Aloha to the 2025 NCIGF Fall Workshop Click to view the Highlight reel!
The NCIGF Fall Workshop took place on October 29 and 30, 2025, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, the venue perfectly captured the island charm. From the very beginning, the energy was upbeat, setting the tone for open conversations and a shared commitment to strengthening the guaranty fund community. Chad Anderson, President of Western Guaranty Fund Services, and Robin Webb-Reus, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at NCIGF, served as co-emcees for the workshop, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encouraged participation and connection. The program opened with an official “Aloha” welcome from Blake Obata, Administrator of the Hawaii Insurance Guaranty Association followed by remarks from Scott Saiki, Insurance Commissioner of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division. Commissioner Saiki expressed his deep appreciation for the guaranty fund community, recognizing their dedication and impact across the industry. He also shared a fascinating story about the evolution of the Hui (sense of community and cooperation) system, tracing its roots and highlighting how it has been adapted to meet the needs of modern day.  Scott Saiki, Insurance Commissioner of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division, and Blake Obata, Administrator of the Hawaii Insurance Guaranty Association, deliver the opening remarks for Day 1
Brad Roeber, Executive Director of the California Insurance Guarantee Association and Chairman of the NCIGF Board, provided remarks that set a thoughtful tone for the event. Quoting Sheri L. Dew, he reminded attendees that “True leaders understand that leadership is not about them but about those they serve. It is not about exalting themselves but about lifting others up.” Mr. Roeber highlighted several key leadership development initiatives currently underway at NCIGF, including the Catalyst Program, led by Alyssa Dueck of Avanti Leadership. This program is designed to cultivate emerging leaders across the guaranty fund system by providing them with tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. In addition, Mr. Roeber spoke about NCIGF’s Members Mentoring Members program, a peer-driven initiative that fosters professional development through meaningful mentor-mentee relationships. He shared his personal experience as a participant in the program and introduced a heartfelt video featuring his mentee, Neil Jackson from State Farm, showcasing the impact and value of the mentorship.
The first session of the workshop was "Focus on FOCUS – Developmental Update on the GSI Claim System" presented by Mike Ulmer, Vice President of Technology Services and Finance Operations of NCIGF, who provided attendees with a comprehensive update on the progress and future direction of the GSI Claim System. He highlighted recent enhancements aimed at improving system performance, user experience, and data integrity. Mr. Ulmer also shared insights into upcoming features designed to streamline claims processing and support greater collaboration across the guaranty fund network. The session underscored NCIGF’s commitment to innovation and creating shared solutions for the overall guaranty fund community. Next, the panel "Rethinking Succession Planning: Bold Ideas for Organizational Resilience" explored how organizations can better prepare for the future. Robin Webb-Reus moderated the discussion that featured insights from Lorrie Brouse, Executive Secretary of the Tennessee Insurance Guaranty Association and Tim Schotke, Executive Director of the Illinois Insurance Guaranty Fund. Together, they challenged traditional approaches to succession planning, emphasizing the need for intentional talent development, knowledge transfer opportunities, and a culture that supports leadership and growth at all levels. The session encouraged attendees to think boldly about building resilient organizations that can thrive through change.  Robin Webb-Reus, Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Member Engagement of NCIGF, Lorrie Brouse, Executive Secretary of the Tennessee Insurance Guaranty Association and Tim Schotke, Executive Director of the Illinois Insurance Guaranty Fund
The morning wrapped up with “How Insurers Invest: Evolving Strategies in the 21st Century”. Presented by Thomas Klem, Managing Director and Head of Insurance Product Strategy at Sun Life Capital Management, this interactive session explored the shifting landscape of insurance investment strategies. Tom offered insights into how insurers are adapting to changing economic conditions, regulatory pressures, and emerging asset classes to build resilient, forward-looking portfolios. The afternoon sessions began with the President’s Report, delivered by Roger Schmelzer, joined by NCIGF Executive Team members Mike Ulmer, Ashley Rosenberger and Robin Webb-Reus. Mr. Schmelzer shared key updates from the October 2025 NCIGF Board of Directors meeting, held earlier in the week, including highlights of the business strategy and budgetary plans for 2026. Additionally, the NCIGF leadership team covered updates including NCIGF is preparing to take on a broader, more impactful role, stating that the 2025+ Strategic Plan marked a pivotal time in the organization's trajectory. Additional discussion included pre-liquidation planning and an AI platform currently slated for the 2026 business plan to provide real-time access to insolvency resources and enhance responsiveness. Looking ahead to 2026, NCIGF will focus on two transformative priorities: engaging a vendor to advance data-driven information and refining the NCIGF Model Act, guided by the principle that “resilience is readiness.” These efforts aim to fortify the system’s capacity