2024 AGENDA

All times in ET

• 8:00 AM

  Registration and breakfast

• 8:15 AM

  Women in Insurance Mentorship Network Launch

  Celebrate the launch of our new Women in Insurance mentorship program! Join us to find out more about the Network and introduce yourself to your matched mentor/mentee or peer advisor. This is a valuable opportunity to hear from an expert speaker on the best practices of mentoring, reverse mentoring, and how to leverage the benefits of mentorship to make the most of your new mentor/mentee relationship. If you haven’t signed up yet, this is your chance to get involved.

  

  Devina Williams, JD

  Assistant Vice President, Litigation
  AmTrust

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  Devina Williams, JD

  Assistant Vice President, Litigation
  AmTrust

• 9:00 AM

  Opening remarks from chairperson

  

  Taffy Jo Mayers

  Chief Commercial Officer
  Neuron Digital Trading

  ×

  

  Taffy Jo Mayers

  Chief Commercial Officer
  Neuron Digital Trading

  Taffy Jo Mayers is a distinguished Innovative Global Leader and a visionary in the fields of insurtech and commercial insurance. Renowned for her expertise in digital transformation, underwriting, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Taffy Jo brings over 25 years of invaluable experience to the insurance industry. 

  Professional Background: Taffy Jo is recognized for orchestrating cross-functional teams, innovating disruptive digital solutions, and elevating global brand awareness.

  As the Global Head of Commercial Property & Casualty and Specialty Insurance Propositions at WTW, Taffy Jo spearheads the development and go-to-market strategy for the global commercial and specialty insurance and technology consulting practice. She currently holds a pivotal role in leveraging deep industry expertise to establish new practices and strengthen WTW ICT Consulting Practices, developing new technology products to support 4D Underwriting, Portfolio Optimization and Neuron Digital Trading. In addition to her product innovation duties, she is responsible for the ensuring the extensibility of the Radar product suit in anticipation of the evolving product development needs, technology landscape and workforce changes impacting the commercial and specialty insurance market sector.  

  During her tenure at EY, she served as the Head of Specialty Insurance and Underwriting Transformation for North America, pioneering the establishment of the Americas specialty property and casualty insurance practice. Taffy Jo has also excelled in leadership roles at Zurich, where she served as the Head of Underwriting Transformation for Middle Markets, North America, and as Head of PACE (Middle Market Commercial business). 

  Thought Leadership and Recognition: Taffy Jo is a regular speaker at high-profile global events such as CIAB, ITC, RIMS, and Insurtech Insights. Her unique ability to build, implement, and achieve crucial transformations across various domains has earned her recognition and respect from peers in the carrier, broker, reinsurance, and insurtech sectors. 

  Community Engagement and Leadership: Passionate about the insurance industry’s responsibility to the communities it serves, Taffy Jo actively engages in community leadership and advocacy for equity, inclusion, and social justice. She serves as a board member of the Georgia State University Risk Management and Insurance Foundation, contributing to NGOs and non-profits. 

  Education and Accolades: Taffy Jo is a catalyst for positive change, innovation, and inclusivity in the insurance industry. Her passion for fostering talent development, attracting strong leaders, and making a positive impact sets her apart as a transformative figure in the ever-evolving landscape of insurtech and commercial insurance. Her leadership and community engagement have been recognized through various awards, including the IICF Inclusion Champion Award Nominee, NAFE Women of Excellence Community Service Award, and the Zurich Insurance Group Good Newz ERG Co-Founder accolade. 

  Taffy Jo holds a degree from Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business with a major in Risk Management & Insurance. She is based in Atlanta, Georgia.  

• 9:05 AM

  Welcome address

  

  Stephen Jalkut

  SVP, Chief Marketing Officer
  Arch Insurance

  ×

  

  Stephen Jalkut

  SVP, Chief Marketing Officer
  Arch Insurance

  Tracey Estes is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. She has a track record of leading and empowering people to cultivate authentic relationships and strategically execute goals and objectives that support long-term profitability, sustained growth and differentiation in the marketplace.  

  Tracey is currently an Executive Vice President at Arch Insurance Company and is responsible for managing the profitability and growth of the Large Accounts Casualty insurance book of business countrywide. She has spent the last 7 years of her career at Arch, and prior to her current role oversaw the growth and profitability of the casualty business in the Northeast, Southeast and South Central regions. Prior to Arch, Tracey spent 10 years with AIG, as a domestic casualty underwriter, international management consultant and manager of the international casualty products, including: middle market, DBA, and large national accounts casualty. Prior to AIG she worked as a primary casualty broker with Marsh. She holds a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist Designation and Project Manager Certification. Tracey earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from The George Washington University in Washington DC.  

• 9:10 AM

  Opening Keynote: Chasing the bright side – Purpose-driven thinking leads to unstoppable growth

  It’s easy to allow negative thoughts to make you feel like you’re constantly moving from problem to problem. A recent American Academy of Neurology study found that prolonged negative thinking diminishes your brain’s ability to think clearly and quickly drains your energy. In this illuminating keynote based on her best-selling book, Chasing the Bright Side, Jess Ekstrom reveals how editing your negative thought patterns to embrace optimism can trigger the growth mindset that will take you to the next level. It’s not about eliminating negativity; but harnessing it to activate your purpose. Jess knows this more than most, having founded two multi-million dollar social enterprises helping women and girls all over the world.   

  • Finding the overlap between passion and profit 
  • Why optimism is the key to positive growth 
  • Identify the five core mindsets and how to use them  
  • How to turn setbacks into comebacks 

  

  Jess Ekstrom

  Social entrepreneur
  Forbes Top Rated speaker, and best-selling author

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  Jess Ekstrom

  Social entrepreneur
  Forbes Top Rated speaker, and best-selling author

  Jess lives by three words: inspiration from frustration. 

  Whenever she’s frustrated, she usually finds inspiration in a business idea to solve the problem. Hence, she’s a 2x successful social entrepreneur. 

  In 2012, she took a $300 grant and launched Headbands of Hope, a company that provides headbands to kids with illnesses. 

  Since then, her company has donated millions of headbands all over the world and has become the official headband provider for the NBA, WNBA, and are now sold in all Kohl’s locations. 

  Jess is a Forbes Top Rated speaker with past clients like Zappos, Priceline, Netflix, Canva, Edward Jones, Magnolia, Under Armour, Newell Brands, Leadercast Live, SAS, Harvard, TEDx, and more. 

  But her career goals are not just about getting herself on stage, she wants to help more women get on stages as public speakers. And in 2018, she founded Mic Drop Workshop®️, a company with the mission of empowering more women to share their message as a public speaker and author.  

  Jess is a 2x bestselling author of Chasing the Bright Side and Create Your Bright Ideas. She’s been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, Vanity Fair, Forbes, and People Magazine ran an exclusive piece about her when her book was released. You’ve most likely seen Jess on your TV whether it was an interview on your favorite morning show, shopping on QVC, or watching her run her business from her Airstream in a global Canva commercial. 

  Some of her recent badges of honor…

  • Chip Gaines said, “Jess Ekstrom is leaving her mark on this world and it’s amazing to watch her do it.”  
  • Jess was dubbed The Ultimate Game Changer by Women’s Health Magazine 

  • The co-founder of Netflix said, “Jess is a very poised and polished speaker- confident, funny, great connection with the audience and left them inspired.” 
  • Jess was tapped to interview the First Lady of Iceland on women’s equality issues 
  • Linkedin Learning and TED Education have asked Jess to host courses on the art of public speaking 
  • Forbes named her a Top Motivational Speaker 
  • Arianna Huffington put her on her 99 Female Disruptors List 
  • Becoming a new mom to a little girl and advocating for moms in the workplace 
  • And Business Insider said Jess is a “Woman to Watch” 

  Jess brings humor, inspiration, and entertainment to every group she addresses. Her motivational, edge-of-your-seat storytelling and infectious energy is a refreshing experience for audiences looking to improve their culture, purpose-building, and fulfillment.  

• 9:55 AM

  Speed networking  

  An opportunity to meet your peers and get to know more people in the room. Expand your network, make connections, and meet fellow delegates in this structured networking session. 

  

  Taffy Jo Mayers

  Chief Commercial Officer
  Neuron Digital Trading

  ×

  

  Taffy Jo Mayers

  Chief Commercial Officer
  Neuron Digital Trading

  Taffy Jo Mayers is a distinguished Innovative Global Leader and a visionary in the fields of insurtech and commercial insurance. Renowned for her expertise in digital transformation, underwriting, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Taffy Jo brings over 25 years of invaluable experience to the insurance industry. 

  Professional Background: Taffy Jo is recognized for orchestrating cross-functional teams, innovating disruptive digital solutions, and elevating global brand awareness.

  As the Global Head of Commercial Property & Casualty and Specialty Insurance Propositions at WTW, Taffy Jo spearheads the development and go-to-market strategy for the global commercial and specialty insurance and technology consulting practice. She currently holds a pivotal role in leveraging deep industry expertise to establish new practices and strengthen WTW ICT Consulting Practices, developing new technology products to support 4D Underwriting, Portfolio Optimization and Neuron Digital Trading. In addition to her product innovation duties, she is responsible for the ensuring the extensibility of the Radar product suit in anticipation of the evolving product development needs, technology landscape and workforce changes impacting the commercial and specialty insurance market sector.  

  During her tenure at EY, she served as the Head of Specialty Insurance and Underwriting Transformation for North America, pioneering the establishment of the Americas specialty property and casualty insurance practice. Taffy Jo has also excelled in leadership roles at Zurich, where she served as the Head of Underwriting Transformation for Middle Markets, North America, and as Head of PACE (Middle Market Commercial business). 

  Thought Leadership and Recognition: Taffy Jo is a regular speaker at high-profile global events such as CIAB, ITC, RIMS, and Insurtech Insights. Her unique ability to build, implement, and achieve crucial transformations across various domains has earned her recognition and respect from peers in the carrier, broker, reinsurance, and insurtech sectors. 

  Community Engagement and Leadership: Passionate about the insurance industry’s responsibility to the communities it serves, Taffy Jo actively engages in community leadership and advocacy for equity, inclusion, and social justice. She serves as a board member of the Georgia State University Risk Management and Insurance Foundation, contributing to NGOs and non-profits. 

  Education and Accolades: Taffy Jo is a catalyst for positive change, innovation, and inclusivity in the insurance industry. Her passion for fostering talent development, attracting strong leaders, and making a positive impact sets her apart as a transformative figure in the ever-evolving landscape of insurtech and commercial insurance. Her leadership and community engagement have been recognized through various awards, including the IICF Inclusion Champion Award Nominee, NAFE Women of Excellence Community Service Award, and the Zurich Insurance Group Good Newz ERG Co-Founder accolade. 

  Taffy Jo holds a degree from Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business with a major in Risk Management & Insurance. She is based in Atlanta, Georgia.  

• 10:15 AM

  Interactive workshop: How to future-proof your business by leveraging your network

  In today’s rapidly changing insurance landscape, your professional network can be a powerful asset in ensuring the longevity and success of your business. This facilitated workshop explores the strategies and tactics for future-proofing your business by tapping into your network’s potential, insight, and energy. Learn how to:  

  • Harness the power of your professional network for business longevity 
  • Leverage both online and offline relationships to adapt to industry changes 
  • Seize opportunities and stay ahead of trends with a strong network 
  • Build a resilient and sustainable business through inspiring connections 

  

  Brandi Lewis

  Chairwoman, Health Plus Trans, DEI Committee Co-Chair
  RISE Professionals

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  Brandi Lewis

  Chairwoman, Health Plus Trans, DEI Committee Co-Chair
  RISE Professionals

  Brandi Lewis is the Chairwoman of www.healthplustrans.com and Co-Chair of RISE Professionals’ DEI Committee. Brandi has consistently been a model of success and empowerment in the risk & insurance sector.  

  Brandi is a vision-driven, goal-focused, forward thinking business executive with an expertise in team management and proven business turn-around strategies. Brandi is considered a business operations specialist with a demonstrated history of innovation and being an “out of the box” thinker. 

  Furthermore, Brandi’s ability to build consensus among executive teams and stakeholders, by harnessing team strengths to promote transparency and influence of positive change has been repeatedly proven. Brandi believes in the three G’s, “Get involved, Get it Done, and Get Results” without excuses.  

• 10:45 AM

  Networking coffee break

• 11:15 AM

  Leaders’ briefing: Opportunity by numbers – Revealing data-driven industry insights

  An exclusive opportunity to hear the latest industry-focused economic outlook from a senior economist, in conversation with a senior insurance leader. This session showcases data-driven insights on industry challenges and the opportunities they create. Data will empower you as a leader to better understand the market conditions impacting insurance and the tools available to navigate them. Enhance your market understanding for informed business decision-making and gain valuable takeaways on: 

  • Industry data revealing pain points and opportunities  
  • An enhanced market understanding for informed business decisions  
  • Insights and tools for navigating market conditions 
  • A data-driven approach to address industry challenges 

  Moderator

  

  Susan Froman

  Vice President
  Amwins

  ×

  

  Susan Froman

  Vice President
  Amwins

  Panelists

  

  Chris Carlson

  Director – Property Practice
  CRC Insurance

  ×

  

  Chris Carlson

  Director – Property Practice
  CRC Insurance

  

  Shruti Sahay

  Managing Director, Financial Services
  EY

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  Shruti Sahay

  Managing Director, Financial Services
  EY

• 11:50 AM

  Panel: Strategies to empower women in insurance – Unlocking leadership success at every career stage

  In the dynamic world of insurance, career success is not limited by age or experience. What can we learn from each other’s unique perspectives and experiences? How can women take steps to advance at each level – what’s proven? This session explores the strategies and opportunities that individuals can harness to thrive in the insurance industry at every stage of their professional journey. With insights on overcoming the most common leadership pain points, explore:  

  • Successful strategies for establishing a winning career foundation 
  • Your toolkit to overcome leadership challenges and take your career to the next level  
  • Leadership opportunities that will drive your career forward  
  • How do you develop your own authentic leadership style?  
  • Decisions to make now to establish a business legacy  

  Moderator

  

  Amy Lochhead

  Senior Vice President, Regional Executive East
  Liberty Mutual

  ×

  

  Amy Lochhead

  Senior Vice President, Regional Executive East
  Liberty Mutual

  Amy is responsible for driving GRS business growth by optimizing the unique and vast product capabilities throughout Liberty’s property, casualty, and specialty lines businesses. In addition, she manages field engagement and broker growth for the East region. 

  Since she joined Liberty in 1996, Amy has held a variety of leadership roles in underwriting in the national accounts large casualty segment. In 2012, she established a regional underwriting presence in Atlanta by opening an office and creating a team from scratch. In this role, she grew her $300 million book of business, developed a personal brand with brokers and clients, and attracted, hired, and developed strong underwriting talent. 

  Amy graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in international business from Franklin Pierce College, where she was a member of the two-time NCAA Division II National Champion women’s soccer team.   

  Panelists

  

  Ronna Ruppelt

  Chief Executive Officer
  CLM

  ×

  

  Ronna Ruppelt

  Chief Executive Officer
  CLM

  Meet Ronna Ruppelt, a dynamic leader passionate about people and fueled by innovation. Her journey to becoming Chief Executive Officer of both the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM) and Claims Pages is the culmination of a distinguished career.  

  With a notable background as an insurance defense attorney and senior executive for the nation’s leading property and casualty carriers, Ronna is a wealth of knowledge in claims, litigation management, legal, regulatory, and compliance, as well as an innovator, driving strategic initiatives and leading complex operational transformations.  

  Prior to taking the helm at CLM and Claims Pages, Ronna served as SVP, General Counsel and Chief Claims Officer for a regional carrier. She had prior roles as VP, Casualty Claims at National General Insurance and VP of Claims, Legal & Compliance at AIG. At AIG, she devised a signature litigation management approach that resulted in improved quality and significantly reduced legal expenses in a fast-growing organization.  

  Ronna believes her decades of experience are worthless unless they can be shared. She enjoys traveling the country speaking at events to educate and inspire.  

