COMMITTEE OVERVIEW
RISE Committees are at the heart of driving positive change in the insurance industry. By joining, you’ll have the chance to lead impactful initiatives, grow your professional network, and shape the future of the industry.
Committees focus on key RISE initiatives, offering exclusive opportunities to build your leadership skills and create real industry change.
Applications for the 2026 committees will open in November. Stay tuned for more information and get ready to make an impact!
NEW! Student Committee
The RISE Student Committee is dedicated to reshaping the future of the insurance industry by connecting students with opportunities, resources, and professionals in the field. We work closely with educational institutions, student organizations, and passionate individuals to create a dynamic network that fosters learning and growth.
Through unique networking events, collaborative projects, and hands-on experiences, we help students explore the vast opportunities within the insurance industry. We also provide professionals with the chance to mentor and guide the next generation, ensuring a continuous flow of fresh talent and new ideas.
Our committee is committed to building meaningful connections that support students in their journey to become tomorrow’s leaders in insurance.
Our committee meets once a month. Check out the event calendar for upcoming events and committee meeting dates.
Meet the Leadership
Emily Antinucci
Co-Chair
Property Claims Supervisor at Custard Insurance Adjusters/Riverwood TPA
Patty Walker
Co-Chair
VP, Claims at Tower Hill Insurance Group
Chelsey Boyle
Strategic Planning Board Sponsor
Associate Claims Specialist at Tokio Marine HCC
DEI Committee
The purpose of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee is to promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in RISE and the insurance industry, bring resources to our members, and to connect like-minded professionals. This committee launched Insurance Cares, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, to provide equal access to insurance education through scholarships and free educational resources. They also host a broad range of speakers, are building RISE’s connections with HBCUs to promote insurance to the next generation, and actively look to elevate insurance professionals by spotlighting a different group each month.
Our committee meets once a month. Check out the event calendar for upcoming events and committee meeting dates.
Meet the Leadership
Nic Gaither
Co-Chair
Nic Gaither is the Unit Manager in the Claims Department for Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company. Nic was the inaugural LEAD (Leadership in Equity and Diversity) Award in 2023.
Jackie Merkle
Co-Chair
Jackie Merkle is a Senior Talent & Training Specialist at Grange Insurance. Jackie was a LEAD (Leadership in Equity and Diversity) Award Finalist in 2024.
Quron Berry
Strategic Planning Board Sponsor
General Liability Claims Supervisor at Utica National Insurance Group
Innovation Committee
The RISE Innovation Committee discusses and teaches innovative thinking as well as brings innovation and creativity to RISE itself. This group regularly researches and discusses the impact of insurtechs on internal and customer service processes. They host the Insurtech webinar series, interviews and share innovation news on a weekly basis.
Our committee meets once a month. Check out the event calendar for upcoming events and committee meeting dates.
Meet the Leadership
Stephen Goldstein
Co-Chair
Stephen brings over 18 years of insurance industry in senior level carrier/reinsurer roles across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Currently at the helm of TETRA G, Stephen specializes in go-to-market and management strategy for carriers, reinsurers, and insurtechs. Stephen also serves strategic advisor to multiple insurtech startups, including ProNavigator and Leopard. His deep understanding of the industry coupled with his global perspective enables him to provide innovative and effective solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client. Stephen is also a licensed L&H and P&C agent.
Kerry Macca
Co-Chair
Kerry has over three decades of Property and Casualty insurance and enterprise software sales experience. With a proven track record in tackling complex industry challenges Kerry has led digital advancement across the entire industry from underwriting to claims. She has earned acclaim for her adeptness in driving growth through business strategy and customizing sales strategies across diverse landscapes, including startups, solution providers, and carriers. Throughout her career, Kerry has excelled in spearheading dynamic teams and elevating revenue streams across sectors ranging from enterprise SaaS technology, Data and Analytics, and digital transformation.
Ryann Foelker
Strategic Planning Board Sponsor
Ryann is Strategy Design Director at American Family Insurance. Ryann was the inaugural Innovator of the Year Award recipient in 2024.
Education Committee
The purpose of the education committee is to design, source, and inspire the educational content available to RISE members. This includes CE & CLE accreditation, webinars, eLearning, videos, and our annual Leadership Summit.
Our committee meets once a month. Check out the event calendar for upcoming events and committee meeting dates.
Meet the Leadership
Courtney Helfrich
Co-Chair
Chief Personnel Officer at Wilber Group
Petyah Triche
Co-Chair
Assistant Risk Manager for City of Sunrise
Kaitlyn Dudzinski
Strategic Planning Board Sponsor
Vice President – Environmental at Westfield Specialty
