CPCU Society News

CPCU Society News
December 2012/January 2013
Published since 1952 by the CPCU Society
The CPCU Society Launches
New Website
INSIDE
HIGHLIGHTS
3
CPCU Society
Student Program
for 2012—
“A Look Into the
Future!”
5
Invest in Your
Success—Renew
Your 2013
CPCU Society
Membership
Today!
5 Executives From
Bradesco Auto RE
Visit The Institutes
6 Reinsurance
Interest Group to
Host Symposium
on Emerging
Issues and New
Challenges
7 ARM Program
Changes
7 New! Senior
Professional Public
Adjuster (SPPA)
Designation
7 New! International
Insurance
Fundamentals
Course
8 A Question of
Ethics
9 Chapter News
10 Members in the
News
The CPCU Society is pleased to announce
the launch of its new website and logo. The
website offers a more user-friendly and
engaging experience for Society members
and guests. The new website can be viewed
online at www.cpcusociety.org.
A few months ago, the CPCU Society
distributed a website satisfaction survey
to chapter leaders, Society members,
and corporate stakeholders. The survey
revealed that members and volunteers
want easy-to-use interfaces and
functionality that help them complete tasks
quickly and efficiently. As the industry’s
leading professionals, members want the
Society to provide them with information
that helps them excel at their jobs, such
as information that develops technical
expertise and management skills or
provides career development opportunities.
The goal of the CPCU Society’s redesigned
website is to be a resource destination.
The new site is sophisticated, modern, and
user friendly.
The new features and enhancements
include:
• Streamlined navigational menus
• C
ontent teasers to encourage
engagement
• E nhanced search interface with filtering
capabilities
• “Share this” functionality
The new CPCU Society website will be a
one-stop industry resource that showcases
the CPCU® designation as the most
valuable designation within the propertycasualty insurance industry. n
FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN
Dear CPCU Colleagues:
I want to extend the heartfelt
sympathy and support of the entire
CPCU Society to all of those affected
by Super Storm Sandy. We are a
family united by our passion for
insurance, and this is the time to show
just how altruistic our profession is.
On my journey toward becoming
president of the CPCU Society, I had
the privilege of meeting hundreds
of diverse and dedicated CPCUs united by the power of the CPCU
designation. Their stories of passion and personal commitment to
the CPCU designation and the insurance industry are absolutely
inspiring. I am impressed by the amount of time that members spend
volunteering and mentoring.
One of the most significant challenges, inside and outside the
Society, is attracting the next generation to our industry. The
Society and The Institutes have many exciting initiatives underway
to promote the benefits of working in the insurance industry and
to help the next generation of risk management and insurance
professionals understand the opportunities that are available. The
CPCU Society has established these new goals to enhance member
benefits and to develop and grow an engaged CPCU Society
membership for years to come.
The CPCU Society, now more than ever, is focused on empowering
professionals to succeed. With the launch of the new Society website,
members and CPCU students will have access to industry resources
and information, with easy-to-use interfaces and functionality that
help them complete tasks quickly and efficiently. The redesigned
website will be a one-stop industry resource that showcases the
CPCU designation as the most valuable designation within the
property-casualty insurance industry.
I am truly eager to see how the CPCU Society grows in the upcoming
year, and I look forward to supporting our members and volunteer
leaders as they continue to advocate the CPCU Experience.
Best regards,
David Medvidofsky, CPCU, CIC, ARM, AIAF, AAI, CRM
2012–2013 CPCU Society president and chairman
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CPCU Society News (ISSN 0007-8883) • Vol. 60, No. 5 • is published five times a year in February/March, May/June, July/August, October/
November, and December/January for $4.50 per year for members and $9 per year for subscribers by the CPCU Society, 720 Providence Road,
Malvern, PA 19355. Periodicals postage paid at Malvern, Pa., and additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to CPCU Society, 720 Providence Road, Malvern, PA 19355.
This publication is designed to provide an interesting and direct line of communication with CPCU Society membership.
Editorial office: 720 Providence Road, Suite 100, Malvern, PA 19355; (800) 932-CPCU (2728). Website: www.cpcusociety.org. Printed in U.S.A.
© 2013 Society of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters.
CPCU is a registered trademark of The Institutes. All rights reserved.
Member Resource Center
(800) 932-CPCU (2728)
Email: membercenter@cpcusociety.org
2
CPCU Society News
E-mail: cpcusocietynews@cpcusociety.org
CPCU Society News | December 2012/January 2013
CPCU SOCIETY NEWS
CPCU Society Student Program for 2012—
“A Look Into the Future!”
The 2012 Annual Meeting and Seminars in Washington, D.C., was a
great experience for over two dozen risk management/insurance and
actuarial studies students from universities and colleges across the
nation. As director of the CPCU Society Student Program, I thank the
professors and advisers who nominated our D.C. students, the many
volunteer mentors who guided our students throughout the Annual
Meeting and Seminars, the interest groups who opened their breakfasts
and lunches to our students, and the many CPCU Society chapters who
either directly sponsored a student or two or who contributed money to
our general fund to ensure the Student Program’s ongoing success.
