State Chair Spotlight - Fall 2025

Tell us about yourself.

I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1994. Currently I am the Market Conduct Chief Examiner for the Kentucky Department of Insurance, managing three (3) teams of experienced examiners as we strive to ensure consumers are treated fairly and that the industry operates in a responsible manner. I have been with the Department for twenty (20) years, joining Market Conduct team in 2014. Prior to that, I handled the financial interests of Kentucky Access, the state’s high-risk health insurance pool. When I am not knee-deep in data analysis, I am most often found knee-deep in tall grass on local golf courses.

How long have you been a member of IRES?

I became a member of IRES in 2018, when I completed the MCM course, and then in 2021 I completed the Health track of the AIE program.

What made you get involved as a State Chair?

When asked to be the State Chair for Kentucky, I thought it was a great opportunity to get to know fellow examiners from other parts of the country and learn certain aspects of their exam processes that could help our teams. It also helps me to keep track of certification renewals for our exam team. One of the requirements to be an examiner in Kentucky is to have and maintain the MCM and AIE certifications, or at least be working towards obtaining them. Within the first two (2) months of being the state chair, I was able to locate two (2) of our team members who had forgotten to renew their certifications and had them reinstated.

Do you have any advice for new IRES members to make the most out of their membership?

My advice for new members is to take advantage of the Career Development Seminars offered through IRES. It is not only an easy way to obtain the required continuing education units to maintain your certifications, but it also is an opportunity to keep up on current issues, as well as a look into what the future may hold in the insurance industry. The presenters do a fantastic job of being informative, in an entertaining way. Attendees are able to establish contact with examiners from other states, learn about unique exam processes or data analysis techniques, and insurance industry trends. When attending these seminars, plan for an extra day to explore the area as well. You get to visit parts of the country you may never see otherwise. 

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