Are you heading for the convention (that’s what we used to call it) in DC this October 5 – 7, 2023?
If you’re considering it, I suggest you sign up right now.  As the song says, “This could be the start of something big.”  Fifty years ago, I, too, was headed for our convention to receive my designation in the US capital city.

Why do CPCU and the Society mean a lot to me?
In a nutshell, it’s recognition and collegiality, friendships, leadership opportunities, resources, and fruitful meetings.

My dad, a highly successful, independent, P&C insurance agent, advised me to get a credential that would make my name stand out. During my first gig out of the Army, an underwriter in my company told us that CPCU was a challenging program.  That was enough to suggest a worthy goal for me, and I will forever be grateful. 

I was extraordinarily eager to officially be a CPCU.  Being a third-generation insurance worker, I puffed up my feathers and was prepared to be a peacock.  Not as my father’s son, but a CPCU on my own.  Sure enough, during my walk-across stage (yes, they announced every name then), the presiding officer prepared to shake my hand and said, “I know your dad.  How’s he doing?”  A momentary let-down, after which I had nothing but enjoyment from my active CPCU and Society career which lasted until 2012.  Full disclosure: since then, I have been enjoying retirement life. 

Tough to adequately describe but let me hit the high points.

My wonderful experience started at Conferment and extended for a half-century.  It was the blend of associating with good friends, sharing laughs and ideas to advance the Society, and gaining solutions to insurance puzzles back home. Furthermore, meeting decision makers throughout the industry was priceless.  Some of those friendships lasted a whole generation, with too many to list.  And Society friends are always at the ready to share their experience as risk management and insurance industry thought leaders.  

I especially valued the leadership opportunities.  The Society affords participation in thought leader groups as well as opportunities to lead those groups.  By the way, you can (and should) volunteer for your local chapter, a committee or interest group. 

To the new CPCUs, a hearty congratulations.  At In2Risk you will receive all the well wishes you can enjoy.  But “commencement” means going forward from here.  Now it’s your chance to share your joy within your networks.  Tell them what it all means to you.  Thanks for reading.  And for the new designees, bon voyage on your lifelong journey!

In closing, thank you to all of you.  My Society service culminated in my term as president.  Those were among the most rewarding and enjoyable years of my long life.  So… Thank you very much!  And a huge “THANK YOU” to my wife Mica.  Sure helps to have a loving and supportive partner.

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Tell us about yourself as a professional. Do you have a special interest or area of expertise, unusual background or experience, or a topic or skill you’re working to get better at?
With over a decade of insurance industry experience, I possess a diverse skill set and hold certifications such as CPCU, ARe, ARM, and AIC-M. I excel in risk management, policy analysis, and claims handling, providing customized solutions to clients. Committed to growth, I explore emerging technologies' role in the industry. As a go-getter and innovator, I eagerly anticipate contributing and collaborating with fellow professionals to shape the reinsurance landscape.

As a dedicated claims professional, I am passionate about innovation, collaboration, and leadership development. I focus on mentoring, efficiency, and fostering interdepartmental collaboration. I am committed to personal and professional growth.

Beyond my professional life, I relish giving back to the community and spending time with family. A cherished experience includes volunteering at a bird sanctuary, where I led volunteers to preserve and enhance the 9-acre reserve's natural beauty.

In addition to my passion for nature and conservation, I treasure every moment spent with my loving wife, our energetic 5-year-old son, and our adorable 7-month-old baby girl. We relish the opportunity to create lasting memories together. This brings me joy and satisfaction while inspiring me to strive for excellence, applying the same dedication and enthusiasm from my personal life.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member?
As a proud CPCU Society member, I value the access to knowledge and insights that expand my understanding and inspire me to advocate for continuing education and mentoring. The networking opportunities have enabled me to forge meaningful connections, contributing to my growth in the insurance industry. I am eager to leverage my membership to make a lasting impact in the dynamic world of insurance.
  
    

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Tell us about yourself as a professional. Do you have a special interest or area of expertise,
unusual background or experience, or a topic or skill you’re working to get better at?
I am an insurance professional who possesses expertise in personal lines insurance, technology strategy, and the implementation of enterprise cyber security policies. My career in insurance began in 2005 when I started working as a software developer for a major insurance client. During this time, I gained a comprehensive understanding of personal lines auto insurance.