These twenty-nine chapters of the CPCU Society stepped up once again
this year for our 2012 Student Program:
Lamont D. Boyd, CPCU, AIM, director,
insurance market, with FICO® (Fair Isaac
Corporation), is responsible for client and
partnership opportunities that make use of
FICO’s predictive analytics technology, scoring
products, and consulting services. Speaking
regularly to industry, regulatory, and consumer
groups on behalf of FICO for the past eighteen
years, he is recognized as a leading expert in
predictive scoring technology. In addition to managing the CPCU
Society Student Program, he is a member of the Underwriting
Interest Group Committee and the Annual Meeting Task Force.
students nominated to participate and hope to keep those friendships,
even though most of us live across the United States from each other. I
loved the CPCU experience and cannot wait to become a new designee!
Arizona
Colorado
Atlanta
Columbus
Northeastern
Pennsylvania
Bayou
Connecticut
Pacific Northwest
Boston
Dayton-Miami Valley
Philadelphia
Grant Craigmiles, Missouri State University:
Brandywine Valley
Europe
Quad City
Central Illinois
Hawaii
Rhode Island
Central Missouri
Kentucky
San Diego
Central Texas
Minnesota
Santa Clara Valley
Charlotte
New Hampshire
Spokane
Cincinnati
New Jersey
Westchester
The CPCU Society Student Program has been one of the greatest
experiences of my entire risk management and insurance education. The
networking opportunities offered through this program were phenomenal.
Beyond gaining valuable connections within the industry, I learned about
the intricacies of so many different areas in the industry. I feel like I am a
much more informed student of insurance and that I have an advantage
in career possibilities, thanks to the CPCU Society Student Program.
Our sincere hope is that all chapters of the CPCU Society see the value
of the Student Program in ensuring that the “best and brightest” will
find their place in the industry, throughout the world, and within CPCU
Society chapters. We cannot offer this program without the significant
support of chapter leaders and the contributions of our Society chapters.
Our 2012 Student Program featured two very nice, new experiences
in D.C.: a dinner hosted by Diana L. Van Horn, CPCU, AU, ARM, AIM, of
QBE North America and a breakfast hosted by Cheryl R. Constantine,
CPCU, AIS, ASLI, of Travelers. These events gave our students
opportunities to engage with industry leaders.
Through chapter and industry contributions, this year’s students met
industry leaders from around the world, learned, and networked. Here
are just a few of the comments we’ve received from our 2012 students:
Taylor Mohr, State University of New York–Oswego:
I had an amazing time and thought the opportunity was once in a
lifetime. I made a lot of connections and met some influential people.
The program was well planned and extremely organized from the
moment we arrived in Washington, D.C. I instantly befriended the other
The CPCU Society Student Program is great in that it allows students
to network on multiple levels: Students make connections with a
wide variety of insurance professionals, a personal mentor, and
bright students from insurance schools across the nation. When all
these levels of networking opportunities are concentrated into one
conference, the sky is the limit for the knowledge and connections that
can be attained. I am now energized to enter such a dynamic industry!
Anna Berry, University of Houston Downtown:
What a wonderful event! I thank you from the bottom of my heart for
allowing me (and all of the students) to participate in this amazing
CPCU Society Annual Meeting and Seminars. I networked with so many
professionals, and I will be following up with each and every one of
them. As for my mentor, I’m not sure how you matched us all up, but I
had the best one, Alicja Lukaszewicz-Southall, CPCU.
Steve McElhiney, MBA, CPCU, ARe, AIAF, 2011–2012 CPCU Society
president and chairman, shared his thoughts about the Student Program:
During the Washington, D.C., Annual Meeting and Seminars, I had a
chance to meet virtually all of the attending students, who had varied
academic backgrounds and experiences and represented various
Continued on page 4
CPCU Society News | December 2012/January 2013
3
CPCU Society Student Program for 2012—“A Look Into the Future!”
Continued from page 3
regions of the country. They were highly
engaged in both the student program and in
the various interactions I was able to be part
of, and each of them was truly a pleasure to
get to know. They asked insightful questions
and have proved they are very motivated to
succeed in insurance careers in various facets
of the property-casualty industry—at the
carrier and broker level and as underwriters,
claims professionals, and actuaries.
We have spoken much about the “pipeline
challenge” confronting our industry as the
baby boomer generation retires and a new
generation of knowledge workers needs to be
identified, trained, and developed. The CPCU
Society Student Program (now in its third
year) is one of the tangible solutions we are
emphasizing to help meet this industry need.
I am confident these students will be future
leaders in the organizations they serve, as well
as in the Society. Special recognition needs to
be extended to Lamont Boyd, who has
diligently supported the CPCU Society Student
Program since its inception.
