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?
Starting as an underwriter by trade at AIG (worked in Underwriting Operations but had to learn the inner workings to standardize the various processes of underwriting) from 2009 to 2015, I pivoted in 2016 into Aon on the Human Capital side (then known as Aon Hewitt), as there was an opening there that aligned with my previous role, and it was chance to leverage any of the Industrial/Organization Psychology knowledge I had with my Bachelors in Business Administration on top of my insurance knowledge from AIG. I became indispensable, as I was able to “talk to” both Risk Capital and Human Capital. Over time, my role at Aon gradually became one of “sales enablement”, where I would assist an Account Executive (and some Enterprise Client Leaders) with “maintaining” the client relationship through contract compliance. It was straightforward – if a client asks for training reports, proof of background checks, policies, etc., I would provide these directly. From there, the asks broadened to focus more on internal cybersecurity controls within Aon’s IT infrastructure and applications, as well as on data privacy. For that, I work closely with the cybersecurity team at Aon to respond to questions on vendor due diligence (Aon as the vendor here), vulnerabilities, annual control audits, and other ad hoc client requests. This part of my work piqued my interest so much that I am currently pursuing the ACRM designation to better collaborate with the cybersecurity team and partner with them more when we present to clients.

Why are you passionate about working in insurance and/or risk management?
Risk management and insurance have become a calling for me ever since I started working in 2006 as an intern at AIG. Things just seemed to “click” while I was working there, more than the other part-time jobs I held before then. Preliminarily, I saw how insurance worked as a blend of math and law (two of my favorite college courses), but when I started taking and earned the AINS, I saw how nuanced insurance was from submission to claim across different lines of business. From there, I wanted to learn more about insurance so I could move into an underwriting role. Even though the opportunity did not present itself, I still earned more designations, the AIS, the AU, and the CPCU, to level up my knowledge. When a role in underwriting operations (within Accident and Health) became available, I took it and was able to communicate effectively with underwriters on the projects I collaborated on, including earning the ASLI designation to better understand Surplus Lines processes. When I went to Aon, I noticed that broader risk management may be more for me, so I earned my Masters in Science in ERM and was able to use that to partner better with Account Executives and Enterprise Client Leaders, knowing why clients are asking the questions, seeing the “supply chain” from a risk-based lens, and assuring clients that they can trust in Aon.

How have you grown or been challenged this year and how has that impacted your work in the risk management and insurance industry?
Most of my clients are in banking or insurance. With the regulatory environment in these industries and others growing increasingly stringent, especially around data privacy and AI use, clients are looking more closely at vendors. My workload on some clients increased substantially, with net-new questions being presented. Also, when other Account Executives see their clients have the same asks, which shows that different industries face the same pressures, they come to me, knowing I not only have the risk-management knowledge to approach them but also the practical knowledge to navigate key company resources. On top of that, numerous software vulnerabilities and service outages (CrowdStrike and two major cloud providers, as recent examples) leave clients wondering about the safety of their employees’ (and sometimes their dependents’) data within Aon. Staying in consistent communication with them is critical, but it can also be challenging, as vulnerabilities and outages are not foreseeable (i.e., unplanned), making it a cross-functional effort to draft a response on a short turnaround. After these, with the help of key stakeholders, I created a standardized outreach process that I can share with other members of my team should their clients raise the same inquiries. Lastly, with my role becoming more “senior” relative to the junior analysts with whom I work, I decided to take the management courses offered by The Institutes, thus enhancing my AU designation to the AU-M designation and earning my AIM designation simultaneously, so that I can be a better leader for them when it came to client assignments and help develop one of my peers to perform similar work as me, as she takes on a portfolio of clients.

How has your involvement in the CPCU Society benefitted you this year?
The leadership opportunities and the support received for pursuing them greatly benefited me this year. After participating in two Riskathons, I was tasked by members of the Leadership Council and the core Riskathon committee (those who advise on Riskathon logistics, strategies, etc., of which I am now a member) with bringing a Riskathon to New York. As the Chapter Governor for the New York Metro Territory, getting two of my three chapters on board was straightforward (Bermuda, the third, was exempt, as they already had one). Seeing that I could not do this with only two chapters, I decided to extend it to New Jersey as well (given the cross-promoted events they run with New York). To do this, I would need to engage with the Chapter Governor for New York Metro Territory II so I could access his chapters. He was entirely on board and offered his support where needed, including by representing Central New Jersey. He introduced me to the Long Island Chapter President and encouraged the New Jersey President (who already knew about this) to participate. Over the 9 months, all five chapters worked in a consortium on logistics and granular details, while the core committee and I worked on startups, sponsors, and strategy. I engaged my CPCU Society network (via Interact, 3IG members, chapter members, other interest group members, etc.) to help find and introduce us to startup candidates, sponsors, and possible locations for 2026. In the last few months, through these connections, we had five startups, four sponsors, and the Colorado Chapter expressing their interest in hosting 2026. The event was a massive success, and it would not have been possible without the CPCU Society members. Also, I had the opportunity to serve on the Circle of Excellence subcommittee, reviewing the chapters’ goals and suggesting revisions and enhancements based on our experiences as Chapter Governors overseeing our territories. It was a very collaborative effort, with all subcommittee members being heard and understood, which further demonstrates that we are a group that lives out the overarching vision of advancing risk management and insurance and fostering leadership within the industry.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member?
It is the people by far. While we all come from various parts of the country and even outside of it, and have different backgrounds, the members are driven to better themselves as professionals within the industry and as leaders in general. I have made some of my closest friends through the CPCU Society, and we are there for each other through the highest highs and the lowest lows, and we reach out when a new opportunity comes up. Without them and the CPCU Society, I would probably have had a harder time understanding the Risk Management and Insurance industry when I first started, and even figuring out where I belong within it. Also, it is the knowledge sharing within the Society. Because CPCU Society members want to help others succeed in the field, they are often the first to volunteer to speak at Chapter events and webinars. Even if the topic is not entirely in line with their day-to-day work, other members can leave knowing they learned more about the latest and greatest than they previously did. One of the biggest things I noticed when I started in the CPCU Society is that members tend not to gatekeep knowledge; they share it with those who will listen.

Tell us about something you enjoy outside of work, a cause you support, a hobby, family activity, or anything else that is important to you.
As a way to “pay it forward” with the gratitude I have for my mentors, I enjoy mentoring others seeking professional (and sometimes, to an extent, personal) guidance. Outside of mentoring in the CPCU Society, I also mentor veterans and veterans’ spouses through American Corporate Partners, a nonprofit that helps those transitioning from military to civilian life. I also volunteer at God’s Love We Deliver, which prepares and delivers curated meals to people who are immunocompromised, homebound, etc., as well as their caregivers. I also like photography, having my camera ready for when inspiration strikes (my immediate family tells me I have “the eye” like other avid photographers within the extended family), and writing (mainly stories or “movie pitches”; you can find me dissecting TV episodes and movies for storytelling elements, “plotline predictions”, etc.) I am also a runner who joins the CPCU Running Group at every conference or goes for a solo run in nearby parks a few times each week. Lastly, I am an avid foodie who will try everything once from all kinds of cuisines (my trip to Hong Kong ranks highest for the best and most interesting dishes I had) – the spicier, the better.

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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?
Over the last ten years, I have built a rewarding career in insurance and risk management in Ghana, West Africa. I have taken on various roles, from broking, underwriting, physical risk inspection, and facultative reinsurance placement. Much of my time has been spent figuring out how to assess risks, provide mitigation measures to minimize losses, and underwrite coverages based on risk exposures and insurance needs of clients. 

What drew me to this career field in 2015 was the blend of science and creativity in risk management, which I have truly enjoyed so far. I studied Political Science as my first degree to pursue a career in law. I joined a local insurer to undertake the compulsory one-year national service to serve my nation. That was when I fell in love with insurance and changed my career aspiration from law. 

To develop my technical knowledge, I pursued the Chartered Insurance and Risk Manager designation with the Chartered Insurance Institute, UK, which I completed in 2021. In October 2022, I had a scholarship to study both ARM and CPCU. I completed both designations in eight months. To learn more about Marine Insurance, I took a course in 2024 to study the Advanced Professional Diploma in Maritime Insurance and Shipping Law with the Lloyds Maritime Institute, UK. 

Since 2018, I have published over 35 articles, both print and online. Due to the passion to train, mentor, and educate local underwriters, I was awarded the “Professional Underwriter of the Year – 2022” by the Chartered Insurance Institute of Ghana. At Activa International Insurance, I was awarded the "Shining Star" in 2023 and 2024 consecutively, due to my underwriting and facultative reinsurance placements support across different departments, branches, and even other subsidiaries in Liberia and Sierra Leon.
 

What drew me to this career field in 2015 was the blend of science and creativity in risk management, which I have truly enjoyed so far. From the start of my career, I found the problem-solving side of underwriting captivating. I enjoyed spotting and assessing potential risks, whether they came from a complicated commercial property or a unique liability exposure.

I spend most of my time figuring out how to assess risks, provide risk mitigation solutions and loss control measures to prevent or minimize losses, and underwrite insurance coverages based on the risk exposures and insurance needs of clients. My hands-on experiences have not only strengthened my knowledge but have also inspired me to transition from a practitioner underwriter to a more strategic loss control position. 

In West Africa, technology in insurance and risk assessment is not common. Local insurers are not actually investing in technologies and predictive analytics. With emerging technologies, I have become so passionate about how I can use predictive analytics to analyze risk and approach underwriting, including how to use live data to build risk models that are both accurate and flexible. I truly believe these are the areas where insurance and risk management can see some remarkable advancement in the West African insurance market.

As the market continues to lose talent to the West, I am passionate about being an agent of training and mentoring more young professionals as the older professionals prepare to retire.
 

2025 had been a challenging year, especially when I needed a higher level of advancement. Ending 2024 was a bit frustrating in my career. At one point, I had to leave the insurance industry because of promotion issues with my employer, and no local insurer wanted to work with me as well. I remember going for a couple of interviews, and I was told that technically, I was the best candidate, but my knowledge and qualifications were a threat to some managers, so they had given the opportunity to another person.

In all, I kept learning, publishing articles, and sharing knowledge with other insurance and risk management professionals on LinkedIn and other local insurance platforms. I had the opportunity to assume a role as Corporate Insurance Officer for a local conglomerate with eleven subsidiaries, including utilities, construction, transport and logistics, storage and warehousing, and real estate. I was responsible for overseeing all insurance programs from non-life, life, and health insurance for all the subsidiaries.

In April 2025, the Ghana office of Willis Towers Watson contacted me to join their team because they needed an experienced professional with technical expertise to oversee the local technical and underwriting functions. Because of my passion for technical underwriting and the fact that Willis Towers Watson is an international brokerage firm where there is the opportunity to learn, especially on foreign businesses that were placed locally for multinational companies operating in Ghana, I accepted the offer to join the international broker. 

With continuous learning and development, both internal and external, I review and recommend numerous policy coverages based on the unique risk exposures and insurance needs of clients. One project I have been championing in 2025 is the personalization of policy coverage for individual clients, instead of the general and traditional coverage practice locally.
 

I have learned a lot of things in my involvement with the Society. I joined most of the webinars organized through my membership benefits. I have learned a lot from webinars with topics focused leadership, mentorship, career advancement, technology, Artificial Intelligence, loss control, and others. I also had an article was  published in the Spring 2025 and Fall 2025 editions of Insights.

Being involved with the Book Club under the Professional Growth and Development Interest Group Committee, I have learned a lot. A big thank you to Kelly McAnally and all involved in putting the book club on. As a member of the Underwriting Interest Group (UIG) and the Risk Management and Loss Control Interest Group Committee, I have also learned a lot, especially on emerging risks and technology in underwriting. 

This year, I have greatly benefited from international mentorship with Heather Blevins. She calls me at the end of every month to check on my career goals and how I am progressing to achieve them.

This is all because of my involvement in the CPCU Society.

The best things about being a CPCU Society Member are:

• Free access to online Continuous Professional Development courses
• Free access to online webinars
• Learning new things from other foreign markets and industries
• Career development pathways
• Sharing of knowledge and expertise from other professionals on INteract

Outside work, I do a lot of online reading on insurance and risk management issues around the world. I do a lot of research and write articles for my online blog. I also write and share information on insurance and risk management on LinkedIn and other local insurance online platforms to educate other professionals. 

Outside work, I do things that will educate myself, other professionals, and the general public on insurance and risk management. This is because reading is my hobby, and I am unmarried

   
 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gideon-sarfo        

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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’ve built my career at the intersection of commercial real estate, insurance, and institutional investment. These three areas are deeply interconnected, but often operate in silos. My professional career has included working as both an insurance broker and a commercial real estate broker. The dual experience provides perspective on how risk, capital, and asset strategy shape the performance of real estate portfolios.

Today, I work as a Risk Manager for a real estate investment trust, a role that allows me to bring all of that experience together in a meaningful way. I oversee risk strategy across a diversified portfolio, working closely with internal teams and external partners to evaluate exposures, structure insurance programs, and ensure that risk considerations are integrated into investment decisions. This position has deepened my expertise in commercial real estate insurance, private equity real estate, and institutional grade assets, while also sharpening my ability to translate complex risk dynamics into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders.

I’m continually working to deepen my expertise in institutional real estate strategy and portfolio level risk mitigation. My goal is to be a resource who not only understands the technical details, but can also connect them to broader investment objectives and long term value creation.

I’m passionate about working in risk management because it allows me to collaborate with a wide range of people across an organization. Risk touches every department, every asset, and every decision, which means I get to work with teams in operations, finance, legal, and asset management. I enjoy being in a role where I can connect those groups, understand their priorities, and help them navigate challenges from a risk management perspective.

I’m also drawn to the fast paced, analytical nature of the field. There are always unexpected situations, urgent issues, and decisions that require attention to detail and clear thinking. I like being the person who can step into those moments, bring structure to uncertainty, and help guide the organization through emergencies or complex scenarios.

Finally, I’m passionate about this work because there is always something new to learn. The risk landscape constantly evolves and that continuous learning keeps me engaged. I enjoy building expertise, staying curious, and finding better ways to protect value and support the organization.
 

This year has been one of the most significant periods of growth in my career, largely shaped by stepping into new leadership roles both within my organization and in the broader risk management community. My promotion to Director of Risk Management challenged me to expand my perspective from day to day issues to portfolio level strategy. I now work even more closely with teams across the organization, and that visibility has pushed me to refine how I communicate risk, build consensus, and support decision making at a higher level. Leading through unexpected issues and emergencies has strengthened my ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain the attention to detail that this field demands.

Outside of my organization, serving as President of the Orange Empire CPCU Society Chapter has been another major source of growth. Guiding a professional chapter requires balancing strategic planning, member engagement, and volunteer leadership, which are skills that translate directly into my work as a risk manager. It has also reinforced the importance of staying connected to emerging trends and fostering a strong professional community.

Additionally, my role as Vice Chair of the Risk Management and Loss Control Interest Group has broadened my exposure to industry wide challenges and best practices. Collaborating with peers across different sectors has pushed me to think more creatively about solutions and to bring fresh ideas back to my organization.

My involvement in the CPCU Society has expanded my network in ways that have directly strengthened my work in risk management. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with professionals across the risk management and insurance industry. Those relationships have become valuable sounding boards, sources of insight, and partners in navigating the rapidly changing risk landscape.

Working with the Orange Empire CPCU Society Chapter has sharpened my ability to collaborate effectively within a group. Planning events requires coordinating with volunteers, speakers, sponsors, and board members, all of whom bring different perspectives and priorities. Learning how to align those viewpoints, keep projects moving, and create programs that deliver value to our members has strengthened my communication and leadership skills. It has also reinforced the importance of listening, delegating, and building consensus.

Through the CPCU Society, I've also gained a deeper appreciation for the power of community within our industry. Through event planning, I’ve been able to help create spaces where professionals can learn from one another, share challenges, and build connections. Being part of that process has not only expanded my own network but also strengthened my commitment to supporting the next generation of insurance and risk professionals.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member?In my opinion, the best parts of being a CPCU Society member are the strength of the community and peer support. The networking opportunities are unmatched. Through the CPCU Society, I’ve been able to connect with professionals and develop relationships that have offered support both personally and professionally. 

The CPCU community is collaborative by nature, and there’s a genuine willingness to help one another grow. Whether it’s sharing resources, offering advice, or stepping in to support an event or initiative, the sense of camaraderie is something I haven’t found anywhere else. Being part of a group that understands the demands of our industry, and is eager to lift each other up, has made a meaningful difference in my professional development.

Tell us about something you enjoy outside of work, a cause you support, a hobby, family activity, or anything else that is important to you.Outside of work, I value activities that help me recharge and stay balanced. I’m an avid reader. I enjoy everything from industry books to fiction that lets me unwind. I also spend a lot of time walking and exercising. Being active helps me clear my mind and brings a sense of routine and focus that carries into my professional life.

A hobby that’s important to me is collecting music. I love exploring different genres, discovering new artists, and building a collection that reflects different moments and moods. It’s something that keeps me curious and gives me a creative outlet outside of the structured world of risk management.

   
 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/RyanWakely        

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I began in the insurance industry full time in 2011. I remember feeling like everyone had so much experience and had been at my company for decades. While you can’t replace that kind of experience, I wanted to learn as much as I could, so I began obtaining designations. I got my CPCU in 2014 and went on to obtain several other designations.

I spent much of my career thus far as a multiline commercial underwriter, mostly for the state of Texas. Then about three years ago I made the move over to a role in Casualty Product. I work with general liability, umbrella/excess liability, and cyber liability coverages. My role involves multiple facets of working with these lines of business. I do full cycle form drafting – I work with our claims and legal departments to draft forms, work with our filing team to get the forms filed, and work with our IT staff to get the forms implemented in our policy system. I also work on a lot of different referral, appetite, and book management areas of product – everything from writing procedures to working with our innovation teams to best utilize AI to understanding and implementing lessons learned from losses.

There are several reasons we I am passionate about the risk management and insurance industry. One of my top “whys” is the impact we make on lives. So many of us can’t fully understand the anxiety and fear that comes to a small business going through a cyber attack or a contractor who is being sued for millions after a car accident. I love knowing that I can make an impact on insureds going through a difficult time. Even deeper than that, I think the insurance industry pushes society to be better at risk management. When I see businesses using telematics to keep our roads safer or implementing quality control programs to ensure consumer products are safer or even just the local grocery store putting out fans and wet floor signs when it rains to prevent slip and falls, I feel proud to be a part of an industry that makes the world safer.

Another reason I am passionate about the insurance and risk management industry is because it provides opportunity for the future. I’ve always considered myself a lifelong learner and I love to share knowledge with the next generation. Education is a big part of my current role and it’s something I hope to get even more involved in going forward. I love watching the light bulb go off for students who never realized all the career potential of this industry.

This year, I have been challenged professionally in many ways. I am working on a large product in my roles that requires me to work with several different departments, which has pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I have been more focused than ever this year on looking at the big picture of the insurance and risk management industry as a whole and not just what is happening at my company – it has been a challenge to navigate the huge amount of information (sometimes conflicting!) that is out there and apply that to my role.

I have also been challenged this year when it comes to patience. This year more than ever my role both with my employer and with my local CPCU Society chapter have required dependence on others to complete tasks. I’ve had to learn to have patience and rely on other people – I’m finding that delegating and being able to say no can be tough skills to learn, but practicing these are helping me grow.

