PUBLISHER’ S NOTE
SUPPORTING YOUR AGENCY GOALS written by Dave Hulcher
One of KAIA’ s strategic goals is to help members enhance agency efficiency by increasing awareness of key technologies. This issue of KIA & B is dedicated to navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape – highlighting tools and strategies that can accelerate growth, streamline workflows, empower staff, and elevate the customer experience.
With so many options available, choosing and implementing the right solutions can feel overwhelming. That’ s why I encourage you to explore the resources available through Catalyit, including tech assessments, product comparisons, demos, reviews, and consulting support. Additional tools and insights are featured throughout this issue, and KAIA staff are always available to help guide your journey.
We also spotlight the Agency Compensation 360 survey – a vital initiative that will offer secure, confidential benchmarking data on compensation and benefits to participating agencies. If you haven’ t completed it yet, please do so soon to gain access to the interactive dashboard.
Thank you for your continued support of KAIA. Stay humble, kind, and thankful,
KIA & B
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025 • VOLUME 30 No. 5
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 Raleigh 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