Connor M. Harrison, CPCU, ARe, AU, director
of custom products,
“A Look Into the Future—Student Seminar”
was a success once again. This seminar
enabled us to highlight the property-casualty
insurance industry’s need for the “best
and brightest” now and in the future, and it
allowed our students to ask any questions to
prepare them for careers in the industry. The
seminar is designed to help risk management/
insurance and actuarial students understand
more fully the variety of paths available to
them in the property-casualty industry. Our
students also gained a clear understanding of
the value of the CPCU designation in helping
them on their chosen path.
The Institutes; and James R. Jones, CPCU,
ARM, AIC, executive director of the Katie
School of Insurance and Financial Services at
Illinois State University.
Many thanks to our 2012 student seminar
speakers: Noelle Codispoti, ARM, executive
director of Gamma Iota Sigma, the
international risk management, insurance and
actuarial sciences collegiate fraternity;
(Left to right) Hannah Dimmick, Appalachian State University; Grant Craigmiles, Missouri
State University; Liz Pitts, Appalachian State University; Chase Conover, Missouri State
University; Glenn Morgan, The University of Georgia; unknown–local student]; Kathryn
Foege, Georgia State University; Genevieve Parks, University of North Texas; Harvey
Powers, University of Texas-Austin (Research Award winner—Gold); Elizabeth Saxe, St.
John’s University; Ali Nematpour, University of Houston Downtown; Taylor Mohr, State
University of New York–Oswego; Allison Crosby, University of Colorado Denver; Anna
Heliotis, St. John’s University; James Heuker, Olivet College; Jay Willer, State University
of New York–Oswego; Chase T. Russell, University of North Texas; Luna (Weiyue) Gu,
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Christopher Watkins, Olivet College; Amy
Johnson, Katie School, Illinois State University; Dan Pettie, Katie School, Illinois State
University; Jill Feeney, Saint Joseph’s University; LaKenya Patrice Young, Georgia State
University; Kyle Guestin, Utica College (Research Award winner—Bronze); Sarah Nichols,
The University of Georgia; Joe Hemminger, University of Colorado Denver; Joe Drobny,
Katie School, Illinois State University (Research Award winner—Silver). [Missing from the
photo: Anna Berry, University of Houston Downtown]
4
Our hope is that all students and CPCUs in
attendance walked away from this seminar
with great ideas and a clear understanding of
what is needed to grow our industry through
the development of talented individuals. The
CPCU Society is uniquely positioned––in large
part due to the direction and support provided
by chapter and interest group leaders––to
offer a clear path between those who are
seeking a rewarding future in the industry and
those who are seeking people to contribute to
that successful future.
2013 Student Program
As a direct result of the efforts of so many of
you and your colleagues over the past three
years, the Society has given our Student
Program an enthusiastic “green light.” The
2013 New Orleans program is likely to be
a significant component of the collective
“Engaging the Next Generation” initiative.
You’ll learn more about this initiative and
the 2013 Student Program in the months
ahead, but please plan now to support these
critical programs.
A final note of thanks: Once again, my sincere
appreciation to all who contributed in so many
ways to the success of our 2012 Student
Program. As we begin working toward another
successful program for 2013, please do not
hesitate to contact me (lamontboyd@fico.
com) with any suggestions or thoughts you
may have or assistance you’re willing to offer
to help us attract bright, young minds to the
insurance industry and the CPCU Society! n
Please contact Grace Grant for more
information regarding the Student
Program.
E-mail ggrant@griffithfoundation.org or
call (614) 880-9870.
CPCU Society News | December 2012/January 2013
CPCU SOCIETY NEWS
Invest in Your Success—Renew Your 2013 CPCU
Society Membership Today!
As a CPCU Society member, you should
have already received a dues invoice for
2013 via e-mail. Please take the time to
renew your commitment today. If you have
not received your invoice, please e-mail
memberresources@theinstitutes.org to
request another copy of your invoice.
Second dues reminder notices will be sent
via postal mail this month.
Continue your journey and stay connected
to the CPCU Society’s unique professional
and educational resources—renew your
membership today! n
Executives From Bradesco Auto RE Visit The Institutes
On October 2, 2012, eighteen executives from Bradesco Auto RE
traveled from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Malvern, Pa., to visit The
Institutes. The purpose of their visit was to get a firsthand overview
of the United States insurance market.
Six presenters from two companies, State Farm and The Addis
Group, welcomed the visitors and educated them on the U.S.
insurance market, distribution channels within the industry, and
sales and marketing techniques. Melissa Miller, CPCU, AINS, AIS,
underwriter, State Farm, and Beth Gayer, CPCU, ARM, technical
specialist and vice president, The Addis Group, were two of the
presenters who gave the executives insight into how the U.S.
insurance market operates.
In addition to the six presenters from State Farm and The Addis
Group, Saul Swartout, EVP-Operations; Mary Ann Cook, CPCU, AU,
AAI, vice president–Knowledge Resources; and Karen Skayhan, AIS,
director of products, gave presentations on behalf of The Institutes.
