PIA Northeast Executive Director Kelly Norris, CAE

How would you describe PIA Northeast’s workplace culture?

PIA is a customer-service driven organization in which every employee works together to achieve our goal—to provide the best possible experience for the members we are privileged to serve.

I always tell new employees that we are corporate, but not cut-throat. We all help each other produce the best possible products and services in the industry.

As the executive director of PIA Northeast, what’s a normal day for you look like?

When you manage five organizations across the Northeast region, no two days are the same. Each board is different in every single way!

The constants in my daily routine at PIA Northeast include, communicating with the leadership of each state and our dedicated staff members who support their initiatives. We have events and projects happening all the time, and it takes our whole team to make them successful. Whether it is legislative and regulatory matters, education, events or our publications—we all work together to make them happen.

You joined PIA in 2012, how has the association changed since then?

Wow, so much has changed—especially since the pandemic. We have really adapted and thrived in a hybrid-work environment, which was never an option prior to 2020.

From a global perspective, I think we are more focused and guided by the four pillars of our value proposition— Information, Education, Legislation and Preservation.

We also have a stronger relationship with our national affiliate, which offers a lot of value to our members.

What’s your favorite thing about working for PIA?

Without a doubt the people. We have the greatest staff members who make coming to work each day a pleasure. Plus, our volunteers are passionate and engaging and help us succeed on every level. I feel very lucky to be surrounded by such talented and dedicated people who inspire me every day.

What projects are PIA Northeast working on now? How will they benefit PIA members?

We are working on some exciting new initiatives, including: an immersive and fully digital new member on-boarding program, which will improve and modernize the initiation for new members of PIA and make it easy to access all the benefits of PIA membership.

We also are working on a new cyber security product that will walk our member agents through a cyber attack scenario, and it will give them a playbook to follow should a cyberattack happen to them.

Why is it important for PIA members to take an active role in their association? How can they get involved in PIA?

That’s a great question because it is so important to get involved! Without exception all the volunteers who I have worked with at PIA have acknowledged that they get so much more out of their membership by participating.

It is so gratifying to work with your peers to solve problems that you are experiencing in your business. With the assistance of our amazing staff, there is no limit to what we can accomplish! To get involved in the association, call me at (800) 424-4244!

Final thoughts?

I have been in the association-management business for more than 30 years and I am consistently amazed by the loyalty and dedication of the volunteers who comprise our boards. They truly believe in the mission and vision of PIA and work tirelessly to keep us current, timeless and relevant. It’s a valuable and effective partnership.

Thank you for your commitment to our association. I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday season. Welcome to 2023, where PIA Northeast will continue to offer the benefits and services that will help professional independent agents thrive in this year and beyond.

What PIA membership means and how it helps you

PIA’s mission is to recognize, meet, and advance the diverse needs of its membership in Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Vermont, and influence the industry by providing the very best education, information, advocacy, and protection possible.

PIA’s vision is to be an innovative industry leader that will use its vast knowledge, resources, and expertise to advance the independent agency system. Here is an overview of your association and how it serves your agency.

The four pillars

To help PIA achieve its mission, it established its four pillars to provide the foundation for its goals:

Pillar No. 1: Information. PIA Northeast is the authoritative source of information relevant to the insurance industry and its members. It is a trusted source in providing factual and relevant information to members, policymakers, and stakeholders in the insurance industry. The Industry Resource Center provides information for member agents whenever they need it, eliminating hours of research by agents and brokers.

Carrier rating change notifications. PIA members can receive alerts on rating and outlook changes to represented carriers. To take advantage of this PIA member benefit, contact the PIA Industry Resource Center. Compliance. It’s difficult to keep up with all the changes in the industry. PIA provides notifications, tools, and training for agents to comply with the regulations and requirements of doing business.

Publications. Award-winning magazines, newsletters, and resources help members stay on top of industry trends. For the latest information, visit www.blog.pia.org.

State-specific information. PIA tracks business and compliance issues in individual states, so agents can access the most relevant information for where they operate.

Pillar No. 2: Education. PIA Northeast helps grow the skills and knowledge of insurance professionals through nationally recognized instructors and designations. PIA develops and delivers relevant education through multiple platforms—including on-site classes, webinars, and class series, as well as complying with all license requirements. See PIA’s education schedule, visit www.pia.org/EDU.

Nationally recognized designation programs (CIC, CISR, CPIA). PIA Northeast works with nationally recognized instructors and industry leaders to provide sought-after designations. The programs are designed to grow the skills and knowledge-base of agents.

Pillar No. 3: Legislation. Advocacy at the state and national levels ensures PIA members’ voices are heard by lawmakers and regulators alike.

Building relationships with legislators. PIA members meet with state and federal lawmakers to build relationships and credibility. They advocate for the independent agency system and for the protection of their clients.

Compliance. PIA works with legislators and state agencies on issues of compliance and regulation—making sure members’ needs are taken into consideration.

Lobbyists and political action committees. Four state lobbyists interact daily with decision makers to advocate on behalf of members. Its non-partisan political action committees support candidates and elected officials who advance the independent agency system.

Pillar No. 4: Preservation. PIA Northeast delivers products and services specifically designed for insurance professionals to protect and grow their businesses.

E&O coverage. PIA works with quality carriers to provide excellent coverage for their business. The association has a 50-year exclusive relationship with Utica National Insurance Group. For a free quote, go to www.pia.org/quote/ errorsandomissions.php. PIA also offers unique umbrella coverage that goes over an agency’s E&O policy.

Cybersecurity. TAG Solutions’ insurance industryspecific cyber program was developed exclusively for PIA members, and it exceeds current regulatory standards. www.pia.org/quote/cyber.php.

Hartford Flood offers PIA members access to flood insurance for their commercial- and personal-lines clients.

PIA Design & Print offers a collaborative design experience tailored for small businesses, insurance agencies and associations. www.pia.org/design&print.

PIA and AVYST provide InsurTech sales and risk management solutions. avyst.com/partnerships/pianortheast.

Young Insurance Professionals. Dedicated to developing tomorrow’s leaders in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. PIA members receive one year of complimentary YIP membership for someone in their agency.

Questions about how your PIA membership serves you? Call (800) 424-4244 or email pia@pia.org.

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CLARE IRVINE, ESQ. Government affairs counsel, PIA Northeast