State Chair Spotlight: Monica Hale

Tell us about yourself.

I started in Complaints in 1998 and then added intake for Rate & Form Filings. At the time, we didn’t have an interpreter line or anyone who could assist consumers in Spanish, but we had calls from Spanish speakers. Seeing a need, I requested approval to take Spanish classes and progressed to taking Spanish calls, handling Spanish complaints, and translating complaints and some publications. While working for OCI full-time, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from the UW-Madison in Gender & Women’s Studies. In 2017, I was promoted to Insurance Examiner in P&C and then earned my CPCU and my AIE. I later switched to Health as a Team Lead and earned my CIE before moving up into my current position in Market Analysis. I am also our office’s DEI Committee Secretary. My free time is spent gardening, crocheting blankets for cat carriers for a local rescue organization, watching/reading mysteries, and traveling to new places.

How long have you been a member of IRES?

I joined IRES in 2020. 

What made you get involved as a State Chair?

I became a State Chair to be more active in IRES, to learn more, and make more connections.

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

Since I’m a new State Chair, my two pieces of advice are to never stop learning and to share your knowledge. That being said, if anyone has advice for a new State Chair, please send it my way.

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