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INTERVIEW WITH BETSY TRIBENDIS
Betsy Tribendis, AAI, CIC, CPIW is president and owner of Walters Associates Inc., an IA&B member agency, and she is a long-time instructor for IA&B. Here she reflects on pivotal moments in her career and her pride in helping students entering the industry.
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE
Meet seven remarkable IA&B members, recognized for contributions to their agency, community, and the independent agency channel.
WE’VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY
This edition of Primary Agent celebrates women in insurance. And they’re definitely worth celebrating because where would we be without them? Literally!
Today, women represent almost 47% of the workforce. More than 39% work in occupations where women account for at least three-quarters of the staff. I would wager that the majority of servicing staff in your agency are women. Hopefully at least half of your agency’s leadership roles are filled by women, too (although the statistics show this is less likely).
Our industry’s hiring and talent shortages are challenging enough. Can you imagine a world where women didn’t contribute to the labor force, and to your organization?
It’s actually not that hard to picture. In my parent’s lifetime, a woman couldn’t get credit cards or a loan in her name without a man co-signing. A generation before that, it was almost unheard of to see a woman in college. In fact, women only have had the right to vote for 105 years, and it took Congress passing the 19th Amendment to the Constitution to make it possible.
We’ve come a long way, baby, but let’s not take it for granted.
At IA&B, we’re certainly not taking women or their contributions for granted. We’re highlighting some of our industry’s best at our third annual (sold out!) Women’s Conference on March 25 and in this magazine. Read the featured interview with Betsy Tribendis, an agency owner who has played a critical role in bringing new talent into the industry through insurance education. You’ll also find inspiration from seven additional IA&B Women of Influence honorees, who share their accomplishments and advice.
I am proud of IA&B’s efforts to support and celebrate women in insurance, and I look forward to witnessing women’s continued, positive impact on our industry.
Until next time,
Sarah Brown, CIC, CRM, AFIS Chair of the Board
INSURANCE AGENTS & BROKERS
650 Wilson Lane, Suite 200 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
191 Main Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 800-998-9644 | IABforME.com
IA&B BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Sarah Brown, CIC, CRM, AFIS - Chair
Keller Brown Insurance Services | Shrewsbury, PA
Andrew Enders, Esq. - Vice Chair Enders | Harrisburg, PA
MEMBERS
Greg Bennett Famous & Spang Associates Aberdeen, MD
Kate Dawson, CPIA Ferri Dawson Insurance Murrysville, PA
Michael Gaetano
The Hartman Group Montoursville, PA
Bruce D. Kraft, AAI, CIC Arbor Insurance Group Allentown, PA
Debra McAfee McAfee Insurance Agency, LLC Wilmington, DE
Michael McGroarty, Jr., CIC McGroarty & Bradburn Insurance Pittsburgh, PA
Shayne McIntosh, CIC JPI Insurance Associates Dillsburg, PA
Chris Miller, CIC
Miller Insurance Protection Team Jonestown, PA
Michael Papa, CIC, MBA Diversified Insurance Industries, Inc. Hunt Valley, MD
Lisa Parry, CPIA Parry Insurance Langhorne, PA
Bill Purdy Purdy Insurance Agency, Inc. Sunbury, PA
Kent Reynolds, CIC Blue Ridge Risk Partners LLC Hagerstown, MD
David Rivell, CIC, CRM Element Risk Management West Chester, PA
Jason Rodriguez, CIC Prominent Insurance Svcs Wilmington, DE
Donna Roper E K McConkey & Company York, PA
Ashley Stafford, CPIA Williams Insurance Agency, Inc. Rehoboth Beach, DE
Michael Thomas Lighthouse Insurance Svcs Gambrills, MD
NATIONAL DIRECTORS
Mike Ertel (PIA)
The Jacobs Company | Columbia, MD
Diana Hornung, CIC (IIABA)
IOA National, Inc. | Wilmington, DE
Mark Monroe (IIABA)
Element Risk Management | West Chester, PA
QUESTION: ANSWER:
Are you a member with a question?
CLAIRE-IFICATION
IA&B Vice President - Advocacy Claire Pantaloni, CIC, CISR
Contact Claire to find the answer at 717-918-9202 or ClaireP@IABforME.com.
Our agency’s phone system can record phone conversations. There is a message for incoming calls that the conversation may be recorded. Is there a requirement for outgoing calls also?
