The California Insurance Wholesalers Association (CIWA) is a California professional trade association for California insurance wholesalers and those who conduct business in or support the wholesale insurance distribution system.
CIWA’s main objective is to represent the interests of our members in the regulatory and legislative arena, to advance high ethical standards, to promote the value of the wholesale distribution system and to ensure a vibrant, competitive insurance market for California businesses and consumers.
Our non-profit association was created to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of our profession. Our strategic plan calls for continued work in the areas of advocacy, education, and networking.
Our Mission
We bring together innovative and diverse insurance professionals dedicated to the wholesale insurance market in California. We will foster the continued excellence and relevancy of our members through our advocacy, educational and networking initiatives.
Our Vision
To perpetuate the education, advancement and advocacy of wholesale insurance professionals and their affiliated business partners transacting business in California.
Officers

Kathy Schroeder
Sierra Specialty
President & CEO
(559) 256-6910 | Email

Kyle Stevens
Western Security Surplus Insurance Brokers, LLC
President
(469) 252-7875 | Email

John Donahue
M.J. Hall & Company
President & CEO
(415) 848-8224 | Email

Yana Connors
CK Specialty Insurance Associates
Senior Underwriter / Broker
(800) 411-0083, ext. 1561 | Email
Directors

Stephanie Fanelli
R.E. Chaix & Associates
Owner / CMO
(949) 722-4177, ext. 229 | Email

Paul Laufer
Gorst & Compass Insurance
Executive Vice President
(818) 507-0900 | Email

Emil Moskowitz
Cal Inspection Bureau
President
(818) 346-2422 | Email

John Mundelius
Union General Insurance Services
Vice President
(925) 671-2128 | Email

Timothy Tokuda
Atlantic Casualty Insurance Co.
AVP, Business Development & Marketing
(919) 759-3311 | Email

Caleb Whitehouse
Scottish American
Master of Solutions
(714) 929-7070 | Email

Colby Waltenburg
Transatlantic Underwriters
President
(209) 279-1065 | Email

Mark L. Kaufman
Western Security Surplus Insurance Brokers, LLC
Chief Operating Officer
(818) 749-1367 | Email
CIWA is one of those rare associations that brings business and personal relationships together. It is large enough to be a voice in our state with business owners and legislators and small enough to hear each member’s voice. Meetings with our business partners are not akin to speed dating, there is time to truly listen and be listened too. Sierra Specialty is proud to be a member.”