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Outstanding CPCU/IIA Course Leaders

The following people were recently recognized for their outstanding CPCU/IIA Course Leadership achievements. This special recognition is based on the number of times their individual class pass ratios have equaled or exceeded national pass ratios for the courses taught.

The Institutes are proud of the dedication and achievement of this group of outstanding industry professionals!
 

* Employer and Location when the award was earned

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Sheila P. Andrew CPCU, AIC, AIM, AU, ARe ARC, AIS, API
Research Analyst II
Cameron Insurance Companies
Teaches for Cameron Insurance Companies

Years as Course Leader: 3
Number of Outstanding Classes: 3
Courses/Programs Taught: SM, Introduction to Claims
Years in Insurance Industry: 18

Student Comment(s):
“I appreciate the way you explain the subject matter and offer additional assistance outside of class.”

“Your personal (insurance) experiences are valuable to all those you teach. Without them you would miss the element that connects you to the material and the material to your students.”

Why I Teach:
“My company considers the employees to be one of their most valuable assets. Continued insurance education is not only encouraged, but also actively recognized and rewarded. So when asked if I would to interested in becoming a course leader, I welcomed the opportunity to be a part of the company’s long-standing commitment to its employees.”

 

Marc W. Cleary, CPCU, ARM
Product Line Specialist
Liberty Mutual
Teaches for Insurance Library Association of Boston/Boston CPCU Chapter

Years as Course Leader: 22
Number of Outstanding Classes: 28
Courses/Programs Taught: CPCU
Years in Insurance Industry: 30

Why I Teach:
“I teach because I enjoy those who want to enhance their professional image by obtaining their CPCU designations”

 

John Cross, CPCU, AIC, AIM, ARM, ARe, AIS
Consultant
John Cross Consulting
Teaches for Insurance Educational Association (IEA)

Years as Course Leader: 12
Number of Outstanding Classes: 10
Courses/Programs Taught: CPCU, ARM

 

Curtis L. Hastings, CPCU, AIC, ARM, ALCM, ARP, AMIM, ARe
Senior Claims Analyst
Teaches for St. Louis Community College

Years as Course Leader: 10
Number of Outstanding Classes: 4
Courses/Programs Taught: INS, ARM
Years in Insurance Industry: 25

Why I Teach:
“To give back to the Society new potential members something of my education and background to make them better professionals.”

 

Ricky L. Hicks, CPCU
IT Quality Assurance Analyst
OneBeacon Insurance Group
Teaches for Blue Ridge CPCU Chapter/Insurance Women’s Association of Roanoke

Years as Course Leader: 5
Number of Outstanding Classes: 7
Courses/Programs Taught: INS, AIS 25
Years in Insurance Industry: 22

Student Comment(s):
“Ricky is very laid back, easy to talk to, and makes earning fun. Ricky takes the extra mile in helping students with questions and provides excellent training material.”

Why I Teach:
“I enjoy people in general. I love watching my students learn and succeed in reaching their ultimate goal of passing the national exam. I feel each time one of my students succeeds in passing the exam, I have also succeeded as an instructor.”

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James H. Kiser, CPCU, ARM, AU
Commercial Lines Underwriter
Westfield Insurance
Teaches for General Casualty of Wisconsin

Years as Course Leader: 17
Number of Outstanding Classes: 10
Courses/Programs Taught: CPCU, INS
Years in Insurance Industry: 24

Student Comment(s):
“I have taken several classes/study groups facilitated by Jim Kiser. Jim is always extremely well prepared for classes/study groups he facilitates, and has an excellent knowledge of the subject matter. He is able to relate the material to current events, which lends itself to greater comprehension and relevance of the material to one’s profession. He takes the material seriously and makes sure everyone understands the material at hand. The weekly quizzes that Jim uses act as an excellent study aid when preparing for the national exams. The jeopardy games help understanding and learning the vocabulary and key terms. He is a credit to the Institute.”

Why I Teach:
“I have always enjoyed teaching and interacting with the students in the courses I have offered. I also find from my teaching that I learn new concepts about insurance from the updated textbooks and from the interactions with the students in my courses about various insurance topics.”

