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, my journey in the insurance industry began by chance when I joined Allstate’s National Catastrophe Team as a homeowner’s adjuster right after Hurricane Katrina. This role was both challenging and rewarding, as it allowed me to help people in their time of need. Over the years, I expanded my expertise by moving into commercial and specialty markets and pursued a Master of Business Administration degree to further enhance my skills.

I have a special interest in claims handling and have worked in various capacities, including part-time roles with Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) to balance work and family life. This experience gave me a unique perspective on the industry, as I managed claims for multiple carriers with different best practices.

Currently, I am focused on delivering top-tier performance in an innovative environment at Skyward Specialty. I am passionate about working in a company that values employee empowerment and fosters a positive, inclusive culture. I am continually working to improve my skills and contribute to the success of my organization.
 

My passion for working in insurance and risk management stems from the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in people's lives during their times of need. Additionally, I enjoy the complexity and variety that comes with handling different types of claims, from homeowners to commercial and specialty markets. Each case presents unique challenges and learning opportunities, which keeps the work engaging and intellectually stimulating. Working in this field also allows me to continuously develop my skills and knowledge, whether through pursuing advanced degrees or adapting to new roles and responsibilities. At Skyward Specialty, I am particularly passionate about being part of an organization that values innovation, employee empowerment, and a positive, inclusive culture. This environment not only supports my professional growth but also aligns with my personal values, making my work both fulfilling and enjoyable.
 

I am a busy mom to 4 girls. My free time is usually filled with volleyball games and other kids activities. Outside of family I love to travel and play the piano.
 

I appreciate the networking and career development opportunities that being a CPCU Society member provides. I am a social person and being a member allows me the chance to meet new people and grow as an individual in my career.
   
 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-bennett-mba-cpcu-aic-5abbb057/         

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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 been in the insurance industry for 6 years - all with Farmers Alliance, 2 years as an underwriter and 4 as an underwriting manager, responsible for farm and personal lines.  I was previously a vocal music teacher for 8 years.
 

No two risks are the same.  I enjoy finding unique solutions and working with people.  Insurance allows for me to engage my curiosity in figuring out ways to cover unique risks and help others discover new ideas and approaches that can help with unusual situations.
 

I enjoy singing and playing music.  I am involved in choirs, bands, and musical theatre productions as a performer and as a director.  As my kids are getting older, I've enjoyed having them join me on stage together in our shows.
 

The CPCU Society offers great opportunities to connect and learn!  None of us are smarter than all of us!
   
 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tim-cassidy-619a565b/         

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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?
Right after college, I worked briefly for a purchasing company as an international buyer, collaborating directly with suppliers from Southeast Asia and France. This experience made me realize my passion for working in a global, multicultural environment.

I began my career in the risk management field by joining a regional reinsurance company in North Africa, first as a management apprentice and later as a ceded reinsurance associate.

Currently, I am a reinsurance treaty underwriter in Everet’s international division, specifically within the Middle East and Africa department. Our team underwrites various lines of business and oversees a multi-hundred-million-dollar portfolio covering 16+ countries.
 

The risk industry is incredibly dynamic and serves as the cornerstone of all development. No matter your skill set, you’ll always find opportunities to contribute and enjoy your work. Besides, the insurance world constantly challenges me, providing intellectual stimulation and endless learning opportunities, with new questions and situations arising regularly. Best of all, the social impact of everything we do is truly rewarding.
 

I’m really passionate about financial education and empowering youth and vulnerable communities to make informed financial decisions. I co-founded « Segurta.tn », a non-profit initiative that aims to raise awareness about insurance culture in Tunisia and shed light on insurance-related issues, all in simple language. The project was recognized by Forbes in their 30 Under 30 list for 2023, the Middle East and North Africa edition.
 

Access to a vibrant community with diverse backgrounds and talents. The CPCU community is highly supportive, offering a ton of opportunities for both professional and personal growth.
   
