PUBLISHER’ S NOTE
INSIGHTS FOR OUR MEMBERS written by Dave Hulcher
The first quarter of every year is a hectic time for KAIA staff and volunteer leadership. With a new legislative session starting there are committee hearings to attend, bills to review, and testimony to present. From an outside view of the statehouse, it may seem slow moving, but inside issues that could impact our members move quickly and our timely response time is critical.
Then we came together for the KAIA Annual Convention in Wichita. This event is the culmination of months of planning and hard work with the goal of providing our members and Industry Partners with best-in-class networking experiences and inspiring educational programming. This year we enjoyed record attendance for the third year in a row and we look forward to continuing to build upon the success of this event.
This edition of the magazine provides a first quarter recap including a legislative update, annual convention highlights, along with some informative articles about utilizing virtual employees. It also features KAIA’ s new President, Bryan Schmitz and welcomes new Board members, Chris Bohrer and Natalie Magill.
As KAIA’ s new President Bryan Schmitz begins his term, I’ m reminded how fortunate we are to have such a great group of leaders representing our members and the insurance industry so well. Bryan is passionate about his profession, and you can appreciate his commitment to family, community, and his customers that is indicative of some many KAIA members. Lastly, I want to thank immediate Past President Kevin O’ Brien for his selfless attitude and inspiring leadership over the years.
Stay humble, kind, and thankful,
KIA & B
MARCH / APRIL 2025 • VOLUME 30 No. 2
OFFICERS OF KAIA President: Bryan Schmitz | bryanschmitz @ sbsins. com President-Elect: David Vogel | dvogel @ provalueins. com VP / Treasurer: Brock Elliott | brock @ elliottinsurancegroup. com Secretary / Assistant Treasurer: Bryce Hundley | bryce @ hundleyinsurance. com National Director: Jo Erin Stuteville | joerin @ elliottinsurancegroup. com Immediate Past President: Kevin O’ Brien | kevin. obrien @ reillyinsurance. com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Zone I Director: Cristi Werth | cwerth @ ruraltel. net Zone II Director: Chris Bohrer | cbohrer @ wic. insurance Director-at-Large: Scott Strickland | scotts @ cacu. com Director-at-Large: Natalie Magill | nmagill @ capfed. com Director-at-Large: Russell Winn | russell @ winninsurance. com Director-at-Large Christine Teagarden | christine @ trulyins. com Young Agents Chair: Haley Marsicek | haley @ cardinalinsuranceservices. com
KAIA STAFF & CONSULTANTS Chief Executive Officer: Dave Hulcher COO / General Counsel: Beth Smoller Vice President of Finance: Shannon Bower E & O Program Administrator: Barb Wise AVP of Prof. Dev. & Marketing: Karlyn Judd Director of Marketing: Valerie Gardner Director of Business Development: Patrick McCoy Membership Engagement Specialist: Ruth Wright Office Coordinator: Barb Cobuluis Acct. Managers: Valerie Dunnam & Carolyn Rouse KAIA Lobbyist: Dan Murray
2 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER