothers, Benson and Ted, and his father, Knight, and marrying his college sweetheart in the spring of 1982.
Education and industry involvement was instilled in the agency fiber by Knight and continues as part of its DNA today. Soon after joining the agency, his father sent him to the Reliance Insurance Company’s Agent Surety School in 1983. In 1986, Matt received his Certified Insurance Counselor Designation and completed the requirements for his Certified Risk Manager designation in 2004. Additionally, Knight gave him the opportunity to attend surety industry association meetings, where he found his business passion. With mentors from all over the country
providing wind in his sails, Matt volunteered his way through the ranks of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP), serving as a Regional Vice-President, Board Member, various committee memberships and chairmanships, and in 2003-2004 he served as the youngest national president.
His lane through NASBP was via education. Attending its Level 2 surety school in 1986, he discovered a second passion; teaching. Returning to the association’s school two years later, Matt was recently honored as the longest tenured instructor for NASBP clocking in 35 years of volunteer service to thousands of students from every state in the union as well as seven foreign countries. Further participation has included curriculum development and review of all levels of the association’s educational offerings on contract surety, text editing of The Basic Bond Book, curriculum review for The Institutes’ AFSB designation as well as recording select course introduction videos.
Having just completed another term as chair of NASBP’s Professional Development Committee, Matt is currently serving as co-chair of the Annual Meeting Program committee for a record sixth time.
NASBP honored Matt with the President’s Award in 2004, the John J. “Jack” Curtin Presidents Award for Distinguished Service in Surety Education in 2009, the Bruce T. Wallace Award for Career Contributions in 2013 (its highest award), and the John J. “Jack” Curtin Award again in 2023, becoming the only two time recipient.
Matt also followed the leadership example set by his business partner, Jim Allbritton, serving as president of The Independent Insurance Agents of Arkansas (Big I - Arkansas) in 2015-2016. In 2021, Big I honored Matt with its highest award, the Allan Kennedy Memorial Award.
An unintended consequence of volunteer service to various construction trade associations over the years has resulted in awards from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Arkansas (ABC) (2020 - Phillip Joiner Award for leadership) and Associated General Contractors of Arkansas (AGC) (2011 - Distinguished Service Award; 2021 - President’s Award). After having served as a founding member of National AGC’s Surety Industry Advisory Council and acting as its Outreach and Education Task Force Chair in 2001, AGC inducted Matt into its Consulting Contractors Council of America in 2009.
Further involvement has included presentations and speaking opportunities all over the country to various groups ranging from the AICPA, the National Home Builders Association, local surety associations, trade associations (AGC, ABC, ASA, NAWIC), universities, engineers, and as a convention keynote speaker in Puerto Rico.
Outside of the industry, Matt has offered his time to a variety of civic organizations including Pulaski Academy, Alzheimer’s Arkansas Programs and Services, the Metropolitan YMCA, and the Heflin Youth Foundation. Additionally, he has received gubernatorial appointments to the Information Network of Arkansas and the Contractors Licensing Board, where he has served as Chair.
Combining his passion for teaching and his greatest blessing, Matt and his wife have co-led various small groups at their church for over 30 years, most recently post college single adults. Pushing the comfort zone limits, he even became an ordained minister during the pandemic in order to perform a requested wedding service for a couple that had met in the class.
His most recent passion and greatest joys are found in spending time with his six amazing grandchildren. His daughter Rachel and her husband Dr. David Rainwater, have three wonderful girls. His son, Matthew K. Cashion, III (Tripp) and his wife Kara, have two amazing girls and his only grandson (Matthew K. Cashion, IV aka Knight).
Learn more about the FSU Intercollegiate Insurance Sales Challenge: https://business.fsu.edu/departments/rmi/dr-hold-program/events/insurance-sales-challenge
- Try the Directory out: https://webapi.scic.com/SCICSearchDirectory/
- Learn more about this Online Designee Directory here: https://www.scic.com/new-online-directory-launched-for-designation-holders/.
If you are a dues-paid designee and not appearing in the directory results, simply opt-in via your PROfile.
Richard Clarke, CIC, CPCU, RPLU
Dick Clarke is a veteran of the property/liability insurance industry, having worked as underwriter, broker and consultant through hard and soft market cycles. He was formerly Senior Vice President with the regional brokerage, J. Smith Lanier & Co. headquartered in Georgia, having retired late in 2016.
He publishes articles and teaches on a variety of executive liability, cyber and E&O subjects, and functions as an expert witness, a consultant to buyers of commercial insurance, and to insurance companies concerning product development. He is a teacher in CE programs for several professional insurance organizations. His books are listed for purchase on Amazon.com, with the most recent, Executive Liability Insurance: From the Basics to an Advanced Approach having entered its fifth edition in 2012. (This work is currently being updated, with a revised, sixth edition available late in 2019.) Additionally, this book was translated into Japanese for the Risk Management community in Japan, in 2013. Clarke provided content and editing for The National Alliance's on-line course on Directors and Officers Liability insurance (2015 to present), and was an original recipient of the CPCU Society's "Distinguished Instructor in Insurance" award, in 1996.
He holds several professional designations.
As a pioneer in innovative marketing, Peter has brought unique approaches to an industry that can be considered mundane. With a fresh perspective, he has started an insurance-focused marketing communications company, a successful podcast, spearheaded on-the-fly interviews at industry events, and constantly challenges his clients to think outside the box.
Peter's dedication to excellence is evident as he shares how he earned the CIC Designation to better understand the industry and write better content for his clients. This showcases his conviction towards continuously improving his craft, ultimately leading him to leverage his CIC knowledge to target his client's marketing efforts better.
Join us as Peter shares his inspiring journey as a marketing communications leader and how a mindset of continuous learning has made him a true difference maker in the industry.
Are you an Insurance Marketer looking to understand the industry better? The Introduction to Insurance for Marketers course explores the fundamentals of the insurance industry through a marketing lens and examines key terminology to effectively market to consumers, businesses, and agencies.
Register Now
Join Nat Alliance NOW Host, Mitch Dunford, as he discusses the exciting developments and innovations rolling out in 2024, with President & CEO William Hold, MBA, CRM, CISR, and Chief Experience Officer Danielle Janecka.The trio discusses Exclusive Update Options for Dues-Paid Designees, New Dynamics of Service Self-Paced Series, the new Learning Portal, the Community Social Platform, and advice to designees on maintaining annual update requirements.Tune in to this enlightening podcast episode and discover how the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research is embracing innovation and change in 2024. Its going to be a GREAT year.
Jake Holehouse | President and CEO of HH Insurance Group
Jake Holehouse is the President of HH Insurance in St. Petersburg, FL. He founded HH Insurance with his father, Ron Holehouse, in June 2018 and they have experienced rapid growth since the agency has opened. Jake grew up in the insurance industry working for his father’s agency throughout high school, Holehouse Insurance in St. Petersburg, FL. After graduating from Florida State University, Jake worked for American Strategic Insurance (ASI) as a national account manager, specializing in the national home builder accounts. Following ASI, he decided to work alongside his father again at Holehouse Insurance. They grew the business at an astronomical rate, eventually selling the agency to Regions Insurance, an affiliate of Regions Financial Corporation. Following Regions Insurance, Jake worked at Heritage Insurance Holdings as an Executive Vice President of Business Development and assisted in product expansion from 3 states to 13 states. Seeing the opportunity of opening a new independent agency, Jake opened HH Insurance in June 2018. HH Insurance has rapidly grown in 5 years from 3 team members to a team of over 45 and continues to win multiple service and sales awards. In Jake’s time at Florida State University, he earned a Bachelors and Masters degree in Risk Management and Insurance. Jake sits as an advisor to the risk management and insurance program at Florida State University, as well as multiple local community service positions.
SambaSafety Report: From Perception to Practice: An Insight into Insurer Data Strategies and Sentiments
John Barbagallo, former President of Commercial Lines at Progressive, brings 40 years of insurance experience to SambaSafety. As a Strategic Advisor, he specializes in leveraging technology and data to drive profitable growth, enhance decision-making, and foster continuous process improvement within the insurance industry. He has played a crucial role in pioneering advancements with telematics that helped capture market-leading positions in Commercial Auto.
Join the Head of Faculty & Academic Development, Jay Williams, CIC, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, AIP, AAI, ACSR as he hosts special guests from Utica National Insurance Group: Tabitha DeGirolano, Errors & Omissions Risk Management Specialist, and Mark R. Angelucci, Senior Vice President and Insurance Agents Errors & Omissions Segment Leader.
In this episode, the trio emphasizes the critical role of ongoing education for insurance agents, noting how crucial it is for agents to stay informed on coverages and effectively manage their operations.
Utica National Insurance Group is dedicated to supporting agents throughout the claims process by providing tailored resources and education opportunities, aligning with their strategy for client claims management. Agents can access Utica National's E&O program through their local independent agent association, such as the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents or the Independent Agents and Brokers of America State Association. These associations serve as the exclusive distribution source for Utica National Insurance Group's E&O program.
Tune in to gain valuable insights into the unique offerings of Utica National's E&O program. Agents will learn how they can benefit from direct access to underwriters and risk management specialists, comprehensive resources, and personalized support throughout the claims process. The National Alliance remains dedicated to empowering insurance professionals to achieve success in their careers by providing resources like this.
Take charge of your professional future and earn the esteemed CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) Designation!
CIC Program Overview
CIC Courses
Risk management veteran Lance Ewing CRM, ARM, ERMP reveals the keys to success, embracing change, and inspiring the next generation of industry professionals.Emphasizing the importance of risk management in all industries and highlighting how being a risk management professional means being a leader, Lance inspires listeners to embrace the dynamic world of risk management with his passion for the industry.
Tune in to hear about his involvement with the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS), where he served as the National President from 2003 to 2004. RIMS helped him shape and lead the society, and travel internationally to promote risk management. He also discusses his participation in the Sports and Entertainment Risk Management Alliance and his efforts in preventing human trafficking.
Get inspired as Lance Ewing takes us on a journey of innovation, generosity, and tells us how we all can make a difference in the risk management and insurance industry.
Claire Richardson, CISR, Captive Consultant at Hylant Global Captive Solutions, and National Alliance Board Member, hosts our inaugural Difference Makers podcast episode! On this special episode, Claire is joined by Chief Marketing Officer, Mitch Dunford and Bob Rogers, CLU, ChFC, a fantastic teacher and mentor for the National Alliance.
Tune in as the trio looks back at previously featured Difference Makers to discover what makes them and future guests so unique.
- Claire Richardson- Captive Consultant at Hylant Global Captive Solutions
- Mitch Dunford- Chief Marketing Officer at The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research
- Bob Rogers- Life & Health Academic Director at The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research
- Adrian Jones is a Partner at HSCM Ventures, the venture capital investment arm of Hudson Structured Capital Management Ltd., an alternative asset manager in re/insurance and transport. Before joining HSCM in 2021, he was Deputy CEO of P&C Partners at SCOR, the world’s fifth-largest reinsurer, where he set-up and led SCOR P&C Ventures. From 2010 to 2016, he was head of strategy at RenaissanceRe, a Bermuda-based reinsurer. He started his career in 2001 at Bain & Co.
Gain confidence and sell insurance successfully. Through both instructor-led and open-forum sessions in a safe, virtual environment, producers will learn new and relevant methods for building relationships with ideal clients, create accountability for progress toward their goals, and build a community of peers to support their growing insurance careers.
Learn More
- Meg McKeen, CIC- With over 20 years of insurance industry experience, Meg McKeen, CIC, founded Adjunct Advisors LLC in 2018 with the essential belief that we can do more for insurance professionals. Meg has extensive experience in underwriting, leadership, as an insurance agent, and is now an industry consultant. She has been involved in thousands of insurance negotiations and now holds space for insurance professionals as they grow their sales and leadership acumen through private coaching, consulting engagements, and the podcast she hosts: Bound & Determined℠.
- Scott Stricklin, CIC, CRM, CRIS- Scott Stricklin is a born and raised Mississippian, with the exception for a few years in Southern California and East Tennessee. A graduate of the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in 1988. A 30-year veteran of the insurance industry, he began his insurance carrier in 1990 as an Underwriter for Allstate – Spent 7 years there in Underwriting and Sales Management. Moved into the Commercial arena in 1997 with Liberty Mutual. Since then, he has worked with several agencies and National Brokers. Currently with Fisher Brown Bottrell Insurance, headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi. With a presence in 5 states – MS, AL, TN, FL, and Houston, TX – His main focus as a Commercial Producer is working in the construction industry, with emphasis on Sub-contractors, such as Heating & Cooling, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Restoration. Another area of focus in the Healthcare area, specifically with Addiction Recovery and Substance Abuse facilities. He holds the CIC and CRM designation, as well as the CRIS (Construction Risk & Insurance Specialist) and is working toward his CPCU designation. He has one daughter, his “baby girl” who is 24 years (LOL). Scott is an avid sports fan, he follows his alma mater, the Ole Miss Rebels, and is also a big New Orleans Saints fan. A lifelong lover of music, he also sings and plays guitar at several venues throughout the state.
Unlock your full potential and supercharge your professional growth with the CIC Designation Program.
- John R. Costello, CIC, CRIS: John Costello, CIC, CRIS, is vice president and construction practice member at USI Insurance Services in Rochester, New York. Costello was installed as Big “I” chairman in September 2022. Throughout his career, Costello has volunteered in a variety of professional and community service organizations. He is former chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York, past president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Monroe County and was the 1995 Monroe County Insurance Professional of the Year. He formerly served on the board of directors of the Big “I” and chaired the Big “I” Finance Committee. He is active in the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors and the Insurance Risk Management Institute. He was elected to the Big “I” Executive Committee in 2016. Costello has nearly 40 years of experience in the insurance industry. After graduating from Villanova University with a degree in finance in 1976, he worked as an underwriter for General Accident Insurance before serving as president for Costello Agency Inc. for 12 years. In 1995, he became partner at Costello, Dreher, Kaiser Insurance Agency and joined First Niagara Risk Management in 2003 as vice president. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, Costello served at Key Insurance & Benefits, then USI Insurance Services, specializing in the construction, manufacturing and hospitality industries. In his local community, Costello was the chairman of the board of Bishop Kearney High School and is past vice chair and treasurer of OASIS Adaptive Sports, a charity supporting disabled veterans. He is a former board member and past president of hospice facility Sunset House, former president of Brook-Lea Country Club, and is the former director and a current member of the National Ski Patrol at Bristol Mountain. Costello also serves as secretary of the board at Oak Hill Country Club. He resides in Fairport, New York. Founded in 1896, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing more than 25,000 agency locations united under the Trusted Choice brand. Trusted Choice independent agents offer consumers all types of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products—from a variety of insurance companies.
- Gerald F. Hemphill, CIC, LUTCF: President of National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA National) An independent insurance agent in the metro-Richmond, Virginia area since 1993, Gerald F. Hemphill represents all lines of insurance, specializing in commercial and life insurance risks. He was an agent for a large domestic carrier for five years and has been principal of his own agency ever since. In 1996, Gerald earned his LUTCF (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow) designation, and in 2002, completed his CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) designation. He is a graduate of Campbell University and Fork Union Military Academy. In addition to his designations, he holds a property and casualty, life, health, and annuity license. Hemphill was President of the Professional Insurance Agents Association of Virginia/DC in 2010 and has served on the National Board of PIA since 2013. He was named the PIA of Virginia/DC Agent of the Year in 2012. Gerald and his wife have two daughters, Ashley and Taylor, and three grandchildren.
Learn more about the Dynamics Producer Coaching course!
- Meg McKeen, CIC: With over 20 years of insurance industry experience, Meg McKeen, CIC, founded Adjunct Advisors LLC in 2018 with the essential belief that we can do more for insurance professionals. Meg has extensive experience in underwriting, leadership, as an insurance agent, and is now an industry consultant. She has been involved in thousands of insurance negotiations and now holds space for insurance professionals as they grow their sales and leadership acumen through private coaching, consulting engagements, and the podcast she hosts: Bound & Determined℠.
Certified Insurance Counselors Program (CIC)The 2023 CIC course schedule is now available! Be the first to register for this nationally recognized and highly respected insurance designation program.
Classroom
Webinar
Certified Risk Manager Program Program (CRM)Are you responsible for risk management at your organization?
Browse the upcoming CRM courses. This program is great for accountants, attorneys, financial and insurance professionals, and specialists in loss control.
Classroom
Webinar
Certified Insurance Service Representative Program (CISR)The practical CISR Program includes 9 courses focused on minimizing E&O claims and understanding and analyzing risks and exposures.
Classroom
Webinar
Certified Personal Risk Manager Program (CPRM)Top agents, brokers, and insurance companies with high-net-worth clients recognize CPRM as the leading designation for professionals providing insurance and risk management services. Browse the 2023 course schedule.
Webinar
Certified School Risk Manager Program (CSRM)Do you work for an educational institution? Are you an agent who insures educational institutions? CSRM courses are designed to help you learn to identify risks and plan for tomorrow’s challenges! Register for a 2023 course today.
Classroom
Webinar
- Victoria Lane is Lloyd’s Archivist. She manages Lloyd’s Collection of around 10,000 objects and is working on research projects to understand the links of Lloyd’s market to the historic Transatlantic slave trade through the Collection:The transatlantic slave trade (lloyds.com). Prior to coming to Lloyd’s, she worked at Shakespeare’s Globe and ran a consultancy in art archives with Judy Vaknin, working with artists and cultural organizations on their heritage and memory. She has mainly worked in the arts sector including at Tate and the Henry Moore Institute in Leeds, is an oral history interviewer for the British Library’s National Life Story Collection and has co-edited the bookAll This Stuff: Archiving the Artist.
- Hank Watkins is regional director & president of the Americas region for Lloyd’s. With 62% of Lloyd’s global premium in 2021, the Americas is Lloyd’s largest market for insurance (E&S in the US) and reinsurance. In addition to market development, Lloyd’s colleagues in the Americas provide claims, regulatory, and media relations support to the syndicate writing business in the region. Over the past 40 years, Hank has held a range of underwriting, client management, and leadership positions in the United States and Europe at Chubb, Marsh, HRH, and Lloyd’s. Hank received his BA from the University of California, Berkeley, and has completed an executive leadership program at The Wharton School. He’s a member of the Board of Overseers at the Hank Greenberg School of Risk Management at St. John’s University and is on the boards of BritishAmerican Business, the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (Chair, Board of Governors) and the Insurance Federation of New York.
Podcast Discussion Topics include:
- Shipping Containers and Chicken Legs
- Changing the lives of Insurance and Risk Management Students
- 100% job placement for all UHD graduates
Pricilla Oehlert, CIC, CRM, ARM
- Ms. Oehlert promotes the IRM program to insurance industry, community colleges, and other potential students at UHD. She helps IRM majors obtain internships and full-time jobs by networking with businesses and attending insurance industry events with them. Ms. Oehlert consults IRM Council members for advice and resources. She teaches three Certified Risk Manager courses in the IRM program's Risk Management Theory & Practice course. Ms. Oehlert got an Executive MBA from Arizona State University and a BA in Economics/Finance from South Carolina. She also holds CIC, CRM, and ARM certifications. Ms. Oehlert 35 years in risk management and insurance. Director of Risk, Safety, and Environmental at Rental Service Corporation, she obtained much of her experience. She also planned and developed online and classroom risk management curriculum, faculty, operations, and business development of the five courses that make up the globally renowned Certified Risk Management (CRM) and Certified School Risk Manager (CSRM) certificates.
Did you know CICs can also attend the conference to receive National Alliance update credit? Registration is open!
For more information visit https://mcief.org/annual-conference/
To learn more and to order visit: https://nationalalliancebooks.com/collections/new-products/products/fundamentals-of-life-health-insurance
- Tom Faulconer, JD, CFP(r), CASL, ChFC, CPCU is a 1985 graduate of Butler University and a 1988 graduate of the Indiana University School of Law at Indianapolis. He began his career at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance as Advanced Sales Counsel, was promoted to Manager of Agent Training, and Director of Agent Development, and was named Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer in 2010. While at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, in addition to continuing his legal work and education, Tom earned several professional designations including the Certified Financial Planner®, Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant, Chartered Advisor for Senior Living, and the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter. He also earned Series 6, 7, 63 and 26 securities registrations, served as the Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction in Indiana for EquiTrust Marketing Services (Broker-dealer), and introduced variable products to the company’s field force. His insurance training courses have been taken by hundreds of insurance professionals and he has presented numerous continuing education courses. Tom is currently a member of the faculty of Risk Management and Insurance at Butler University.
- Jess McWilliams – Jess is the Education Sr. Director with Insurance Agents & Brokers (IA&B) and has been with the Association for 24 years, joining directly out of college. Jess loves working with the association members and education participants to navigate their continuing education needs and career goals She loves the Pittsburgh Steelers and spending time traveling with her husband, Nate and two daughters, Delaney and Ava.
- Jason F. Ernst – Jason F. Ernest, Esq. is President & CEO of Insurance Agents and Brokers (IA&B), a professional trade association serving independent insurance agents in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. Prior to his current role, Jason oversaw IA&B’s legal, government and industry affairs, as well as its marketing and communications efforts. He continues to engage with member agents on a daily basis to assist them with legal compliance and offer statutory, regulatory and contractual analysis and interpretation. Jason also works with insurance carriers in matters of mutual interest, and he oversees IA&B’s lobbying efforts in Harrisburg, Annapolis and Dover. During his 17-year tenure with IA&B, Jason has ingrained himself within the independent insurance agent community. He uses this knowledge and expertise to help IA&B members become better agents. Jason is an undergraduate of The Pennsylvania State University, where he majored in Public Policy. He attended law school at Widener University and became licensed to practice in Pennsylvania in 2005. While at IA&B, Jason has argued successfully before the Insurance Department and the Commonwealth Court, where he represented the interests of independent agents. He resides in Hershey, PA with his wife Lisa and son Brayden.
- Dave Newell graduated from the University of North Florida in 1984 and began his insurance career in 1987, as a claim representative with a large property and casualty insurance carrier. In 1990, Dave moved to Tallahassee to continue his career as a field claim representative. In 1997, Dave obtained his property & casualty license and became a producer with a large local independent insurance agency. In July of 2008, Dave joined FAIA being the Citizens’ Liaison for FAIA, and in September 2011 added the director of education to his slate of responsibilities. In May of 2017, he added responsibility for workforce development and the Good Works Fund. During Dave’s career, he has gained considerable knowledge and expertise in both the carrier and agency side of the insurance business. He has served as a board member, Past President, and Catastrophe Chair for the local board in Tallahassee. In 2001, he held the position of Insurance Chair for the United Way Campaign.