The visiting executives were given a tour of the facilities, along
with a complete overview of The Institutes, including new strategic
initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the insurance industry.
Saul Swartout (far right) presents State Farm agents (from left to right)
Jason Kercher, Dwayne Redd, and Melissa Miller, CPCU, AINS, AIS, with
a sample of a translated Portuguese textbook.
Because of a language barrier, a translator, interpretation services,
and translation equipment were provided, by Lexicon-Global. This
equipment allowed the presentation to be interactive and permitted
the visitors to ask questions and receive valuable answers.
As a result of their visit, the executives from Bradesco Auto RE
were able to gain knowledge about the different aspects of the
U.S. insurance industry, The Institutes’ capabilities and knowledge
solutions, and how the CPCU Society works and benefits the
industry. These insights will allow Bradesco executives to apply
similar initiatives in their company.
Bradesco Auto RE executives visit The Institutes.
Finally, Funenseg, an insurance institute in Brazil, and The
Institutes have reached an agreement to translate AAI into
Portuguese so that Bradesco employees can begin earning this
designation starting in 2013. n
Melissa Miller, CPCU, AINS, AIS, State Farm, giving a presentation on
U.S. distribution channels and sales/marketing techniques.
CPCU Society News | December 2012/January 2013
5
CPCU SOCIETY NEWS
Reinsurance Interest Group to
Host Symposium on Emerging
Issues and New Challenges
Join the Reinsurance Interest Group (RIG) for
its annual reinsurance symposium, to be held
March 14 in Philadelphia at the Union League.
William Dubinsky, managing director, head
of insurance-linked securities, Willis Capital
Markets & Advisory.
Each year, Frank Nutter, president of the
Reinsurance Association of America (RAA),
conducts an executive workshop with a
panel consisting of thought leaders in the
business. This year’s panel consists of Steve
McElhiney, MBA, CPCU, ARe, AIAF, president,
EWI Re; John Keane, vice president and chief
operating officer of Nonprofits Insurance,
Alliance Group; John Vasturia, president,
Regional Clients, Munich Reinsurance
America, Inc.; and Jean-Paul Conoscente,
chief underwriting officer, SCOR Re.
2012 completers of The Institutes’ Associate
in Reinsurance (ARe) program will be
recognized at the luncheon, at which the
speaker will be Michael Angelina, ACAS,
MAAA, executive director, Academy of
Risk Management and Insurance, Erivan K.
Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s
University.
Other symposium presenters are Guntram
Werther, professor of strategic management,
Fox School of Business at Temple University;
Mark Way, director of sustainability and
political risk management, Swiss Re; and
6
The one-day event is preceded by a
networking reception on Wed., March 13.
The price for the entire event is $325 for
CPCUs. Groups of four or more from the same
organization are charged $250 each.
Come join us for our twentieth anniversary
reinsurance symposium! n
Professional
Experience
Resource Interest
Group
The Retirement Resource Interest Group
has changed its name to the Professional
Experience Resource Interest Group. The
name has changed, but the mission and
values of the interest group remain the
same: to promote discussion of issues
meaningful to CPCUs who are retired (or
are planning to retire) to encourage a
spirit of fellowship and community.
While the name change is subtle, it was
implemented to better identify what this
interest group is all about. Not only is the
Professional Experience Resource Interest
Group open to all CPCUs regardless of
their individual career paths, but it is also
a resource for CPCUs who are planning
to retire soon and a way for all CPCUs to
continue their association with the CPCU
Society after the workaday world. n
CPCU Society News | December 2012/January 2013
FROM THE INSTITUTES
ARM Program Changes
In response to the changing risk
management environment, The Institutes
have updated the Associate in Risk
Management (ARM) program to address
these topics:
• R
isk management standards and
guidelines (such as ISO 31000 and
COSO-ERM)
• Financial, operational, and strategic risk
• Financial statement analysis
• Global concepts and examples
The ARM program consists of three revised
courses:
previous version of the ARM study materials
will be available until June 15, 2013.
• A RM 54, Risk Management Principles and
Practices
To learn more about the changes to the
ARM program, visit The Institutes’ website at
www.TheInstitutes.org/ARM. n
• ARM 55, Risk Assessment and Treatment
• ARM 56, Risk Financing
Study materials for the revised ARM program
are available for purchase now, with exams
beginning in the January-March 2013 testing
window. The exam format is seventy-five
multiple-choice questions. Exams on the
NEW!
Senior Professional Public
Adjuster (SPPA) Designation
International Insurance
Fundamentals Course
The Institutes developed the Senior Professional Public
Adjuster (SPPA) designation to help public adjusters distinguish
themselves in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace. The
SPPA designation provides public adjusters with the technical
knowledge they need for effective claim handling, helping lead to
powerful results for their clients. Public adjusters who earn the
designation will be distinguished as highly skilled professionals
who possess the competence and relevant knowledge necessary
to succeed.