 

Rae Ann Knapp, CPCU, ARM
Risk Manager
Auto Club of Southern California
Teaches for Auto Club of Southern California

Years as Course Leader: 15
Number of Outstanding Classes: 7
Courses/Programs Taught: INS
Years in Insurance Industry: 36

Why I Teach:
“I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for the insurance industry with the students. Since I’ve been in the business so long, I have several ‘war stories’ I can give as examples to help make learning easier.”

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Lisa Krivachek
Regional Management Trainer
GEICO
Teaches for GEICO

Years as Course Leader: 6
Number of Outstanding Classes: 10
Courses/Programs Taught: SM
Years in Insurance Industry: 9

Why I Teach:
“I was interested in providing additional developmental opportunities for associates seeking careers in management. We have an extensive Supervisory Preparation Program at GEICO, which focuses on the application aspect of training. The SM 18 – Essentials of Supervision and SM 19 – Supervisory Skills courses offered by the Institute provide the theory aspect of the management preparation training. The curriculums complement one another and achieve the goal of providing individuals with a foundation on which to build a successful career in management.”

 

Michael E. Maurer, CPCU, ARM
Senior Commercial Unit Underwriter
Citizens Insurance Company
Teaches for Citizens Insurance Company

Years as Course Leader: 10
Number of Outstanding Classes: 4
Courses/Programs Taught: INS
Years in Insurance Industry: 18

Why I Teach:
“It is an opportunity to give back to the insurance community.”

 

Kimberly J. Muesse, ASLI, AIS
Assistant Director—Staff Development
Aon Risk Services
Teaches for Aon Risk Services

Years as Course Leader: 3
Number of Outstanding Classes: 8
Courses/Programs Taught: ARM, AU
Years in Insurance Industry: 23

Why I Teach:
“Without my former teachers, I would not be where I am today. I hope I can give back a fraction of what was given to me. It is rewarding to see the ‘light bulb’ start to shine in a student’s eyes.”

 

Thomas D. Podraza, CPCU
Vice President - Operations
Insurance Intermediaries, Inc.
Teaches for Columbus CPCU Chapter

Years as Course Leader: 4
Number of Outstanding Classes: 3
Courses/Programs Taught: CPCU
Years in Insurance Industry: 18

Student Comment(s):
“I passed the test! I’m so happy. Getting closer to needing a Hawaii travel guide.”

“I passed the CPCU 555 exam with two more to go! Thanks for all of your help in helping me to get prepared for the test.”

Why I Teach:
“These classes give me an opportunity to support the insurance industry and help others learn and grow.”

 

Christine L. Redmond, CPCU, AIS, API
Senior Underwriter
MetLife Auto and Home
Teaches for MetLife Auto and Home

Years as Course Leader: 2
Number of Outstanding Classes: 3
Courses/Programs Taught: API, AIS 25
Years in Insurance Industry: 12

Why I Teach:
“Mentoring others and seeing them succeed has always been important to me. I decided that helping others to grow professionally could best be accomplished by sharing what I have learned over the years through the courses I have taken.”

 

Brenda Sue Reschke, AIC
Casualty Claims Supervisor
Commerce Insurance
Teaches for Worcester County Insurance Institute

Years as Course Leader: 4
Number of Outstanding Classes: 3
Courses/Programs Taught: AIC
Years in Insurance Industry: 19

Student Comment(s):
“Thank you very much for the time in class and making the abstract things make a little more sense in real life situations. The examples in class and just overall discussions that we had helped out immensely.”

“Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to go through the AIC 33 materials with us. That was tremendous help to me when taking the test.”

Why I Teach:
“I enjoy helping someone enrich their life with continued educational. I take pleasure in seeing the faces of students when they comprehend aspects of insurance they have not been exposed to. To enrich someone’s life with knowledge and share my experiences, adds value to my life and career. Teaching is an aspect of my life that I embrace.”

 

Anne Marie Schrader, CPCU, AIC, AIM, ARM, AIS
Senior Claims Specialist
Safeco Insurance Company
Teaches for Colorado Chapter of CPCU

Years as Course Leader: 10
Number of Outstanding Classes: 7
Courses/Programs Taught: CPCU, AIM, AIS 25
Years in Insurance Industry: 25

Student Comment:
“Anne used good examples to clarify key concepts. She was receptive to and encouraged questions. I would recommend her as a course leader to others!”

Why I Teach:
“I know how beneficial taking insurance courses in a formal classroom setting was for me, and I hope to pass along that same benefit to my students. I really enjoy interacting with the students. I feel I learn as much from them as they do from taking the class.”