My involvement with my local CPCU Society chapter (shoutout Cincinnati Chapter!) has taught me so much over the past year. I served on more committees than ever and learned a lot – both personally and professionally. The highlights for me professionally this year were our I-Day presentations on lobbying in the insurance industry and the use of AI in insurance fraud. The highlights for me personally were the leadership and social skills I gained.

I am by nature a reserved, by-the-book, type-A person. I love the Secretary role because I like being organized and being more behind the scenes. So this year when we decided to push our social media presence, I thought I would challenge myself. I took on daily social media posts for a portion of this year and will do the same in 2026. This has pushed me to get out of my box, become more creative, and collaborate with people.

Another benefit I got from the CPCU Society this year was being able to accept complimentary feedback. I am always looking for ways to improve and do better, but I am very uncomfortable with positive feedback. This year I had to face that head-on thanks to a very grateful Chapter President and a board who nominated me for an award. I’m certainly still a work in progress, but the CPCU Society has helped me be able to accept a compliment on its own and not as part of a feedback sandwich! It has helped me build confidence in knowing that I am a valued part of the chapter and I do deserve that recognition. That’s the main reason I’m challenging myself by even submitting this nomination!

There are several things that are great about being a CPCU Society member. The educational content is great – I’ve learned a lot about a variety of industry topics – it’s great to hear about not just emerging risks but all the different areas of the industry. The people are also great. Even someone like me who breaks into a cold sweat at the thought of having to network can make great connections. I’ve met so many people that I now consider not just my colleagues, but also my friends.

Another thing I really love about the CPCU Society is being able to give back, whether that is through mentoring our newer members, connecting with our local college students, or just gathering up a group to go volunteer at the local food bank, there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference.

Outside of work, I soak up as much time with my family as possible. My husband and I have twin teenage boys, so we’re always running around to some sporting event or school program! I also love spending time with my friends – it’s so rare to have such a great group of women who fill your cup and I’m so grateful for each and every one of them. My other hobbies include reading (I’m in two book clubs and read about 100 books a year!), doing puzzles, playing board games, chronically organizing my house (I mentioned being type-A - even our Legos are organized by color!), and hanging out with my two dogs. I volunteer for many causes throughout the year – school events, litter pickup, volunteering at local nonprofits, etc., but one of my favorites is a dance group I participate in each October. We dress up as zombies and perform at local businesses to raise money for K-9s for Warriors, a group that provides service dogs to veterans.

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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 attorney and VP of Insurance Analytics at SterlingRisk, with a career rooted in insurance from day one. Right out of law school, I started in private practice, litigating complex coverage disputes on behalf of insurance carriers and providing detailed coverage analysis and advice. With a background in business entrepreneurship, I bring a unique perspective that integrates legal expertise with business strategy—because at the core, insurance is about business decisions. Obtaining my CPCU and AIDA designations has been instrumental in building my skills across all aspects of the insurance industry, with a particular focus on AI and data analysis. My experience spans both legal and analytical roles, allowing me to refine how we communicate risk in a way that resonates with clients, prospects, and industry professionals.
 

Risk is unavoidable, but effective management makes all the difference.  I’m passionate about helping clients see insurance as a solution, not a burden—one that protects their goals, reduces legal exposure, and supports smart decisions. The insurance industry is constantly evolving, and pushes me to find new ways to address complex challenges.
 

I enjoy reading and writing, which inspired me to author "Premium Punchlines," a joke book adding humor to an industry that often takes itself too seriously. Outside of that, I spend most of my time with my family, enjoying time with my 8-year old son and supporting his latest interests.
 

The CPCU Society brings together top professionals in insurance and risk management. It’s not just about networking—it’s about connecting with people who are shaping the future of the industry. The mentorship, shared knowledge, and career development opportunities make it an incredible resource.
   
 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sanderowitz        

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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?
Some serendipitously find themselves working within the insurance industry. I was different. I, apparently, set my sights on the industry at the age of 8 when I told my dad that I would one day like to be his boss. Fast forwarding decades later, I now work with my dad in the country's oldest family-owned independent Auto-Owners agency. I am a fourth generation independent agent.

