President's Report

President's Report – August 2026

August was an especially active month for NABIP Arizona's Legislative Committee and leadership team. Members attended several in-district meetings with members of Congress to discuss NABIP's Legislative Priorities.  These meetings are a critical part of NABIP's advocacy strategy, providing members with direct, face-to-face opportunities to engage policymakers and their staff on key healthcare issues. This is grassroots advocacy in action - and it is how we shape the future of healthcare.

The month concluded with the NABIP Arizona Leadership Team and dedicated volunteers hosting our Annual Conference, The Future of Benefits: People, Policy & Innovation in Arizona and Beyond, at the beautiful Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale.

The conference brought together brokers and agents, carrier partners, general agents, industry professionals, and key stakeholders for a full day of education, collaboration, and connection. Sessions explored industry trends, policy and legislative developments, compliance updates, and the innovative strategies shaping the future of healthcare. During the event, the NABIP Arizona Board of Directors also took the Oath of Office, administered by NABIP Past President Rusty Rice.

Throughout this busy month, it was inspiring to see so many NABIP Arizona members and volunteers step forward with an all-hands-on-deck spirit. Their time, energy, and commitment helped make these important events a success.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to lead alongside such an exceptional group of professionals. Their passion, expertise, generosity, and willingness to serve are what make NABIP Arizona such a strong and vibrant organization.

To all NABIP Arizona members, thank you for continuing to participate, volunteer, support one another, and make your voices heard. Our association is stronger because of each of you, and I am excited about all we will accomplish together, right here in State 48.

Charlene Hogeland, NABIP Arizona President 

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Welcome New Members

A warm welcome to our newest NABIP Arizona members! We are excited to have you as part of our community of benefits and insurance professionals. Your membership connects you with valuable education, advocacy, networking opportunities, and a dedicated group of peers committed to strengthening our industry.

Jeff Bucher

Carol Marshall 

J.E. Pizarro

Jake Brugman

Cori Dolan

David Hoxworth

Mike Goodman 

Bobby Koger

Chessa Michels

We encourage you to get involved, attend upcoming events, and make the most of your membership. We look forward to getting to know you and are grateful you've chosen to be part of NABIP Arizona. Welcome aboard!

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Calendar of Events

NABIP Arizona Chapter Meeting: AI & Machine Learning in Employee Benefits

September 17, 2026 | 9:00–10:30 a.m.
15169 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 330, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

1 CE Credit Pending
Open to Invited Members and Guests Only
Members: $15 | Guests: $30

AI Is Changing Employee Benefits—Are You Ready?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning are rapidly transforming the employee benefits industry. From underwriting and claims processing to benefits administration, marketing, fraud detection, and member engagement, AI is creating new opportunities—and new challenges—for benefits professionals.

Join NABIP Arizona on September 17 for an engaging and practical look at how AI and Machine Learning are impacting the benefits ecosystem and what these technologies could mean for carriers, administrators, agencies, employers, and plan members.

What You’ll Learn

Presented by David J. Slepak, this session will explore real-world applications of AI across the employee benefits landscape, including:

• Underwriting & Quoting: How AI can streamline processes and support more informed decision-making.

• Claims & Fraud Detection: The role of automation and predictive analytics in identifying patterns and improving efficiency.

• Benefits Administration: How AI-powered tools can simplify processes for employers, advisors, and employees.

• Marketing & Agency Growth: Ways agencies can use AI to improve marketing, client retention, productivity, and ROI.

• Member Experience: How personalization and AI-driven insights can create more responsive and engaging healthcare experiences.

• Healthcare Decision Making: The potential for AI to help individuals and organizations make more informed decisions using data and technology.

Key Takeaways

Attendees will leave with a better understanding of:

• Core Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning concepts.

• AI-driven underwriting and claims automation.

• How agencies can leverage AI to improve marketing, retention, and ROI.

• AI-powered employer solutions and benefits administration tools.

• Opportunities to create more personalized member experiences.

• Ways to build a more responsive, efficient, and data-driven benefits ecosystem.

Meet the Speaker: David J. Slepak

David J. Slepak is a senior executive with more than 20 years of experience leading sales, marketing, growth strategy, partnerships, and commercial expansion across healthcare, insurance, AI, SaaS, medical devices, consumer electronics, and powersports.

Throughout his career, David has helped startups, high-growth companies, and established organizations build brands, grow revenue, expand distribution, and bring innovative products to market.

He is passionate about healthcare transformation and the role AI can play in improving customer experiences, increasing operational efficiency, and expanding access to better solutions.

Why This Conversation Matters

AI is no longer simply a technology conversation—it is becoming a business conversation for every part of the employee benefits industry.

Whether you work for a carrier, TPA, agency, employer, or other benefits organization, understanding how AI is being used today can help you identify opportunities, ask better questions, and prepare for what comes next.

Join NABIP Arizona for this timely and forward-looking conversation on September 17.

1 CE Credit Pending | Members $15 | Guests $30

Open to Invited Members and Guests Only.

https://azahu.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php 

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NABIP PAC

What is the NABIP PAC?

Have you ever wondered what a Political Action Committee (PAC) is and why it is important?

A Political Action Committee (PAC) is an organization that raises voluntary contributions from individuals who share common interests and uses those funds to support political candidates who align with those interests. PACs allow people to combine their voices and resources, creating a greater impact than any one individual could achieve alone.

The NABIP Political Action Committee (NABIP PAC) serves as the collective voice of insurance and benefits professionals across the country. As one of the most highly regulated industries in America, decisions made by elected officials directly affect our clients, our businesses, and the people we serve. Supporting lawmakers who understand the value of private-sector healthcare solutions helps ensure our profession has a seat at the table when important policy decisions are made.

Because NABIP, as a professional association, cannot make political contributions directly to candidates, the NABIP PAC was established and is registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). It allows voluntary contributions from NABIP members to be combined and strategically distributed to candidates who support policies that promote access to quality healthcare, consumer choice, and financial security for Americans.

NABIP PAC Mission

The mission of the NABIP PAC is to raise voluntary funds from NABIP members to support political candidates who believe in private-sector solutions for the health and financial security of all Americans.

Your participation is entirely voluntary, but every contribution—large or small—helps strengthen our industry's voice and advocacy efforts. By supporting the NABIP PAC, members help ensure that insurance and benefits professionals continue to have a strong presence in the legislative process and can advocate for policies that benefit our profession and the clients we serve.

Together, we can make a meaningful impact by supporting leaders who understand the importance of health insurance professionals and the value we bring to communities across the country.

Become a NABIP PAC Supporter

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(LPRT) Leading Producers Round Table

In every industry, there are individuals who rise above the rest - professionals who consistently deliver outstanding results, exceed expectations, and set the standard for excellence. The insurance industry is no exception. Top producers are not only successful in growing their business; they are committed to providing exceptional service, building lasting client relationships, and elevating the profession as a whole.

A top producer in insurance is much like a center of excellence in the medical field. Their expertise, dedication, and commitment to continuous improvement allow them to achieve remarkable results while delivering a high level of value to their clients. Their experience and knowledge help create better outcomes, fewer service challenges, and stronger partnerships.

The Leading Producers Round Table (LPRT) was established in 1942 to recognize successful underwriters and producers in the accident and health insurance industry. Today, LPRT has grown into a premier recognition program for outstanding health, disability, long-term care, and worksite marketing insurance professionals, as well as carrier representatives, agency leaders, and managers.

LPRT membership celebrates those who represent the highest standards of professionalism and performance. Members receive exclusive opportunities, including educational resources, networking opportunities, and special recognition designed to support their continued success and leadership within the industry.

At NABIP, we recognize that our industry is strengthened by the knowledge, dedication, and expertise of our top professionals. LPRT members play an important role in advancing the future of benefits and helping shape the direction of our profession.

If you are a producer who strives for excellence and wants to connect with other industry leaders, consider joining LPRT.  

Don’t miss the opportunity to be recognized among the best in the business! Join LPRT today and continue leading the way in our industry.

Learn More About LPRT!

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Registered Employee Benefits Consultant® (REBC®) Designation

Elevate Your Expertise  

The employee benefits industry is constantly evolving. New regulations, changing market conditions, innovative plan designs, and cost-containment strategies require benefits professionals to stay informed and continue developing their expertise.

The Registered Employee Benefits Consultant® (REBC®) designation is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge, enhance their credibility, and better serve their clients in today’s complex benefits environment.

The REBC® program provides a comprehensive understanding of employee benefits, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), contract provisions, marketing, underwriting, rate making, plan design, cost containment strategies, and alternative funding methods. A significant focus of the program is group medical expense plans, addressing the needs and challenges faced by both employers and employees.

Upon completion of the REBC® designation program, professionals gain the ability to:

• Understand legal regulations and methodologies involved in benefits management
• Explain key features of group insurance benefit plans, including plan design, underwriting, compliance, and cost-containment strategies
• Navigate ACA requirements and help clients make informed decisions while minimizing compliance risks
• Identify the core components of employer-sponsored benefit programs
• Understand COBRA election requirements and administration rules
• Apply ethical business practices in their professional roles
• Recognize HIPAA Privacy and Security and ERISA requirements

Earning the REBC® designation demonstrates a commitment to professional growth, industry excellence, and delivering exceptional service to clients. As the benefits landscape continues to change, continued education remains one of the most valuable tools a benefits professional can invest in.

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NABIP Mentor Program

Building Connections, Growing Careers

Whether you are new to the insurance industry, new to NABIP, or a seasoned professional looking to expand your knowledge into new areas of benefits, the NABIP Mentor Program is here to help you grow.

The insurance industry is constantly evolving, and having the right guidance and support can make all the difference. Through the Mentor Program, members have the opportunity to connect with experienced professionals who can provide insight, share knowledge, and help navigate career development opportunities.

Mentees
Are you interested in learning more about Medicare, individual benefits, small or large group benefits, or exploring NABIP leadership opportunities? Whether you are just starting your career or looking to broaden your expertise, a mentor can provide valuable guidance and support along the way.

As the saying goes, an educated consumer is the best advocate for themselves. By continuing to expand our knowledge and skills, we become stronger advisors for the clients and communities we serve.

Mentors
Experienced professionals are encouraged to give back by becoming mentors. The NABIP Leadership Development Committee is committed to developing and educating health insurance professionals so they can continue to grow, lead, and better serve the consumers who rely on them.

If you have knowledge and experience to share, we invite you to be part of this important effort to strengthen our industry and support the next generation of insurance professionals.

Membership in NABIP is required to participate in the Mentor Program.

Join us in building relationships, sharing knowledge, and investing in the future of our profession!

Learn More!

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NABIP Leadership Academy

Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders

Strong leaders help build stronger chapters, stronger organizations, and a stronger insurance industry. NABIP’s Leadership Academy is designed to help chapter leaders and members develop the skills needed to become more effective leaders both within NABIP and in their professional lives.

This comprehensive 12-module program provides a well-rounded leadership experience covering a variety of topics designed to enhance personal growth, communication, and leadership abilities.

Participants have the flexibility to choose the learning format that works best for them. Modules can be completed through pre-recorded programming, live monthly webinars, or a combination of both. The live programming schedule will be released in September.

The Leadership Academy is open to all active NABIP members at no cost. Participants who successfully complete the program will receive an electronic badge to recognize and promote their achievement.

Graduates who complete the program by May 15 may be eligible for a discounted Annual Convention registration and will be recognized during NABIP’s Annual Convention.

The Academy year runs from July 1 through June 30. To ensure the program remains timely and relevant, course content may change from year to year. Members are encouraged to complete their studies within the 12-month cycle to get the most value from the experience.

Invest in yourself, expand your leadership skills, and become part of NABIP’s next generation of leaders through the Leadership Academy!

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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)

Creating a Culture of Belonging at NABIP

At NABIP, belonging is more than a goal, it is the foundation of who we are. We are committed to creating a community where every member feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their unique experiences and perspectives.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) reflects the importance of understanding the diverse communities we serve. The healthcare system touches the lives of people from all backgrounds, and as benefits and insurance professionals, we have a responsibility to recognize and respond to the needs of the individuals and families who rely on us.

By embracing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment, we strengthen our organization and enhance our ability to advocate for meaningful improvements in healthcare. A culture of belonging encourages collaboration, innovation, and a deeper understanding of the communities we represent.

As NABIP members, we each play an important role in advancing this mission. Through continued learning, open conversations, and a willingness to listen and grow, we can help create a more inclusive industry and a healthcare system that better serves everyone.

Your voice matters. Your experiences matter. Your contributions help shape the future of NABIP and the communities we serve.

Together, we are more than a professional association—we are a community of dedicated professionals working toward a future where every individual is recognized, respected, and supported. At NABIP, everyone has a place and a purpose.

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