Caldwell NJ — 

Dear Colleague:

2026 is off to an exciting start with new programs, fresh leadership voices, and a robust calendar of events designed to strengthen our community and our industry impact.

Leadership and Sponsorship News

Please join me in extending sincere thanks to Ron Topping, CFO of Lemonade Insurance Company, for seven years of dedicated service on the President’s Advisory Council. Ron continues to be a loyal member of the SIFM, consistently bringing insurtech insights and engaging speakers to our conferences.

I am delighted to welcome Alyssa Cotillo of Grant Thornton Advisors to the President’s Advisory Council. Alyssa is an active contributor to the SIFM, serving on the Women of SIFM Steering committee, participating in the Annual Conference Program committee, as well as on Quarterly Conference committees. She is a founding member of the SIFM Growth & Governance Council and chair of the Event Attendance & Company Outreach Subcommittee.

Please welcome FTI Consulting as our newest sponsor, represented by Andrew Baxter. In addition to being a member of the President’s Advisory Council, Andrew is also a founding member of the SIFM Growth & Governance Council and co-chair of the Membership Growth Subcommittee. We are grateful for FTI Consulting’s support and commitment.

Caldwell NJ — Yelena La Forgia, President of the SIFM and SVP & Chief Financial Officer of Aspen Insurance and Aspen US, presented the SIFM 2026 Scholarship to Rochelle Walker, an actuarial student at Saint Joseph’s University (Philadelphia).

Above Photo: Saint Joseph’s University Scholarship Winners for 2025, 2026
From Left: Professor John Whitaker of Saint Joseph’s University; Brady King, Rochelle Walker and John Swanick, SIFM Board Member

Ms. Walker has distinguished herself through exceptional academic achievement, resilience and leadership. As president of the African Caribbean Student Association, an active member of Gamma Iota Sigma and the Black Student Union, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to advocacy, inclusivity, and community engagement. Her commitment to actuarial science paired with her strong analytical abilities, equipes Rochelle to make a meaningful impact in risk management and the insurance sector.

The SIFM Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship presented to a qualified student attending a top school of risk management, insurance and actuarial science who intends to seek a career in the insurance industry. Ms. La Forgia noted that the “SIFM believes in nurturing the exchange of ideas among professionals in the insurance industry. The SIFM Scholarship affords students the opportunity to meet professionals and executives in insurance, reinsurance and advisory firms specializing in insurance fostering an understanding of the challenges in the industry.”

Ms. Walker is on track to graduate in December 2026 with a major in Actuarial Science from Saint Joseph’s University. Reflecting on her path, Ms. Walker noted that mathematics and business have consistently been her foundation.

Encouraged by family and mentors, she sought a career that blended actuarial thinking and financial theory with real-world impact ultimately discovering actuarial science as the ideal fit. She aspires to use her skills to develop innovative risk models, improve underwriting processes, and promote equitable practices across the insurance landscape.

“My journey, from a student in Jamaica redefining what success looks like to an aspiring actuary at Saint Joseph’s University, has been one of resilience, growth, and purpose,” Ms. Walker said. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue pursuing my goals and to contribute to a field that values precision, problem solving, and diversity of thought.”

Caldwell NJ — The Society of Insurance and Financial Management (SIFM) has awarded its 2026 Scholarship to Anson He, an outstanding student from St. John’s University (New York). The scholarship was presented by Yelena La Forgia, President of the SIFM and SVP & Chief Financial Officer of Aspen Insurance and Aspen US.

Above Photo: St. John’s University SIFM Scholarship Winners 2025, 2026
From Left: Filippos Koulouris, Anson He; Maureen Furlong Weber, Director
Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science

Ms. La Forgia recognized Anson for his outstanding academic performance with a 3.5 GPA and for his commitment to pursuing hands-on work experience. Mr. He has completed internships with AIG and iSolvRisk, alongside shadowing opportunities at Swiss Re and USI Insurance Services. Mr. He will graduate in 2026 with a BS in with risk management and insurance and a concentration in quantitative risk and insurance.

Mr. He is an active member of the Gamma Iota Sigma, Risk and Insurance Fraternity as well as the Actuarial Club. Anson has gained valuable experience by participating in case study workshops and data analysis sessions to strengthen quantitative skills and apply actuarial concepts to practical business problems.

The SIFM Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship presented to a qualified student attending a top school of risk management, insurance and actuarial science who intends to seek a career in the insurance industry. SIFM believes in nurturing the exchange of ideas among professionals in the insurance industry.

Ms. La Forgia emphasized the broader value of the award, noting that the “SIFM Scholarship not only supports academic achievement but also provides students with invaluable networking opportunities with seasoned professionals and executives in insurance, reinsurance, and advisory firms, enriching their understanding of the industry’s complex challenges.”

Caldwell NJ — 

Dear Colleagues:

As we wrap up this year and look ahead to an exciting 2026, I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for your continued support of the SIFM and wish you and your family a joyful and healthy holiday season!

Reflecting on the past year, I’m proud to say that together we made 2025 a success. Members and guests joined us for 11 events throughout the year and helped to strengthen the bonds of our community. See the sidebar for highlights of the 2025 Year in Review. 

Looking ahead, planning for 2026 is well underway with several new initiatives and events. The Strategy Committee, now the Growth & Governance Council, is focused on governance, membership, attendance and corporate outreach. The Council is seeking 6-8 volunteers for each of its pillars and will host a virtual meeting in January. Details on this initiative are attached; please reach out to me directly if you are interested in participating.

Highlights of upcoming events:

The Women of SIFM Committee is planning a series on Executive Presence to help both women and men develop the skills needed to inspire confidence, respect, and lead with authenticity and impact.  The goal is to connect skills in leadership, communications, public speaking, appearance and behavior with attendees’ leadership aspirations. Watch for details coming in January.

Springtime will bring a joint event with the Women of SIFM and the Young Professionals; hosted by Baker Tilly in Philadelphia. It will feature rising leaders sharing strategies for climbing the management ladder and providing practical tips for success. Stay tuned for details coming in February.

Our new Associate Membership for professionals under 30 with fewer than five years in the industry provides opportunities to connect with peers across companies and functions.  Annual dues are discounted to only $100 and quarterly conferences are also discounted to $100 (excluding The Annual Conference). If you or a colleague are interested, please reach out to me.

Finally, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for your continued participation this year.  Through this, we exceeded our conference attendance goals and featured outstanding speakers on topics vital to our evolving industry. I encourage you to share your ideas for future speakers and topics that you believe will shape our industry.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the President’s Advisory Council, I wish you a happy holiday season and much success in 2026!

Warm regards,

Yelena La Forgia
President, SIFM
SVP, Chief Financial Officer, Aspen Insurance and Aspen US

Caldwell NJ — August 19, 2025 – Insurance commissioners today confront a range of complex challenges that shape the marketplace from climate risk and cybersecurity threats to the evolving role of artificial intelligence. Join us at the SIFM Annual Conference to explore the pressing issues transforming insurance regulation.

Michael Humphreys, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department Commissioner, will offer a timely overview of key regulatory “hot topics” including recent initiatives by the NAIC focused on AI and big data.

The SIFM Annual Conference will take place at the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City from September 7 – 10. For more information, click here: SIFM Annual Conference 2025.

The SIFM’s Annual Conference is a premier event for insurance professionals that provides insights into emerging trends in the insurance industry. Over the course of two and a half days, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts, explore key developments and discuss pressing topics shaping the future of insurance.

Caldwell NJ — August 11, 2025 – As the property and casualty insurance landscape undergoes dynamic shifts – from softening market conditions to accelerating finance transformation – C-suite finance leaders are increasingly central to steering strategy, risk management, and operational resilience. This panel brings together senior finance executives from carriers, MGAs and brokers to share their perspectives on how the finance function is evolving amid macroeconomic uncertainty, regulatory change, and technological disruption.

Topics will include the changing role of finance leadership, modernization of finance and audit functions, capital efficiency in a competitive market, and the unique challenges of MGA financial operations. Whether you’re a CFO, controller, auditor, or finance transformation leader, this session will offer practical insights into how forward-looking finance teams are navigating today’s complexity while preparing for tomorrow’s demands.

Join us for an exciting session with moderator Yelena La Forgia (Aspen Insurance) and panelists – Martin Hollander (Selective Insurance), Jason Jacob (SageSure InsuranceManager), Arleen Paladino (Crum & Forster), and Rob Wolf (Hudson Insurance Group).

The SIFM Annual Conference will take place at the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City from September 7 – 10. For more information, click here: SIFM Annual Conference 2025

The SIFM’s Annual Conference is a premier event for insurance professionals that provides insights into emerging trends in the insurance industry. Over the course of two and a half days, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts, explore key developments and discuss pressing topics shaping the future of insurance.

Caldwell NJ — August 5, 2025 – In today’s insurance landscape, customer complaints are often treated as compliance obligations. Driven by burdensome rules and requirements, companies may design their complaints management programs to suit the needs of a check-the-box exercise.

At this year’s SIFM Annual Conference 2025, taking place at the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City from September 7 – 10, Paul Avinger and Demille Kelly will explore how complaints can present a powerful opportunity. Innovative companies are increasingly harnessing complaints as strategic intelligence – unlocking insights to optimize operations, improve the customer experience, and more effectively manage key risks, including fraud more effectively. 

Don’t miss Paul Avinger and Demille Kelly of Grant Thornton’s Forensic Advisory Team as they unveil a smarter approach to complaints – shifting the narrative from obligation to opportunity.

The SIFM’s Annual Conference is a premier event for insurance professionals that provides insights into emerging trends in the insurance industry. Over the course of two and a half days, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts, explore key developments and discuss pressing topics shaping the future of insurance.

Caldwell NJ — July 28, 2025 – As the insurance industry accelerates its adoption of AI and automation, a new wave of cyber risks is challenging the very gains these technologies promise. To address this critical shift, SIFM invites industry leaders to a high-impact session featuring James Blackwell and Dennis Glendenning of BDO USA who will share real-world examples of what to embrace—and what to avoid—when securing your assets in AI-driven environments where outcomes are unpredictable and threats can have devastating consequences. They will also highlight audit and analytics scenarios and the implications of integrating more powerful AI into customer-facing workflows.

The SIFM Annual Conference will take place at the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City from September 7 – 10. For more information, click here: SIFM Annual Conference 2025.

The SIFM’s Annual Conference is a premier event for insurance professionals that provides insights into emerging trends in the insurance industry. Over the course of two and a half days, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts, explore key developments and discuss pressing topics shaping the future of insurance.

Caldwell NJ — July 22, 2025 – The SIFM Annual Conference will take place at the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City from September 7 – 10. For more information, click here: SIFM Annual Conference 2025.

The SIFM’s Annual Conference is a premier event for insurance professionals that provides insights into emerging trends in the insurance industry. Over the course of two and a half days, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts, explore key developments and discuss pressing topics shaping the future of insurance. This year’s conference will feature three keynote sessions:

Caldwell NJ — Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Andrew Baxter, the newest member of the President’s Advisory Council.

Andrew is a Managing Director in the Governance, Internal Audit, and Controls Practice at FTI Consulting Inc. With more than 15 years of experience, he has been instrumental in helping companies navigate both strategic and tactical challenges related to internal audit, controls, and operational excellence. His expertise spans the insurance industry, including P&C, life, financial guaranty, health and reinsurance carriers, as well as agents/brokers and MGAs/TPAs.

Andrew is stepping in as FTI Consulting’s representative, succeeding Kelly Bialas. Kelly has been a valued member of SIFM since 2012 and has contributed significantly as a Steering Committee member for Young Professionals. Her enthusiasm and innovative ideas have helped shape the Young Professionals into a dynamic and thriving forum. Her knowledge and insight will be deeply missed.

Additionally, I wanted to share that Jayme Malimban, Principal with Johnson Lambert, has resigned from the Board of Directors. Jayme has been an integral part of SIFM for over 15 years, serving on the Steering Committee for the Women of SIFM and playing a pivotal role in coordinating the SIFM Scholarship with Saint Joseph’s University. Her unwavering support for conferences and events has been invaluable, and we will certainly miss her contributions.

Please join me in expressing sincere gratitude to both Kelly and Jayme for their dedicated service to SIFM. Their leadership has been marked by commitment, dignity, and perseverance, and their impact will be long remembered.

Yelena La Forgia
President, SIFM
SVP, Chief Financial Officer, Aspen Insurance and Aspen US