Recording phone calls in agencies has become mainstream, and the recordings can be useful in an E&O defense. However, certain conditions apply when recording calls, and many agencies only address half of them. Let’s consider those requirements:
Notification: Do you need to tell your customers that the conversation may be recorded?
For our three states (i.e. Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware), the answer is “yes.” This is because all three states are “twoparty consent” states1, which means that both parties to the conversation must be informed that it is being recorded. If your agency records conversations, then when a person calls your agency, that person must be informed that the conversation will be recorded. You can do so by simply having a message in your automated attendance line stating that “the call may be recorded for quality assurance purposes,” or something to that effect. If the call is answered by a live person, the message should be given then.
Consent: Once they are notified, do you need to request explicit consent before recording the conversation?
No, not really. In our three states, consent can be implied by the person’s actions. In other words, when you initially notify individuals that the conversation may be recorded and they decide to stay on the line, the law considers that the individuals have consented to the recording.
What about outbound calls?
The duty to notify individuals that the call is recorded applies to all calls, not just inbound ones. While it may seem awkward to start an outbound call with the fact that the conversation is recorded, it is actually the way to comply with the requirement. Note that it can be done in a discreet and unintrusive way by simply making it part of the introduction. For example, “This is John Doe with the ABC Agency calling on a recorded line.” I will add that of the hundreds of calls I receive, only once did a member
start the conversation that way. I’m sure many of the agencies recorded the call as a matter of course. Food for thought!
1 The majority of states are actually “one-party consent,” which means that as long as one of the parties taking part in the conversation knows that the conversation is being taped, the recording is permitted.
This document is not a legal opinion and should not be relied upon as such. The intent of this document is to provide a general background regarding the topic or topics discussed, not to provide legal advice. Producers and agencies should consult an attorney regarding specific situations and specific questions with respect to the topic or topics covered in this document. Neither the Insurance Agents & Brokers nor any of its employees shall be responsible for any errors or omissions regarding any statements made in this document, nor any errors or omissions regarding any statutes, regulations, court rules, and/or any other government documents cited in this document.
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CLAIMS MADE POLICIES – AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3
By Cathy Trischan
Most liability coverage is written on an occurrence form basis. In the majority of Commercial General Liability policies, for example, the policy in effect when the bodily injury or property damage occurs responds to the claim. When the claim against the insured is made does not determine whether coverage applies. Claims Made policies are different though, and while this form of coverage can create confusion for insurance professionals and their clients, it can be as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Determining whether coverage under a Claims Made policy is triggered involves three simple steps. Before we get to the steps,
though, it is important to understand two concepts: retroactive date and extended reporting period (ERP). We’ll use Employment Practices Liability coverage as an example.
▲ For a claim to be covered, the wrongful employment act must occur on or after the retroactive date. The retroactive date is normally the effective date of the first policy written, and it is important that the retroactive date be maintained on any renewal or replacement policy. Some policies are written without a retroactive date; we say those policies provide “full prior acts” coverage.
▲ An ERP extends the time during which claims can be made. An
ERP is often referred to as a “tail.” Many policies include a short, automatic ERP (e.g., 30-60 days). A longer ERP can be purchased within a short time after policy expiration (e.g., 30-60 days). Policies typically include options for the purchase of ERPs of various lengths, with premium expressed as a percentage of the annual premium. This longer ERP applies to claims first made against the insured during the ERP. It does not provide coverage though, for acts that happen during the ERP. Examples of situations where a longer ERP is needed include:
• Coverage is cancelled or non-renewed.
• A retroactive date is advanced on renewal.
• Claims made coverage is replaced with occurrence form coverage.
Now, steps 1, 2, 3!
Step 1. Was the claim first made against the insured during the policy period or during any applicable ERP? If no, coverage does not apply. If yes, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2. Did the covered act take place on or after the retroactive date? If no, coverage does not apply. If yes, proceed to Step 3.
Step 3. Did the covered act take place before the expiration date of the policy? If no, coverage does not apply. If yes, the Claims Made policy has been triggered.
Keep in mind that triggering coverage doesn’t necessarily mean the claim is covered. Policy coverage must still apply to the claim presented, and all conditions must be complied with. Many Claims Made policies, for example, require that the claim first be made against the insured and reported to the insurer during the policy period. Policies with that requirement are called Claims Made and Reported policies.
