Amerisure team members Egon Brown, Claims Vendor Management Manager, and Shavon Bell, Commercial Lines Associate Underwriter, were recently appointed to board leadership positions within their local NAAIA chapters. These appointments reflect work already well underway — building relationships, supporting access, and helping others see what’s possible within the profession.

Stepping Up Where It Matters

Egon Brown has been appointed treasurer of the NAAIA Dallas–Fort Worth Chapter for the 2026–2028 term. He previously served as the chapter’s Elections & Nominations chair, helping guide leadership continuity and governance. As treasurer, Brown well be responsible for overseeing the chapter’s financial affairs, including preparing the annual budget, reviewing monthly budget-to-actual results, and forecasting the chapter’s financial position. He will also help oversee the chapter’s resources in support of scholarships, programming, and professional development initiatives that serve students and early-career professionals across the region.

“For me, being involved with NAAIA has always been about giving back to a profession that has given me so much,” Brown said. “Serving as treasurer is an opportunity to help sustain a legacy of access and growth—especially for those just beginning their careers. When we intentionally invest in others, we don’t just support individuals; we help shape a stronger, more inclusive future for our industry.”

In Charlotte, Shavon Bell has been appointed secretary of the NAAIA Charlotte Chapter. She previously served as an at-large board member and chaired the chapter’s public relations committee, helping build awareness and connection within the local insurance community.

“NAAIA provides a genuine sense of belonging in the insurance industry and my service with the organization is deeply personal,” said Bell. “I am truly committed to its mission, and this role allows me to continuing supporting the vision of keeping people connected, informed and encouraged to see a place for themselves in this profession.”

A Relationship Built on Consistency

Amerisure’s partnership with the NAAIA has grown over many years through sponsorship, participation, and hands-on involvement. From national conferences and scholarship events to chapter leadership and community service, our employees have continued to show up in spaces where learning and opportunity intersect.

For Brown and Bell, their recent appointments aren’t about titles, but about staying connected to the work that matters. Their involvement reflects how leadership often takes shape — rooted in service and focused on helping people and the industry move forward in meaningful, lasting ways.

To learn more about our community involvement and partnerships, visit��Amerisure.com.

For a quarter of a century, Amerisure has been a proud supporter of to help prepare young people for real-world success, and this year’s Chipping In “FORE” Kids Golf Classic marked more than just a milestone—it was a celebration of lasting impact and shared purpose.

Set against the backdrop of ’s scenic courses, this annual event brought together 148 golfers, countless dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors, and community supporters. Together, we raised an incredible $156,455 to support JA’s mission—bringing the total to more than $2 million raised over the past 25 years.

Junior Achievement’s programs in financial literacy, work-readiness, and entrepreneurship continue to reach thousands of youth across our region—equipping them with the skills and confidence to build strong futures. Supporting this mission reflects Amerisure’s longstanding commitment to giving back to our communities, and aligns with our core values of service, community, and empowering others to succeed.

“I think that Amerisure really sees the opportunity for JA to make a difference in the lives of young people in our community,” said Jason Lee, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan. “By providing financial literacy and entrepreneurial programming, JA is really building Michigan’s future workforce.”

A Hometown Hero Joins the Cause

This year’s event was made even more special by the appearance of Joe Hooks, Amerisure-sponsored athlete and proud Detroit native. In support of the cause, golfers could donate to Junior Achievement for the chance to have Joe take a swing on their behalf. His presence perfectly captured the spirit of the day—a combination of drive, purpose, and community pride.

Joe’s story is one of talent and determination, grounded in strong local roots—values that align closely with the missions of both Amerisure and Junior Achievement. His involvement was a powerful reminder of what it means to give back and lift up others along the way.

“At Amerisure, we believe in doing more than business—we believe in being a force for good in the communities we serve,” said Chris Spaude, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at Amerisure. “This event reflects our commitment to helping others thrive, especially young people. Empowering the next generation to succeed and thrive is one of the most meaningful ways we live out our values at Amerisure.”

Looking Ahead

What began as a single golf outing has grown into a meaningful tradition rooted in service, partnership, and purpose. For 25 years, the Chipping In “FORE” Kids Golf Classic has been more than a fundraiser—it’s been a reflection of a deep commitment to giving back and helping build stronger communities.

We’re proud of what’s been accomplished alongside Junior Achievement, and inspired by what’s still to come. Because when we invest in the potential of young people today, it’s a step toward a more vibrant, capable, and connected future for us all.

To learn more about Amerisure’s charitable initiatives and community impact, visit /charitable-foundation/

The , a cornerstone event for the insurance industry, serves to foster the growth of young professionals and celebrate visionary leadership.

Amerisure actively champions RISE initiatives, aligning with the organization’s mission to foster future industry leaders. The summit serves as a platform to bring to light the importance of shaping the future of the insurance industry.

This year’s event, held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in June, featured a keynote speech from Amerisure President and CEO Greg Crabb, and a special honor for Claims Specialist Tony Petrucci, who received the 35 Under 35 award.

“RISE is pivotal in providing young professionals with the resources they need to succeed,” Greg said. “From mentorship and training to leadership opportunities, RISE equips emerging talents with the tools to grow and make impactful contributions to our industry.”

35 Under 35

Tony’s achievement represents how Amerisure creates an environment allowing young talents to thrive while cultivating leaders integral to our service-oriented mission. “Receiving the 35 Under 35 award is a profound honor,” Tony said. “It highlights the growth opportunities and the supportive partnerships that Amerisure fosters, which have been instrumental in my professional development.”

The Future of Insurance

The RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala is more than a celebration—the event is a confluence of ideas, inspirations, and aspirations that reaffirm the industry’s commitment to nurturing talent and innovation, ensuring the future of insurance is brighter than ever.

By fostering a culture of excellence, RISE and partners like Amerisure are setting the stage for a new era in insurance—one that prioritizes growth, stability, and continual innovation.

“Insurance is a noble industry,” Greg said. “We stand by people and businesses in their darkest times, helping to rebuild lives and restore stability — which resonates with RISE’s mission for the future.”

For more information about RISE and the awards ceremony, visit .

Check out these contributions and mentions for the second quarter of 2024:

April

• Robert Nicholas, Vice President, Sales Enablement & Marketing, author, ,
• Bob Bacigal, AVP of Information Security, contributor, Keeping up with Cybersecurity at the CyberRisk CISO Dinner,
• Tony Petrucci, Claims Specialist, award-winner, ,
• Arif Pal, AVP of Liability Technical Claims, conference panel, To Be or Not To Be Civil and Ethical: How is that Even a Question,
• Kimberly Vaughn, Vice President, Claims, conference panel, Strategic Priorities for 2024 and Beyond,

May

• Kevin Clary, Vice President, Risk Management and Premium Audit, teacher and executive sponsor, ,
• Robert Nicholas, Vice President, Sales Enablement & Marketing, presenter and speaker, Unlock Your Sales Force Potential: A Sales Academy for Today’s Modern Organization, , with
• Kathleen Babilon, Risk Management Specialist, instructor, OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training, 
• Amjed Al-Zoubi, Chief Information Officer, presenter and speaker, ,

June

• Scott Reister, AVP of IT Data & Analytics, presenter, , 
• Lindsay Huffman, Director, Workers’ Compensation – Field Claims, conference panel,��Data Whispers: The Power of Predictive Analytics, Metrics, and Workflow Automation, ,
• Gregory J. Crabb, President & Chief Executive Officer, keynote speaker, ,

Looking Forward

Stay tuned for more in Q3! We’ll share the latest news, media mentions and speaking engagements from Amerisure right here on the Newsroom each quarter.

Recognition in Metro Detroit: A Testament to Employee Dedication

Selected from hundreds of businesses in Southeastern Michigan, Amerisure’s recognition highlights its commitment to creating a workplace that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect. “We’re thrilled to be recognized for the strength of our workplace culture and the collaborative spirit of our talented employees,” expressed Erin Buddie, Chief Human Resources Officer at Amerisure. “This award is a true testament to the passion of our employees and leaders, and it speaks to our dedication to fostering an environment that allows employees to thrive while delivering exceptional service to our customers.”

The criteria for this honor include various facets of organizational operation such as compensation, benefits, employee enrichment, diversity equity and inclusion, work-life blend, and leadership strategy. Each category is meticulously evaluated to ensure that not only does the business excel in one area, but it provides a holistic, enriching work environment.

Atlanta’s Recognition: Sustaining a Culture of Excellence

Similarly, the Atlanta office’s repeated recognition underscores its sustained excellence in fostering a workplace that values both the professional and personal growth of its employees. “Receiving this recognition once again exemplifies the outstanding work culture at Amerisure,” said Ben Nichols, Regional Vice President of Field Marketing and Underwriting for the Central Region. “Our values demonstrate how a thoughtful approach to business can be rewarding for all. Being a Best and Brightest Company to Work For is a testament to our passion for working together as One Amerisure.”