 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-jenssen/        

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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 an enthusiastic insurance professional with a strong passion for leadership. Over the past 7 years, my involvement in Toastmasters has honed my skills in guiding and inspiring others, which I’ve further developed through 3 years of leadership in underwriting. I find great satisfaction in mentoring and watching my team members grow and enhance their skills. Seeing their progress and success is incredibly rewarding and fuels my commitment to continuous improvement and leadership development.

I’m passionate about working in insurance because it’s all about helping people when they need it most. Our job is to support individuals and businesses as they recover from losses and get back on their feet. It’s really fulfilling to know that what we do makes a big difference in tough situations, offering peace of mind and practical help when it’s needed the most.

Outside of work, I cherish the time I spend with my wife and son. We especially enjoy playing in the water together, whether it's at the beach or the pool, as well as kicking around a soccer ball. These activities not only strengthen our family bond but also bring us immense joy and relaxation. It’s these simple, shared moments that make our time together so meaningful and fulfilling.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member?
As a CPCU Society member, I enjoy a range of valuable benefits that significantly enhance my professional journey. One of the top advantages is the access to comprehensive professional development opportunities, including specialized training and industry workshops. Networking is another key benefit, as my membership connects me with a vast community of insurance and risk management professionals, facilitating valuable exchanges of knowledge and career advancement.
  
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-jenssen/       

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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 been working in the industry for over a decade, starting off taking new claims reports and gradually working my way up in the contact center as an agent both via telephone and digital/chat support. My area of interest has always been Underwriting. In 2023, shortly after finishing my CPCU, I was hired into a rotational position in Auto Underwriting which turned into a permanent position. I like to think something that sets me apart with my background is working for Disneyland prior to entering insurance- what a career change, right? I have a unique view on customer service and always strive to bring positivity into my work. As I progress, I want to become more efficient with analyzing data and learning the ways of the future such as AI.

Insurance is such an important and critical part of our lives, yet so few know much about it. I have always taken it upon myself to educate others on what coverage is important and now that I have progressed into an Underwriting path, that mission becomes even more critical in understanding risk management. As our world changes, one thing remains constant: we always need that protection.

Outside of work, I spend almost all my time with my husband and two dogs, Vader and Abbott. I am very passionate about animal advocacy and volunteer as a photographer for local shelter dogs, as well as actively volunteer for a farm rescue. Ducks, cows, and goats make some of the greatest friends. I am also a huge fan of professional wrestling- it is my escape from reality and nothing makes me happier than attending a show live.
In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member? (OK, you may list
more than one thing!)

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member?
The greatest thing about being a CPCU Society member is the amount of confidence it instills in you as a professional, as well as the network of people you get to meet. I fully believe without taking this path, my career would not have taken off as much as it has.
  
    

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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 moved to the insurance industry with a background in Physical Therapy/ Sports medicine, with that background I started as a claims adjuster for injuries arising out of car accidents. Since it was a career change for me, I felt I owed it to myself to learn more about insurance in order to be successful and create future opportunities for myself. I completed my first CPCU class within 3 months of joining the industry and didn't look back. After completing my designation, I moved to underwriting, working in Surety initially and then moving to middle market and then large monoline property. I was then presented with an opportunity to join Verisk as part of the commercial property team was very exciting for me. With the experience  I had gained, I could now be a part of helping carriers and brokers alike with their commercial property needs and issues at a time when property was becoming very challenging due to market pressures and inflation, not to mention the increase in catastrophe losses. I flourished in this role and now lead my own team in the Small Commercial space, helping customers with their business and property data needs.

Once I fully understood all the things that insurance brings to the community, it was easy to become passionate about advocating for a career in insurance. The carriers I worked at supported many local and national charities including the United Way and Toys for Tots to name a few. At Verisk, our community mitigation work is the benchmark for grading public fire protection, helping to build more resilient communities when loss events occur.