Driven by my passion for this industry and my desire to expand my skillset, I pursued my CPCU designation and successfully completed all the required coursework and exams in 2014. I have been working with Cabrillo Coastal since 2009, where I currently lead the digital strategy for providing personal lines insurance in areas exposed to catastrophic events.

In addition to my CPCU designation, I also hold ARe and AINS designations from The Institutes Designations. On the technology and project management side, I have obtained my PMP and AWS Solution Architect Associate designations. As for my future endeavors, I'm striving to enhance my knowledge and skills in the field of data science and machine learning. 

Insurance plays a crucial role in maintaining a stable society, particularly in areas like Florida where there is a constant influx of new residents, the demand for new homes is high. As a result, there is an increased need for additional insurance capacity to ensure that homeowners and individuals are protected against unforeseen risks and events.

This is an exciting time to be in the insurance industry, as we are witnessing a shift from traditional claims check focused approach to a more proactive workflows that leverages advanced technologies and data science to prevent claims from happening in the first place. As the industry continues to evolve, there are many opportunities to innovate and make a positive impact on people's lives by providing them with greater security, peace of mind and delightful end to end insurance workflows.

When I'm not at work, I enjoy reading books from various genres, including fiction and non-fiction. I find reading to be an excellent way to unwind and learn new things. Moreover, spending quality time with my daughters is a top priority for me, and I make sure to dedicate enough time to create meaningful memories with them.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member?
Networking, volunteer opportunities and professional growth.
  
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/manoharpradhan/       

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Tell us about yourself as a professional. Do you have a special interest or area of expertise,
unusual background or experience, or a topic or skill you’re working to get better at?
I currently hold the Martin Chair of Insurance in the Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University. I also led the development of a full major in Risk Management & Insurance in the Jones College of Business at MTSU that was rated the #1 program in the country by A.M. Best Review magazine in 2020. 

I’ve also taught CPCU courses in the Institutes Collegiate Studies program for many years, and received the Outstanding Course Leader Award from the American Institute for Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriters in 2004.

Additionally, I serve on the national faculty of the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, teaching in the Certified Risk Manager (CRM) program and as education consultant. I previously served as educational consultant for the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) program.  


Before my career in education, I worked as an independent agent. My research interests include risk financing, solvency issues and agency/brokerage operations, and I have been published multiple times in academic and insurance trade journals. I’ve also received numerous awards including the N.C. Surplus Lines Association naming their scholarship awards after me, and most recently being the recipient of the Middle Tennessee CPCU chapter Legacy Award this past September. 

Risk Management & Insurance makes the world a better place.  We try to prevent and mitigate loss, take advantage of uncertainty and provide resources when things don't go well.  It is a relationship business that places high priority on integrity.

I love to be outdoors, sports and travel, but most especially spending time with family.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member?
The best thing about being a CPCU Society member is connecting with members of the local chapter.  The Middle Tennessee chapter has so many wonderful professionals that are more than willing to mentor the Risk Management & Insurance majors at Middle Tennessee State University.  Seeing their commitment to their profession and the students is very rewarding.
  
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-dave-wood/       

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Tell us about yourself as a professional. Do you have a special interest or area of expertise,
unusual background or experience, or a topic or skill you’re working to get better at?
What I enjoy so much about my job is that due to advances in technology and our ever-changing environment there is always opportunity to learn something new. I have many years of experience working in Customer Service and recognize how the needs of the customer are vital to an organization. Understanding the customer’s perspective is imperative in the service industry and can set an organization apart from its competitors when focusing on continuous improvement and the role that customers play.

What I love about working in insurance is that it is a stable industry and there are many opportunities for professional development. You can advance in your career and learn new skills. There is a constant focus on employee retention and an endless amount of resources to take advantage of when it comes to education and networking.

I always enjoy spending time with my family. I have a large family and we always make an effort to see one another, whether it is for a quick lunch or a family vacation. We enjoy traveling together and making memories in our great state of Maine!

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member?
I would say the connections, networking, and professional growth. In my short time being part of the Society I’ve become a leader in our local Chapter, earned two designations, and am on my way to obtaining a third. You have access to so much information and resources and build great relationships along the way.
  