  Ronna is a native of Ohio, spent many years in Georgia and currently resides in Northern Virginia. She is a patron of the arts and has previously served as a board member to several arts organizations. Ronna recently became a grandmother for the first time and when she’s not at the pilates studio, spends as much of her free time as possible doting on her new grandson. 

  

  Angela Taylor

  Partner Strategist, Life Insurance Business Development
  TruStage

  ×

  

  Angela Taylor

  Partner Strategist, Life Insurance Business Development
  TruStage

  As a Partner Strategist, Life Insurance Business Development for TruStage, Angela is responsible for developing and acquiring partnerships with national insurance distributors focused on personal life insurance companies. She joined the organization in 2022.  

  A shining star in the insurance industry for over 13 years, Angela is blazing a path for women of color. She has worked at numerous top companies, including Allstate, State Farm and Liberty Mutual Insurance. 

  Angela began her career in 2016 as a sales associate with Liberty Mutual Insurance in Memphis. Within eight months of joining Liberty, she was promoted to agent owner, making her the first female African American agent in Memphis for Liberty Mutual. 

  Over her career, Angela has helped service the insurance needs of thousands of families in Iowa, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas and Alabama. 

  Angela enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and playing pool and basketball with her son. She is passionate about giving back to her community and participating in motivational speaking engagements for youth and college students.  

  Angela graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in women’s studies and a minor in social work. 

  

  Sonja Teague

  Senior Vice President, Head of A & H Claims North America
  Chubb

  ×

  

  Sonja Teague

  Senior Vice President, Head of A & H Claims North America
  Chubb

  As SVP of NA Accident & Health, Sonja is responsible for Chubb’s overall claim services execution delivered through internal claims resources in addition to multiple business partnerships and channels.  Sonja also is an integral part of the NA Accident & Health Underwriting senior leadership teams and works closely with the business unit to ensure a climate of excellence in claims delivery, customer service and client retention. 

  Sonja has more than 25 years of insurance industry experience, which includes a multi-lined background in claims management and oversight for both carriers and third-party administrators. She is well versed in assessing risk, strong leadership experience, business process improvement, product development and change management. She has established herself as a visionary and innovative thought leader in both the P & C, Absence and A & H insurance business segments.  She has written several white papers on various claims and absence related topics, served as a panelist and has been a key speaker at several major conferences. Additionally, Sonja has been featured in several periodicals including Risk Advisors and Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC) @Work Magazine as a thought leader on the key components in managing absence.  In 2018 Sonja was recognized by Business Insurance as one of the “2018 Women to Watch”.   

  

  Tamieka Weeks

  Director, Global Risk Management & Insurance
  Southwire Company

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  Tamieka Weeks

  Director, Global Risk Management & Insurance
  Southwire Company

  Tamieka Weeks is the Director of Global Risk Management & Insurance for Southwire Company headquartered in Carrollton, Georgia. She is responsible for the organization’s insurance procurement, managing all risk operations to implement effective and efficient risk treatment strategies, and overseeing risk management processes including claims oversight. This includes program management responsibilities around casualty, international, marine cargo liability, management liability, professional liability, property, and property loss control. Additional areas of her responsibility include risk financing and budgeting process, contract and lease review, and M&A Risk Management related to due diligence.  

  Tamieka graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and serves on the Terry College of Business Alumni Board and its Professional Women’s Committee. In addition to serving on RIMS (Risk & Insurance Management Society, Inc.) Global Board of Directors, Tamieka continues to serve on the Atlanta RIMS Chapter Board of Directors where she completed a 2-year term as Chapter President.  She recently joined Next OnBoard and continues to focus on increasing her leadership skills and being a thought leader. 

• 12:30 PM

  Networking lunch

• 1:30 PM

  Presented by Arch Insurance: Where do you draw your line? Managing the blurred boundaries between work and personal life

  It’s 9am on a Sunday morning and your phone chimes with a message from work. When you read it, do you find yourself asking, “Was that really necessary?” Our personal time is splintered by interruptions from work. We are constantly “switching gears,” as we toggle our attention between work and the rest of life. It might feel like we can get more done this way, but we all have our limits, and so it is not sustainable, personally or professionally. This session will explore the legitimacy of after-hours interruptions, the importance of attentional agility in a world of interruptions, and the need to be more thoughtful and deliberate when interrupting others. Questions to be addressed include:    

  • Who is more tolerant of after-hours interruptions and who might pay the bigger price in the long run: men or women?  
  • As a manager, is it your responsibility to help others manage their boundaries?  
  • What exactly can you do to establish, communicate, and maintain your own boundaries? 

  

  Dr Angela Grotto

  Associate Professor, Management & Marketing
  Manhattan College

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  Dr Angela Grotto

  Associate Professor, Management & Marketing
  Manhattan College

  Dr Angela Grotto is an Associate Professor of Management in the O’Malley School of Business at Manhattan College, with a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Baruch College, CUNY Graduate Center. She teaches Talent Management & Acquisition, Career Management, Introduction to Management, and Business Research Methods. Angela has consulted with small businesses as well as global tech companies to help improve the employee experience. Her research focuses on gender differences in work-life boundary management and support. Angela has published her research in Journal of Organizational Behavior, Journal of Vocational Behavior, Journal of Business and Psychology, Stress and Health, Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, and Gender in Management. 

• 2:05 PM

  Interactive workshop: Impacting up – How to influence decision-making in the C-suite

  Influencing C-suite decision makers involves understanding their priorities, building trust, and presenting compelling arguments. To make an impact, it’s essential to align your proposals with their strategic goals and demonstrate how your ideas can benefit your organization. Collaborate with your peers in small groups to discuss how you can influence up for senior leadership buy-in. In this workshop you will learn how to: 

  • Understand the mindset of C-suite executives and their decision-making process  
  • Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key C-suite allies 
  • Develop critical skills for influencing and negotiation 
  • Craft and deliver robust, persuasive proposals tailored to business priorities 
  • Leverage data, research, and case-studies to support your recommendations and your cause 

  

  Val Porter Cook

  President & Chief Executive Officer
  Blaze: Leadership for Trailblazers

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  Val Porter Cook

  President & Chief Executive Officer
  Blaze: Leadership for Trailblazers

  For almost 30 years, Val Porter Cook has dedicated her career to strengthening people and organizations that do good in the world. As a certified coach, she brings a coaching sensibility to all of Blaze’s work, from intensive organizational interventions to the launch of the company’s leadership development system, Trailblazers. She has provided executive coaching and advising for social entrepreneurs, foundation executives, and civic leaders and has facilitated high level forums for C-Suite officers of major corporations such as Google and Kraft International. She also served as facilitator for the Regional Leadership Institute (2023) and co-facilitator for the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership (IGEL) Class of 2022 and as Coach-in-Residence for fellows of the Center for Civic Innovation’s civic entrepreneur incubator from 2017 – 2020. Currently she is an Innovator-in-Residence for The Hatchery at Emory University.  

  Prior to founding Blaze, Val led the Domestic Strategy and Innovation Division for the New York based information organization, Foundation Center (now Candid), beginning her tenure there as director of its regional office in Atlanta. Her administrative career started at Woodruff Arts Center and includes an appointment as Deputy Director of Fulton County Arts Council — one of the largest local arts agencies at that time — and a two-year stint on the executive team of Brand Atlanta, the City’s branding effort. Throughout that time, she served on several boards including but not limited to the National Council of Nonprofits, Center for Civic Innovation, and Art Papers Magazine, a leading publication on arts criticism.  

  Val earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management from Georgia Tech, a Master of Science degree in marketing from Georgia State University, and postgraduate certificates from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School and Cornell University in governance and conflict resolution respectively. She is a 2003 fellow of Coca Cola’s Diversity Leadership Academy and a 2014 recipient of the Leadership Character Award from the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership and the Turknett Leadership Group. 

• 2:35 PM

  Networking coffee break

• 3:00 PM

  Fireside chat: Accelerate through authenticity – Using who you are to drive your business and career

  Embracing your unique values, skills and passions can be a catalyst for professional success. How can you transform your weaknesses into superpowers for success? This session explores how being true to yourself, developing your strengths, and leveraging your personal story leads to a fulfilling and profitable career. Leaders share their career journeys and stories of how they leaned into and mastered their perceived weaknesses to succeed. Discover how to:  

  • Be authentic while developing your career  
  • Align your career goals with your unique qualities, values, and interests 
  • Use your personal story to connect with your customers 
  • Get comfortable with self-advocacy  
  • Achieve personal fulfillment while reaching career and business goals 

  Moderator

  

  Lacrecia Cade

  Founder & CEO
  What-If Collective

  ×

  

  Lacrecia Cade

  Founder & CEO
  What-If Collective

  With a career that has expanded from being a lawyer, to an entrepreneur, to a marketing executive and then President & CEO, Lacrecia is a strategically disruptive force in the industries that she serves. She is a transformative leader, challenger of conventional ideas and always inspires novel approaches. She’s able to simplify complexity, empower those around her and ultimately create alignment towards success.  

  After practicing law for more than 12 years as a litigator specializing in employment, education and insurance coverage, Lacrecia became the General Counsel and Chief of Staff at Morehouse College at a time when the education sector and the institution demanded change. From that role, Lacrecia took her learnings and experience to Aflac, Inc., a powerful, well-known brand with a clear purpose of standing in the gap for people when their health insurance doesn’t cover everything. It was there that Lacrecia explored the innerworkings of running a Fortune 150 insurance company – first as a lawyer, and then by moving into the business to lead the B2B marketing team. Lacrecia then took on the challenge of serving as the first female president of Atlanta Life Insurance Company, a storied institution with yet another powerful, well-known brand and an equally clear purpose and legacy of helping underserved communities find pathways to financial protection and ultimately generational wealth. Lacrecia continues to be bold in the insurance industry at the helm of the What-If Collective – imagining that insurance is less about risk and loss and more about growth and a legacy.  

  Lacrecia only embraces opportunities that are aligned with her personal mission to leave a deep, lasting impact on the world by fueling growth and transformation, all while having a little fun.  

  A mother of two fierce and bold daughters, Lacrecia and her partner maintain residences in Atlanta and New Orleans where he is a live-performance musician. Lacrecia is a lover of finding adventures that take her to new places and introduces her to new people and their stories. Each day is seen as an opportunity to be impactful, reflective and sometimes even quiet – all in pursuit of using her superpowers to fuel others and push every envelope.  

  Panelists

  

  Renée Collins

  Assistant Vice President, BI Field Operations, SC & Specialty Practices
  Travelers

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  Renée Collins

  Assistant Vice President, BI Field Operations, SC & Specialty Practices
  Travelers

  Renée Collins serves as AVP, Field Operations in Business Insurance, leading an organization that spans across the U.S. and Canada.  She is accountable for defining and leading strategic operations priorities across Small Commercial and Specialty Practices.  Renée drives results by building engaged and productive teams that are inspired to deliver results to increase and maintain strong productivity goals while supporting Travelers Underwriting expertise.   

