RVP Message - Winter 2026 Q3
Hello Region VII Members – Welcome to a brand-new year full of opportunities with Insurance Professionals. I don’t know about you, but I can’t believe that we have already flipped the page on the calendar to February, 2026. We have many exciting things happening. Hopefully you have seen the updates on social media about our new Association Management Company – CHMS – Capital Hill. I have met (virtually) with our new Executive Director, Kelly McMahon and several other of our new staff, and they are as excited as we are – and are build-out our processes to get us back to a regular routine for all things related to Insurance Professionals! One of the most important being the long anticipated “Soft Launch” of our new web platform. I want speak a little about how we will be referring to the different areas of our website. Our prior Membership platform was called YM – which stood for Your Membership. Our new system is divided into multiple segments – they are noted below. If you try and keep them separate when you think about how the website will function, I think it will be very helpful. Word Press – which is the “Web Platform” or “Website” – (Internationalinsuranceprofessionals.org) Member365 – which is the “MEMBER PORTAL” - this is where you will find the R7 dashboard and Workspace.
Below is the message from our Project Management Team regarding next steps:
The New Website Project team is excited to share that the website is now available for limited use! Click here to visit the website and click here to visit the member portal. You will also receive an email soon with directions on how to access the member portal in the new site Some of the most popular features that are live include: · Recorded Course Content ** (Note that you may have to reset your password or create a new account) · Convention information Registration info coming soon!
A few important things to note:
· Additional items are being added over time, including education quizzes, toolkits, IAIP history (past and upcoming classes, quiz scores, conference attendance, etc.) and more. We are also working on updating design to improve accessibility.
· If you experience any website issues or errors, please submit this form
This will allow us to capture and prioritize submissions. Please do not submit the form for missing functionality as we work to add to the site.
· If you renewed your membership during the outage and you receive an error, email: director@iaip-ins.org.
· If you have any questions or feedback not related to website issues or errors, please contact your RVP. Thank you for your patience as we have moved through restoring this important member resource. More great content to come! from: IAIP Website Project Team
So please be on the lookout for the email from IAIP Staff – with your link and login information. I’m so excited about the functionality that we have back already and look forward to continued progress over the next few months. The Convention website will be launching very soon. Member Early Bird Pricing of $475 will remain in place until April 30th. Hub price for Sat. June 6th is $125. Reminder to get your CWC Applications in to me before the deadline. We are still finalizing the program, regional dinner plans and awards. The next Cactus Chat is Tuesday Feb.17th at 7 pm PT. Hope to see you there. In fellowship, Terri A Brennan – IAIP Region VII Vice President
To Make Change a Reality – we need to L.E.A.R.N
Lead, Engage, Act, Recruit, Network!
Important Information from the RVP
The New Website Project team is excited to share that the website is now available for limited use! Click here to visit the website and click here to visit the member portal. You will also receive an email soon with directions on how to access the member portal in the new site.
Some of the most popular features that are live include:
(Note that you may have to reset your password or create a new account)
· Convention information Registration info coming soon!
A few important things to note:
· Additional items are being added over time, including education quizzes, toolkits, IAIP history (past and upcoming classes, quiz scores, conference attendance, etc.) and more. We are also working on updating design to improve accessibility.
· If you experience any website issues or errors, please submit this form. This will allow us to capture and prioritize submissions. Please do not submit the form for missing functionality as we work to add to the site.
· If you renewed your membership during the outage and you receive an error, email: director@iaip-ins.org.
If you have any questions or feedback not related to website issues or errors, please contact your RVP.Thank you for your patience as we have moved through restoring this important member resource.
More great content to come!
IAIP Website Project Team
RVP Message - Fall 2025 Q2
Hello Region VII Members….
As we entered the 2nd quarter of this term, Insurance Professionals was met with some new challenges, but they do not define us, nor do they deter us from our goals. The entire Board is working on hiring a new management company and getting the website back to full functionality. The EC has already met with several vendors. We have also retrieved all physical IAIP files from the Ngage office.
Having website outages is not unique to IAIP. On Oct 19th and 20th Amazon Web Services showed us that huge companies can experience disruptions in apps and connectivity on many of their platforms as well. Know that we are doing everything we can at this time to remedy the situation. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding during this time of transition.
Some key things to know /remember during the transition:
· We hear you and we have logged all issues and concerns so that nothing falls through the cracks during this time. If you have something new to report, please email me.
· The EC has formed a Crisis Management Team, consisting of myself and Diane Martell, along with ambassadors from each region to assist with communications. We will update members as new information becomes available.
· There may be Micro-Volunteer Opportunities along the way, and we’ll let everyone know when they are needed.
· All requests for information or services should go through your RVP or the Crisis Management Team until website is fully functional. DO NOT make any requests for course materials or membership renewals online until everything has been resolved.
· @iaip-ins.org emails are not functional yet, please refrain from using them.
· Extensions have been created for the following processes:
Award Applications: New due date is Jan 15, 2026 - for “of the year” awards.
All Designation late fees will be waived for the remainder of 2025.
Any membership renewals that could have incurred late fees will be waived for the remainder of 2025. * Do not pay online. Contact us for instructions.
Reminder that CWC due dates were extended last year to 60 days prior to your regional conference.
NOTE: IRS forms – such as 990n’s were NOT extended (11/15 due date) All
Locals/ Councils must let your RVP know the date your forms were filed.
Be sure to look for additional updates on Facebook from the EC.
· As soon as the LMS, course materials, student guides and quizzes are available, we’ll advise members.
· The EC has already met with several potential Agency Management Companies, and we are fully vetting them before any decisions are made. Once made we will make a formal announcement to all members.
Our Awards Chair for 2026 is Kim Cameron, please feel free to reach out to me or Kim if you have any questions regarding the process. We are awaiting some application updates, too!
Multiple Deadlines have been extended until Jan 15th, 2026
Legacy Foundation – Scholarship Applications
Regional Awards Application Deadline – due to RVP
Regional Vice President Candidate application – due to current RVP (if applicable) 2026 is an election year for EVEN numbered Regions
International Nominating Committee Applications
IAIP Award Applications deadline
Regional Nominating Committee Applications due (if applicable)
International Secretary Candidates application deadline
Our Cactus Chat schedule was disrupted but are back on track in November – see you meeting on Nov 20th at 7 pm PST. We are alternating between Tuesdays and Thursdays this year to allow more members to participate. Below is our new schedule for 2025/2026 Term.
Warning: Phishing Scams are on the rise.
Please be aware, especially during times of disruption, that unscrupulous people become more active. Thank you to members Sandy M, Shane P and Jacoba J for being very diligent and letting me know about this new scam. Someone (posing as me) requested help with a program expense – since Rae Lynn was unavailable - and to send money via Venmo, and as soon as Rae Lynn was available, we would reimburse her the $920. and provided the “Vendor” account for where to send the money. It’s not the first time we’ve been targeted. Always validate that the email address is actually mine. (work or home are the only 2 emails I ever used) I will NEVER ask you for money for IAIP without having spoken to you first! As we enjoy this wonderful Fall weather, don’t fall for any of their tricks!
Below are some tips to help avoid phishing scams:
5 Tips to Spot Phishing Email Attacks
Be Skeptical of Unusual Requests from Known Contacts
Scammers may impersonate coworkers, friends, or family. If an email asks for money, gift cards, or sensitive info, verify through a separate channel before responding.Look for Subtle Email Address Changes
Personal phishing often uses email addresses that look almost identical to someone you know (e.g., john.doe@company.com vs. john.doe@companny.com). Always inspect the sender’s address carefully.Don’t Trust Urgency or Emotional Appeals
Messages that create panic or urgency - like “I’m stuck abroad, please send money!” - are classic phishing tactics. Pause and verify before acting.Avoid Clicking on Attachments or Links from Unexpected Emails
Even if the sender seems familiar, don’t open attachments or click links unless you were expecting them. If you are in doubt, confirm with the sender directly.Keep Your Personal Info Private on Social Media
Phishers often gather details from social media to craft convincing messages. Limit what you share publicly, especially about your job, travel plans, or family.
We will come out on the other side of this stronger and more knowledgeable than we were before. Again, we appreciate your patience and understanding as we restore services to full capabilities.
In fellowship,
Terri Brennan
Terri A Brennan – IAIP Region VII Vice President
To Make Change a Reality – we need to L.E.A.R.N
Lead, Engage, Act, Recruit, Network!
Save the dates:
November 13, 2025 - HI Council Meeting - Honolulu, HI
June 6, 2026 - Region VII Regional Conference - Norfolk, VA
June 7-9, 2026 - International Convention - Norfolk VA
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