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-fuller-wcp-cpcu-aida-ais-524b249b/       

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Tell us about yourself as a professional. Do you have a special interest or area of expertise,
unusual background or experience, or a topic or skill you’re working to get better at?
I'm surprised that I ended up in insurance and risk management, but maybe I shouldn't be. My father is a retired independent insurance adjuster, so I grew up learning about the industry. While in law school at the University of North Carolina, I took insurance law because I heard the professor was the best on campus. My first job was a at small insurance defense firm where I got immediate experience working with carriers, meeting policyholders, and litigating claims. For the last decade I've worked at United Educators (UE), the premier provider of liability insurance and risk management services for educational institutions. 

My entire career has been dedicated to risk and insurance and I've built an area of expertise in the education sector. UE advises over 1600 schools, colleges, universities, theaters, and museums across the country. These insureds encounter the same risks as other insureds (slip and fall claims, employment discrimination lawsuits), but they also encounter distinct harms like reputational risk, falling enrollment, and culture war issues.

Insurance and risk management is a rewarding career path for three reasons.

First, every day is different. Insurance companies insure many types of people, businesses, and places. Each insured has a unique set of problems to solve and risks to tackle. My work is endlessly varied; one day I'm helping one of our members with a federal compliance issue, and the next I'm advising them on study abroad risks. You'll never be bored with what's on your desk.

Second, we have the opportunity to make the world a safer and better place. Our industry is sitting on a mountain of data. By taking that information, we can give our insureds the information to make choices that improve the health and safety of their communities. Furthermore, when things go wrong, insurance is a tool that helps people put their lives back together. 

Third, the industry is becoming more diverse. I've seen incredible changes over the last decade. Insurance companies recognize that fostering increased diversity, equity, and inclusion is the right thing to do, good for business, and key to retaining and attracting top talent. At UE we recently formed an Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Alliance (IDEA). IDEA is helping our company set up employee resource groups, and I'm excited to join our brand new LGBTQ+ group. I'm a gay man with a disability, and it's nice to know I can bring those identities to work.

My great passions in life are reading and travel. 

I'm in a book club in Washington, DC. We've been meeting for 7 years and we've read almost 50 books together. I'm also lucky to have a lot of coworkers who are bookworms - they're very generous with their reading recommendations and book loans!

Last summer I achieved a goal of visiting all 50 states. My final state was Alaska. I hiked in national parks, flew in a seaplane around Denali, took a glacier cruise, and visited a sled dog kennel. Travel is the greatest experience; you meet new people, try new food, and ultimately learn about yourself. Nothing puts your life in perspective like feeling small in front of a giant, ancient glacier. Someday I'd like to visit all 7 continents.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member?
The people. I had a rewarding experience at In2Risk 2019 when I officially joined the Society. My local chapter is made up of dedicated and friendly folks who are very generous with their time. I hope we continue to find ways to make those connections.
  
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joevossen/       

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Tell us about yourself as a professional. Do you have a special interest or area of expertise,
unusual background or experience, or a topic or skill you’re working to get better at?
I got my bachelor’s in marketing and my MBA in business analytics, so I am really interested in the analytics field. I have worked in Product Management on the carrier side for about 6 years now and I love using data to solve problems across the company or just explore our current processes to make efficiencies. Data driven decision making is huge now and I pride myself on the skills necessary to do that.

I think the younger generation isn't as into insurance as they once were. I'm passionate about talking to others about all of the opportunities within the field to help with talent acquisition. Insurance isn't necessarily thought of as a "cool" and "exciting" career option but it certainly can be. I've made so many connections across the field and I love that it's constantly evolving every year. There is always something new up and coming to explore.

I am really into fitness and living a healthy lifestyle. I have competed in bench press competitions and multiple running events and have constant goals to become stronger.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member?
I would definitely say the people! It's so fun to connect with others that you may not usually have the opportunity to depending on your job role. I've met many people from multiple carriers and fields of interest and it's great to make those new relationships!
 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-johnson-mba-cpcu-a4aa2b41/       

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Tell us about yourself as a professional. Do you have a special interest or area of expertise,
unusual background or experience, or a topic or skill you’re working to get better at?
Early in my career, I handled non-standard auto claims. I moved on to fire claims and, eventually, homeowner liability claims before making the transition to Risk Management. Since 2018, I've worked in Healthcare Risk Management. In addition to the CPCU designation, I have attained AINS, ARM, AIC, RIMS-CRMP, and CPHRM. Currently, I am broadening my knowledge in many areas including risks specific to healthcare and captives.

I've enjoyed my career journey. I started out in a call center doing customer service for a non-standard carrier, but even back then I feel like I learned something new every day. One of my favorite things about this industry is that you never have to be bored. There are so many avenues and so many professionals whose paths may have crossed mine even though they ended up in a totally different direction. I still feel as though I learn something new about insurance and risk management on a daily basis even after working in the industry nearly 20 years.

Outside of work, I enjoy being a theatre/dance mom and travelling with my daughters to different museums and other attractions.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member?
Networking with diverse members of the insurance and risk management community. Opportunities for development through volunteering with the Society.
 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cassi-marshall-cpcu-arm-aic-rims-crmp-cphrm-153718a2/       

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Tell us about yourself as a professional. Do you have a special interest or area of expertise,
unusual background or experience, or a topic or skill you’re working to get better at?
I have almost 18 years of experience in IT. My area of expertise is QA and Program Management. I am currently working on improving my project management skills.

I believe the insurance industry is doing great work for society through helping to mitigate risk. After the challenges we have all faced, our industry is helping society to come back to normal and stand on its own feet. Risk Management is a critical part of any work. Even in my own role, I feel the need to identify and mitigate risk, and whenever I am successful, it gives me immense pleasure.

Whenever I am stressed out, I love cooking and eating food. I am big time foodie and love having a glass of wine with my meal. I also love to go out with family and spend quality time with them.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member?
I believe CPCU Society Members are the brightest of the bright in the insurance world, and sharing industry knowledge with the best provides a great sense of achievement and pride. For this reason, I believe being a CPCU Society member offers a tremendous amount of benefits that money can’t buy.
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manish-agrawal-cpcu-pmp-ains-pmi-acp-csm-b8448714/      
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manish.agrawal1612       

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Tell us about yourself as a professional. Do you have a special interest or area of expertise,
unusual background or experience, or a topic or skill you’re working to get better at?
As a professional, I have a passion for learning as much industry knowledge as I can. This field is so diverse, complex, fascinating, and important. I am a second generation insurance professional. My mom has been in insurance since 1978, and we currently work in the same department. I have no idea what my future holds - there is so much to explore, but I definitely want to learn more about data analysis. I think that is the cornerstone of the industry changes we are currently a part of. I am also passionate about research (then again, I was an English major,) and I thrive on being a resource for people who need help just like all the people that I rely on to be a resource for me. I ultimately hope that I get the chance to contribute to this industry in more ways than one.

My passion for insurance actually came from my first insurance job as a sales agent in Florida. As I studied for my 2-20 license, I suddenly realized this material was more complex than anything I'd studied in a very long time. It was then that I realized how many layers there were, and how many scenarios there could be in just this one course I took. As my understanding of Insurance has grown, so has my yearning for everyone to also have a better understanding of how their money is being put to work and why their coverages work how they do. Ultimately, insurance is about being there in the darkest moments of someone's life. I survived Category 5 Hurricane Michael in 2018, and began my insurance journey as a result. Now, I am in a role where my peers share with me stories about making a difference in someone's life, just by doing our job.

I have to mention my 15 year old cat, Floyd. I've had him since he was a tiny kitten and he's my best bud. Before my CPCU journey, I read a lot and liked to build LEGOs, but I don't do much outside of work anymore, since I am still pursuing new designations and new knowledge. I'm also passionate about mental health because I think taking the steps to tend to myself is what led me to pick back up and finish earning my CPCU. In return, the designation led me to people who helped me believe in myself in ways I never did before. I feel like a brand new person now that I have learned how to take care of myself. I've also grown more confident in speaking out against systemic injustices and other things I never felt I was confident or capable enough to do. In such a fast-paced industry, it's easy to forget that not only do we deserve to feel our best, but those around us deserve the best version of ourselves.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member?
Hands down the people and the relationships. I didn't have many close connections and lived a pretty solitary life before I joined the Society. I chose my mentor, who became my rock and helped me build my network, and have been so fortunate to meet many talented and impressive people so early in my career. I am grateful for these relationships because I no longer feel alone. Rather, I feel supported, appreciated, and like I belong to something bigger than myself.
 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/meganleighjones/     

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