CIWA is proud to have the tremendous support of our volunteer committees. Each committee contributes to the overall success of CIWA and works hard to deliver more value to our members.
If you would like to learn more about CIWA committees, please contact any committee member listed below or contact CIWA Headquarters via our contact form.
Legislative
Mission: To perpetuate the advocacy of California Wholesale Insurance Professionals through its legislative efforts working closely with our legislative liaison, John Norwood.
Chair
Paul Laufer
Gorst & Compass
(818) 507-0900 | Email
Members
Hank Haldeman, Amwins
Rupert Hall, M.J. Hall & Company
Tim Chaix, R.E. Chaix & Associates
Education
Mission: To provide CIWA members with timely, relevant and critical educational information through multi-channel efforts (CIWA Events, CIWA website, etc.). Further, the committee will find new and engaging ways to enhance our education offerings and bring additional value to CIWA members and member companies.
Key areas of focus
To ensure the most relevant topics and speakers are in place for our two annual conferences and to expand our educational offerings and value for all CIWA members.
Chair
Andrea House
MUSIC
(480) 306-8309 | Email
Members
Kristi Dean, Stone Dean Law
Megan Wicks, Gorst & Compass
Peter Schifrin, SGD, Inc.
CIWA Future
Mission: To connect insurance professionals under 40 and to provide a regional forum for communicating with young professionals in the industry. This is a new committee that we feel is critical to the future of CIWA and can provide great benefit to our members by connecting them with young talent. This committee will also assist in partnering with California-based RMI programs to connect and place young talent in the California wholesale community.
Chair
Zach Hernandez
XPT Specialty
(714) 394-1884 | Email
Members
Becky Tucker, XPT Specialty
Briana Ortega, Western World
Devon Borisoff, Monarch E&S
Jonathan Maloney, Talage Insurance
Kenny Ogden, IFG Companies
Max Plummer, MUSIC
Matt Abram, Risk Placement Services
Mike Donahue, MJ Hall & Company
Morgan Baitz, Ck Specialty
Nolan Reilly, Vela Insurance Services
Patrick Riddell, Nationwide
Spencer Borisoff, Monarch E&S
Membership
Mission: To advocate for membership of the California Wholesalers Insurance Association. Main responsibilities include creating and researching new ways to bring value to existing members as well as ways to bring new members into CIWA.
Key areas of focus
To not only seek new membership, but stay in tune and anticipate what existing members need. Additionally, the Membership Committee will work with the communications committee to market and communicate about CIWA’s two annual events and grow our attendance with potential and existing members.
Chair
Michael Louderback, CPCU, RPLU
2nd Vice President
Sales and Marketing
USLI – A Berkshire Hathaway Company
(949) 860-3160
Members
David Klayman, Seneca Insurance Company
Emil Moskowitz, Cal Inspection
Garett Kaneko, Amwins
John Mundelius, Union General
Mark Kaufman, XPT Specialty
Caleb Whitehouse, Novatae Risk Group
Communications
Mission: To keep wholesale insurance professionals aware of CIWA, its mission, vision and goals.
Key areas of focus
To communicate the benefits of CIWA and keep our members up-to-date on topics and legislation impacting our industry. Further, the communications committee will raise awareness and promote CIWA events, training, and educational opportunities through multiple channels.
Chair
Sarah Sloan
Atlas General Insurance
(858) 724-5103 | Email
Members
Grainne Bohan, UFG
Temyka Luckett, Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company
Tanisha Keel, Vela Insurance Services
Douglas Weisskopf, Hartford Steam Boiler
Dena Kaplan, Insurance Journal
Events
Mission: To plan and execute educational and enjoyable events that foster growth and networking within the CIWA community.
Key areas of focus
Industry Days and Summer Forum event planning and coordination.
Chair
Kristen Nevins, CDMP
Direct Connection Advertising & Marketing
(800) 445-2150 | Email
Members
Kenny Ogden, IFG Companies
Sarah Sloan, Atlas General Insurance
Yana Connors, Ck Specialty
Yvonne Markel, M.J. Hall & Company
Sarah Bryant, Core Specialty
Patrick Riddell, Nationwide E&S
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.”