PUBLISHER ’ S NOTE
YOUR INVOLVEMENT MATTERS ! written by Dave Hulcher
I ’ d like to start by thanking our members and Industry Partners that joined us at the Annual Convention . It was another year with record numbers , and we continue to receive positive feedback on the high level of in-person educational classes and networking opportunities . I ’ d like to thank KAIA staff for their hard work in bringing together such a successful event . It is truly a team effort ! I ’ d be remiss if I didn ’ t thank our members who continue to support us while giving their employees the opportunity to grow and engaging with industry colleagues . Holding an event of this quality is a testament to KAIA staff , our wonderful members , and Industry Partners !
Welcome , Kevin O ’ Brien , who takes over the leadership reins as KAIA President . Kevin and I share a special bond because when I came to Topeka to interview for the Executive Director role in 2016 , Kevin was the one who took me to the airport afterwards . We talked about both being the dad of the four daughters and our varying taste in music . With that first meeting , it was evident that Kevin was an astute , passionate , humble , and talented leader that cares deeply about the insurance industry . Our staff looks forward to supporting him throughout his year as president .
Christine Teagarden , owner of Truly Insurance , and Russell Winn with the Winn Insurance Group were also approved and installed in director-at-large positions on the KAIA board . Both bring a wealth of energy and experience that will be beneficial in guiding our Association .
In addition to introducing members to KAIA leaders , this edition of the magazine focuses on the topic of human resources , including articles on finding talent and federal labor laws to consider as your agency grows . There is also a recap of the KAIA Legislative Day which was held on March 19 .
Enjoy and please reach out if you ’ d like to join a KAIA committee to meet new people , get more involved , and make a difference in the insurance industry .
Stay humble , kind , and thankful ,
KIA & B
MARCH / APRIL 2024 • VOLUME 29 No . 2
OFFICERS OF KAIA President : Kevin O ’ Brien | kevin . obrien @ reillyinsurance . com President-Elect : Bryan Schmitz | bryanschmitz @ sbsins . com VP / Treasurer : David Vogel | dvogel @ provalueins . com Secretary / Assistant Treasurer : Brock Elliott | Brock @ elliottinsurancegroup . com National Director : Jo Erin Stuteville | JoErin @ elliottinsurancegroup . com Immediate Past President : Lucas Raleigh | lucas @ releighinsurance . biz
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Zone I Director : Shelby Doty | dotysh @ insurance-planning . com Zone II Director : Bryce Hundley | bryce @ hundleyinsurance . com Director-at-Large : Russell Winn | russell @ winninsurance . com Director-at-Large : Scott Strickland | scotts @ cacu . com Director-at-Large : Cristi Werth | cwerth @ ruraltel . net Director-at-Large Christine Teagarden | christine @ trulyins . com Young Agents Chair : Bryce Burdiek | BryceBurdiek @ sbsins . com
KAIA STAFF & CONSULTANTS Chief Executive Officer : Dave Hulcher COO / General Counsel : Beth Smoller Vice President of Finance : Shannon Bower Membership Engagement Specialist : Ruth Wright E & O Program Administrator : Barb Wise AVP of Prof . Dev . & Marketing : Karlyn Judd Director of Marketing : Valerie Gardner Director of Business Development : Patrick McCoy Office Coordinator : Barb Cobuluis Acct . Managers : Valerie Dunnam & Carolyn Rouse KAIA Lobbyist : Dan Murray
2 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER