Choose your 2025 award winners
Champion of Positivity & Engagement Finalists
Amanda Aiello
Arrowhead
Amanda is the model for GRIT, positivity and engagement. She shows others that it can be fun to work hard through both example and the way she shows up in meetings. She’s always raising her hand and signing up for new projects, new things to support our team and ways to grow herself. While her plate is ALWAYS full, she shows up with a smile and an attitude that is contagious and makes you also want to do more. Thank you for making work so fun and positive Amanda. You are definitely a Champion of Positivity and Engagement.
Nominated by Paige Larson
Cassidy Rae O’Connell
SRIM
Cassidy is a joy to work with. She started the Canadian Affinity of the Power of She from the ground up. Working with her on it has given me a huge appreciation of her knowledge, talent, creativity and grit. She is always positive and extremely hardworking. Her passion for SRIM and Brown and Brown is evident when you talk to her.
Cassidy is such an amazing leader with an extremely kind and positive approach. She is more than willing to help and uplift others while being a strong link for the entire IM team.
Nominated by Sandi Mae OBrien & Kamylle Gazely
David Pagliaro
Orchid
I am proud to nominate David Pagliaro for the Champion of Positivity and Engagement award. David exemplifies what it means to Be Gritty, BE the Link, and Be a Talent Magnet. No matter the challenge, he stays positive and engaged, lifting the entire team with his energy and resilience. David creates an environment where others feel inspired to perform at their best and consistently helps strengthen connections across the Profit Center. His influence not only drives our culture forward but also makes our team a place where top talent wants to be.
Nominated by Andrew Palmacci
Jim Harris
Proctor
Let’s face it, handling claims is a tough business. And handling lender placed claims, where the homeowner or business owner didn’t select the insurance and is not the named insured, is even tougher. Jim comes to work every day focusing on the positive. He has built an incredible team of managers, licensed claims examiners and the supporting admins. Jim has the trust and respect of our carriers, clients and others within the company.
Jim has focused on career advancement opportunities. He encourages the admins to become adjusters by studying for the licensing exams and learning the claim process from beginning to end. He has created an achievable and rewarding career path for many within the department.
Being gritting is a given in his position; being positive is amazing!
Nominated by Jodi Busch
Kira-Lynn Thompson
SRIM
I admire Kira always since i have joined SRIM. If you need her as a teammate or as a friend/If you do a mistake, she is always there to help you in a positive way like a star mentor. You are the best Kira <3
Kira is always willing to help other while staying positive. She is always the first to celebrate other teammates success & send us inspiring quotes or messages on days when we all need to hear it. Kira is our own personal hype woman & inspires us all daily, she 100% deserves this award.
Kira is a champion of positivity and engagement – an ambassador of fun! No matter the situation Kira is resilient, honest and kind. She helps the entire team navigate challenges. From rocking a GRITTY mascot hat in team meetings to celebrate BE GRITTY, conjuring up Fred the Flamingo for our Follow Up Friday initiative. Kira cheers on the team and each of their wins, taking a moment for gratitude throughout the day. She is a Talent Magnet, attracting and bringing in fantastic talent, leading them through onboarding to the team and helping bring out the best. Kira she brings the culture 24/7!
Nominated by Sharandeep Sandhu, Alyssa Williams & Cassidy Rae O’Connell
Starr Long
Wright Flood
Wright Flood’s Starr Long radiates positivity – not only within her team but across every interaction she has. Whether it’s in meetings, handling projects, or simply in casual conversations, Starr brings an approachable energy that puts others at ease. Her selflessness shines through as she consistently prioritizes the needs of those around her, lifting others up with genuine care.
Starr started with the company in April 2017 and currently serves as a training supervisor. In March of this year, she was promoted into her new role after previously operating as a senior training specialist. Starr has demonstrated remarkable grit and resilience in her role as a new leader
Her peers and teammates often view that through example. Certainly, one perfect example was earlier this summer when Powell Brown made a visit to our offices in Clearwater, Florida. Starr posed several very inquisitive and well thought out questions to him. Each one brought a smile to his face, almost in a way where he identified Starr as positive and integral part of the Wright Flood team. Simply put, Starr displays a confident and assuring soul on a regular basis.
She handles the internal training for new hires as well as teammates moving into the Operations department. She consistently has shown initiative and positivity whether it’s for mundane, everyday tasks or larger, more impactful projects.
In her transition from peer to new leader, she has been eager to consume information and continues to ask great questions. She constantly is trying to grow and expand her knowledge base and educate herself about the challenges of leadership. She has successfully navigated those tough conversations that are now part of her new role with grace and determination. Her unwavering optimism and strength continue to inspire her teammates. She consistently exudes a successful and effective model of leadership.
Part of Starr’s new role is to provide input, guidance, and development for some of our training modules, internal policy and procedures guidelines for operations, and on-demand videos. She pushes her team to adapt to change, and it’s always in a very positive manner. Negative comments just never come out of her mouth. She handles her role in a way that consistently stresses and emphasizes encouragement and a constant upbeat attitude.
I respectfully submit this nomination for Starr Long to be honored as the award winner in the Champion of Positivity and Engagement category. She is certainly a deserving recipient and showcases that spirit daily.
Nominated by Robert Langrell
Stephanie Heller
Orchid
It is with great appreciation and admiration that we recognize Stephanie for her unwavering commitment to fostering a positive, connected, and resilient team culture. Every day, Stephanie begins with a warm and inspiring message that sets the tone for our team, encouraging us to approach the day with optimism and purpose. Her thoughtful updates and encouraging words throughout the day keep us engaged, motivated, and aligned.
Stephanie’s end-of-day reflections are a testament to her leadership and empathy. She consistently highlights the efforts and achievements of the team, even when challenges arise. She routinely spreads her positivity to other teams as well. The cross-functional inspiration she offers, brings a light that helps to form connections to teams that we work with daily. Her ability to see the silver lining and celebrate how we overcome obstacles together is a powerful reminder of the strength we have as a team.
Stephanie’s dedication to recognizing every contribution—big or small—makes a lasting impact. She ensures that no effort goes unnoticed and that every team member feels valued and appreciated. Her leadership is not only inspiring but also deeply human, and it elevates the spirit of our department every single day.
Thank you, Stephanie, for being a beacon of positivity, encouragement, and gratitude. Your presence makes a difference, and we are all better for it.
Nominated by Carrie DePalma
Sunnie Morasse
SRIM
There are a lot of reasons why I would like to nominate Sunnie for this category but here are a stand out few:
She hosts open Teams rooms three times a week and even outside Teams rooms she makes the time to go over any problems that we have.
Always innovative! She has hosted a few Underwriters in our Fast Track team meetings to get to know our teammates better.
Has organized a Get to Know Your Team Kahoot game for our very own Fast Track team.
Organized a LOB/BOR review to go over questions with a Kahoot at the end which was fun and helped retain information.
Her daily updates keep everyone engaged and informed.
In times of a really stressful week she is always there to lend an ear and a helping hand to redistribute the work load if need be.
Overall Sunnie has created a warm and welcoming environment on the Fast Track team. I couldn’t be happier to be apart of it!
Sunnie is friendly, approachable and just overall supportive. She checks in with coworkers, cheers them on and encourages them to grow. Her positivity spreads to others, which is just amazing.
Nominating Sunnie for this award, I believe, is self-explanatory. Sunnie brings a positive attitude to work each day and is a great leader. She is driven and her drive is contagious. She provides solutions where one may not see there being one and is an overall team champion.
Despite managing high volumes of work, Sydney remains upbeat, encouraging and approachable setting the tone for the entire team. Shes engaging, smart and through her positivity keeps moral high but also inspires others to stay motivated and resilient. i really enjoy jumping into our weekly endorsement team meetings knowing that she already has positive and engaging conversations going on with the team. she is an amazing asset for our team.
Awesome teammate, love having to work with her. I appreciate her positivity and humor.
Nominated by Kailyn Goodrich-Lynn, Melissa Wright, Samarah Genaille, Ryan Lochbaum & Sharal Norden-Letkeman
Sydney Gallagher
SRIM
Despite managing high volumes of work, Sydney remains upbeat, encouraging and approachable setting the tone for the entire team. Shes engaging, smart and through her positivity keeps moral high but also inspires others to stay motivated and resilient. i really enjoy jumping into our weekly endorsement team meetings knowing that she already has positive and engaging conversations going on with the team. she is an amazing asset for our team.
Awesome teammate, love having to work with her. I appreciate her positivity and humor.
Nominated by Ryan Lochbaum & Sharal Norden-Letkeman
Teresa Dickinson
SRIM
Teresa radiates positivity in every corner of the organization. Her cheerful demeanor, genuine compliments, and uplifting energy make her a joy to be around. She’s a natural communicator and a thoughtful listener, always engaging with others in a way that makes them feel seen and valued. Teresa never shies away from a challenge and consistently participates in cultural and community-building activities, leaving every space brighter than she found it. Her presence is a daily reminder of the power of kindness and optimism in the workplace.
Nominated by Aisha Apeldoorn
Unsung Hero Finalists
Alex McIlwain
SRIM
Alex dedicates countless hours to developing and delivering training behind the scenes, ensuring all of the new renewal underwriting teammates have the tools and knowledge to succeed. His work has a positive impact that is felt across the entire team. his patience and support make them an invaluable part of our success.
Nominated by Ryan Lochbaum
Brita Lorenz
SRIM
Brita may not always be in the spotlight (even if she’s born for it). She keeps the team afloat & moving forward – no matter how rough the waters get. She’s the one quietly “filtering out” problems (often before anyone even notices) & always goes the extra mile to make sure teammates are doing okay. Brita’s there to pick up the phone, jump into a meeting, offer insight, talk things through, assess challenging situations & give guidance or simply an ear when needed. She might not wear a cape, but she’s a hero to many.
Nominated by Angie Bunnell
Charles Garrett
Orchid
I am proud to nominate Charles Garrett for the Unsung Hero – BE Customer Focused award. Charles is the steady force behind the scenes, ensuring our systems and workflows run seamlessly so the entire team can succeed. He goes above and beyond without seeking recognition—jumping in to solve problems before they escalate and always putting the customer first. Whether it’s staying late, troubleshooting complex issues, or finding creative solutions under pressure, Charles turns challenges into opportunities. His dedication, responsiveness, and quiet leadership make him an indispensable part of our success.
Nominated by Andrew Palmacci
Chuck Smith
Brown & Brown
Chuck consistently demonstrates what it means to be a Business Partner powerhouse. Whether it’s navigating complex business initiatives, supporting leadership through sensitive teammate situations, or coordinating talent reviews across the division, Chuck approaches every challenge with calm precision and a deep sense of responsibility. His work during the Nexus/Evolve leadership transition, where he collaborated with legal and business leaders to ensure a smooth and respectful process, is just one example of his ability to manage high-stakes situations with grace and professionalism.
Feedback from colleagues across the organization paints a clear picture: Chuck is “super responsive and helpful”, “positive and willing to help”, and a true team player who “goes the extra mile” without being asked. He’s also a trusted coach and mentor, having made a lasting impact on new leaders through his role in the Leader Kick-start Experience. His contributions to initiatives like the #BBNextGen intern program and his support for enterprise-wide recruiting improvements further highlight his commitment to the success of others.
Chuck doesn’t just support systems and workflows—he strengthens the people who rely on them. He’s the steady hand during change, the quiet problem-solver who anticipates needs before they’re voiced, and the cultural ambassador who lives the values of collaboration and care.
For all the ways he quietly contributes value, Chuck Smith is very deserving of the Unsung Hero award.
Nominated by James Jiloty
Jeremy Cook
SRIM
Jeremy plays a vital role in managing the SLE workflows, renewals and endorsements keeping everything organized and running smoothly. his dedication and attention to detail and steady support behind the scenes ensure the teams stays on track and delivers excellent results. Even when his workload is heavy he never hesitates to reach out a helping hand.
Jeremy, is always there to help, and I just not with the SLE Team. He has taken on assignments and positions whenever asked. He is always positive even when he is drowning in emails. I know he stays late to get the job done and then he will take on more work to help out a coworker. He keeps the workflow moving, great at solving problems and very personable with the Brokers. He has done so many jobs within the Company if you have a problem or need help navigating the system he is there and if he doesn’t know, being Jeremy, he will find out and help. I am so lucky to have Jeremy as a colleague.
Nominated by Ryan Lochbaum & Stacey Comeau
Joyce Moore
Wright Public Entity
Joyce is the ultimate GSD, but also an unsung hero in managing all aspects of NYSIR’s Risk Transfer Program. She stares down adversity and crisis, eating them for breakfast. NYSIR Members who participate in this program simply know her as “Joyce” and that whatever the request or challenge is, she will “get it done”. This often involves dealing with Architects, Construction Managers, Insurance Brokers and Contractors, many of whom are not too nice. She takes it with a grain of salt and gets the necessary documents in place for successful risk transfers. Joyce and her team last year handled over 31,000 risk transfer documents. Simply put: Joyce. Is. AMAZING!!
Nominated by J. Brett Carruthers
Lisa Dussault
Arrowhead
“Lisa is the definition of an unsung hero. As a Business Systems Analyst, she may not always be in the spotlight, but her impact is felt across every corner of our organization. Her work behind the scenes ensures that our systems, workflows, and processes run smoothly, empowering our front-line UWs without missing a beat.
What sets Lisa apart is her exceptional knowledge and responsiveness. She’s the go-to expert for solving complex issues quietly and efficiently, often before anyone even realizes there’s a problem. Whether it’s helping to troubleshoot a system hiccup, jumping in to support a teammate, or proactively streamlining a process, Lisa consistently goes the extra mile.
Her customer-focused mindset and technical brilliance keep the lights on and the boats afloat for all of us. She doesn’t just fix problems, she prevents them. Lisa’s dedication, precision, and humility make her a true rock star and an ideal recipient of the Unsung Hero award.”
Nominated by Sarah Netta
Nikki Turner
Arrowhead
Nikki’s work as our SR Licensing Manager is the bedrock of so many critical functions. She is the quiet force ensuring that every license, every compliance detail, and every intricate regulation is meticulously handled. We rely on her for guidance through the complex landscape of licensing, and she delivers.
What sets Nikki apart is her relentless commitment to finding solutions. No matter how challenging the situation, Nikki consistently finds a path forward that not only complies with regulations but also genuinely supports the needs of everyone she assists.
She approaches every task with a remarkable sense of GRIT – a combination of passion and perseverance that ensures no detail is overlooked and no potential issue is left unaddressed. This diligence, coupled with her high integrity, means that we can always trust that our licenses are secured, compliant, and free from errors. Her work prevents potentially costly mistakes, and that impact is truly invaluable.
For always finding solutions, for being an indispensable licensing knowledge bank, and for the grit and integrity in ensuring operations run flawlessly, Nikki Turner deserves the Unsung Hero award.
Nominated by Wendy Castelo
Trent Lancaster
Arrowhead
Trent has been the lead Quality Assurance tester on a major, multi-year project for one of our customers. He is incredibly thorough in his testing, asks thoughtful questions to find requirements gaps before we start developing (saving us time and rework later), and works collaboratively with the rest of the project team to find solutions to challenges we face on our project. QA are rarely in the spotlight, but Trent’s contributions are and will be instrumental to the project’s success.
Nominated by Jess Jones
Vineeta Choudhary
Arrowhead
I’d like to nominate Vineeta for the Unsung Hero Award as she truly is an engine working behind the scenes to help keep the Finance team moving. Vineeta assists the Finance team with our various projects and initiatives, often working as a Project Manager for any large projects we have, but more commonly with helping the Finance team to organize the various Jira’s and update’s we need to make. Vineeta meets with teammates on the Finance team a couple of times a month to go over our Jira’s, update us on the progress, and most importantly, keep all parties on track. Regardless of it those teammates are in IS or (more commonly) Finance.
From my personal experience there have been many an initiative I will admit to making sure I stayed on track and completed my portion just to avoid having Vineeta call me to check in on my progress.
Additionally, this year Vineeta presented to a handful of teammates from Premium and Corporate Accounting on the complexities and all the moving parts which go into taking a Jira once it is written, and getting that project all the way to the finish line and posted to Production. Explaining how Sprints work, and all the steps IS takes on a daily basis to not only make sure all the updates and changes the Finance team requests get completed. But expanding to show the team how all Jiras, get to the finish line.
And if all that were not enough, Vineeta always comes to any encounter with a positive attitude, and open, can-do mentality, while also having fun. It comes across that she thoroughly enjoys what she does, the people she works with (yes, even Shvetank), and it truly makes it a pleasure for anyone who gets the pleasure of working with her.
And for those reasons I would like to nominate Vineeta as an Unsung Hero. Though as I am sure you can tell, she could easily have been a worthy nominee for any of the other awards.
Nominated by Taylor Burnett
Front-Line Innovator Finalists
Aisha Apeldoorn
SRIM
“As our Data Integration Coordinator, Aisha Apeldoorn plays a pivotal role in optimizing our data workflows across our company’s organizational systems. She excels in connecting various Microsoft tools to ensure seamless data capture and integration for project requests and operational process updates. She is exceptional in her knowledge and mentorship of Excel. Aisha has a profound comprehension of data structures; she builds and maintains complex spreadsheets that support decision-making and reporting. Aisha is precise, efficient and proactive in her approach to solving data-related challenges. Aisha’s effervescence brings joy to every room she enters. She is an indispensable asset to our company.
Aisha is always working on improving our workbooks. When we have an idea on how something could improve, she jumps in and uses her skills to make our processing dreams come true. She is an amazing teammate and not only exudes positivity but draws it from others.
Nominated by Monica Dunn & Sandi Mae OBrien
Angie Bunnell
SRIM
Angie has been in a few different underwriting teams over her years with Special Risk which means she has seen how many individuals along with their teams operate. She has keen listening skills for picking up on bottle necks that happen either to herself or those around her and she always jumps in to offer a solution or even just put the guide together. She looks for ways to make things efficient when either to talking to brokers such as putting together descriptive email templates to describe programs or commonly asked questions. She ALWAYS shares her guides or cheat sheets with teammates because her motto is – if I’m being asked this continuously there is a good chance my teammates are too. Angie also put together our extremely user friendly and visually appealing Sports & Leisure Underwriting Manual that is now shared at Special Risk and she has been asked to revamp the General Underwriting Manual as well due to the success of the Sports & Leisure one. She is also someone internal teammates gravitate towards due to her ability to break down problems on risks and processes and she does it in a friendly “I want to see you succeed way”! She has even worked with our underwriting admin assistants to help put together guides on what Underwriters need and expect as she is so thorough and again wants to see all succeed at all levels in their insurance career.
Nominated by Brita Lorenz
Ashley Mallen
SRIM
Ashley brings innovation to life through her exceptional problem-solving skills and intuitive understanding of complex challenges. Though I’ve only recently begun working closely with her, I’ve been consistently impressed by her ability to approach each task with logic, creativity, and a clear drive for improvement. Her passion for growth through innovation is evident in every interaction and initiative. Ashley doesn’t just solve problems—she transforms them into opportunities for progress, making her a true catalyst for change.
Nominated by Aisha Apeldoorn
Laurencio Leyba
Arrowhead-Personal Property
Laurencio was instrumental in helping the Personal Property Division launch a new CA E & S Homeowners Program, which was our first foray into excess and surplus lines. E & S requires several disclosures that must be signed by the prospective policyholder. How hard can obtaining new signatures be anyways? More difficult than you would think. Laurencio collaborated with other profit centers (Shout out to Orchid UW!) in order to see what kind of workflows and best practices they had implemented, then went to work collaborating with our IS team to update our traditional AEX workflow to include an imbedded Docusign workflow, which allows agents and policyholders to electronically sign the required documents. Laurencio was instrumental in the design and vision of the new workflows in AEX, he has a strong understanding of how AEX is programmed and knows what it can and can’t do which helped us to quickly identify the best workflow solution. Laurencio is our “go-to” teammate when it comes to AEX, has a wonderful “get it done” attitude and is always most helpful in pointing out ways that we can make things better, creating an ever evolving and improving customer experience. If I could rename AEX, I would name it the “LeyvaExchange”. His fingerprints are all over it and would not be as successful as we are today without his contributions! We were under a pretty tight timeline and Laurencio and other teammates delivered in a timely manner for our launch in mid-October.
Nominated by Mark Corey
Stevn Thielemann
Wright Flood
When you work with Stevn Thielemann, you quickly realize he is not just thinking about what is next — he is already building it. Stevn does not wait for change to happen; he makes it happen. Whether it is leading the WIN project to replace outdated green screen systems, launching a virtual chat assistant, or completely reimagining the agent portal, Stevn brings a rare mix of vision, precision, and heart to everything he touches.
What makes Stevn truly stand out is how deeply he is connected to the work and the people doing it. He does not innovate from a distance — he is in the thick of it, listening, learning, and leading with empathy. His solutions are not just smart; they are grounded, scalable across teams, and genuinely improve how people work.
But beyond the projects and the impact, Stevn is someone you want on your team. He sees potential where others see obstacles and never loses sight of the bigger picture. He is a force multiplier in every sense — bringing clarity, energy, and momentum to everything he does.
Stevn Thielemann doesn’t just deserve this award — he embodies it.
Nominated by Robert Langrell
Tamara Loper
Arrowhead-Product Development
Tamara has taking on the initiative to consolidate our vendors and negotiate and advocate for preferred pricing across the divisions. Her drive, passion, knowledge and work ethic has made her a valuable asset to the organization
Nominated by Courtney Castello
Toni Morris
SRIM
Toni brings to the table a great amount of knowledge and experience in commercial underwriting. I have always appreciated her thoughtful and practical underwriting expertise. She always speaks up when she has information that may bring a solution or answer to the table. There is no doubt that Toni has a customer-centric mindset which strengthens our relationships with our brokers. Thank you, Toni, for being such an amazing Senior Underwriter!
Nominated by Samarah Genaille
Esteemed Mentor Finalists
Angie Bunnell
SRIM
Angie has been instrumental in the training of our new Underwriters to the team, and she also mentors the teammates that have been promoted into and in the team. She takes the time to make sure that they understand all aspects of the job and she is always there for them. Not only does Angie mentor the new team members she has provided a manual that is second to none with all of SLE’s rating schedules and notes to explain why we quote something a certain way. On top of all that she is always there to listen and help with the senior underwriters. Angie does a fantastic job for the SLE team and while I could nominate her for all of the awards her mentoring has had a huge impact on the success of the SLE Team.
Nominated by Stacey Comeau
Brandon Carlson
Proctor Financial Inc.
Brandon has been my “go-to” guy since I’ve started with the company. Even with his new promotion & new busy title, he still makes time to help me. Not only does he make my job easier, but he’s also been a very understanding leader and has supported me during personal difficult times. He’s always there to give me constructive criticism in a healthy manor that not only helps me become a better representative for the company, but a better person in general. I believe he deserves the Mentor award because he is always a supportive leader who strives to see his people do the best they can. When we are not able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, it’s B-Randon who’s there to guide us!
Brandon was first my team lead when I was just a fresh representative completely new to the call center space. His expertise and guidance has paid dividends as I myself am now a team lead and he is now my manager. I can say with 100% certainty I would not be where I am today without him. He is the definition of a support system for myself, the other team leads, and every representative under his care. There is no question he cannot answer, and no question he will answer without a smile on his face while he does so. He is the embodiment of the term ‘mentor’, someone I enjoy working with today as much as I did all those years ago when we first met, and an ideal candidate to be recognized for his hard work.
Nominated by Jessica Gernaey & Christopher Walley
Chad Gibbons
Orchid Insurance
I am honored to nominate Chad Gibbons for the Esteemed Mentor award. Chad is the definition of a trusted guide—knowledgeable, approachable, and always willing to help. He consistently shares his experience, offering both valuable lessons and candid insights that help others grow. Chad takes the time to explain the “why” behind decisions, creating an environment where teammates feel empowered and confident in their roles. His patience, active coaching, and ability to turn challenges into learning opportunities make him an incredible mentor and a key influence in shaping future leaders on our team.
Nominated by Andrew Palmacci
Connie Givelas
SRIM
Connie has been my mentor since day one at this company. She has supported me and pushed me to learn every step of the way. Connie has always been willing to share her knowledge with me and encourages me to keep learning. She doesn’t always make it easy but that’s part of why I have learned so much from her – she’ll give tidbits for you to figure it out on your own! She’ll give you room to try things and will provide constructive criticism/feedback when needed. I have learned so much from Connie and continue to use the information she has given me over the years as a reference when needed.
Nominated by Melissa Wright
Dana Burke
Clear Risk Solutions
“Dana Burke is the embodiment of exceptional leadership and mentorship. Her approach is grounded in trust, empowerment, and steadfast support. Rather than resorting to micromanagement, Dana fosters autonomy, encouraging her team to tackle challenges in their own unique ways. This cultivates creativity, confidence, and a strong sense of ownership—earning her the admiration of both emerging and experienced colleagues who consistently seek her guidance on complex matters.
Dana’s stewardship of new business operations is both comprehensive and inspiring. She leads with clarity, accountability, and a deep understanding of the work, setting a high standard for excellence. Her commitment to professional development is evident in the way she actively promotes growth, regularly recommending career-enhancing courses and opportunities. She takes genuine pride in seeing her team members advance—whether through promotions or expanded responsibilities.
Having worked with many leaders & mentors throughout my career, I can say with confidence that Dana stands out as one of the very best. Her integrity, approachability, and unwavering dedication to her team make her a truly deserving candidate for this recognition. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside her and look forward to continuing to learn from her in the years ahead.”
Nominated by Michael Riche
Jay Kumar
SRIM
BE a Mentor encapsulates all the Jay is to our department. He is everyone’s “go-to” and is always so patient and supportive in times of need. I don’t know what we would do without him!
Jay is someone many of us turn to for guidance because he is always willing to share his knowledge. Whether it’s explaining the “why” behind a process, offering helpful advice from experience, or coaching others through a tough policy. Jay takes the time to make sure people feel supported and confident. His guidance not only helps us solve problems today but also prepares team members to face challenges on their own in the future.
Jay Kumar is a very strong esteemed mentor. He has a vast amount of knowledge and experience that he readily shares with others. I have learned so much from Jay and still continue to learn from him. I appreciate how he takes the time to provide coaching, as I have personally found this instrumental in helping me to succeed and grow in my own role. He is my “go-to” person for questions. Furthermore, he has motivated and empowered me to help build my leadership development. He leads by example, as his work ethic and dedication are spectacular.
Nominated by Adora Frost
Jonathan Hardy
Wright Flood
“Jonathan Hardy consistently demonstrates exceptional knowledge and expertise in training, policy, claims handling, construction, and customer service, all while maintaining an approachable demeanor. His energy is infectious, and he willingly goes above and beyond to help his teammates, offering solutions to claims and coverage questions with professionalism, efficiency, and a genuine commitment to the success of those around him.
Jonathan embodies the qualities of a mentor and future leader at Wright Flood and Brown and Brown. He is dedicated to ensuring the success of all our team members with integrity and a forward-thinking mindset. Jonathan is an invaluable asset to our team today and a promising leader for tomorrow. Jonathan, the Best is Yet to Come!! “
Nominated by Kimberly Knox
Matthew Johnson
CalSurance
“I would like to nominate Matt Johnson for the Esteemed Mentor Award. From my very first days at the company, Matt went out of his way to answer my questions and provide guidance, even when the question might have been better directed elsewhere. His willingness to take time out of his day to help others problem-solve demonstrates his investment in both the company and in the growth of those around him.
What I appreciate most about Matt is that he doesn’t just give you the answer or tell you what to do. Instead, he takes the time to explain the reasoning behind principles or decisions, ensuring that you walk away not only with a solution but also with a deeper understanding. Recently, Matt demonstrated his expertise by negotiating with an incumbent carrier in a way that preserved the account while prioritizing the client’s best interests. This resulted in enhanced coverage on key endorsements and provided tangible value through his understanding of the client’s needs. Being included in this process and seeing how he delivers that level of service on large accounts was a great example of maintaining strong client relationships.
Matt’s patience, approachability, and commitment to sharing both his expertise and his thought process make him an outstanding mentor and an ideal candidate for the Esteemed Mentor Award.”
Nominated by Collin Hasman
Sarah Norfield
SRIM
Sarah is an esteemed mentor. She has been instrumental in helping shape my growth here at SRIM. She is very knowledgeable and has provided valuable advice time and time again. If you are unsure of how to approach a situation or need some guidance, she is always willing to provide the support needed, while at the same time empowering you. She is always approachable and a great listener. I appreciate that she excels in helping to shape future leaders by increasing their confidence and providing valuable coaching.
Nominated by Adora Frost
Sarrah Savage
Arrowhead-Commercial Programs
Sarrah is not only an incredible manager but also a true mentor and teammate. She is consistently supportive, encouraging me to grow both personally and professionally. Sarrah gives me the independence to take ownership of my work while guiding me to expand my knowledge in new areas. She champions my curiosity—whether it’s through taking an online course or tackling projects that haven’t been done before in my role. Her patience, kindness, and genuine care for everyone she works with make her approachable and inspiring. Sarrah’s mentorship goes beyond leadership; she empowers those around her to build confidence, think bigger, and continue growing into future leaders.
Nominated by Meghan McCord
Unimaginably Effective GSD Finalists
April Cortes
Arrowhead-Product Development
April exemplifies what it means to be both productive and uplifting in every sense of the word! Consistently taking initiative, she meets deadlines and creates effective and efficient solutions. Whether it is handling complex tasks or jumping in to support her team, April GSD’s with a level of excellence that inspires those around her with her infectious positivity! We are so grateful to have April as a teammate.
Nominated by Wendy Castelo
Carolin Backmann-Smith
SRIM
Carolin is someone who I know consistently gets stuff done! Carolin does not seem afraid of a challenge as she takes on every challenge with grace. She shows up with a great attitude each day, ready to tackle what’s in front of her. She has our brokers front and center on the mind and goes miles to strengthen our relationships with them. I can count on Carolin to help me fight to retain & obtain clients. Thank you, Carolin, for your underwriting expertise!
Nominated by Samarah Genaille
Cassidy Rae O’Connell
SRIM
Cassidy operates with a level of drive and dedication that is nothing short of remarkable. Her passion for operational excellence is embedded in everything she does, and her instinct to identify needs and proactively address them makes her an unstoppable force. Cassidy’s strategic thinking and relentless pursuit of improvement ensure that no challenge goes unmet. She doesn’t just get things done—she elevates the standard of what getting things done looks like.
Cassidy is an inspiration. She always gets things done! It is evident that this is not just a job to her, as she is extremely passionate and loves all things insurance. She is always willing to assist when needed and is an exceptional mentor to the team. Her outstanding attention to detail and work ethic speak for themselves, as she always goes the extra mile in everything she does. Her “can-do” attitude is contagious and has inspired me in so many ways. She loves a challenge and always takes them on with the highest level of dedication and preciseness.
Nominated by Aisha Apeldoorn & Adora Frost
Jeremy Cook
SRIM
Jeremy is always there when you need him. Whether he’s reaching out to brokers to follow up on quotes, clear up any questions, jumping in to find solutions or being available to help out a colleague with no hesitation – he’s a teammate you can count on. He doesn’t just get his own work done – Jeremy makes sure the people around him are supported too, always checking in & making sure others are doing okay. He is extremely efficient & has proven how dedicated he is to continue with building his skills and knowledge. Jeremy’s reliability & positive energy make a huge difference in our everyday work day.
“Jeremy is the definition of someone who gets things done. His work ethic is unmatched. He handles an incredible volume of work without ever compromising quality, and he does it all without complaint. He’s always available to support his teammates, answer questions, and lend a hand wherever needed. His tremendous knowledge and reliability make him a resource for the entire team.
He provides outstanding service to our brokers, consistently going above and beyond to ensure their needs are met. Whether he’s solving complex problems or simply being a steady presence in the face of challenges, his impact is felt across the board.
His dedication to the team and to his own development make him an invaluable asset to our organization, and someone I am proud to work with each day. “
Nominated by Angie Bunnell & Kira-Lynn Thompson
Johana Chavez-Martinez
Proctor Financial Inc.
Johana is a staple to our call center team. She leads by example, empowers her direct reports to think outside the box and motivates REAL change. Weather it be adapting to modern trends or conventional “old school” problem solving she is the type of boss people want to work for and sets an example they want to follow. Her door is always wide open to suggestions on how to do things better and she collaborates effectively with the sole mission of seeing our department and company succeed. I couldn’t be luckier to have a better boss, mentor and friend.
Nominated by Brandon Carlson
Leeanna Kersey
Arrowhead-Tribal
“Everyday our team is humbled and honored to work with one of the brightest stars in the Arrowhead Galaxy – Leeanna Kersey. Since joining our team, Leeanna has consistently demonstrated that this is far more than “just a job” to her. She brings energy, creativity, and a relentless drive to everything she does.
As an underwriter, she’s is simply exceptional. She is deeply knowledgeable, responsive, and a vocal advocate for both our brokers and customers. Her scrappy, solutions-oriented approach with carrier partners has helped us navigate complex challenges and deliver outstanding results for all involved.
Beyond her core role, she’s stepped up in meaningful ways to elevate our market presence. From contributing to creative and marketing initiatives to representing our team at industry events, she’s shown initiative and leadership. At one such event, she not only built a strong connection with a customer but also partnered with a valued broker to quote and ultimately win the account. An impressive example of her ability to turn opportunity into impact.
Her “can-do” attitude is contagious and embodies Arrowhead’s “”GSD”” and “”Grow With Us”” persona. She tackles challenges head-on, finds innovative ways to get things done, and consistently delivers results that speak for themselves. She embodies everything the Unimaginably Effective GSD – BE a Winner award stands for.”
Nominated by Cameron Fan
Shannon Driver
Orchid Insurance
I am proud to nominate Shannon Driver for the Unimaginably Effective GSD – BE a Winner award because she truly defines what it means to deliver results. Shannon doesn’t just complete tasks—she drives outcomes that move the business forward. Her relentless focus, creativity, and problem-solving skills ensure that no challenge stands in her way. Whether it’s retaining key customers, writing new business, or streamlining processes for greater efficiency, Shannon gets it done with precision and purpose. Her unwavering “can-do” attitude motivates the entire team and proves that excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s her standard.
Nominated by Andrew Palmacci
Sherilyn Powell
Brown & Brown
Sherilyn has been an incredible business partner working to advocate for her customers’ needs during our project with Protector Plans to implement a new policy admin system. As the product owner, she has to make difficult choices and tradeoffs every day so the IS team knows what features are the highest priority to deliver. She is willing to accept creative solutions where necessary, but stands up for her end users on the things that really matter. She has provided some of the most detailed requirements our team has seen so we can build exactly what is needed. She is always available to answer questions and to dig in and help out wherever needed. Without a doubt, we would not have made the progress we have this year without her!
Nominated by Jess Jones
Stephanie Connelly
Protector Plans
“I’m excited to nominate Stephanie Connelly for the Unimaginably Effective GSD award. Stephanie is the kind of leader who gets things done! She leads by consistently, thoughtfulness, and with real impact.
She sets a high bar with the quality of her work and leads her team with integrity and purpose. Her “get sh!t done” mindset is contagious and has helped push forward several key initiatives. Stephanie doesn’t just meet expectations, she exceeds them.
What makes her stand out is how deeply she dives into understanding the business. She takes the time to learn how things operate so she can better connect the dots between day-to-day needs and tech solutions. That kind of insight has led to smarter processes and stronger collaboration across teams.
Stephanie is also the ultimate team player. She jumps in wherever she’s needed, always ready to help, guide, or support. Her reliability, responsiveness, and solution-focused attitude make her an incredible partner to work with.
Every time you work with Stephanie, you get thoughtful input, strategic thinking, and a strong sense of ownership. Her impact is lasting, and she truly embodies what it means to be “Unimaginably Effective”.
Nominated by Tamara Martin
Will Anderson
Wright Flood
“Will Anderson has been an invaluable member of Wright Flood since March 1989, consistently demonstrating excellence, reliability, and a deep commitment to “getting stuff done.” For more than three dozen years, Will has become a go-to resource across departments, especially being known for his upbeat attitude, technical expertise, and unwavering support and dedication to the company.
In 2025, Will played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of DEX360, providing critical data validation and project support that directly contributed to its smooth launch. His work ethic and collaborative spirit were repeatedly praised by peers, especially for his ability to simplify complex data challenges. Marketing and Agency Services highlighted his transformation of a cumbersome affiliate spreadsheet into a user-friendly tool, and his automation of reports saved supervisors countless hours.
His deep understanding of our business and data landscape is unmatched. He doesn’t just produce reports — he crafts narratives that help us make informed decisions. When someone needs clarity on the data or insight into a puzzling trend, Will is the go-to expert. He has an exceptional ability to translate complex datasets into meaningful stories that guide strategy and action.
Many Teammates may see Will as “the guy who produces reports,” but those of us who collaborate closely with him know he is much more than that. He’s a business partner, a trusted advisor, and a leader. He guides his team by example, never asking them to do anything he hasn’t done himself or isn’t willing to take on. He ensures his team is cross-trained and fully understands the flow of requests in and out of the department.
Will’s impact also extends to our Private Flood operations, where he developed monthly premium reports, resolved data discrepancies within hours, and automated quote reports for Marketing. His support of the Arrowhead dashboard transition accelerated the project beyond expectations. Even when faced with recurring issues in the “InForce Report,” Will responded swiftly and proactively to ensure continuity.
Peers consistently describe Will as customer-focused, action-oriented, and trustworthy. His deep system knowledge, responsiveness, and ability to deliver items ahead of schedule make him a standout contributor. He doesn’t just meet expectations – he exceeds them, every time. Will’s contributions go far beyond technical expertise. He embodies the values of collaboration, mentorship, and integrity. His leadership style fosters growth, accountability, and excellence.
I respectfully submit this nomination for Will Anderson to be honored as the award winner in the Unimaginable Effective GSD category. He exemplifies that role and his dedication, innovation, and purposeful mindset make him a deserving recipient.”
Nominated by Robert Langrell
Operational Excellence Superstar Finalists
Alecia Graham
SRIM
“I would like to nominate Alecia for the Operational Excellence Superstar award in recognition of their unwavering commitment to quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement. Alecia consistently goes above and beyond to enhance both our internal processes and the overall teammate experience from onboarding through to every day support, providing guidance and resources for our teammates.
She is always looking for smarter, more effective ways to streamline workflows—whether it’s refining day-to-day processes or improving how we collaborate as a team. She has a keen eye for process improvements that not only boost efficiency but also make our work more seamless and enjoyable. Her ability to anticipate challenges and proactively seek solutions has a meaningful impact on both team productivity and morale.
Beyond her daily responsibilities, Alecia generously participates in the Culture Club Social Committee, helping to foster a strong and connected workplace culture. She also leads and champions the SRIMovement wellness initiative, promoting a healthier, more balanced work environment for all. These contributions demonstrate Alecia’s passion for creating a workplace where teammates feel supported, valued, and motivated to do their best.
Alecia exemplifies what it means to strive for excellence—not just in their own work, but in encouraging and enabling others to do the same. Her lead by example attitude, continuous drive for learning and making processes better, and genuine care for the teammate experience make them an ideal candidate for this award.”
Nominated by Brooke Speirs
Ashley Davis
Orchid Insurance
I am thrilled to nominate Ashley Davis for the Operational Excellence Superstar award. Ashley sets the standard for excellence by consistently delivering quality work while driving efficiency and continuous improvement. She goes beyond her own responsibilities, inspiring the team to aim higher and think smarter. Whether it’s streamlining workflows, refining processes, or finding ways to elevate the customer experience, Ashley approaches every challenge with a focus on smarter, better solutions. Her dedication to improvement and her ability to encourage collaboration make her an invaluable asset to our team.