  BIO AND BACKGROUND 

  Renée Collins is an accomplished Executive with extensive experience in Property and Casualty Insurance leading domestic and international Claim & Field Operations organizations leveraging work-flow optimization methodologies, technology, and data analysis to guarantee maximized ROI on client transactions and interactions. Proven track record in the administration of business practices to create the highest level of efficiency possible, managing human resources to deliver results and meet or exceed key performance indicator goals. Executive oversight for developing and implementing successful strategic roadmaps to manage volume business through process improvement strategies while driving company success through skills development, mentoring, and morale-building techniques to maximize employee engagement and performance.  

  Organizational problem-solver with advanced leadership skills serving customers through business intelligence and optimized process management focused on data analytics, business development, sales and distribution, and customer service excellence. Experience assuming responsibility for new and diverse teams, quickly assessing business goals and objectives, and making positive enhancements to drive company success using skills development, mentoring, and morale-building techniques to maximize employee engagement and performance. Culturally sensitive and ethical professional with proven success developing strong teams, anchoring to optimized governance problem solutions. Strong productivity leader with industry-leading underwriting expertise expectations driving efficiencies through effective lower-cost production models while continuously optimizing performance governances. Renée has claims leadership background with oversight across the US and Caribbean leading (WC, PR, AU & GL) in both Business and Personal Insurance with broad focus on unique loss scenarios for complex accounts applying jurisdictional expertise to include state specific and The Dutch system of law. Renée maintains strong productivity results and supports industry-leading underwriting expertise expectations. She drives efficiencies through lower-cost productivity models while continuously optimizing performance governances.   

  Renée is a strong advocate and ally across Diversity & Inclusion programs in the organization and insurance industry. She serves as Chair for Travelers Black/African American & Allies Diversity Network (ERG), with accountability to unite, enlighten and develop Black employees in a diverse and inclusive work environment. Under Renée’s leadership, the team focuses on attracting, retaining, and enhancing the experience of Black employees within the organization. She leads a large Operations organization within Travelers, maintaining an intentional commitment across various mentorship programs within the company to promote inclusion. In the community, she volunteers with Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency, PRIDE & LGBTQ community initiatives, and with organizations supporting women of domestic violence.  

  ACTIVITIES AND HONORS 

  • Black Enterprise Magazine Women of Power (Travelers, 16′, 22’, 23’ & 24’) 
  • Travelers Black and African American & Allies Diversity Network (ERG) Chair (21’-Present) 
  • National African American Insurance Association (14’-Present) 
  • Atlanta Association of Insurance Professional (14’ – Present) 
  • Georgia Diversity Council Advisory Board Chair (17’-23’) 
  • IIIABA Diversity Council Board Member (16’ – 20’) 
  • Dive-In Festival – Diversity & Inclusion in Insurance 
  • Insurance Business America’s “Leading the Change” Feature (20’) 
  • National Black MBA Association, Inc. 
  • Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity 

  • Gamma Iota Sigma Fraternity 
  • Spencer Foundation Scholarship Recipient 
  • CPCU Scholarship Recipient 
  • The National Society of Leadership and Success 

  INTERESTS 

  Renée actively volunteers in the community and serves on several boards as a Diversity & Inclusion leader.  She enjoys spending time with her husband Nate cooking, running, biking, golfing and travelling.   

  

  Rachael Hudson

  Vice President, Head of Data & Analytics
  Bridge Specialty Group

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  Rachael Hudson

  Vice President, Head of Data & Analytics
  Bridge Specialty Group

  Rachael Hudson is Head of Data & Analytics for Bridge Specialty Group, which is the wholesale division of Brown & Brown Insurance. In her role, she leads the development and execution of the company’s data strategy and roadmap. She works across 40+ domestic and international locations on data storage, standardization, and quality measures. Rachael has over 13 years of industry experience and has held a variety of leadership roles in Brokering, CAT modeling, Compliance and Operations. This puts her in a unique position to leverage data across multiple functions and maximize its value for the business. Her passion includes simplifying complex business problems, developing and leading talent, and delivering positive impact on all stakeholders. She has successfully led organizational change, built strong internal and external relationships, and executed successfully on the data roadmap. Rachael is a licensed Georgia P&C Agent, a member of “The Power of She” Women’s Teammate Resource Group and is both a mentor and mentee. She is active in her church community outreach program, “Love Does,” and most weekends can be found riding her horse Quentin, training for their next dressage show. She is based in the suburbs of Atlanta, GA with husband Chad, daughters Olivia and Maddie, and their scruffy mutt, Cap. 

  

  Lisa Radford

  Senior Vice President, Senior Customer Relationship Manager
  Swiss Re Corporate Solutions

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  Lisa Radford

  Senior Vice President, Senior Customer Relationship Manager
  Swiss Re Corporate Solutions

  Lisa has over 25 years of experience in corporate insurance. Lisa joined Swiss Re Corporate Solutions in 2021after nearly 24 years at AIG. In her current role, Lisa is responsible for the management and development of a set of strategic Fortune 100 clients with complex and global requirements. Before joining Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, Lisa spent 10 years as a Client Director with AIG’s Client Engagement practice, responsible for managing a portfolio of major, multinational clients. Within this role Lisa also spent time as an embedded resource to her Aerospace and Casualty Risk Management colleagues. Lisa began working for AIG Claims Services in 1997 and moved into positions of increasing responsibility within Claims, AIG Risk Management, Business Development and Client Engagement.  Lisa began her insurance career as a bilingual adjuster working for Allstate in Atlanta, GA after graduating from The University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. 

  Lisa lives in Roswell, Georgia with her husband Chad and their two children, Paulina and James.   

• 3:35 PM

  Panel: Capturing best practice – Preserving industry wisdom for the next generation

  With the younger boomer generation of insurance professionals set to retire en masse in the next decade, the need to retain industry knowledge and expertise is critical as we transition to the next generation of markets. How can we ensure effective knowledge transfer to the next generations of insurance leaders? Through compelling examples, attendees will gain insights into the strategies and best practices employed by leading organizations to successfully safeguard and pass on invaluable industry wisdom. Gain practical takeaways and:    

  • Learn how to bridge the generation gap and transfer knowledge effectively  
  • Real-world examples of successful approaches to safeguarding industry wisdom 
  • Prepare for the challenges and opportunities that the evolving market presents through knowledge-sharing 
  • Discover concrete examples of best practices in action to equip your business for the future 

  Moderator

  

  Alexis Cierra Vaughn

  Founder & CEO
  Off Course Consulting

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  Alexis Cierra Vaughn

  Founder & CEO
  Off Course Consulting

  Alexis Cierra Vaughn is a 16 time Award-Winning Insurance Expert and the Founder & CEO of Off Course, an Insurtech Consulting Firm, dedicated to providing strategy consulting for Insurtechs, Fintech, RetireTechs, Carriers, MGA’s, Accelerators, insurance agencies and Brokerages. Alexis is a 14 year licensed Insurance and Insurtech Executive, with a strong reputation as an Insurance Innovator within the industry. Her company Off Course was created due to her strategic and creative approach to innovation being in high demand within the industry and agent & broker distribution. Alexis decided that instead of just impacting one InsurTech, she would use her company Off Course to impact them all. Alexis is also the Producer and Host of the Insurance Unicorn podcast where she interviews insurance innovators in the InsurTech and Insurance industry. Off Course has helped InsurTechs and innovation labs in the areas of Distribution, Cyber, Parametric flood insurance, agency management systems, technology, claims payment systems, and digital distribution for MGA’s. Alexis’ Co-Founder & COO is her husband Marvin Vaughn, who leads the strategy practice, talent advisory, and operations advisory verticals of their firm, he brings 20 years of Operations strategy experience to the practice from leading insurers and management consulting Big 4 firms.  

  Alexis was previously the AVP of Agency Marketing for Cowbell Cyber, she grew Cowbell’s agency distribution channel from 4,500 to 23,000 agents and brokers globally in less than 2 years. She also owned a successful MGA of 26 single moms. Alexis and her initiatives have won numerous awards and her work has been featured in multiple publications. Some of her most notable awards are Cowbell Academy was awarded the “Ambitious Insurer Award” by Insurtech Insights and EIS in June 2023, it was also the Bronze winner for the Insurance Marketing & Communication Association’s “Showcase” awards in July 2023. She was featured in Insurtech Insights Empowering Insurance, Modern Insurance Magazine’s InsurTech Talk, celebrating the work that she has done in the cyber and Insurance Industry. Most recently Alexis was named on the Women to Watch in InsurTech list 2023, Insurance Business America Elite Women in Insurance, Insurance Innovators Top 100 Media Influencers List, ACCORD and Alchemy Crew’s Top 14 Insurtech Leaders of 2022 Globally, along with many more. She also serves on the Insurtech Atlanta Advisory Board.  

  Alexis is a sought-after speaker in the areas of innovation, agent & broker distribution, insurtech, fintech, strategy, leveraging technology in the insurance space, commercial lines, and cyber insurance. She has spoken at leading industry conferences: ITC Vegas, Reuters USA, Insurtech Insights USA, Insurtech Insights Europe, Insurtech Hartford, Big I NY, IIAB California, Revtech Labs: Fintech & Insurtech Generations & Insurance Business America’s: Women in Insurance events, and many more. 

  Panelists

  

  Helaina Jolly

  Senior Broker Relationship Leader
  Munich Reinsurance America

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  Helaina Jolly

  Senior Broker Relationship Leader
  Munich Reinsurance America

  Helaina is an accomplished insurance executive with more than 30 years of industry experience. Based in Atlanta, Helaina joined Munich Reinsurance America, Inc. as a Broker Relationship Leader in May 2020. In this role, she is responsible for leading Munich’s strategic engagements with select broking/distribution partners to successfully develop and achieve business growth initiatives, facilitate simplified access to Munich insurance solutions, and broaden executive level engagement between the broking firms and Munich.  

  Prior to Munich Re, Helaina was with Willis Towers Watson as a Global Client Advocate. She also spent 12 years with AIG, where she served as a Vice President and Executive Director of Client Engagement for the AIG U.S. South Zone. She has proven success coordinating the execution of Fortune 500 client engagements and broker partnership strategies.  

  Helaina is actively involved in community groups and is an active advocate for Diversity and Inclusion advancement. She is a member of the Board of Directors for Make-A-Wish Georgia, Inc., co-leads the HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Excel) program for the National African American Insurance Association – Atlanta Chapter, is a graduate of Leadership Buckhead in Atlanta, a member of the National Black MBA Association, and a member of the United Way of Greater Atlanta, African American Partnership. Helaina has also served as a member of the Georgia 2021 Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force, and has volunteered with The Posse Foundation in Atlanta. 