It just so happens that I actually enjoy the industry, even if not yet my dad's boss. I enjoy learning all the new, non-insurance things that one learns when trying to frontline underwrite a risk. I especially enjoy being part of the team that helps people get their life back after life's worst events.
 

Though people often don't realize it, the insurance industry is critical to economic and social stability. It is also the foundation that allows people the confidence to take on risk and create something extraordinary, whether its the Empire State Building or a regional food bank. In short, very little drives the economy, businesses, and families forward with confidence like having insurance can and does.
 

I love being a husband and father. Time spent with family (preferably outside) is time well spent for me. My family and I enjoy doing a large variety of activities such as waterskiing, windsurfing, traveling, fishing, or just reading a good book.
 

The best thing about a CPCU Society Member is the knowledge gained.
   
 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/zachery-phillips-3a156523/        

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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've been with the Anaheim Ducks organization for 10 years, starting as a Zamboni driver. In my 5th year as a Risk Management professional, I'm looking forward to honing my skills for incident response and investigation.

I love my company and the sport of hockey, promoting the best Risk Management practices is fun and enjoyable.
 

Besides hockey, I enjoy golf, chess, fishing, and volunteering.
 

The best thing about being a CPCU Society Member is knowing that I have a strong network and all the right resources I need to succeed in my profession while also growing as a CPCU with mentorship programs, podcasts, webinars, and event opportunities!
   
 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alexfawwaz/         

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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’ve had the privilege of working in the workers’ compensation underwriting field since 1990, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible evolution of our industry. When I first entered the workforce, the insurance industry was traditionally male-dominated, and I experienced a very different environment compared to today’s more inclusive and diverse landscape.

In my first insurance role, the dress code for men was to wear white dress shirts. The reasoning behind this was that it allowed the focus to remain on the conversation and not on what someone was wearing. Interestingly, women had more freedom in their attire choices, but I believed in the importance of being taken seriously, just as my male colleagues were. So, I decided to wear white blouses every day, ensuring my focus was always on the work at hand.

Since those early days, I've accomplished a great deal, including earning my CPCU designation, which was an important milestone in my career. Beyond personal achievements, I am passionate about encouraging young people to consider careers in insurance. I’m especially proud that all three of my sons have either worked in or contributed to the industry, which only reinforces my commitment to the field and my role as a mentor to the next generation.

The insurance industry has come a long way, and I am excited to continue being a part of its growth and transformation. I look forward to connecting with others who are passionate about shaping the future of this vital industry.
 

Working in insurance, at its core, is about helping people. Whether it’s ensuring financial security after an accident or providing peace of mind in times of uncertainty, the role we play is vital to individuals, families, and businesses. When I encourage young people to consider a career in insurance, I emphasize this simple but powerful truth: If you enjoy helping others, you’ll find fulfillment in the insurance industry.

Insurance offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives, and it’s a rewarding career path for those who want to contribute to the well-being of others while growing professionally. It’s not just about policies and numbers; it’s about being there for someone when they need help the most. That’s why I’m proud to be a part of this industry and always encourage others to explore its many possibilities.
 

Outside of my professional life, I recently published a memoir on Amazon, Happily Ever Afterlife. This book is deeply personal—it explores the themes of motherhood, grief, and hope following the tragic loss of my son, AJ, in an auto accident. AJ was well-known in our local insurance community, often volunteering as the photographer at insurance events, and his presence is missed by so many.  Our San Diego chapter honors his legacy through the AJ Romero Memorial Volunteer Service Award.

Writing about losing him was one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever faced. However, I felt compelled to capture my thoughts and emotions in writing.  By sharing my journey, I hope to help others who are navigating similar pain. I’ve learned that through community, we heal together and find comfort in knowing we are not alone.

I hope that by sharing my story, others find strength in their own healing processes.
 

The greatest benefit of being a CPCU Society member is the people! The connections we form provide opportunities to learn and receive valuable support for our careers. Serving as a chapter leader or volunteer is an excellent way to develop leadership skills, especially when these types of opportunities are not available through our employers.
   
 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/janice-romero-8433a241          

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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, 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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