
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
VP, Underwriting and Innovation
AF - Group

Laura Johnson
VP, Underwriting and Product Development
Olympus Insurance Company

Alan Bryan
Senior Associate General Counsel
Walmart

Ken Kerby
Manager Special Investigations Unit and Claims Audit
The Cincinnati Insurance Companies

Daniel Colon
Vice President of Oversight
United Automobile Insurance Company

Dale Sherman
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel
Allstate Insurance

John Sargent
Director, Special Investigation Unit
MetLife Auto & Home

Matt McColley
VP, Chief Claims Officer
Berkley Human Services

Margaret Sherlock
VP, Regional Director, Staff Counsel
Selective Insurance

Scott Ottenheimer
VP - Head of Procurement
QBE North America
Leadership Team

Amy Cooper
Founder

Chelsea Midlarsky
Co-Chair, Director of Career Listings

Katerina Garavito
Co-Chair, Director of Communications
RISE Ambassadors
Jim Abbot
AVP
Provencher & Company
Sara Govero
Director of Client Relations
Cosmich Simmons & Brown
Michael Saltman
Chief Revenue Officer
Resolute Systems
Rich Dowd
Regional Vice President - Claims
Atlas Financial Holdings
Michael LaFond
Director of Claims Litigation
Pekin Insurance
Caryn Siebert
Vice President - Carrier Practice
Gallagher Bassett
Jon Broder
CEO
VortexLegal
Brian Falchuck
Head of Customer
Hi Marley
Get Involved
Interested in joining as a member or mentor? Find out more about membership
2019 RISE Awards
The official list of 2019 RISE Award Recipients is announced July 31st! Get your copy of the awards publication featuring the winners and articles by top industry executives.
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.