Let’s use an example to illustrate the steps.
The named insured fires an employee on 6/1/2023. A claim for wrongful termination is first made against the insured on 6/1/2024, and the insured immediately reports it to the insurer.
Claims Made Employment Practices Liability policies as follows were in place:
▲ Policy A – Effective 1/1/23-24 –retroactive date of 1/1/23
▲ Policy B – Effective 1/1/24-25 –retroactive date of 1/1/23
▲ Policy B was not renewed, and no ERP was purchased.
Which policy, if any, would respond to the claim?
Step 1 – The claim was first made against the insured on 6/1/2024, during the term of Policy B. Proceed to step 2.
Step 2 – The termination took place on 6/1/2023, which is after the 1/1/23 retroactive date of policy B. Proceed to step 3.
Step 3 – The termination took place on 6/1/2023, which is before the 1/1/25 expiration date of policy B.
As long as coverage under Policy B applies to the claim and all conditions have been complied with, Policy B covers the claim!
Let’s consider a few other scenarios using the example above.
▲ What if the termination happened on 6/1/2022? Even though the claim was first made against the insured during the term of Policy B, coverage does not apply. The termination happened prior to the 1/1/23 retroactive date.
▲ What if the claim was first made against the insured on 12/1/25? There is no coverage because the claim was not first made against the insured during any of the policy terms. Had an ERP been purchased after Policy B expired, coverage under Policy B would have been triggered.
Understanding how Claims Made policies work and explaining this to a client can be easy if you follow 1, 2, 3!
Til next time!
Cathy Trischan, CPCU, CRM, CIC, ARM, AU, AAI, CRIS, MLIS, TRIP is IA&B’s commercial lines education consultant. She works with our CIC and CISR programs, as well as our live CE webinars. Catch her at one of our upcoming courses: IABforME.com/education
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LIVE CE WEBINAR
Learn more from author Cathy Trischan, who teaches this upcoming live webinar.
I PAY WHAT? HOW COMMERCIAL POLICY DEDUCTIBLES WORK
MAR 20 2 - 3 PM
CE PA/DE: 1 GEN MD: 1 PC
IA&B Members: $25 (save $30!) Non-Members: $55
Register today.
IABforME.com 800-998-9644, option 1
RECORDED WEBINAR: INSURING CAREERS
CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Do you have a new employee who is just starting in the industry and needs licensed? Let IA&B help you develop and prepare them for the licensing exam and more through the Insuring Careers Certification Program (ICCP) – the perfect program for newcomers to the insurance industry.
Learn how your agency can benefit from the ICCP from our recorded introductory webinar, presented by IA&B VP-Membership Tim Wonder, Education Senior Director Jessica McWilliams, and Director of Career Services Heather Ulrich. The webinar also features IA&B Education Consultant Cathy Trischan who designed the ICCP curriculum.
Watch the recording and learn more about ICCP.
IABforME.online/insuringcareers-agencies
MARYLAND COASTAL MOBILE
HOME COVERAGE
The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) last October held a hearing on the decreasing availability of Coastal Mobile Home insurance, in which IA&B and a number of members participated.
As a result, the MIA recently issued a report which states that the Maryland Joint Insurance Association (MDJIA) amended its program rules, making more properties eligible for coverage. Specifically, the eligibility requirement that a structure located within the city limits of Ocean City be built in substantial compliance with the Southern Standard Building Code has been removed.
While it will not solve all current issues for owners of mobile-homes, this amendment may provide relief to a few, while other risk mitigation measures are being investigated to try to further expand eligibility.
PENNSYLVANIA ACCIDENT
SURCHARGE CAP TO INCREASE
Questions about ICCP? Contact IA&B Career Services Director Heather Ulrich, 800-998-9644 ext. 407 or HeatherU@IABforME.com.
Effective July 1, 2025, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department will increase the accident surcharge dollar threshold to $2,250. Auto insurers cannot penalize policyholders whose aggregate claim cost over a three-year period does not exceed the cap.
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR FLOOD INSURANCE REFERRALS
Ensure that consumers interested in flood insurance know that your agency can assist them. FEMA recently unveiled a new National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) direct-to-consumer quoting tool. The initiative is part of recent efforts to increase take-up rates of flood policies.
After completing an online quote using the new tool, consumers will be sent to a referral list of independent agencies to complete their purchase. (Consumers cannot use the tool to purchase flood insurance without going through an independent agent.)