- Kyle Ulrich, CAE began his career at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents in 2004 and has led the organization’s political and legislative advocacy efforts since 2013, most recently as the senior vice president of Government Affairs. During his tenure, the association helped numerous independent insurance agents and candidates win elections to the Florida Legislature in both the House of Representatives and the Florida Senate, which has significantly strengthened FAIA’s political influence. Under Kyle’s leadership, FAIA has advocated for and passed numerous legislative and regulatory reforms and has also defeated adverse legislation. Notably, the association has been the driving force behind legislation such as agent licensing modernization, assignment of benefits reform, and doing away with the diligent effort requirement for commercial lines.
Get a FREE digital copy of the newest edition of the Wisconsin Professional Agents magazine here.
PIA of Wisconsin
Ryan Butzke CIC, CISR
Ryan is a P&C producer at Northbrook Insurance Associates Inc. with 22 years ofexperience in the insurance industry. Ryan is the current President of PIA in Wisconsin and a past President of IMAGE of WI. He believes attaining the CIC & CISR designations from The National Alliance is key to a producer selling success. Ryan also completed The National Alliance School of Producer Development in 2002 at FSU. His interests include anything outdoors, WI sports teams, & spending time with family.
Brenda Steinbach
Brenda is the Education & Convention Director, she has been with PIAW for 38 years. She is the driving force behind PIA Wisconsin’s hugely successful education programs and annual convention. Arranging dates, locations, topics, speakers, food, CE credits, schedules, audio/visual and the myriad of other details can only be accomplished by someone who is extremely well organized and focused. She's an expert at the organization’s internal procedures and is always looking for ways to make the dues and program investments more valuable.
Pete Hanson, CISR
In 2018 Pete was recruited from Anchorage, Alaska, where he served as CEO of a trade association in the hospitality industry. A native of Madison, Pete has 20 years of experience in Wisconsin government and government relations. He also brought to PIAW fourteen years’ experience in trade association management.
Can you ensure commercial clients are protected?Develop environmental awareness and understand how to help businesses manage and transfer their environmental exposures with the NEW Certified Environmental Strategist Self-Paced Course!
Learn More!
The Outstanding CSR of the Year competition started in 1991 to honor customer service representatives and account managers who have made significant contributions to the insurance and risk management industry. The competition is sponsored by the Society of Certified Insurance Service Representatives (CISR) and the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC)—proud member organizations of The National Alliance.
We encourage you to nominate your best customer service representatives and account managers to compete for the Outstanding CSR of the Year award. The competition is open to any insurance customer service representatives or candidates primarily responsible for customer service regardless of affiliation or professional designation. Candidates interested in participating in the competition may also nominate themselves.
“Transferable Skills are learned from experience which includes prior careers, education, volunteer work, or personal encounters. What are the top three skills you transferred from outside the insurance industry to your current job role? Discuss how you leverage your skills, continue to develop and evolve them, and how you transfer your expertise to others to ensure perpetually exceptional customer service.”
Learn about the many different update options, topics to help you get your annual update or finish earning your designation.
- James K Ruble Online MEGA Seminar – Mix and match topics and change your selections on your own.
- On-Demand MEGA – A self-paced online video program of some of our most popular James K. Ruble sessions to take at your own pace.
- Instructor-led Online CIC, CRM, CPRM, CISR, and CSRM designation programs.
- Newly Revised Self-Paced CISR Online Courses.
- Refreshed participant PROfile experience.
For information on joining IMCA, visit www.imcanet.com
For information about Channel Harvest Research, visit www.channelharvest.net
- Peter van Aartrijk, CIC (“R-trike,” as in “bike”) is founder of Fairfax, VA-based insurance marketing-communications firm Aartrijk. He started his career as a newspaper reporter, where he learned how to question the status quo. He has worked with insurance carriers, agents, brokers and related industry business partners for decades. Peter and his Aartrijk associates support insurance organizations seeking to innovate and create a new employee and customer brand experience.
- Amy Hourigan is the director of marketing and communications at HAI Group, a carrier that specializes in providing insurance, risk management services, and professional development training to the U.S. multifamily affordable housing industry. A 25-year marketing veteran with both agency- and client-side experience, Amy serves on the board of the IMCA and is the former co-chair of the organization’s promotions and communications committee.
- Kevin Jenné is the research director for Channel Harvest Research and Aartrijk. He has previously led research and insights teams at Liberty Mutual/Safeco Insurance and Washington Mutual Bank. He holds the Insights Professional Certification (Master level) from the Insights Association. Reach him at kevin@Aartrijk.com.
Part 1: Understanding an Insured's Contract
Part 2: Additional Insureds and Certificates of Insurance
Part 3: Contractors and the Commercial General Liability Policy
The PROFocus Contractors course will be held December 16-17, 2021.
- Allen Messer, CIC, CPCU brings technical skill, initiative, and experience to bear on the complex problems of insurance and risk management. He began his insurance career in March of 1971. He has worked for several different insurance companies in various capacities and has been involved in the independent agency system as a producer and agency owner. Allen currently consults agencies, companies, risk managers, and attorneys as well as instructs various seminars and live webinars. He earned his CPCU designation in 1981 where he received the Distinguished Graduate Award for attaining the highest academic average in the Nation. He earned his CIC designation in 1977 and serves as an Educational Consultant and is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.
- Cathy Trischan, CIC, CRM, CPCU has been with the E&K Insurance Group in Eatontown, New Jersey since 1996, and currently serves as Director of Commercial Underwriting. She began her insurance career upon graduation from Rutgers University in 1987. She has worked as a claims adjuster for a major property and casualty carrier as well as in the commercial departments of several New Jersey agencies. In addition to her work with E&K, Cathy provides education and consulting services to other agents and brokers. She is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance, speaking in the CIC, CISR, and Ruble programs. She also serves as a mentor for new CIC and CISR faculty. Cathy is a regular presenter for various agents’ associations and other organizations and has taught both pre-licensing and continuing education courses. She has written courses and articles on various insurance topics. A firm believer that one should never stop learning, Cathy holds several professional designations including CIC, CRM, and CPCU.
- Jay Williams, CIC, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, AIP, AAI, ACSR is the Director of Faculty Development, a National Faculty Member, and an Educational Consultant for The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. He earned his CIC designation in 1996 and his CRM designation in 2004. He is a veteran of the insurance industry, starting his career in 1979. His experience includes 21 years in the agency business, nine years at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, and seven years as an insurance company and PEO executive. Jay also served as the interim CEO for Applied Client Network, the user-group association for agents using Applied Systems platforms. Jay has been teaching formal insurance classes for over 20 years, including both technical insurance and E&O loss control classes for FAIA. He was part of the IIABA Loss Control Working Group for 5 years and also served on the Professional Liability Committee. His experience on the agency, association, and company sides gives Jay a uniquely rounded perspective on the insurance industry. His most recent position was the CEO of a construction risk wholesale operation. In addition to his work as an insurance educator, Jay serves as an expert witness, a consultant to insurance companies, associations, agencies, and industry-related partners, and an E&O auditor.
Part 1: Understanding an Insured's Contract
Part 2: Additional Insureds and Certificates of Insurance
The PROFocus Contractors course will be held December 16-17, 2021.
- Allen Messer, CIC, CPCU brings technical skill, initiative, and experience to bear on the complex problems of insurance and risk management. He began his insurance career in March of 1971. He has worked for several different insurance companies in various capacities and has been involved in the independent agency system as a producer and agency owner. Allen currently consults agencies, companies, risk managers, and attorneys as well as instructs various seminars and live webinars. He earned his CPCU designation in 1981 where he received the Distinguished Graduate Award for attaining the highest academic average in the Nation. He earned his CIC designation in 1977 and serves as an Educational Consultant and is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.
- Cathy Trischan, CIC, CRM, CPCU has been with the E&K Insurance Group in Eatontown, New Jersey since 1996, and currently serves as Director of Commercial Underwriting. She began her insurance career upon graduation from Rutgers University in 1987. She has worked as a claims adjuster for a major property and casualty carrier as well as in the commercial departments of several New Jersey agencies. In addition to her work with E&K, Cathy provides education and consulting services to other agents and brokers. She is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance, speaking in the CIC, CISR, and Ruble programs. She also serves as a mentor for new CIC and CISR faculty. Cathy is a regular presenter for various agents’ associations and other organizations and has taught both pre-licensing and continuing education courses. She has written courses and articles on various insurance topics. A firm believer that one should never stop learning, Cathy holds several professional designations including CIC, CRM, and CPCU.
- Jay Williams, CIC, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, AIP, AAI, ACSR is the Director of Faculty Development, a National Faculty Member, and an Educational Consultant for The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. He earned his CIC designation in 1996 and his CRM designation in 2004. He is a veteran of the insurance industry, starting his career in 1979. His experience includes 21 years in the agency business, nine years at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, and seven years as an insurance company and PEO executive. Jay also served as the interim CEO for Applied Client Network, the user-group association for agents using Applied Systems platforms. Jay has been teaching formal insurance classes for over 20 years, including both technical insurance and E&O loss control classes for FAIA. He was part of the IIABA Loss Control Working Group for 5 years and also served on the Professional Liability Committee. His experience on the agency, association, and company sides gives Jay a uniquely rounded perspective on the insurance industry. His most recent position was the CEO of a construction risk wholesale operation. In addition to his work as an insurance educator, Jay serves as an expert witness, a consultant to insurance companies, associations, agencies, and industry-related partners, and an E&O auditor.
Part 1: Understanding an Insured's Contract
The PROFocus Contractors course will be held December 16-17, 2021.
- Allen Messer, CIC, CPCU brings technical skill, initiative, and experience to bear on the complex problems of insurance and risk management. He began his insurance career in March of 1971. He has worked for several different insurance companies in various capacities and has been involved in the independent agency system as a producer and agency owner. Allen currently consults agencies, companies, risk managers, and attorneys as well as instructs various seminars and live webinars. He earned his CPCU designation in 1981 where he received the Distinguished Graduate Award for attaining the highest academic average in the Nation. He earned his CIC designation in 1977 and serves as an Educational Consultant and is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.
- Cathy Trischan, CIC, CRM, CPCU has been with the E&K Insurance Group in Eatontown, New Jersey since 1996, and currently serves as Director of Commercial Underwriting. She began her insurance career upon graduation from Rutgers University in 1987. She has worked as a claims adjuster for a major property and casualty carrier as well as in the commercial departments of several New Jersey agencies. In addition to her work with E&K, Cathy provides education and consulting services to other agents and brokers. She is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance, speaking in the CIC, CISR, and Ruble programs. She also serves as a mentor for new CIC and CISR faculty. Cathy is a regular presenter for various agents’ associations and other organizations and has taught both pre-licensing and continuing education courses. She has written courses and articles on various insurance topics. A firm believer that one should never stop learning, Cathy holds several professional designations including CIC, CRM, and CPCU.
- Jay Williams, CIC, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, AIP, AAI, ACSR is the Director of Faculty Development, a National Faculty Member, and an Educational Consultant for The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. He earned his CIC designation in 1996 and his CRM designation in 2004. He is a veteran of the insurance industry, starting his career in 1979. His experience includes 21 years in the agency business, nine years at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, and seven years as an insurance company and PEO executive. Jay also served as the interim CEO for Applied Client Network, the user-group association for agents using Applied Systems platforms. Jay has been teaching formal insurance classes for over 20 years, including both technical insurance and E&O loss control classes for FAIA. He was part of the IIABA Loss Control Working Group for 5 years and also served on the Professional Liability Committee. His experience on the agency, association, and company sides gives Jay a uniquely rounded perspective on the insurance industry. His most recent position was the CEO of a construction risk wholesale operation. In addition to his work as an insurance educator, Jay serves as an expert witness, a consultant to insurance companies, associations, agencies, and industry-related partners, and an E&O auditor.
The PROFocus Contractors course will be held December 16-17, 2021.
- Allen Messer, CIC, CPCU brings technical skill, initiative, and experience to bear on the complex problems of insurance and risk management. He began his insurance career in March of 1971. He has worked for several different insurance companies in various capacities and has been involved in the independent agency system as a producer and agency owner. Allen currently consults agencies, companies, risk managers, and attorneys as well as instructs various seminars and live webinars. He earned his CPCU designation in 1981 where he received the Distinguished Graduate Award for attaining the highest academic average in the Nation. He earned his CIC designation in 1977 and serves as an Educational Consultant and is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.
- Cathy Trischan, CIC, CRM, CPCU has been with the E&K Insurance Group in Eatontown, New Jersey since 1996, and currently serves as Director of Commercial Underwriting. She began her insurance career upon graduation from Rutgers University in 1987. She has worked as a claims adjuster for a major property and casualty carrier as well as in the commercial departments of several New Jersey agencies. In addition to her work with E&K, Cathy provides education and consulting services to other agents and brokers. She is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance, speaking in the CIC, CISR, and Ruble programs. She also serves as a mentor for new CIC and CISR faculty. Cathy is a regular presenter for various agents’ associations and other organizations and has taught both pre-licensing and continuing education courses. She has written courses and articles on various insurance topics. A firm believer that one should never stop learning, Cathy holds several professional designations including CIC, CRM, and CPCU.
- Jay Williams, CIC, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, AIP, AAI, ACSR is the Director of Faculty Development, a National Faculty Member, and an Educational Consultant for The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. He earned his CIC designation in 1996 and his CRM designation in 2004. He is a veteran of the insurance industry, starting his career in 1979. His experience includes 21 years in the agency business, nine years at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, and seven years as an insurance company and PEO executive. Jay also served as the interim CEO for Applied Client Network, the user-group association for agents using Applied Systems platforms. Jay has been teaching formal insurance classes for over 20 years, including both technical insurance and E&O loss control classes for FAIA. He was part of the IIABA Loss Control Working Group for 5 years and also served on the Professional Liability Committee. His experience on the agency, association, and company sides gives Jay a uniquely rounded perspective on the insurance industry. His most recent position was the CEO of a construction risk wholesale operation. In addition to his work as an insurance educator, Jay serves as an expert witness, a consultant to insurance companies, associations, agencies, and industry-related partners, and an E&O auditor.
- Kryzten Valerio is The National Alliance's very own Client Services Lead and Trainer, who brings six years of experience in client-facing roles to her position. She leads her team in developing new and strengthening existing relationships with our participants and vendors. She is passionate about Hispanic representation and brings that passion to all aspects of her life. Outside of her role at The National Alliance she is a photographer and runs a foodie blog with her husband: the ultimate foodie guide in ATX.
- Devin Delatorre is the result of more than three decades of his family’s insurance business. After he acquired his Bachelors in Business Administration, he obtained his 220 licenses and CPIA designation. He is also the president of the LAAIA. He has served seven years as a board member. In his position as executive partner in Delatorre Insurance, he has strived for the last several years to grow his business and uphold his father’s legacy. In his leisure time, he loves to watch and play all kinds of sports and travel with his family.