My main hobby outside of work is playing competitive darts, while I am certainly not the best player- the social aspect of the game is what I enjoy most. I am also the board VP of my local darting association.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member?
The best things about being a CPCU society member are staying current with industry news, I personally enjoy the articles in Insights, in addition to networking with other CPCUs that are passionate about the industry and continual learning. Getting my designation was one of the best things I have done professionally.
  
    

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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 specialize in Personal Insurance; specifically, High Net-Worth and Private Client Services. My areas of expertise are risk management, underwriting, and marketing. In addition to my CPCU and API designations, I am currently working on obtaining my ARM.

Why are you passionate about working in insurance and/or risk management?
I've learned early in my career that I was very good at my job. By combining that with passion, I wanted to continue to grow and further my education. In this industry, you are always learning, and I love that education will always be a top priority for me.

Family is extremely important to me. I try to spend as much quality time with my family as possible. We love to travel and explore new areas, try new foods, make new experiences, all together as a 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 the ability to connect with fellow peers in the industry, having limitless resources that you wouldn't typically have, and to also be inspired by others and their journeys.

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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?
After graduating summa cum laude with University Honors from Saint Joseph’s University’s Maguire Academy of Insurance and Risk Management in 2022, I matriculated to Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.  I am now a second-year law student at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.  In March 2023, at the age of twenty-three, I earned the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation.  Also in March 2023, I began my tenure at Stickley Law, LLC, a boutique insurance defense firm that specializes in fighting fraud.  I believe that the CPCU designation has given me (1) a high-level, strategic understanding of how claims and litigation fit into the bigger insurance picture, which many of my colleagues do not have; and (2) the ability to make a difference by providing timely and thought-provoking advice to clients on a consistent basis through status reports and coverage opinion letters.  Ultimately, my goal is to become the best, and most highly sought-after, Gen Z insurance defense and coverage attorney in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Why are you passionate about working in insurance and/or risk management?

As a Law Clerk at Stickley Law, LLC, I have the privilege of being on the front lines in the battle against insurance fraud.  I find tremendous satisfaction in analyzing the value of claims with deep skepticism and investigating suspicious activities.  The work I do at Stickley Law, LLC, pursuing truth and justice, preserves the integrity of the insurance industry and makes the insurance industry fairer and more equitable.

Outside of school and work, I enjoy spending time with my parents, grandparents, girlfriend, and close friends.  My girlfriend and I share an adorable mini-labradoodle puppy named Polly, who has been a blessing in our lives.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member?
In my opinion, the best thing about being a CPCU Society member is the networking. Membership to the CPCU Society provides you with access to a vast network of high-achieving and intellectually competent insurance professionals.  This access is invaluable for career growth; making connections, both in-person and on LinkedIn; and staying updated on industry trends.

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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 service a multitude of accounts in diverse classes of business. My generalist book consists of everything from healthcare and nonprofits to aviation accounts. I enjoy working on nonprofit accounts the most but would like to continue to diversify myself, so I am working to gain a better understanding of marine coverages.

I feel passionate about my work because I truly enjoy the interaction I have with many different people on a daily basis. Building relationships with professionals all over the country means learning about and helping a variety of businesses and people in all walks of life. As previously noted, I love working with nonprofit organizations because it feels meaningful to help and educate them on the best way to protect themselves and their communities.

My main focus outside of work is my two children. Every bit of motivation I have in life comes from my passion for being their mom and teaching them the importance of determination and a strong work ethic. We enjoy traveling together, and going to concerts and sporting events. My kids are always up for a new adventure!

My favorite hobby is running. I have run over a dozen half marathons, four full marathons, as well as an ultra-marathon. Most recently, I ran the 2023 London Marathon this past April and am looking forward to doing another one soon.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member?
The best thing about being a CPCU Society member is having a consistent ability to learn more about the industry. It is a great way to stay current and up to date, while being part of a community of peers to share insight with.
  
    

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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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