FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Dania Beach, FL, March 31, 2026] – RISE is proud to announce the 2026 finalists for the Innovator of the Year award, recognizing individuals that have pioneered transformative solutions, setting new standards for the industry. The finalists for the Innovator of the Year award are: Ashish Savani – Vice President, Product Development […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Dania Beach, FL, March 30, 2026] – RISE is proud to announce the finalists for the LEAD (Leadership in Equity and Diversity) Award, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) within the insurance sector. The finalists for the LEAD Award are: Carlos Herrera – Vice […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Dania Beach, FL, March 27, 2026] – RISE is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Mentor of the Year award, recognizing exceptional leaders in the insurance industry who have dedicated themselves to guiding and nurturing the next generation of talent. The finalists for the Mentor of the Year award are: […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Dania Beach, FL, March 25, 2026] – RISE is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 “35 Under 35” award, a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional rising talent in the insurance industry. The RISE Awards “35 Under 35” celebrates rising stars who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and contributions to their companies, communities, […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dania Beach, FL, November 13, 2025 – RISE is proud to announce the members of the 2026 Strategic Planning Board.
The Strategic Planning Board plays a key role in guiding RISE’s long-term vision—driving initiatives, shaping strategy, and ensuring that the organization continues to meet the evolving needs of the industry’s future leaders. This year’s board brings together a mix of new and returning members who exemplify RISE’s core values of leadership, innovation, mentorship, and inclusion.
Members of the Strategic Planning Board will collaborate closely with RISE leadership and the Advisory Board to share ideas, provide insights, and help drive key initiatives. Together, they’ll transform vision into action—shaping projects that align with RISE’s long-term goals while building leadership skills, strategic thinking, and meaningful connections across the industry.
The individuals selected for this year’s board represent a diverse cross-section of expertise and experience across the insurance industry:
2026 Strategic Planning Board Members:
Alexandra Santo, Claims Consultant, Golden Bear Insurance Company
Amanda Jensen, Head of Marketing and Branding, NARS
Andye Vantol, Underwriting Auditor II, AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Anna Pray Holzapfel, Business Senior Lead Project and Program Manager, Westfield Insurance
Chelsey Boyle, Associate Claims Specialist, Tokio Marine HCC
Cody Pavlat, Manager, Training & Education, AF Group
Cortney Helfrich, CPO, Wilber Group
DJ Gargano, Senior Client Services Manager, CNA
Giselle Palladino, Vice President, Ryan Specialty Underwriting Managers
Jessica Elsass, Assistant Vice President & Manager, Medical Resource Unit, Cincinnati Insurance Company
Kaitlyn Dudzinski, VP – Environmental, Westfield Specialty
Kayla Pigeon, VP MSP Compliance, Sanderson Firm
Lindsay Tanner, Claims Unit Manager, Westfield Insurance
Matt DeBernardi, Director, RLI
Megan Bell, SVP, Marketing, Falvey Insurance Group
Mercedes Peil, Director, Strategy, Selective Insurance
Mykaela Ionta, Senior Middle Market Underwriter, The Hartford
Quron Berry, Litigation Specialist Supervisor, Utica National Insurance Group
Siena Pizzano, Senior Catastrophe Risk Analyst, Sompo
Stephanie Badiola, Excess Casualty Underwriter, Gridiron Insurance Underwriters
The 2026 Strategic Planning Board embodies RISE’s mission to cultivate, connect, and champion emerging leaders in insurance. Together, this team will help chart the course for another year of innovation and impact.
About RISE
RISE is a professional community dedicated to developing the next generation of insurance leaders. Through mentorship, education, networking, and leadership development, RISE empowers professionals to accelerate their careers and helps organizations attract, engage, and retain top talent.
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