To appear in the referral list, agencies must sign up: pivot.fema.gov/pivot/ web-portal/#/agency-registry/ registration/terms
CHANGE IN CERTAIN COASTAL PROPERTIES’ ELIGIBILITY FOR NFIP
If you have or could have clients with coastal properties, take note of the Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm Act (BEACH Act). Late last year, the BEACH Act was enacted to reauthorize the Coastal Barrier Resources Act and modernize its maps. In the process, a number of properties that were previously ineligible are becoming eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
▲ Some properties are added to the Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) but are becoming eligible if the structures are built prior to Nov. 25, 2025. Beyond that date, they will no longer be eligible for the NFIP.
▲ Some properties are removed from the CBRS altogether and becoming eligible for the NFIP as well.
Maryland and Delaware are among the states impacted by this change. A tool is available to identify whether specific properties are within or outside of the CBRS by using the BEACH Act Viewer and the CBRS Validation Tool in particular.
To access these tools and learn more, visit IABforME.com and search “BEACH Act.”
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Q& A with BETSY TRIBENDIS,
AAI, CIC
Betsy Tribendis, AAI, CIC, CPIW is president and owner of Walters Associates Inc., an IA&B member agency located in Forty Fort, PA. She is also a long-time instructor for IA&B and mentor to professionals entering the independent insurance industry.
Q. Tell us how you got your start in the insurance industry and how your career progressed.
A. Growing up, my father owned an insurance agency; however, that was not the career path I had envisioned for myself…. I was enrolled in college with a major in professional photography. I got sick and had to withdraw for the semester. The classes were sequential, so I couldn’t return to school for a full year. During that time, my dad asked me to help him out temporarily at his insurance agency. I never left…. Here I am over 50 years later!
In the beginning I mainly did filing and other clerical duties. I thought, if I’m going to be here for months before returning to school, I should learn more about the business. I went to a three-week insurance school offered by one of our carriers. By the time the class was done, I knew I wanted to stay in insurance. I ended up doing pretty much everything in the agency from bookkeeping to service and sales. As time progressed, I became a part owner, and now I’m the sole owner of the agency.
Q. Looking back on your career, what professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of and why?
A. Earning my designations in the early 1980s really stands out to me as one of my biggest accomplishments, as my abilities at the time were underestimated by my competitors.
I remember presenting a proposal to a prospective insured. I had quoted this account with a very innovative carrier that included coverages in their package policy that no one else was doing at that time. The prospect liked the proposal and told his agent that he was going to be placing his coverage with me. His agent asked to review the quote. When he looked at my proposal, he stated I was wrong for including certain coverages and proceeded to tell him, “Betsy is a nice girl, but I don’t know how much she knows about insurance.” Honestly, that comment is what spurred me to earn my designations and earn them in a pretty
quick fashion. My underwriter confirmed in writing that my proposal was accurate, which I showed to the client, and I wrote the account.
Around that time, our local Independent Insurance Agents Association started offering courses for a new designation, Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI). The instructor for those courses was the agent who made the comment to my client. I made sure that I received an “excellent” on my exams. The following year I completed my CIC designation and passed all five exams on my first attempt. I believe that earning these designations helped prove I was an insurance professional.
Another moment that stands out for me was when I was elected as the first woman president of our local Independent Insurance Agents Association of Wyoming Valley. Up until that time, the only position a woman had ever held was secretary. I was honored to have been elected president by my mainly male colleagues. This was a time when our local association was very active and had more than 30 member agencies.
Q. What prompted you to begin teaching insurance courses?
A. From the beginning of my insurance career, I had an interest in insurance education and thought about becoming an instructor. I was on the education committee for the Independent Insurance Agents of Pennsylvania [a precursor to IA&B], which provided education classes for the insurance industry at that time. I knew an E&O instructor who indicated that he was going to retire. I wanted to fill that role, so I took several trainthe-trainer classes and became an approved instructor for the association’s E&O program. That started my teaching career.
Featured Woman of Influence
I love being the one to help start new people in their insurance career. I try very hard to show them my passion and love for the business. I take pride in the fact that I may have played a small part in helping young insurance professionals launch their career.
Q. You’ve been an instructor for many years, so you must have some interesting stories! What’s the funniest – or most memorable – thing (that you can share!) that happened while you were teaching?