Celebrating Success and Building Community

Both the Detroit and Atlanta recognitions are part of the annual Best and Brightest competitions sponsored by the NABR, which celebrates organizations that cultivate better businesses, create richer lives, and build stronger communities. The comprehensive review by an independent research firm ensures that only the best of the best are awarded, making this accolade particularly noteworthy. All 2024 winning organizations from Metro Detroit are invited to an awards ceremony at the Henry in Dearborn on November 7, 2024, while the Atlanta winners will celebrate at a digital event on June 25, 2024.

Looking Forward

As Amerisure continues to set standards in the industry, these awards reinforce our resolve to maintain an environment where every team member can succeed. We are committed to continuing our journey of excellence, pushing boundaries, and setting new benchmarks in the industry. To learn more about our achievements and workplace culture, visit Amerisure.com.

Administered by Scholarship America—a renowned nonprofit educational support and student aid service organization—the ASP underscores Amerisure’s dedication to community and family support. Eligibility for the ASP requires students to be enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time or part-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or approved vocational or technical school. Recipients of the scholarship are eligible to renew their award for up to three years or until they earn a bachelor’s degree or technical school certificate, whichever comes first.

“We are thrilled to continue supporting the academic endeavors of dedicated and deserving students,” says Erin Buddie, Amerisure’s Chief Human Resources Officer. “Each year, the scholarship program allows us to invest in the future leaders of our community as well as support our employees, and we are excited to see what these outstanding individuals will achieve.”

Since its inception in 1992, ASP has been a cornerstone of Amerisure’s efforts to help minimize the financial costs of education for the families of employees. The program covers expenses associated with post-secondary undergraduate education, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment. To date, Amerisure has disbursed over $584,000 in scholarships, aiding 196 students in their pursuit of higher education.

Check out these contributions and mentions for the first quarter of 2024:

January

• Gregory J. Crabb, President & Chief Executive Officer, interview, ,
• Mike Fairbrother, Risk Management Specialist, author, ,

February

• Nic Gaither, Claims Unit Manager, speaker, ,
• Rachel Frassetto, Claims Unit Manager; Enjonli Hutchison, Risk Management Manager; Cody Kelly, Risk Management Manager; Jeremy Reaves, Technical Underwriting Manager; and Kerry Rotella, Business Development Manager, recognized at the 2024 Emerging Leaders Conference,
• Enjonli Hutchison, Risk Management Manager, award-winner for Business Leadership at the 2024 Emerging Leaders Conference,
• George Pavarini, Vice President, Technical Claims, contributor, Trial Techniques for Combatting the Edge/Reptile Theory discussion at the
• Jason Vonhaz, AVP, Contract Surety, recognized for Five Years of Serving as Faculty to the Surety School,

March

• Nic Gaither, Claims Unit Manager, speaker, Motivation: Getting the Best from Your Team at South Regional Forum, NAAIA
• Kimberly Vaughn, Vice President, Claims, speaker, Can AI Really Help with Rising Litigation? ,
• Michael Ito, Senior Vice President, Surety, panelist at the Federal Legislative Fly-in, and

Looking Ahead

Stay tuned for more in Q2! We’ll share the latest news, media mentions and speaking engagements from Amerisure right here on the Newsroom each quarter.

Amerisure is upholding its part to change these statistics and support women in technology. We’re more than just a , and it’s not surprising considering our involvement with organizations that support women in technology. Our long-lasting partnership with the demonstrates our commitment to philanthropy and the promotion of technology careers for women. In partnership with MCWT, Amerisure not only provides a platform for female employees to give back to the community through volunteering opportunities (such as judging at technology competitions, mentoring young women in tech, etc.) but also attracts female talent into the company. We also offer leadership clinics and other avenues for professional development and pride ourselves on providing these opportunities which further solidify our commitment to nurturing women’s growth in both the technology and insurance industry.

With over 27 years of experience in the technology field, Director of Application Engineering, Jyothi Palakodati, has enjoyed multiple opportunities to support women in the field, including several at Amerisure.

“My educational background in Computer Science paired with giving back to the community — especially encouraging other women in technology — are passions of mine. I’ve been with Amerisure for a year and a half now, and I am thrilled to validate that Amerisure IT is a best place to work, especially for women.”

As Amerisure’s point of contact for the MCWT relationship, Jyothi recently had the privilege of presenting scholarships to four young women who elected to study technology-related majors. She adds,

“Amerisure has an inclusive environment where women can thrive and contribute at all levels of the company. Women leaders in various cadres, including leadership and pivotal roles both in and outside of IT at Amerisure, help to highlight our commitment to diversity and equality. Personally, the company’s values align with my passion for giving back to the community and supporting women in technology, making it a fulfilling workplace for me.”

In her early career, UX Designer, Holly Ross, who has an educational background in Computer Science, is passionate about the technology field. Over her two and a half years with the company, she has enjoyed the benefits of growth on a tech career path. She remarked:

“Amerisure is a company where all women can feel welcome, thrive, and grow within their careers, both inside and outside of IT. Amerisure lives true to the company’s values on a daily basis while consistently giving back to its employees and the community. It is amazing to experience how diverse and inclusive Amerisure’s culture is. I am proud to call myself a woman in IT at Amerisure.”

Our company’s leadership is the driving force for recruiting people with a wide variety of backgrounds and skills, from recent graduates to seasoned managers. Chief Information Officer, Amjed Al-Zoubi, has been enthusiastic about opening the door for more women in technology as well as supporting the greater industry. He expressed his enthusiasm for our partnership with MCWT:

“Having a diverse team is so important in making Amerisure a great place to work as well as for delivering great results, and MCWT is a part of that. What is really inspiring about MCWT’s vision is their full “life cycle” approach. From school-aged through professional careers, MCWT is working to grow interest in technology and keep women in the technology field as they move into the professional world. This makes a huge difference for Michigan companies looking for talent in technology fields.”

Amerisure is recruiting top talent in information technology and related areas. Please check out Amerisure.com/Careers for more information on our openings and how to apply.

The Emerging Leaders Conference serves as a hub for insights, networking, and resource access, offering a platform for professionals to stay abreast of industry developments. The yearly selection of emerging leaders is designed to recognize outstanding rising talent in the insurance industry; nominees must have more than eight years of experience and demonstrate that they are making a positive impact on their companies and the industry.

Enjonli appreciated the recognition and award, saying: “I am honored to have been able to represent Amerisure Insurance as a 2024 APCIA Emerging Leader and for the recognition as a recipient of the Business Leadership Award. I am appreciative to work for an organization that values and recognizes innovative leadership as well as enables employees to succeed in their roles at this company.”

The Business Leadership Award signifies Hutchison’s strategic expertise and dedication to navigating the complexities of the business landscape within the insurance industry. It is a testament to her visionary leadership and ability to drive excellence.

Marguerite Tortorello, Managing Director of the , emphasized the significance of the diverse awards, stating, “This year’s winners reflect the innovation and collaboration of the industry’s best and brightest future leaders. The diverse categories of awards also underscore the profound impact these leaders are having across their organizations and communities through their exemplary leadership.”

Hutchison added: “Thank you to my mentors at Amerisure for the encouragement and continued emphasis put on the value of the employees. Thank you to my peers at Amerisure for the collaboration. And a very big thank you to my Dallas and St. Louis Risk Management Teams for the opportunity and trust you give me to lead.”

As a recipient of the Business Leadership Award, Enjonli joins an esteemed cadre of professionals who will not only serve as industry ambassadors but will also actively contribute to expanding career opportunities within the insurance sector. This recognition not only applauds individual achievements but also underscores the industry’s commitment to cultivating and celebrating its most accomplished talents.

To learn more about the APCIA and their efforts, visit: apcia.org.

Nic’s journey with DEI is rooted in personal experience. He shares:

“I’ve experienced that feeling of exclusion: others not wanting me in the room, not wanting me to hold the positions that I’ve held, not wanting me on their team and not respecting me for what I know and can do. That type of hurt stays with you as a constant reminder that change is needed. I had to force individuals to see me, hear me, and respect me.”

His vision for the committee is clear: “I want to introduce the younger generation to a more multicultural industry where they can thrive. DEI is not just for marginalized groups anymore; it is for everyone. That’s a message that I hope this committee can convey to others.”

Nic also emphasizes the importance of spreading knowledge about DEI and fostering understanding both in the workplace and beyond. “My fear is that people are having DEI fatigue right now. By joining our DEI committee, others will see that the fight lives on,” he explains.

In terms of exciting initiatives planned for the year, he is looking forward to returning to the He envisions creating a truly positive impact in the lives of others, and his leadership embodies a drive to ensure that DEI is not just a trend, but a transformative cultural shift. The stage is set for Nic to leave an indelible mark on the collective initiative to realize a workplace that stands as a beacon of inclusion.

Learn more about how to become involved in RISE at: