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
Tim Chaix, R.E. Chaix & Associates Insurance Brokers
Yana Connors, Ck Specialty Insurance Associates
Hank Haldeman, HH Haldeman Consulting
Rupert Hall, Golden Bear Insurance Company
Paul Hanley, CRC Group
Ilana Hessing, RT Specialty
Davis Moore, Amwins Group, Inc.
Tom Pratt, Delos Insurance Solutions
Jimmy Saldana, Bridge Specialty/Arrowhead
Sawyer Welnak, Brown & Riding
Cliston Brown, SLA CA (non-voting)
Holly Weatherford, WSIA (staff leadership)

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.
Caleb Hardee, Markel

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
Jack Else
Nationwide E&S
(480) 365-2331  |  Email

Members
Becky Tucker, Sand Harbor
Devon Borisoff, Monarch E&S
Kenny Ogden, IFG Companies
Max Plummer, MUSIC
Spencer Borisoff, Monarch E&S
Ben Brumm, Penn-America Group

Mission: To create a space that promotes the interests, development, and empowerment of women within the California Insurance Wholesalers Association. We strive to create a supportive environment that fosters networking, mentorship, and professional growth.

Co-Chairs
Yana Connors
Ck Specialty
(800) 411-0083 |  Email

Elizabeth Mertel
Seneca Insurance Company
(818) 963-7361 |  Email

Members
Grainne Bohan, UFG Specialty
Sarah Sloan, Paragon Insurance Holdings
Holly Valiquette, Pacific Inspections
Tiffany McPartland, Amwins

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
David Klayman
Seneca Insurance Company
(213) 787-0744 |  Email

Members
Garett Kaneko,  Amwins
Mark Kaufman, XPT Specialty
Caleb Whitehouse,  Novatae Risk Group
Graham Doran, Palomar
Becky Tucker, Sand Harbor
Andy Doran, Wholesure

Mission: To drive innovation within the property & casualty insurance market by supporting collaboration between Insurtech companies and traditional insurers.

Key areas of focus
The committee aims to help industry professionals navigate the steady stream of new systems & tools, provide educational resources, and advocate for regulatory clarity to ensure a balanced and effective integration of insurtech solutions.

Chair
JP Wiley, mShift Technologies
Amwins
615.580.6157 |  Email

Members
Lisa Dobson, Bridge Specialty
Camila Mencia, Lloyd’s
Vince Rullo, Nationwide
Garett Kaneko, Amwins
Madeline Heintz, InsCipher

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
Aimee Bernadicou
Wholesure
(209) 870-2932  |  Email

Members
Grainne Bohan, UFG
Temyka Luckett, Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company
Douglas Weisskopf, Hartford Steam Boiler
Tiffany McPartland, Amwins
Sarah Sloan, Paragon Insurance Holdings

Mission: To plan and execute educational and enjoyable events that foster growth and networking within the CIWA community.

Key areas of focus
Annual Meeting 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, Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC
Yana Connors, Ck Specialty
Sarah Bryant, Core Specialty
Patrick Riddell, Nationwide E&S
Jeff Case, Bridge Specialty / Hull & Co.