Nominated by Andrew Palmacci
Ashley Mallen
SRIM
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ashley for the past 7+ years and seen her learn, grow & work her magic on various spots within the organization. She’s our in-house Excel Wizard, Lineage Star & Bordereaux Wonder! Her knowledge gained by working in various roles within the company puts her in a unique position to see & provide improvements just about anywhere. Renewal template? Done. Paperless management system? Done. Reporting templates? Done. There have been many times I’ve simply been complaining about an annoying task I have to do and Ashley has gone, oh we can change that. Working with Ashley gives me hope & excitement about changes & efficiencies to come.
Nominated by Sarah Norfield
Bri Varney
Clear Risk Solutions
“Bri is not only a great leader for her team and department, but she strives to improve our operational guidelines to keep us in line with industry standards and she is also the main systems expert for our data and operating system, and she continually works to streamline our process and workflow for our members and team! She is a superstar every day!!!
“
Nominated by Sheila Harnasch
Courtney Stang
SRIM
Courtney is an amazing Team Lead to work with. Not only is she knowledgeable, but she holds herself to a very high standard. Her feedback and training (provided to myself and teammates) is focused on following the attainable standard she holds herself to and creating continuity across the team. It is clear that Courtney has worked very hard at gathering her knowledge and processing it into a proven standard that yields consistent results.
She has created and provided templates for us to use and she explains how we might want to modify them to each risk. She is detail oriented for aesthetics on how our quote should be presented to the broker – knowing full-well that the easier it is for the broker to read and present to the client then there is a higher chance of binding. Courtney is confident in her initiatives for furthering our knowledge with quarterly meetings to go over commonly asked questions and providing detailed notes and explanations.
I enjoy the high standard she has of her team when referring risks to management – expecting us to do as much of the work as we can and providing us expert leadership so we can get there. She possesses humility and grace when there are roadblocks or errors, instead focusing on the next step and how we should handle things better in the future.
I feel that Courtney has all of the qualities to receive recognition for being an Operational Excellence Superstar!”
Nominated by Deb Beaulieu
Crystal Million
Arrowhead-Personal Property
Crystal was instrumental in helping the Personal Property Division launch a CA E & S Homeowners Program. This was our first foray into excess and surplus lines which brought new workflow challenges to our ArrowheadExchange platform. E & S requires several disclosures that must be signed by the prospective policyholder D-1, agents (SL-2) and as the surplus lines broker (SL1). How hard can obtaining new signatures be anyways? More difficult than you would think. Crystal collaborated with other profit centers (Shout out to Orchid UW !) in order to see what kind of workflows and best practices they had implemented, then went to work collaborating with our IS team to update our traditional AEX workflow to include an imbedded Docusign workflow, which allows agents and policyholders to electronically sign the required documents. Crystal also coordinated with our vendor, ASTEC systems, and our IS team, handling Solimar, to create the required Surplus Lines copies of Declaration Pages, endorsements, cancellations, reinstatements, etc…. that automatically show up in a dedicated Image Right Folder. We were under a pretty tight timeline and Crystal and team delivered in a timely manner for our launch in mid-October. Crystal’s attention to detail and grit are definitely keys to the success of the Personal Property Division.
Nominated by Mark Corey
Elizabeth Foucher
SRIM
“Elizabeth Foucher is an operational excellence superstar! She is very effective at analyzing and enhancing workflows and processes. She thinks outside the box. I have seen her come up with numerous brilliant ideas to help emphasize continuous improvement across all aspects of the business. She excels in operational excellence by providing direction, goal setting, supporting and evaluating processes. She has championed several changes in processing, all of which have directly related to us processing more monthly transactions than what we have done previously. Her level of dedication and hard work is truly inspiring.”
Nominated by Adora Frost
Kira-Lynn Thompson
SRIM
Kira excels in too many areas to mention in the space provided! A few I value most are her clear, direct and efficient communication style along with her exceptional ability to envision and implement process improvements. She has often made my job and the jobs of others around me more efficient with her openness to process improvement. Kira has a prodigious ability to inspire and motivate her team! She is extremely adaptable, compassionate and her perseverance is tenacious!
Nominated by Monica Dunn
Sarah Norfield
SRIM
Sarah is a masterful leader who embodies the principles of operational excellence. Her approach is grounded in clarity, trust, and strategic foresight. She’s approachable and down-to-earth, yet consistently demonstrates the intelligence and decisiveness needed to guide complex initiatives. Sarah orchestrates people and processes with precision, always keeping the end goal in sight. Her leadership inspires confidence and drives results, making her a cornerstone of success within the organization.
Sarah leads by exampling, demonstrating a high standard for herself and our team. She is approachable and when an error or problem has occurred you know you can reach out to Sarah to help determine a resolution. Sarah continuously is moving forward looking for ways to push SRIM even faster, smarter and better than before. Sarah is a fearless leader and operational excellence superstar.
Nominated by Aisha Apeldoorn & Cassidy Rae O’Connell
Sunnie Morasse
SRIM
“Since joining the leadership group earlier this year, Sunnie has continuously demonstrated a commitment to excellence. She brings ideas to the table that boost morale and foster relationships within the team. Her oversight is both strategic and thoughtful – she works hard to ensure that each individual has the tools and guidance they need in order to succeed.
She is never afraid to ask questions and seek smarter ways to work. Whether it’s refining workflows, enhancing team engagement, or improving the customer experience, she inspires those around her to think creatively and strive to be the best that they can be.”
Nominated by Kira-Lynn Thompson
Ready to vote?
Now that you’ve read about our finalists, it’s time to vote.
Ready to vote?
Now that you’ve read about our finalists, it’s time to vote.