  Helaina is originally from New Orleans, LA, and a graduate of Loyola University, in New Orleans. She has one daughter, Jessica, who graduated from the University of Miami in 2020. 

  

  Maire Kahley

  Assistant Vice President
  Amwins

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  Maire Kahley

  Assistant Vice President
  Amwins

  Maire Kahley, a graduate of Georgia Southern University, brings a wealth of experience in the insurance industry, having solely worked within female led teams. Maire is a seasoned insurance professional with expertise spanning from customer service roles at Capital Special Risks to specializing in healthcare at Worldwide Facilities and Amwins. Starting as a technical assistant, she quickly grew into account management roles as a Professional Liability Generalist before focusing exclusively on the healthcare sector. Joining Amwins in 2021 as an Assistant Vice President, she now plays a key role in their largest healthcare team, contributing to innovative solutions tailored to the industry’s evolving needs and demonstrating a commitment to client satisfaction. 

  

  Libby Willingham

  Executive Vice President
  Mallory Agency

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  Libby Willingham

  Executive Vice President
  Mallory Agency

  Libby Willingham has more than three decades of experience within the insurance industry, spending the last 27 years as an integral part of Mallory Agency’s leadership team. Libby has been instrumental in helping propel the 117-year-old, family-owned firm into new heights as the premier property and casualty insurance broker in Georgia, catering to clients both nationally and internationally. 

  Recently promoted to Executive Vice President of Mallory Agency, Libby wears many hats at the firm, but primarily focuses on forging partnerships with the firm’s middle-market and key clients, orchestrating business placements and servicing issues to maintain positive client relations, and ensuring excellence in every facet of the business. 

  Beyond her professional role, Libby is a mentor and developer of talent within Mallory Agency, dedicating time to nurturing and guiding all new hires. Passionate about sharing her knowledge and learning from others’ experiences, Libby is constantly trying to inject or receive a fresh perspective into the insurance industry and inspire the next generation of insurance professionals. 

  Throughout her career, Libby has made the necessary strides to secure advancements within the industry, obtaining designations such as Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI), and Certified WorkComp Advisor (CWCA). Libby’s prowess is not confined to the boardroom, though, as she is also a community pillar. 

  Whether steering the LaGrange Troup County Chamber of Commerce as its Chairman in 2015, holding a member position on the Communities and Schools Board, serving as Secretary for the LaGrange Kiwanis Club, or any of her other multitude of civic involvement, Libby is not just a professional powerhouse, but a community champion as well. 

• 4:10 PM

  Closing remarks from chairperson

  

  Taffy Jo Mayers

  Chief Commercial Officer
  Neuron Digital Trading

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  Taffy Jo Mayers

  Chief Commercial Officer
  Neuron Digital Trading

  Taffy Jo Mayers is a distinguished Innovative Global Leader and a visionary in the fields of insurtech and commercial insurance. Renowned for her expertise in digital transformation, underwriting, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Taffy Jo brings over 25 years of invaluable experience to the insurance industry. 

  Professional Background: Taffy Jo is recognized for orchestrating cross-functional teams, innovating disruptive digital solutions, and elevating global brand awareness.

  As the Global Head of Commercial Property & Casualty and Specialty Insurance Propositions at WTW, Taffy Jo spearheads the development and go-to-market strategy for the global commercial and specialty insurance and technology consulting practice. She currently holds a pivotal role in leveraging deep industry expertise to establish new practices and strengthen WTW ICT Consulting Practices, developing new technology products to support 4D Underwriting, Portfolio Optimization and Neuron Digital Trading. In addition to her product innovation duties, she is responsible for the ensuring the extensibility of the Radar product suit in anticipation of the evolving product development needs, technology landscape and workforce changes impacting the commercial and specialty insurance market sector.  

  During her tenure at EY, she served as the Head of Specialty Insurance and Underwriting Transformation for North America, pioneering the establishment of the Americas specialty property and casualty insurance practice. Taffy Jo has also excelled in leadership roles at Zurich, where she served as the Head of Underwriting Transformation for Middle Markets, North America, and as Head of PACE (Middle Market Commercial business). 

  Thought Leadership and Recognition: Taffy Jo is a regular speaker at high-profile global events such as CIAB, ITC, RIMS, and Insurtech Insights. Her unique ability to build, implement, and achieve crucial transformations across various domains has earned her recognition and respect from peers in the carrier, broker, reinsurance, and insurtech sectors. 

  Community Engagement and Leadership: Passionate about the insurance industry’s responsibility to the communities it serves, Taffy Jo actively engages in community leadership and advocacy for equity, inclusion, and social justice. She serves as a board member of the Georgia State University Risk Management and Insurance Foundation, contributing to NGOs and non-profits. 

  Education and Accolades: Taffy Jo is a catalyst for positive change, innovation, and inclusivity in the insurance industry. Her passion for fostering talent development, attracting strong leaders, and making a positive impact sets her apart as a transformative figure in the ever-evolving landscape of insurtech and commercial insurance. Her leadership and community engagement have been recognized through various awards, including the IICF Inclusion Champion Award Nominee, NAFE Women of Excellence Community Service Award, and the Zurich Insurance Group Good Newz ERG Co-Founder accolade. 

  Taffy Jo holds a degree from Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business with a major in Risk Management & Insurance. She is based in Atlanta, Georgia.  

• 4:15 PM

  Networking drinks reception