A. My most memorable class would be “the fire class” that took place in April 2024. We completed day one of our three-day class, and that night at around 2 AM the fire alarm went off in the hotel where most of the class was staying. Someone was running through the hall yelling, “This is not a drill. You need to evacuate now!” So we evacuated. Some came out in pajamas, some in shorts, others were shoeless.
As I walked around to the front of the hotel, I saw flames shooting out of a third-floor window. More fire engines showed up than I’ve seen in parades! At that point, I figured we were not going to be able to get back into the building anytime soon. I called Jess McWilliams from IA&B and told her our situation. We met up at the hotel across the street and decided that the class would have to be postponed until the following week.
The following week after the first day of class, Jess and I went out for dinner. When she brought me back to the hotel, there were fire engines at the new hotel. Everyone had been evacuated and was outside once again! This time the fire alarm was triggered by an overheated dryer. Thankfully, we were allowed back in the hotel within 45 minutes. To have two evacuations in two separate hotels for the same class was just CRAZY!
Continued on page 11
Continued from page 9
Q. As an agency owner and insurance educator, you have a unique perspective on our industry. What do you consider the biggest opportunity and threat facing the independent agency system?
A. I believe there’s an increasing demand for personalized service. The major players in the industry are using onesize-fits-all mass marketing and impersonal automation to attract customers. Pricing is all they talk about. I think there is huge opportunity for those agents who are positioned to provide personalized service.
This service starts with establishing relationships with our clients. From there we can provide customized insurance solutions. To provide personalized service, we also have to embrace technology. By doing so, agents can work more efficiently, be faster, and find better solutions for their clients. However, we must maintain that human contact.
It’s essential in making the client feel valued. This is what differentiates the independent agency and promotes customer loyalty.
People today are always seeking instant gratification. One of the industry’s biggest threats plays right into this trend. There has been a marked increase in direct-toconsumer insurance providers. These companies often offer lower prices, streamlined online experiences, and policy purchase in one short, online session. We are seeing more clients taking this approach and moving away from independent agencies. In that online purchase, what they are missing is our expertise and guidance in seeing that they get the proper coverage for their individual situation. That brings us back to one of our biggest opportunities – personalized service! We need to make sure our clients understand the benefits of working with an independent agent and show how valuable our advice and services are.
Q. What advice do you have for young people – in particular, young women – who are beginning their career as an independent agent?
Progressive would like to congratulate Woman of Influence Betsy Walters Tribendis,
A. Start your insurance education early. The best agents are the most informed ones. Take the time to understand what you are really selling. Read the policy and understand it! This will build your confidence, as you need to believe in yourself.
Try to find a mentor. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Establish relationships with your underwriters. If you put the work in, success will follow.
Q. When you’re not working, how do you enjoy spending your time?
A. I really enjoy spending time with my family and going to sporting events, especially those of my grandkids. I love having dinner with friends, quiet time reading on the porch, and watching a good movie with my husband, Mike, and dog, Dozer, sitting by my side.
PLATINUM PARTNER PROFILE
Insurance Agents & Brokers (IA&B) proudly recognizes Plymouth Rock as one of its Platinum Partners. IA&B Platinum Partners dedicate the highest level of sponsorship to our organization.
OPERATING TERRITORY
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire.
FINANCIAL STRENGTH
$2.3 Billion in written and managed premium
A- (“Excellent”) rating by A.M. Best Company
HISTORY & MISSION
Since 1983, Plymouth Rock® has operated on a simple promise: our agents and customers can expect the assurance of good people. For policyholders, that means always having someone to talk to — to help answer questions and get life back to normal. For agents, that means a partner committed to working alongside you and your staff so that we can grow together towards the same goals.
HELPING OUR AGENTS GROW
With customized sales and marketing tools built for you, Plymouth Rock is committed to helping you achieve profitable growth in your business. You’ll have access to senior leadership, plus a dedicated team with regional expertise. And our competitive compensation plan will reward your success along the way.
A Leading Personal Lines Writer in the Northeast
Plymouth Rock is committed to providing our agents and customers with superior service, innovative products, unique benefits and competitive pricing. As a leading personal lines writer in the Northeast, Plymouth Rock wants to be your preferred full package writer in Pennsylvania.
• Personal Auto – a variety of coverages and discounts, a simple quoting process, and a service team you can count on.