to respond to future insolvencies with agility and precision. Additionally, education and outreach remain central to NCIGF’s mission. The organization is developing an on-demand CLE library and exploring a legal certification program to elevate professional standards across state guaranty funds. In partnership with the NAIC, this initiative will serve guaranty fund professionals, receivers, and financial regulators, fostering a deeper understanding of the legal and operational frameworks that underpin the system. To further support state board-level leadership, NCIGF is advancing a 2025 business objective: the launch of a collaborative State Board Hub. This resource will equip board members with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively contribute to their respective boards and engage more meaningfully with the guaranty fund system. Finally, NCIGF continues to prioritize employee development and will maintain this commitment into 2026 and beyond. By investing in training, leadership growth, and skill-building opportunities, NCIGF is ensuring its team remains well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the insurance industry. This ongoing focus on professional development not only supports individual growth, but also strengthens the organization’s overall capacity and resilience. Next, in true workshop fashion, Kerry Nations, Administrator of the Tennessee Insurance Guaranty Association, facilitated an engaging, three-part interactive presentation and exercise on crisis communications. Designed to equip participants with practical tools and strategies, the workshop explored the art of business storytelling, helping attendees learn how to craft compelling narratives during times of uncertainty. The session also featured a communication case study, which prompted thoughtful discussion around decision-making under pressure and the importance of message clarity. Finally, participants worked through the fundamentals of developing a public affairs plan, gaining insights into proactive planning, stakeholder engagement, and media response strategies. The crisis communication workshop emphasized the importance of preparation and consistency in navigating crisis situations effectively.  Crisis Communication Workshop Session 2 - Breakout Session: Communication Case Study
During the reception that evening, Kerry Nations was recognized with the inaugural NCIGF Service Award in acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to organization. The award celebrates the opportunity for the community to acknowledge members who go above and beyond within their work for the guaranty funds and NCIGF. Mr. Nations was commended for his dedication to member support, strategic leadership, and commitment to excellence. His work has had a meaningful impact on the industry, and this recognition reflects the respect and admiration of his peers.
 NCIGF’s inaugural Service Award
Day two maintained strong momentum, beginning with a session that highlighted the vital role of residual markets. Moderator Tom Souder, Senior Director of Business Operations of the South Carolina Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association, guided the discussion with guaranty fund leaders Smitty Harrison, Executive Director of the South Carolina Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association, and Barbara Law, President of the Guaranty Fund Management Services. Together, they examined the challenges, responsibilities, and evolving landscape of residual markets, highlighting the importance in maintaining consumer access and market stability during times of disruption. Next, “Bringing the NCIGF Plan to Life Part 1: Pre-liquidation Planning in Action - The Playbook” was moderated by NCIGF’s General Counsel, Ashley Rosenberger, and featured Chad Anderson, Amanda Barbera, President, Quad Assoc, LLC. and Barbara Law, who walked attendees through three distinct scenarios illustrating how the NCIGF playbook can be used to guide pre-liquidation planning efforts. Each scenario highlighted different challenges and approaches, emphasizing the importance of early engagement, strategic coordination, and cross-functional collaboration. The panel provided practical insights into how the playbook supports readiness and helps protect policyholders during the early stages of insurer insolvency.  Ashley Rosenberger, General Counsel NCIGF, Chad Anderson, Executive Director of WGFS, Barabara Law, Executive Director of GFMS, and Amanda Barabera, Executive Director of Quad Assoc LLC
Following part one, the conversation continued with “Bringing the NCIGF Plan to Life Part 2: Tools and Insights to Respond to a Changing Marketplace.” Moderated by Carrie Perras, Associate Legal Counsel at NCIGF, this session explored how guaranty funds and industry stakeholders can adapt to evolving market dynamics. Panelists Kim Decker, Head of State Legislative Affairs at Farmers Insurance, Brad Roeber and Rowe Snider, Counsel at Troutman Pepper Locke, shared perspectives on legislative trends, regulatory developments, and legal considerations impacting the guaranty system. The discussion provided valuable insights into how the NCIGF framework can be leveraged to navigate change, strengthen preparedness, and support policyholder protection in a shifting insurance landscape. Thanks to all of our members for helping NCIGF conclude 2025 with such a successful event! The workshop had strong attendance, and we appreciate all of the contributions from our speakers, sponsors, as well as the support from the Hawaii Insurance Guaranty Fund office. We look forward to a great year of events in 2026! To view our upcoming events, please click here. To check out more highlights, follow us on social media platforms:
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