In response to the need for international insurance education, The
Institutes developed the International Insurance Fundamentals
course. This self-study, online course provides instruction on
the key elements of international insurance solutions. Course
participants will obtain the tools they need to construct an
international insurance program for an organization based in the
United States.
The following courses are required to earn the SPPA designation:
• AINS 21—Property and Liability Insurance Principles
• N
EW! SPPA 30—Claim Principles and Practices for Public
Adjusters
The CPCU Society’s International Insurance Interest Group was
instrumental in the development of this course.
Topics include:
• Overview of international insurance
• Identifying international loss exposures
• AIC 31—Property Claim Practices
• Regulatory compliance
• AIC 41—Property Coverages
• Insurer and broker networks
• E thics 311—Ethical Guidelines for Insurance Professionals
or Ethics 312—Ethics and the CPCU Code of Professional
Conduct
• Reverse flow business
To learn more about the SPPA designation, visit The Institutes’
website at www.TheInstitutes.org/SPPA. n
• Selecting international insurance solutions
After completing this course, participants will have a comprehensive
overview of international insurance fundamentals that will help enable
them to select the most appropriate international insurance solution
based on an organization’s international property, liability, and net
income loss exposures.
International Insurance Fundamentals is available for purchase now.
To learn more, visit The Institutes’ website at www.TheInstitutes.
org/IIF. n
CPCU Society News | December 2012/January 2013
7
A QUESTION OF ETHICS
Why Should Business Organizations Have a Written
Set of Workplace Ethics Standards?
by Michael B. Weinberg, CPCU
The primary goals of any business include operating efficiently and
profitably. In today’s challenging economic environment, there is
pressure on businesses to do whatever is necessary to achieve these
goals. Individuals also feel pressure to succeed in an organization,
and their contribution to the bottom line is often important to their
success. But despite these pressures, the vast majority of businesses
believe a culture of ethics is critical and that there should be no
ethical shortcuts. This strategy can pay off in the long run.
Having a written set of ethical values should be part of every business
culture as a guide to management and employee relationships,
and they should be maintained because they can go a long way
toward deterring businesses and their employees from taking ethical
shortcuts. Ethical issues can be resolved, at both the business and
the individual level, when ethics standards are in place.
Written standards should deal with everyday issues. Businesses
should emphasize that anything illegal or irresponsible will not
be tolerated in the workplace. The importance of confidentiality
under specific circumstances should be stressed. The standards
should promote maintaining honest and sincere relationships in the
workplace, and they should be used as a reference during initial
training of management-level personnel and other employees.
We will not hold grudges; we will cut each other slack, and will
recognize that on any given day some of us are facing one of the
inevitable challenges of life’s journey. We will provide forgiveness
and not take offense and build up by aligning with positive resonance
instead of tearing down by aligning with negative resonance.
It is written rules like these that, when posted, take on enhanced
meaning. If management asks that each person read the ethics
standards on a regular basis, the meaning is even more intensified.
It is one thing to write the standards; it is another to live them.
Management must encourage both the first and the second steps.
Ultimately, developing and maintaining ethics standards is in the
interests of management, employees, clients, and the organization as
a whole.
Endnote
1. G.M. Filisko, “Be Nice: More States Are Treating Incivility
as a Possible Ethics Violation,” ABA Journal, April 2012,
www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/be_nice_more_states_
are_treating_incivility_as_a_possible_ethics_violation (accessed
December 19, 2012). n
Written ethics standards will ultimately help a business’s bottom line.
Management will be guided by these standards when interacting
not only with clients, but also with employees. As for employees,
the standards will affect how they interact with management,
co-workers, and clients of the company. Adherence to ethics
standards will significantly benefit the organization as a whole.
At times, lapses in ethical judgment will occur, large and small,
and if management learns of these, it should be supportive—if the
infractions are minor. Co-workers, also, should be supportive of
colleagues and understanding of the circumstances. Together, the
organization will move toward its goal of creating a lasting ethical
workplace environment.
The set of ethics standards could be basic commandments, so to
speak. For example, “Be nice.” A recent American Bar Association
article focused on this singular point.1 A simple rule, it goes a long way
toward creating the right ethical environment in which people can work
with and relate to each other.
Some standards may promote common sense treatment of others.
For example, at an organization of which I am quite familiar, one of
the rules is:
8
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this column are
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views
of the CPCU Society membership, the CPCU Society Ethics
Committee or the author’s employer. If you have suggestions
for upcoming articles or comments about the “Question of
Ethics” column, please contact William F. Traester, CPCU, at
wtraester@archinsurance.com.
CPCU Society News | December 2012/January 2013
CPCU SOCIETY CHAPTER NEWS
Central Indiana Chapter CPCU I-Day Recognition
and Awards
This was the inaugural
year for the Central Indiana
Chapter Company of the Year
award. The chapter’s Board
of Directors wanted to take
this opportunity at I-Day to
recognize a company for its
outstanding participation,
leadership, and commitment
to helping the chapter achieve
its goals and continually strive
for success. The chapter was
honored to present the first
Company of the Year award to
Arlington/Roe & Co.
