RVP Message – Summer 2025
A Note of Gratitude from Your RVP: As we begin the 2025-2026 term for Insurance Professionals, I want to start by expressing my heartfelt thanks to all the members of Region VII. Your kindness and generosity during our regional dinner in Oklahoma City truly touched me. I was honored - and a little overwhelmed! The purses are already in use, I’m savoring the coffee, and I’m still deciding how to use the gift cards (what a fun dilemma!). You are simply the best. I couldn’t do this job without the incredible support of our members - your time, energy, and dedication keep us moving forward. So once again, thank you all.
Let’s Talk Convention! What an incredible showing from Region VII at this year’s convention! We’re thrilled to announce the Region VII members who won at the international level:
Claims Professional of the Year: Mark Coberly, CLP-A
Sponsor: Atain Insurance Co
Client Services Professional of the Year: Christine Chandler Tillett, aPHR, CLP, CDP, CRIS, TRIp, MCIS, CIIP, ACR
Sponsor: Lockton Insurance Brokers
CWC Winner: Sandra Holmes, CIC, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, TRIP, CPIW, DAE
Sponsor: Johnson & Johnson Inc.
Distinguished Insurance Professional of the Year: Regina Lemanowicz, CLP
Sponsor: Marcia Tepp
Insurance Professional of the Year: Leslie Door, MBGM, CISR, CIC, CLP-A, CIIP
Sponsor: Binder Family Trust
Congratulations to all of you! And a huge thank you to our additional award sponsors: CMR Risk & Insurance Services, Vermont Mutual, Harford Mutual, and Donegal Insurance. For those who applied but weren’t selected this year - or those considering applying - now is the time to start preparing. Applications for the 2025–2026 awards are due November 15.
Looking Ahead
It’s been my pleasure to serve Region VII as your RVP. I’m excited about what the next two years will bring - more growth, more connections, and more success for our members.
At convention and during our recent Town Hall, incoming President Lisa Hardin introduced our new tagline:
BUILDING. FUTURES. TOGETHER. It’s simple, powerful, and exactly where we need to focus.
We’re also excited about the upcoming launch of the new IAIP website - a complete overhaul of our current system. The new platform will feature a dedicated dashboard for Region VII, making it easier to connect and collaborate.
Stay Connected
Have you met your 2025-2026 Leadership Team yet? Head on over to the Region VII Website for photos and contact information! https://iaipregion7.org/ Also on the Region VII site you will find updates from your Regional and Council Directors and we’ll be posting dates for the 2025 -2026 Cactus Chats very soon!
Did You Catch the July Town Hall?
If you attended live or watched the recording, besides hearing about our new tagline you heard some important updates. One key takeaway: our Executive Committee has asked us to be mindful when reaching out to our management company, Ngage, especially as they work on the website rollout and other initiatives. While Ngage is here to support us, many questions can be answered by your RVP, CD or Regional Directors. For example, I can help you access your Membership Rosters and other resources on the website. And once the new site is launched, we’ll offer training to make the transition smooth and easy.
Education Update
Our Education Director, Andrea Gable Setterstrom, is preparing to schedule a Train the Trainer class for Region VII. If your certification needs updating, this will be a great opportunity. Once that’s complete, we’ll begin scheduling CLP, CLP-A, and ACR classes within our region and time zones. Be sure to give your class wish list to Andrea. I can’t wait!
Important Dates to Remember
August 15 – Legacy Foundation Scholarship Application Deadline
October 15 – Legacy Foundation Grant Application Deadline
November 15 –'‘Of the Year” Award Applications Due
(Insurance Professional, Distinguished Insurance Professional, Claims, Client Services, Risk
Management, Underwriter, Rookie, and YNP) Winners will advance to compete at the
international level in Norfolk, VA next June.
990N Forms – Due to the IRS for Locals & Councils.
To Make Change a Reality, We Must L.E.A.R.N. Please, let us know how we can support you.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead for Region VII and IAIP. Spread the word - tell your friends and colleagues about the incredible benefits of being a member of Insurance Professional!
In fellowship,
Terri Brennan, Region VII RVP
RVP Message – Spring 2025
Hello Region VII Members,
Spring is here and I hope it stays a little while longer here in Arizona. We’ve already had a few days over 100 degrees – I’m just not ready for the heat!!
Right around the corner is our Regional HUB Conference which is being held in Oklahoma City, OK on Thursday June 19 th . We will have a combined meeting with Region VI which will include a packed program, including education and group lunch. After our conference we’ll meet at Rodizio’s Grill – a Brazilian Steak House for our Regional Dinner and Awards Presentation. The flyer for dinner RSVPs is done… and has been posted in the Insurance Professionals “Feed” and a copy was emailed with the newsletter. Be sure to respond by the deadline.
The Legacy Challenge this year is a “Round-Up” Region V and VII joined together for the Regional Challenge. When I looked at the last post, I thought our wagon must have veered off the trail - we were only 25% of the way to our goal. Please consider donating to the Legacy Foundation. Tell me, who doesn’t like a good challenge? I am offering to match donations (up to $25 each) to the Legacy Foundation for each Region VII Member who contributes $25 or more to this year’s campaign between now and May 17 th - Just let me know you’ve donated. (Be sure to select Region VII when donating!)
Saddle up your horses and hit the trail and meet us in OKC. Immediately following our Hub will be the 84 th International Convention. I can’t wait to see so many of you in person and enjoy all there is to experience at convention. How many stops are we going to make on the OKC Buckeroo Trail!! Check out the FIT Taskforce post for details.
Mark your calendar for our next Cactus Chat is schedule for Thursday May 8 th at 7pm PT – please join us for important updates about what’s happening in Region VII. We’ll also go over the things you will need to “Know before you Go” to OKC.
I extend a warm welcome to all our new members and congratulate recent designees on their accomplishments.
Remember, to Make Change A Reality – we need to L.E.A.R.N.
In fellowship,
Terri Brennan – Region VII Vice President
RVP Message - Winter 2025
Dear Region VII Members
As we reflect on the recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and Altadena, our hearts go out to all those affected. Many of our members have faced significant personal and professional challenges during this time. We stand in solidarity as we navigate these difficult times together.
I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the IAIP and Region VII members who reached out to me personally with cards, calls, emails, and texts while I recovered from a recent bout of pneumonia. The outpouring of love and support was appreciated more than you know. Thank you to my entire IAIP Family.
In the spirit of resilience and community, we are excited to announce our upcoming HUB Regional Conference on Thursday, June 19th in Oklahoma City, OK. This event promises to be an enriching experience, filled with insightful sessions and networking opportunities.
Immediately following the HUB, we will gather for the 2025 International Convention June 20th to 22nd. We encourage all members to attend and be part of these pivotal events.
A few other important reminders:
Regional Awards (Region VII only) and CWC Applications are due by April 19th.
Don’t miss the chance to be recognized for outstanding achievements within our IAIP community. Andrea Gable Setterstrom is our Awards chair again this year. Reach out to Andrea or me if you have any questions.
Our next Cactus Chat will be on Thursday, February 13th. Join us for an engaging discussion and valuable insights, including details on the upcoming HUB Conference and information on our new Management Company – Ngage.
Legacy Foundation Grant applications are due no later than March 15th. Ensure your applications are submitted on time to take advantage of this opportunity.
I also want to extend my congratulations to members who have recently completed industry designations. Your dedication and hard work are truly commendable. Additionally, we warmly welcome all the new members to the association. We are thrilled to have you join our vibrant community and look forward to your contributions to IAIP and Region VII.
Together, we will continue to support each other and L.E.A.R.N.
Warm regards,
Terri A Brennan – IAIP Region VII Vice President
Save the dates:
September 12-13, 2025 - CA Council of IAIP Meeting - San Ramon, CA
November (TBD), 2025 - HI Council Meeting - Honolulu, HI
June 6, 2026 - Region VII Regional Conference - Norfolk, VA
June 7-9, 2026 - International Convention - Norfolk VA