• Home, Condo & Renters – quote in seconds and bind in minutes with our industry-leading @Home product, offering innovative coverages that today’s homeowners seek out.
• Umbrella – simple cross-sell from an auto or home quote.
• Motorcycle – backed by 50 years of experience with our acquisition of Rider Insurance, our coverage is built for the riding community.
Ease of Doing Business
Our investment in technology and digital innovation ensure fast and easy quoting for our agents.
Thanks to these partners for supporting the independent agent network.
Exceptional Service
Our commitment to service is focused on doing business the way our policyholders prefer – directly with our agents, over the phone with a licensed service representative, online using our enhanced eService platform, and now, via text message with a live customer solutions team member able to handle policy questions in real-time.
Claims Made Easy
Our reliable Claims service puts drivers back on the road quickly and without hassle. Offerings include:
• Text Message Capability – policyholders can text with a Claims team member to make communication quick and easy.
• Our Crashbusters® mobile claims service comes right to your customers to assess damage – and often writes a check on the spot.
• With the CarPics® photo appraisal tool policyholders can send us photos of their vehicle right from their phone.
Learn More
For more information about Plymouth Rock or to inquire about appointment opportunities in Pennsylvania, send an email to MarketingServices@plymouthrock.com.
DISCLAIMER: Plymouth Rock® and Plymouth Rock Assurance® are brand names and service marks used by separate underwriting, managed insurance, and management companies that offer property and casualty insurance in multiple states pursuant to licensing arrangements. Each underwriting and managed insurance company is a separate legal entity that is financially responsible only for its own insurance products.
PLATINUM PARTNERS
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Keystone
Millers Mutual Insurance
NJM Insurance Group
Penn National Insurance
Plymouth Rock Assurance
Progressive GOLD PARTNERS
Chesapeake Employers Insurance
Chubb
EMC Insurance Companies
Farmers of Salem
Liberty Mutual Small Commercial / State Auto / Safeco
MMG Insurance
Nationwide Insurance Company
POM Insurance Company
SECURA Insurance
Selective Insurance
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of Influence
Women have made valuable contributions to the independent agency system for generations. Their roles have evolved over the years, with women now represented in positions of service, sales, and – with growing equality – leadership.
In this issue of Primary Agent, we acknowledge women for the positive impact they make on those around them. On the following pages, we highlight seven remarkable IA&B members – the 2025 Women of Influence – for contributions to their agency, community, and the independent agency channel.
Meet the 2025 Women of Influence beginning on page 21.
Women of Influence
Laura Bren, CIC, ASLI
Job title: President
Agency: Deeley Insurance Group
Location: Willards, MD
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
My proudest accomplishment is our agency in this moment. Seeing the team of professionals we’ve assembled and their unwavering commitment to make a positive impact for our clients, our community, and each other. That makes me pause and say, “I think we’ve got it.” We’re creating a destination workplace, our culture is vibrant and authentic, and when you work with us – as a client or employee – you feel the difference.
What words of wisdom would you offer young women just beginning their insurance careers?
Earn your seat. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, hold you accountable, call you out when you are wrong and celebrate you when you get it right.
Be for each other. When your team wins, you win. Be generous with your support and encouragement.
Stay curious. Ask why and why not. Even when things are awesome, your insight can help make them better.
Maureen R. Cody, AAI, CISR
Job title: Account Executive/Vice President of New Account Executive Development
Agency: Avery W Hall Insurance
Location: Salisbury, MD
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
My 37 years in the industry have allowed me the opportunity to work in various roles within my agency. I’ve met many people, assisted clients in different industries, as well as mentored and trained incoming employees. The strong relationships I built and nurtured with clients and fellow agents helped to aid in business retention and cultivate the caring, knowledgeable staff at Avery Hall. Watching the growth of our team and our clients’ peace of mind has been a point of pride in my career.
What words of wisdom would you offer young women just beginning their insurance careers?
Insurance is an exciting, ever-changing industry and can be very rewarding. Build strong relationships, network, and seek a mentor. Don’t let the intimidation of being a woman prevent you from becoming a leader in the industry; instead, use your voice, skills, and perspective to make a difference in the lives of others.
Women of Influence
Ashlea Harhigh
Ashlea Harhigh, CPCU, CIC, CISR
Job title: Account Executive
Agency: EPIC Insurance
Brokers & Consultants
Location: Camp Hill, PA
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
My biggest accomplishment has been learning and growing in each of the commercial service roles that I’ve filled. I started fresh out of college sorting mail at an agency and have worked as a commercial account assistant, commercial account administrator, and now an account executive working directly with clients. Each role has been key to my development and helps me serve my clients in the best way possible now.
What words of wisdom would you offer young women just beginning their insurance careers?
My advice would be to lean in and add value where you can. You may not be the smartest insurance mind in the room, but you can provide a fresh set of eyes on processes and procedures that may not have been reviewed in a long time. The fresh eyes are your superpower – use them, and don’t ever be afraid to speak up.
Jenna Kolb
Job title: Executive Director of Commercial Operations
Agency: Liberty Insurance Agency
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
With nearly 22 years in the industry, I take great pride in the progression of my career, which began as a file clerk and has evolved into managing a large team and overseeing commercial operations in close collaboration with our president. I am deeply grateful for the invaluable connections I’ve made, the mentorship that has shaped my journey, and the sense of purpose this role and industry continue to provide.
What words of wisdom would you offer young women just beginning their insurance careers?
Embrace your unique perspective and confidently use your voice. Don’t be afraid to claim your seat at the table, share your ideas, advocate for yourself, and contribute boldly to the conversation. The only limits to your success are the ones you place on yourself; never let a perceived ceiling hold back your ambitions. You have the power to shape your own path and create a lasting impact.
Women of Influence
Markell Kunigus, CPCU, AU, AIS
Job title: Vice President / Partner
Agency: The Hartman Group
Location: Montoursville, PA
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Developing a structured new hire training program, intended to transform insurance rookies and experienced insurance professionals into effective members of the Hartman team. The program is a mixture of self-study and on-the-job training with our extraordinary staff, focused on gaining needed insurance, carrier, and agency process knowledge. This program has empowered existing staff to become leaders within the team, while effectively integrating new staff into our organization.
What words of wisdom would you offer young women just beginning their insurance careers?
The first few years of your career should focus on learning, growing, and gaining experience. Embrace the learning curve and trust that each step of the process contributes to your professional development. Allow yourself space to make mistakes, ask questions, and continuously learn from your experiences. Self-assess regularly to track progress and adjust learning based on self-assessment.
Ann Gallen Moll, CIC
Job title: Supervisor
Agency: Gallen Insurance, a McConkey Company
Location: Shillington, PA
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Leading our family-owned independent insurance agency for 40 years has been an incredible journey. I’m most proud of mentoring my team — helping them grow their interpersonal skills, earn insurance designations, and deepen their industry knowledge. Our commitment has always been to serve clients and carriers with honesty and integrity.
What words of wisdom would you offer young women just beginning their insurance careers?
Choose an employer and supervisor who believe in you and are willing to invest in your future through education and mentoring. Use all available opportunities to develop your skillsets and grow as an individual and member of your team. Look for opportunities for advancement and have the confidence to put yourself in a position to be noticed.
Give back to your community through volunteering for your local not-for-profits. If you choose to get involved, you will be rewarded both personally and professionally.
Women of Influence
Patty Walker, CIC
Operations Manager
Williams Insurance Agency Inc.
Rehoboth Beach, DE
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
My continual growth within the agency. I started as a back-up receptionist before moving onto commercial lines service, Large Accounts Senior Account Manager, Commercial Lines VP, commercial sales, and ultimately Operations Manager and Consultant. Amid these changes, I obtained my CISR and CIC designations. Every step of the way has been a testament to the opportunities available within our industry if you work hard, educate yourself, and strive for excellence.
What words of wisdom would you offer young women just beginning their insurance careers?
As women, our nurturing nature can serve us well in this industry where service is so important. I want young women to know that you can have a great career in the insurance industry. There are so many opportunities at the agency and company level. Be willing to learn, become educated, and always keep yourself open to opportunities. Don’t be afraid to fail, and you will be successful!
Women of Influence
EDUCATION SCHEDULE
Mechanicsburg,
VISION
A thriving independent insurance agent community.
MISSION STATEMENT
To serve as a driving force to champion independent agency success by educating, consulting, advocating, and fostering community in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and beyond.
PRIMARY AGENT
Editor: Karen Robison
KarenR@IABforME.com 717-918-9209
Contributing editors: Jennifer Ross, Megan Fioretta, Sarah Haas
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