- Ariel Rivera, MBA, CIC, CPIA has been in the Insurance industry since 2004 when he began his career in the John Hancock’s Career Agent Program. That same year he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences with a double major in Economics and Political Science from the University of Puerto Rico. He also became licensed in Life & Health and Property & Casualty in 2005. As part of his college education, in 2001 he attended the University of Massachusetts (UMASS) in Amherst, MA as a member of the National Student Exchange Program. In 2005 he started his first independent insurance agency in San Juan, PR. Early in his career, he became passionate about teaching and coaching insurance and started instructing new agents at different agencies in Puerto Rico. While working in the insurance business and already an Independent Agency Owner, in 2007 he obtained his Master’s in Business Administration Degree (MBA) from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. In 2008, Mr. Rivera obtained his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation from The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. That same year, he founded Ariel Rivera & Asociados, Inc. Insurance Agency, specializing in Commercial Property & Casualty Insurance. His enthusiasm for insurance education and his passion for the industry led him to become a faculty member at The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. There, he teaches the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) program and serves as a mentor for new instructors entering the CISR faculty. Since 2015, he has served as the National Director of Professional Insurance Agents of Puerto Rico & The Caribbean (PIA of PRC) for the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA National). In 2018 he also joined the Board of Directors of the American Insurance Marketing & Sales Society (AIMS Society) where he works actively in insurance continuing education and is also a faculty member. In 2019 he founded Deer Insurance Agency, LLC, in Jacksonville, FL: a scratch independent insurance agency that specializes in home, auto, flood, and small business insurance solutions. At the end of 2020, he also founded Fun Insurance Solutions, LLC, a marketing and advisory agency dedicated to helping insurance professionals around the country, Puerto Rico, and USVI through education, podcasting, workshops, boot camps, and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). In September 2021, he was elected to the PIA National Executive Committee, where he will go through the Executive Committee chairs until September 2024 when he will become the PIA National President.
- Maria Elena Abate, Shareholder and Chief Diversity Officer, Colodny Fass With more than 25 years of experience, Maria Elena Abate has built a reputation as an expert in complex commercial and insurance litigation. She is regularly called upon to lecture, serve on industry panels, and advise insurance companies, adjusters, agents, and their employees on ways to eradicate fraud, prevent bad faith, and diversify their workforce, through education and communication. In her diverse practice, Ms. Abate handles a wide variety of insurance-related matters, which include, class action defense, coverage determinations, bad faith avoidance, fraud avoidance, adjuster, agent, and broker E & O claims. From licensing and liability matters, coverage disputes, errors and omissions, insurance solvency concerns, investigations, and disciplinary proceedings, to new challenges like cyber-risk and social media she has successfully assisted insurers, adjusters, agents and brokers navigate their duties and obligations under the law.
- Charles Watkins, Equity Partner, and Chief DEI Officer is also the firm's First Party Practice Group's Co-Chair. He is an experienced litigator and particularly enjoys trying cases to jury verdict. He has done so over seventy times. Charles has represented individuals, corporations, and public and government entities in transportation litigation, premises liability, UM insurance defense, construction accidents, and defects, boating accidents, first-party property damage and fraud, coverage issues, and products liability matters. Charles is certified by the State of Florida as a Continuing Education Instructor, and he conducts seminars on legal topics including commercial and residential first-party property issues and fraud, negligence in tort law, bad faith avoidance, UM/UIM law, and the art of negotiation and early case resolution. In addition to being a strong advocate for his clients, Charles is a passionate supporter of mentoring and diversity and inclusion initiatives. He is extremely engaged in promoting and participating in activities that champion these initiatives in and out of Kubicki Draper. Not only does Charles direct the firm's D E & I committee, but he is also the Treasurer for the National African American Insurance Association's (NAAIA) Florida Chapter and was one of the National Chairs of the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance's Diversity Committee (CLM).
- Margaret N. Redd Executive Director, NAAIA A thought leader with vision and a dedicated focus on excellence, Margaret N. Redd specializes in helping organizations to achieve and/or exceed profit and growth objectives by optimizing distribution platforms, organizational resources, and best practices. She is an accomplished executive and proven leader with a diversified background in all lines of property & casualty insurance working with multiple distribution channels. A graduate of Jackson State University, Margaret entered the insurance industry as an underwriter trainee with The St. Paul Companies in 1977. Her career journey includes seventeen years with CNA where she held key positions of leadership including National AVP of Distribution and Vice President, Chicago Branch; MetLife Regional VP of Sales, and VP and COO for Lambent Risk Management, a full service, Insurance Brokerage located in Chicago, IL. Currently, as the National Executive Director of NAAIA, Margaret is the first individual to hold that position for the esteemed organization. Margaret has held numerous board positions; she is a founder and a Past President of NAAIA Chicago; she is a past member of the NAAIA National Board where she served as the organization's first and only National Corporate Relations Chair. Married to Melvin, they are the proud parents of two sons, Christopher and Justin, and daughter, Angela.
About Our Guests
- Cameron Alford is the Risk & Insurance Specialist for Evonik Corporation. He has served as founder and alumni char for Gamma Iota Sigma’s Diversity and Inclusion Council. GammaSAID (Solutions for Authenticity, Inclusion, and Diversity). He is currently an advisory board member for Butler University’s Lacy School of Business Young Alumni Advisory Council. Cameron is an active member of the New York Chapter of the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) and the New Jersey Chapter of RIMS. He holds both his Bachelors and Masters of Science in Risk Management & Insurance from Butler University and earned the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation. Cameron earned his University Associate CRM in August 2020. In his three years at Evonik Corporation, Cameron Alford has overseen and improved internal claims management for the marine cargo program, helped enhance the workers’ compensation process, and increased efficiency and compliance with the vendor risk management program.
- Darryl Coleman is the Founder and President of Coleman search Group Inc. (CSG). CSG is a recruitment-consulting firm focused solely on the property/casualty insurance sector and has successfully represented more than 30 clients ranging from some of the world's largest insurance companies to privately owned firms. They trust Darryl's advice because, as a former insurance executive with more than 20 years of corporate experience and unmatched talent reach, he can guarantee an exceptional, swift, and transparent experience that yields a balanced slate of high-quality candidates. His areas of expertise include operations, talent management, organizational development, strategic planning, and executive coaching. Darryl has invested more than 30 years in the insurance and recruiting arenas since 2006, he has served as a national recruiter and consultant to the property-casualty insurance industry. He has conducted more than 100 national talent searches that have included individual contributor, managerial, senior executive, and C-level searches. Additionally, he has helped companies identify executive talent for international roles and consults with and four client partners working in the property-casualty insurance space. Darryl began his insurance career with Aetna Life and Casualty and worked for six national property-casualty insurance companies. In addition to his insurance claims experience with Aetna, Daryl worked for CIGNA and then held claim, underwriting, or service leadership posts at USF&G, St. Paul Companies, see in a, and Safeco Insurance Company. While working in the insurance arena, Darryl served as an individual contributor in field operations, as well as Home Office environments. He's led and managed as few as eight and as many as 3,500 claim employees. Additionally, he held profit and loss responsibility at St. Paul companies for a $600 million region comprised of small, middle-market, and specialty business. Darrell also participated in USF&G’s claim calls center startup operation in Tampa, Florida, and lead Safeco's Southeast agency services operation. He is a native Virginian and a graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA.
- Rakeda L. Ervin is the Director of Media Production at The National Alliance in Austin, TX, where she oversees video production for academics and marketing. She is a creative producer with more than twenty years of experience writing for broadcast television and digital content. She has produced countless award-winning series on MTV, NBC, and A&E. After relocating from Los Angeles, Rakeda became an educator committed to inspiring the next wave of creative professionals. She volunteers her time as a dedicated mentor to aspiring youth and maintains her passion to learn and teach through storytelling.
Learn more about the revised CISR Elements of Risk Management Course!
- Tom Franzen has spent the entirety of his four-generation spanning career in the insurance and risk management industry. His career has taken him from company-based work to the agency side where he served as Vice-President and a principal of Scheller Insurance Agency, Inc. for nearly 40 years. He continues to enjoy his role as President at Thomas F. Franzen & Co. Insurance and Risk Management consulting firm. An attendee of McKendree College, Tom received his CIC designation in 1979, his ARM designation in 2008, ARM-P credentials in 2010, and added the MLIS designation in 2018. His passion for sharing knowledge with others in the industry has led him to opportunities such as consulting, serving as a faculty member for the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research, and various speaking engagements with convention groups about insurance and risk management related topics. He is also an active member of the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS).Tom recognizes being a professional in his community means giving back where his skillset and insights are applicable via volunteer service roles, such as Board Member of First National Bank of Litchfield and recently serving for multiple years as Chairman of the Board at St. Francis Hospital.
- Beth Ottolini began her career in secondary education and made the switch to the corporate world after earning her Master’s in Educational Technology from Michigan State University. She has spent the last six years of her career developing training programs for insurance and risk management professionals. Beth has experience with all facets of learning and development including corporate training, learning management system (LMS) administration and instructional design. She is passionate about leveraging innovative eLearning strategies and tools to create on-demand training experiences for adult learners.
- Sarah Warhaftig is the Academic Director of Risk Management Programs for the National Alliance where she is responsible for the Certified Risk Manager, the Certified School Risk Manager, and the Certified Personal Risk Manager designation programs. Sarah held the positions of Director of Operations for Aparicio, Walker & Seeling, and was immediate past President of AWS Risk Management, LLC in Metairie, Louisiana. Clients included public entities, third party administrators, Boards, and private corporations. She consulted with large municipal and not-for-profit clients regarding their insurance and risk management programs. Sarah was responsible for assisting clients in managing through insurance program transitions. Post Hurricane Katrina, she worked with municipal clients in Stafford Act compliance, quantifying losses and perfecting claims, as well as analyzing continued risk retention abilities. As Vice President/State Director of Cannon Cochran Management Services, Inc., a third-party claims administrator licensed in 38 states, Sarah was responsible for day-to-day operations, as well as profit and loss accountability for branches throughout Louisiana. Sarah served on the Municipal Account Business Development Team and as account manager for several entities, including the City of New Orleans, the City of Memphis, Jefferson Parish, and the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board. During the course of her career, Sarah has held positions as risk management director, assistant vice-president of claims, and regional claims manager. She is a graduate of Tulane University and of Rutgers Law School.
Nominate or Enter the Competition Here!
Tracy Cotton, CIC, CISR
Tracy Cotton has been an underwriter, CSR, consultant, producer, marketer, and instructor in her more than 25-year career in insurance. Now she is putting it all to work in a new role as Executive Client Manager for Starr-Mathews Agency in Chattanooga, Tennessee. While she didn’t create this job, she feels as if it were created just for her. She gets to work closely with middle-market to large commercial clients to offer a more concierge level of service than either a typical CSR or producer can balance. Every day is different and she loves getting to help onboard new clients and grease the wheels for more value-added renewal reviews. She enjoys connecting with industry peers and is a founding member of the #5amclubins on Twitter. When she isn’t evaluating work comp audits and creating service plans, her passion is to get outdoors with her dog, Jasper. Although she still loves the mountains of western North Carolina, where she lived for many years, she currently enjoys finding places to hike, backpack, and paddle in southeastern TN.
Ashley Fitzsimmons, CISR
Ashley serves as the Director of Professional Development for the Ohio Insurance Agents Association, Inc., Ashley has grown up in insurance and has nearly a decade of real-life experience on the agency side. She has had to overcome the same daily struggles and has personally researched and implemented many tools and programs to help her family agency run more efficiently. Her nine years spent as the fourth generation in a family agency located near Scranton, Pennsylvania, obtaining her CISR designation, holding multiple speaking engagements across the country, and being nominated for the 2018 National CSR of the year have given her the knowledge and experience to help other agents thrive instead of just survive.
Reuben Hall
Reuben has been in the insurance industry for more than five years with experience on the agency side as well as on the carrier side. For the last three years, Reuben as worked at Oswald Companies in Cleveland, Ohio as an Associate Client Manager in the Specialty Risk industry. He is also a member of Oswald’s Young Professionals Leadership Council, which recruits young talent to the insurance industry and participates in various volunteer opportunities in the community. Reuben is the 2020 CSR of the year for Ohio.
About our Guest: Dave Murphy
After 37 years of working in Financial Services, Dave decided it was time to share the training, development, and experiences that have helped him succeed in his career and to encourage others who are just starting out or wanting to grow. Dave primarily works in Eastern Europe and speaks to business groups and university students.
The ACORD Forms training gives agents a short but intense training on ACORD forms, an often overlooked but critical component of an agent’s daily tasks. Hear about the five Quick Skill Modules and how they can help you successfully complete the General Commercial, Commercial Auto, Commercial Property, General Liability, and Workers Compensation ACORD forms.
Listen to learn more.
Ready to level up? Buy this bootcamp.
In Managing Cyber Exposure: 2020 and Beyond – Part 4, Host and Director of Faculty Development, Jay Williams, CIC, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, AIP, AAI, ACSR; interviews Paul Burkett, J.D., CIC, CRM, CPCU, ARM, ALCM, discuss common exclusions and coverage provisions, available markets, and solutions currently available to agents. Many businesses conducting e-commerce are concerned about business income exposure and crime. Although what's covered by cyber insurance is very broad, we know that cyber insurance doesn't cover everything.
Tune in the parts 1-3 to learn more about what agents need to know.
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
In Part 3 of Managing Cyber Exposure: 2020 and Beyond, Host and Director of Faculty Development, Jay Williams, CIC, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, AIP, AAI, ACSR, continues his conversation with Paul Burkett, J.D., CIC, CRM, CPCU, ARM, ALCM, about risk management as it relates to cyber exposure, particularly with risk transfer. E-commerce transactions can create the potential for negligence that could lead to loss scenarios. Risk transfer through contract aims to limit these loss scenarios as much as possible. This non-insurance risk transfer tool needs to be combined with the procurement of insurance coverages that transfer the risk to the insurance marketplace.
A Message from President & CEO, William Hold, MBA, CRM, CISR:
“Thank you for sticking with us in 2020. Thank you for doing your updates. Thank you for continuing to rely on us for your education and training.
Do you have ideas you want to share with us? Want to tell us where we've done a good job or let us know where we can do better? Have you thought about teaching for us? We want to hear from you!
Our participants are the most important part of The National Alliance. We are always ready to help and here to listen to how we can make 2021 your best year.”
A Message from President & CEO, William Hold, MBA, CRM, CISR:
“Thank you for sticking with us in 2020. Thank you for doing your updates. Thank you for continuing to rely on us for your education and training.
Do you have ideas you want to share with us? Want to tell us where we've done a good job or let us know where we can do better? Have you thought about teaching for us? We want to hear from you!
Our participants are the most important part of The National Alliance. We are always ready to help and here to listen to how we can make 2021 your best year.”
What changes are in the ISO form and what do they mean?
The new forms include some clarification changes but no huge surprises. The revision applies to all three commercial auto coverage forms: the business auto coverage form, the motor carrier coverage form, and the auto dealer’s coverage form. This podcast specifically addresses the changes in the business auto coverage form.
