
Our Approach
The RISE Vision
Our vision is to create a platform where young insurance professionals are recognized for their accomplishments in the industry, can learn about new industry technologies and practices and are encouraged to engage with industry mentors and peers. Our purpose is to educate the younger generations on the benefits of joining the insurance industry and to help bridge the talent gap by creating a space for young professionals to network, learn and grow.
Our Story
At almost every conference or event in the last couple years, Chief Claim Officers and CEOs have been talking about the talent gap and the need to attract and retain good talent in the insurance industry. For a while we've known that Baby-Boomers are retiring at an increasing number and Generation X is not large enough to fill all the positions, and the next generation of Millennials need to be raised up to fill the gap being left behind. Companies need a knowledge transfer strategy.
Most young or new employees, even at management level, do not get the opportunity to attend conferences and interact with professionals outside their company who have already proven themselves. Many executives have shared concern about the next generation's ability to think and act professionally. Very few organizations have young professional groups, and the few that exist don't have an industry-wide presence. If you were lucky enough to know in college you would be working in insurance, you may have those groups available, but what about the rest of us who are here "by accident"?
Hence, R.I.S.E. was born.
Involvement in industry events and seeing first hand the career path that insurance offers creates engagement. That's why we're gathering the brightest rising stars and collaborating with existing organizations to funnel new talent into the industry, educate, connect with, and recognize them.
Advisory Board
To be successful, any good idea must be backed by excellent people.
Our Advisory Board is comprised of industry executives who share a passion for diversity and the future success of the insurance industry.

Abel Travis
Vice President
Fundamental Underwriters
AF Group

Darla Finchum
SVP
Farmers Insurance

Mike Prandi
Chief Operating Officer
Westfield Insurance

Catherine Reese
Chief Claims Officer
SageSure

Christopher Greene
SVP, Chief Claims Officer, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
Canal Insurance Company

Becky Hudzik-Presson
Chief Claims Officer
Church Mutual Insurance Company

Melissa Hill
SVP, Head of Specialty Auto
Kemper

Nigel Shepherd
Chief Claims Officer
Kingstone Insurance

David Vanalek
SVP, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer
Richmond Naitonal

Matt McColley
Head of Claims
KW Specialty Insurance Company

Angela Noble
VP, Innovation
EMC Insurance

Dale Sherman
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel
Allstate Insurance

Brian Armstrong
SVP, Specialty Claims
Producers National Corporation

Kenneth Bunn
VP, Claims
Builders Mutual Insurance Company

Shannon Harjer
Claims Consultant
Quincy Mutual Group

Ken Kerby
VP, SIU and Claims Audit
The Cincinnati Insurance Companies

Charmaine Rice
VP- Global Learning, Development & Diversity
AmTrust

Jose De La Cruz
HR Lead and Director
Travelers Insurance

Scott Ottenheimer
VP - Claims Global Vendor Management and Business Process Outsourcing
Chubb

Daniel Colon
CAO
United Automobile Insurance Company
Leadership Team

Amy Cooper
Founder & CEO

Katerina Garavito
President
RISE Ambassadors
Alicia Silver Santocki
Partner
Freeman Mathis & Gary
Sara Govero
Director of Client Relations
Cosmich Simmons & Brown
Brian Pozzi
VP, Office of General Counsel & Corporate Claims Officer
The Auto Club Group
Chelsea Buzer
Head of Recruitment
Insure National Staffing
Michael Saltman
Chief Revenue Officer
Resolute Systems
Jim Abbott
President/CEO
JMA Global
Michael LaFond
Director of Claims Litigation
Pekin Insurance
Caryn Siebert
Vice President - Carrier Practice
Gallagher Bassett
Rich Dowd
Consultant
Richard Dowd
Jon Broder
CEO
VortexLegal
Bryan Falchuk
Founder and Managing Partner
Insurance Evolution Partners
Get Involved
Interested in joining as a member or mentor? Find out more about membership
Antitrust Statement
As members of Rising Insurance Star Executives (RISE) or as participants in our meetings and events, we need to be mindful of the constraints of the antitrust laws. There shall be no discussions of agreements or concerted actions that may restrain competition. This prohibition includes any competitive aspect of an individual company's operation. Each member or participant is obligated to speak up immediately for the purpose of preventing any discussion falling outside the legal bounds.