At the Central Indiana Chapter CPCU I-Day program on October 4,
2012, the chapter recognized a number of individuals and presented
several awards.
Six individuals, belonging to the Central Indiana Chapter, received the
CPCU designation this year. The CPCU new-designee class of 2012
was recognized during the I-Day conferment ceremony and included
these individuals:
• Janice Brown
• Kelley Krockenberger
• David Coakes
• Jonathan Lough
• Michael Gillespie
• Michael Schliesmann
Eleven members of the CPCU class of 1987 were honored with a
plaque of recognition for their 25th anniversary:
• Thomas Harvison
• Ginny Peterson
• H. Gregg Huey
• Patricia Roberts
• Joseph Hunter-Lattak
• Max Rothenberger
• Kurt Kluempers
• Douglas Setters
• Jeffrey Miller
• William Warfel
• Mike Nicholson
The Rising Star award recognizes a recent CPCU designee for his or
her exceptional contribution to the chapter early in his or her tenure
as a CPCU. The chapter likens it to a “Rookie of the Year” award. The
2012 Rising Star award was presented to Jonathan Lough, CPCU,
ASLI, of Arlington/Roe & Co.
The Member of the Year award is given to a chapter member who
displays exceptional commitment and dedication to the Society, the
chapter, and the industry. The chapter considers it a “Most Valuable
Player” award. This year’s recipient of the Member of the Year award
was Richard Smith, CPCU, State Farm Insurance.
The Mark Gray Award was established to recognize Central Indiana
Chapter members who demonstrate an ongoing and unwavering
commitment to the chapter, the CPCU Society, and the industry
overall. This award was named for the late Mark Gray, one of the
founding members of the chapter when it was formed over sixty
years ago. Recipients of this award are members who embrace,
practice, and promote the ideals of the CPCU Society and the CPCU
designation. The chapter likens it to inclusion in a hall of fame. The
2012 Mark Gray Award recipient was Deborah Botts, CPCU, AINS, of
Gregory & Appel.
CPCU Society News | December 2012/January 2013
Jim Roe, CPCU, accepts the Company
of the Year award on behalf of
Arlington/Roe & Co.
CPCU Society’s Utica Chapter Recognizes John
Lanz’s Fifty Years as a CPCU
The Utica Chapter of the CPCU Society recently held a meeting to
induct three new CPCU designees as members of the local chapter.
Andrew Totman, CPCU, Jeanne Prill, CPCU, and Jackie Fifield, CPCU,
were inducted into the group by visiting CPCU Society Northeast
region chapter governor Peter Adams, CPCU, who administered
the CPCU oath. The new members were also welcomed by eleven
past chapter presidents and current Utica Chapter president James
Lombardo, CPCU.
The chapter also recognized member John Lanz, CPCU, awarding
him a certificate of merit for his fifty years as a member of the CPCU
Society and for all of his past service to the Utica Chapter and the
insurance community at large. The certificate was presented by Utica
Chapter president Lombardo.
North Florida and North Central Florida Chapters
Join Forces for I-Day Discussion on How the
State Will Fund Catastrophes
The North Florida and North Central Florida Chapters of the CPCU
Society held a joint I-Day program in Jacksonville on November 8
to recognize new designees as well as to discuss how Florida will
continue to fund catastrophe recovery.
CPCU Society president and North Florida Chapter member David
Medvidofsky, CPCU, ARM, AIAF, AAI, CIC, CRM, presided over the
Conferment ceremony.
Panelists included Barry Gilway, president/executive director of Citizens
Property Insurance Corporation; Jeff Grady, president/CEO of the Florida
Association of Insurance Agents; and Robin Smith Westcott, insurance
consumer advocate for the state of Florida. Loren Gallogly III, CPCU,
ARe, North Florida Chapter member and former CPCU Society governor,
moderated the discussion, which was informative and wide-ranging and
provided attendees with a glimpse into issues that will surely be taken
up during the 2013 legislative session.
Continued on page 11
9
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Sharon Koches Joins Independent
Insurance Agents of North Carolina
Staff as Assistant Vice President of
Insurance Operations & Technical
Affairs
Koches will help manage the insurance
operations for both IIANC and the North
Carolina Association of Insurance Agents,
an affiliated corporation of IIANC that is
responsible for placing the insurance
coverages for the state of North Carolina,
including state agencies, departments, and
universities. Koches will also serve as an
educational and technical resource for IIANC
members by offering assistance with coverage
and regulatory questions, as well as teaching
in-house continuing education and professional
development classes.
“We are excited to have Sharon join our staff at
IIANC, as she brings a wealth of knowledge and
expertise. Sharon will be a valuable resource for
our member agents,” said Kelley Erstine, IIANC
chief executive officer.