 

Josette Anderson Scott
Business Systems Analyst
Zurich American Insurance Company
Teaches for Insurance School of Chicago

Years as Course Leader: 24
Number of Outstanding Classes: 10
Courses/Programs Taught: INS, INTRO
Years in Insurance Industry: 34

Student Comment:
“Just wanted to let you know that I took my INS 21 test yesterday and passed. It was all due to your good teaching. Your examples stuck in my head and helped me with a lot of the answers to the questions.”

Why I Teach:
“I love it! Insurance doesn’t have to be hard or dry. I try to explain the material as if I was hearing it for the first time. Every student has a different level of experience. Extra visuals, true stories, and humor help students remember key points. Class usually ends up as fun for everyone.”

 

James A. Sherlock, MBA, CPCU, ARM, CLU
Assistant Vice President
ACE USA
Teaches for ACE USA

Years as Course Leader: 24
Number of Outstanding Classes: 25
Courses/Programs Taught: CPCU, ARM
Years in Insurance Industry: 35

Student Comment(s):
“I loved this class! First of all the instructor is top notch and I can’t stop raving about him. I talked to one of my fellow employees who also took a course from Jim and she felt the same way. Jim is very knowledgeable and makes the information seem simple.”

“Jim Sherlock made the course! He is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. You can tell he really enjoys the subject material and puts a lot of time and effort into making sure the students learn.”

Why I Teach:
“Teaching students interested in learning about the property-casualty industry is my passion, and watching them become successful is the reward.”

 

Richard M. Snyder
Technical Manager
ACE Limited
Teaches for ACE USA

Years as Course Leader: 2 ½
Number of Outstanding Classes: 3
Courses/Programs Taught: AIC 34
Years in Insurance Industry: 33

Why I Teach:
“I love dealing with people and sharing what I have learned over the years. There is nothing I enjoy more than helping someone understand something new or something they didn’t quite comprehend. All of my career people have helped me to learn, and I feel it is my obligation to return the favor and help others.”

 

William H. Stitt, CPCU, AAI
Account Executive
Bouchard Insurance, Inc.
Teaches for Bouchard Insurance, Inc.

Years as Course Leader: 18
Number of Outstanding Classes: 3
Courses/Programs Taught: CPCU
Years in Insurance Industry: 38

Why I Teach:
“I teach because I enjoy it. It keeps me up-to-date on changes in the industry. I get to help others learn what I have learned, especially about professionalism, ethical behavior, and staying well informed.”

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David E. Wilson, CPCU, AIM
Government Affairs Manager
Harco National Insurance Company
Teaches for Harco National Insurance Company

Years as Course Leader: 2
Number of Outstanding Classes: 4
Courses/Programs Taught: CPCU
Years in Insurance Industry: 25

Why I Teach:
“I enjoy teaching and helping others to learn and succeed.”

 

Michael S. Wolfe, CPCU, AU
Manager
Nationwide Insurance
Teaches for Columbus CPCU Chapter

Years as Course Leader: 14
Number of Outstanding Classes: 7
Courses/Programs Taught: CPCU
Years in Insurance Industry: 17

Why I Teach:
“CPCU is the flagship designation in the property and casualty industry. It gave me the foundational, technical knowledge that I needed early in my career, and has helped me achieve success as an underwriter, sales and operations leader. I enjoy helping others realize what CPCU can do for them, and I’ve always enjoyed the teaching end. It’s very rewarding to help others pass exams and obtain their designations. I get to be involved in so many individual achievements by leading these classes.”

 

Glenda A. Wysong Gonzalez, AIC
Underwriting Specialist
CNA Insurance
Teaches for Insurance School of Chicago

Years as Course Leader: 19
Number of Outstanding Classes: 4
Courses/Programs Taught: INS, AIC
Years in Insurance Industry: 30

Why I Teach:
“I enjoy sharing the knowledge and helping people learn the industry.”

 

Michael C. Yared
Training Manager
Foremost Insurance Company
Teaches for Foremost Insurance Company

Years as Course Leader: 5
Number of Outstanding Classes: 10
Courses/Programs Taught: INS 21
Years in Insurance Industry: over 13

Why I Teach:
“I enjoy teaching because it allows me to stay connected with people just starting out in the insurance industry.”

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