- Changes to the Business Auto Coverage Form
- Potential Challenges with Trailers
- Other Optional Endorsements include
Takeaway
Almost all of these are positive changes that help agents to better match coverages with exposures. CICs have ample opportunity to get updates on items like this because of their annual update requirement. From a producer's standpoint, these policy forms provide educational and sales opportunities for clients and prospects. They also provide opportunities to take these new endorsements and update agency coverage standards.
To learn more about the 2020 ISO changes and how to respond to them in your work, register for the CIC Commercial Casualty.
Excerpt From Part 1:
Cyber extortion is growing. Risk Management professionals are dealing with the issues of unintentional disclosure of data, damaged and stolen data, data restoration, and malicious breaches. We are also witnessing more unauthorized data collections of intellectual property which cause significant losses that are typically not covered under cyber policies.
In addition, we are aware that devices are constantly fighting phishing, spoofing, farming, and smishing attempts. We must also account for vendor errors as well as the technology errors and omissions claims that come with them, not to mention losses caused by business interruption, extra expenses, and expediting expense exposures. As the world of cloud computing continues to explode and data remains at risk, what are we to do in response to these evolving exposures?
About the Wilson Talent Center
The Wilson Talent Center, located in Mason, Michigan, offers Career & Technical Education programming for high school juniors and seniors. The center offers 18 programs in 12 career clusters, giving students the ability to earn high school academic credit, dual college credit, and either state or national certifications.
WTC partners with business leaders through Advisory Board participation or by providing work-based Learning opportunities for students. advisory board members from organizations and businesses within specific career fields advise on curriculum, resource needs, and industry trends. Many of these employers also offer students paid or unpaid internships, job shadows or work-based learning opportunities. Many of them end up hiring WTC students upon graduation and some even help them pay for their continued education.
Thank you!
The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research would like to recognize the support received from WTC’s industry and college partners. The support, direction, and vision of these entities, along with the Ingham School District in Michigan, allow students to network closely with companies and individuals to make insurance and the CISR High School Program fun and engaging.
Do you want to bring the CISR High School Program to your school, district, or community?
Visit www.scic.com/cisr-for-high-school.
Learn More about Managing Cyber Exposures!
About our Guest: Paul Burkett, J.D., CIC, CRM, CPCU, ARM, ALCM
Paul Burkett is the President and CEO of Snoaspen Insurance Group, Inc., which specializes in risk management consulting, insurance teaching, and expert witness services for insurance bad faith and agents' errors and omission cases.
Paul began his career as a Loss Control Representative for SAFECO Insurance Company after serving as an Officer in the United States Air Force. During his career with SAFECO, Paul served as a Loss Control Supervisor, Loss Control Manager, Commercial Sales Representative, Division Commercial Lines Underwriting Manager, and Regional Workers Compensation Manager. From SAFECO, Paul worked for Frank B. Hall & Company as a Vice President in charge of Risk Management Services. Paul was responsible for design and implementation of alternative insurance programs such as pools, self-insurance programs, and captives. From Frank B. Hall, Paul assisted in establishing the Meadowbrook of Colorado office and focused on developing specialized group programs. Paul assisted in establishing TUITIONGard, LTD., which specialized in coverages for private student loans provided through banks in the United States. This agency operation was purchased by an insurance company and related field operations have phased out over the last few years.
Paul has a Juris Doctorate from Concord School of Law, an undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and has completed graduate work at the University of Oklahoma in Public Administration. Paul has obtained the following designations: Certified Risk Manager (CRM), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Associate in Loss Control Management (ALCM), and Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). Paul is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance and has served on the Board of Governors of the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors.
CISR High School Program
The National Alliance created a high school insurance program for students last year. This program aims to fill over 400,000 insurance jobs opening in the next few years. It’s predicted that Customer Service and Administration Professionals will be in high demand, giving students workforce advantage. Customer Services Representatives (CSRs) with designations are more likely to be hired than CSRs without them. The CISR High School program could help students get high-paying jobs after graduation.
How does the program work?
Students attend for three semesters and can take an optional internship in the fourth semester. The program launched in Texas and was approved for Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career Preparation, Insurance Operations, Money Matters, Statistics and Risk Management, and Business Law.
What do students get?
The CISR High School program gives students a professional insurance designation and introduces them into the industry’s shrinking workforce. They also get opportunities to attend industry events and can apply for scholarships to attend insurance-based university programs.
MarketScout
MarketScout is an insurance distribution and underwriting company that was founded in 2000. Their firm is a Lloyd’s Coverholder and MGA for US insurers with expertise in workers’ compensation, private client solutions, energy, healthcare, fine art, equine, jewelry, professional liability, and many specialty programs. They also own and operate the MarketScout Exchange and over 40 online and traditional underwriting and distribution venues. MarketScout is the founder of the Council for Insuring Private Clients (CIPC) and administers the Certified Personal Risk Manager (CPRM) designation in partnership with The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. They are the only insurance organization to receive The National Alliance’s exclusive partnership and endorsement.
MarketScout’s culture encourages growth, learning and collaboration. They have been named as one of the Best Places to Work in Insurance by Business Insurance for eight consecutive years from 2012 to 2020. They have offices in Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, DC.
CIC Select
CIC Select was created to connect CICs with insurance companies who believe CICs are true professionals and produce a better portfolio of business. Through CIC Select Exchange, National Alliance CICs are able to receive benefits such as priority submission intake, increased commissions, and access to a network of over 200 insurance markets. MarketScout is the exchange that handles certain underwriting and administration functions in the placement of CIC business with insurers.
Moderator:
- Steve Anderson, President of The Anderson Network
Panelists:
- Robert E. Shomo, MBA, CIC, President of Shomo-Madsen Insurance
- Latoya Ware-Parker, EMBA, CFP®, Certified Financial Planner and Chief Operating Officer at Phoenix Associates Insurance Agency
- Lyndsay Kooistra, CIC, Shareholder & Producer at LaPorte Insurance
- Jason Cass, CIC, Agency Intelligence Podcast
Resources:
- Emailing Checks
- Krisp
Learn about this year’s online programs including:
- James K Ruble Online MEGA Seminar
- Instructor-led Online CIC, CRM, CPRM, CISR, and CSRM designation programs
- Instructor-led Online Dynamics Series
- CE and exam information
In this podcast, Joan tells us what she’s learned from a career of placing and qualifying brand new producer candidates in independent agencies and what she thinks can encourage more women to become insurance producers. Do you have the mindset needed to succeed as a woman in insurance? Listen now to find out.
There is a need in the industry to reach out to our clients and explore what’s changed. With the new environment, caused by the impact of COVID-19, personal lines insurance agents can’t risk leaving them uncovered or short covered.
The insurance industry’s pandemic response began four months ago with agents wondering how things would change. What kind of coverage gaps and risks will emerge? How will insurance evolve and ultimately, how must agents evolve as well?
In this podcast, Paul Martin, CPCU, Academic Director for Commercial Lines and Dustyne Bryant, CIC, CISR, Academic Director for Personal Lines discuss how personal lines agents can help clients minimize risks and how a simple phone call can help manage the difficulties caused by the pandemic.
“Every CIC I’ve ever met is very, very well versed in insurance. They have such a high level of domain experience. It’s unbelievable.”
Paul is the President of Diversified Risk Solutions (retail brokerage) and CEO of Harbor AI (technology platform and insurance exchange model) in New York city. Harbor AI was recently named InsureTech’s top startup in 2019. In this podcast, Paul talks to us about how insurance is infectious, why insurance salespeople are the best salespeople in the world, and why he thinks an education from The National Alliance should be mandatory.