Koches has worked in the insurance industry
for nearly thirty-five years and brings agency,
company, and trade association experience. Before
joining IIANC, Koches was a sales executive for
The Institutes, where she was responsible for
business and product development in eleven states
and Puerto Rico. Her background also includes
work as large account field production underwriter
for Selective Insurance; vice president of The
Harjes Agency, an independent insurance agency
in Flemington, N.J.; and director of membership
and member services and assistant director of
E&O for the Independent Insurance Agents of New
Jersey (IIANJ).
She holds the CPCU®, Registered Professional
Liability Underwriter (RPLU), Accredited Adviser
in Insurance (AAI®), Associate in Commercial
Underwriting (AU), and Insurance Training
Professional (ITP) designations. Koches has taught
numerous Institutes and other insurance courses
for trade associations and insurance companies
across the country. She is a member of the Eastern
North Carolina Chapter of the CPCU Society and
the Professional Liability Underwriting Society and
previously served on the Council for Best Practices
of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of
America (the Big “I”).
A former member of the Board of Directors of IIANJ
and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of
New York (IIABNY), Koches received the inaugural
Spirit of Education award from the Big “I” in 2006
and was presented with the Distinguished Service
Award, IIABNY’s highest honor, in 2007.
10
Myron F. Steves & Company Creates
$250,000 Endowment for the Insurance
and Risk Management Center at
University of Houston-Downtown
Kurt Eaves, CPCU, ARM, joined Grinnell Mutual
Reinsurance Co. as vice president of direct
underwriting/production.
Myron F. Steves & Company, a private, general
insurance agency, established the $250,000
Myron F. Steves Endowed Directorship for the
Insurance and Risk Management (IRM) Center
at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD).
Michael Eichhorn, CPCU, joined Breckenridge
Insurance Services as president and chief
executive officer, brokerage division.
Steves’s children—Fred Steves, CPCU; Buddy
Steves; and Terry Steves Skinner, CPCU—and
the employees of Myron F. Steves & Company
created the endowment in recognition of Myron
Steves’s pioneering leadership and contribution
to the development, professionalism, and
growth of the insurance industry and of his
many contributions to education and ethical
behavior within the field.
Funds from the endowment will be used to further
relationships among students and insurance
professionals to facilitate UHD graduates’ transition
into the insurance and risk management industry.
The endowment also will increase student and
faculty community involvement and enhance the
overall program.
CPCUs in the News
Andrew Barile, CPCU, wrote an article, “IRS
Questions Captive Insurer’s $50M Premium,”
that was published in the October issue of
CFO.com Magazine.
Jeffrey D. Brunken, CPCU, RPLU, wrote
an article, “Physicians and Disability: An
Oxymoron? Four Steps to Ease Suffering,”
that was published in the November issue of
Physicians News Digest.
Elise Farnham, CPCU, AIM, ARM, wrote an
article, “Litigation Preparation Begins on Day
One,” that was published in the October 2012
issue of IRMI Online.
Alan Shulman, CPCU, wrote an article,
“8 Lessons to Learn from the Upcoming
Presidential Election,” that was published in
the October issue of Insurance Journal.
Dolores Glass, CPCU, CIC, joined Edgewood
Partners Insurance Center (EPIC) as a principal
in its San Ramon, Calif., construction practice.
Tim Grant, CPCU, joined Arrowhead General
Insurance Agency as senior vice president
of business development for the commercial
division.
Rick Hobbs, CPCU, AIC, AIM, joined United
Heartland as vice president of claims and
managed care.
Robert A. Ivey, CPCU, AMIM, joined McKee Risk
Management as vice president and specialty
casualty manager.
Karin Marshall, CPCU, joined Wells Fargo
Insurance Services as senior vice president
and managing director for its Houston and San
Antonio, Texas, offices.
Amanda Pocius, CPCU, ARM, joined Lockton’s
St. Louis office as an account executive.
Robert Wells, CPCU, joined Liberty University
as director of risk management.
Margaret Wildi, MS, CPCU, AIM, AAM, AINS,
CIIP, DAE, CPD, has retired from Grange
Insurance Companies after forty-two years of
service. After recently completing a master’s
degree in marketing and communication
from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio,
she said, “Learning is a lifelong process.”
Congratulations, Margaret!
Debra Wood, CPCU, AIC, AU, AIS, joined
Arizona Property & Casualty Insurance
Professionals.
Promotions
Bill Wilson, CPCU, was quoted in the Huffington
Post article “Mold Damage from Sandy Is Not
Likely Covered by Insurance.”
Noreen Cruz, CPCU, ARe, ARM, was promoted
to assistant vice president, Alternative Markets,
at Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
Comings and Goings
Anthony E. Fienberg, CPCU, ARe, RPLU, was
promoted to managing director—France,
Germany, Austria & Switzerland region at The
Warranty Group.
Tony Angelo, CPCU, CIC, AAI, AU, ARM, CPIA,
joined Philadelphia Insurance Companies as
regional vice president of the Southeast Region.
CPCU Society News | December 2012/January 2013
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Koches
Barile
Farnham
William J. Gregor Jr., CPCU, ARM, AIM,
ARe, CIC, was promoted to vice president of
insurance operations at Hastings Mutual.
Charles A. Musilli III, CPCU, CIC, CRM, was
promoted to senior vice president, Selective
Specialty and Distribution, at Selective
Insurance Group, Inc.
Matthew V. O’Malley, CPCU, ARe, was
promoted to head of environmental
underwriting operations at XL Group.
Thomas Purnell, CPCU, CIC, was promoted
to senior vice president, northeast region
manager at Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
Carol Sanders, CPCU, AIS, CPA, CMA, CFM,
was promoted to executive vice president and
chief operating officer at Jewelers Mutual
Insurance Co.
Wilson
Wildi
Awards and Honors
Fienberg
Adams
Nancy D. Adams, CPCU, has been named
2012–2013 vice president of the CPCU
Society.
Gilbert C. Hine Jr., CPCU, CFP, was elected for
a one-year term as treasurer of NAPSLO and
was also elected for a three-year term on the
NAPSLO Board of Directors.
Kirk Goeldner, CPCU, was appointed chairman
of the nominating committee of the CPCU
Society.
Stacy Kersten, Esq., CPCU, was named as one
of five “Rising Stars 40 and Under” by Property
Casualty 360.
Vaughn Graham, CPCU, CIC, AFSB, was named
the newest member of The Independent
Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s
executive committee at the association’s 2012
Fall Leadership Conference in Atlanta.
Michael D. Miller, CPCU, CLU, ARe, was
elected for a three-year term on the NAPSLO
Board of Directors. n
Andrew Harris, CPCU, AIS, ARM, CIC,
CRM, was named president of the National
Association of Professional Insurance Agents
for 2012–2013.
CPCU Society Chapter News
Continued from page 9
Deep South Chapter Adopts a Family for the
Holidays
A Season of Giving: Columbus Chapter Members
Volunteer at Food Bank
Cindy Paulin, CPCU, Debbie Koehler, and Emmet Bartholomew
delivering the various gifts purchased for Alos Taylor (pictured center)
and her family, with the money raised by the Deep South Chapter.
Columbus CPCU Chapter members, from left to right: Bridget
Daugherty, CPCU AINS; Rose De Pontes, CPCU, AIS, AINS; Nancy
Krepczynski, CPCU; William Krepczynski; Christine Sapp, CPCU,
API; Greg Elsass, CPCU, AIC; and Krista McGowan, CPCU, AIC, AIS.
The CPCU Society Deep South Chapter adopted a local family through
the Adopt-An-Angel Program; something it does every December
for the holidays. Matching all member contributions, the chapter
raised $3,700 in all—funds that were used to improve the lives of a
grandmother and her seven grandchildren.
CPCU Society News | December 2012/January 2013
Members of the CPCU Society Columbus Chapter spent several
hours at the Mid-Ohio Food Bank on December 11, 2012,
sorting and preparing bags of groceries for families in need. n
11
Volume 60 • Number 5 • December 2012/January 2013 • ISSN 0007-8883 • Address Service Requested
CPCU Society
720 Providence Road, Suite 100
Malvern, PA 19355-3433
www.cpcusociety.org
CPCU Society News
EDUCATION CALENDAR
January
24
February
28
Webinar, 1–2 p.m. eastern time
Malboro, MA
• Hurricane Winds and Large Hail Storms Are
Expensive, but Also Excellent Teachers
Workshop, 8:30 a.m.–12:05 p.m. eastern time
• 2013 Commercial Property Changes
28
Malboro, MA
Workshop, 1–4:35 p.m. eastern time
Registration
Registration and detailed content
descriptions are available at
the CPCU Society’s website,
www.cpcusociety.org.
Click on “Education and Events.”
Program titles are subject to
change.
• 2013 Commercial General Liability: Critical
Changes Every Professional Needs to Know
IN MEMORIAM
With deep regret, the CPCU Society reports the deaths of the following CPCUs:
Robert K. Byers, CPCU,’63
Haslett, Michigan
Donald G. Litchfield, CPCU,’73
El Paso, Texas
Mark Campbell, CPCU,’87
Burlington, Connecticut
Wolffe W. Roberts, CPCU,’54
Boise, Idaho
Robert L. Denny, CPCU,’70
Bloomington, Illinois
We offer our sympathy to the families of these
CPCUs. Memorial donations may be made
to the CPCU-Loman Education Foundation
in the name of any of these CPCUs. These
memorials will be acknowledged to the family
of the deceased.
Joyce L. Ferry, CPCU,’84
Albany, Georgia
LaDonna Johnson, CPCU,’60
Clinton, Minnesota
To notify the CPCU Society
of the death of a fellow CPCU, please
send an e-mail to membercenter@
cpcusociety.org with the name of the
deceased and documentation of death,
such as a published obituary. n