SIU Today Winter 2021 - 4

SIU Today
President's
Message
As we bring 2021 to a close, I look back at all that IASIU, our
chapters, and our members have accomplished this past year and
it is impressive. IASIU focused on increasing its virtual presence
through chapter conferences and meetings, webinars, and social
media. CIFI exams were offered virtually and IASIU continued to
have a presence and share its knowledge at industry conferences.
But the big event for IASIU was absolutely our Annual Conference
in Orlando this past September. What a great success it was!
While still feeling the impact of the pandemic, we had almost 500
attendees, over 30 speakers, and over 45 sponsors & vendors attend
this year's conference. It was great to see everyone in person!
During our general session, we were honored to have key industry
partners David Glawe, CEO of the National Insurance Crime
Bureau; Matthew Smith, Executive Director of the Coalition
Against Insurance Fraud; and Evangelina Brooks of the Florida
Department of Financial Service, Division of Investigative and
Forensic Services share with the attendees their priorities, strategy,
learnings, and vision for the future. IASIU values their partnership
and our ability to work together to have a greater impact within
the fraud fighting community.
Another great part of the general session was the in-person
recognition of IASIU's 2020 award recipients and the
announcement of the 2021 recipients! The 2021 award winners
are: Chapter of the Year - the New England Chapter; Public
Service Award - Dean Hensley of Waller County Fire Marshall's
office; Outstanding Service Award - Aimee Stidham of Shelter
Insurance; and Investigator of the Year Award - Gabriella Marshall
of Nationwide Insurance. Congratulations to each of our award
winners for their outstanding achievements!
On Tuesday afternoon of the conference our Annual meeting and
Board elections were held, but before I share the election results,
I want to acknowledge our friend and colleague, Lou Larose.
After serving 16 years as a Director on the board, Lou made the
decision to vacate his seat on the board. Lou has been such an
integral part of the board for nearly two decades and we will
greatly miss his leadership, passion, and quick wit. Although he
is stepping down from the board, we know he will continue to be
an active supporter and participate of this organization and the
fraud fighting community. Best wishes, my friend.
With regard to the board elections and additions to the board,
we are excited to welcome newly elected Jeanne Strick to the
IASIU board. Jeanne is currently President of the Michigan
IASIU Chapter and will continue in that role while serving
as Director on the IASIU board. At the end of September
Director Jessica Albano vacated her director position due to a
career change. We are excited for the new opportunities that
lay ahead for Jessica, but will miss her leadership within IASIU.
To fill the remaining year of Jessica's term, I have asked Jesus
" Jesse " Lopez to join the board as a Director. Jesse is currently
President of the South Texas IASIU Chapter and will remain
in that role while serving on the IASIU board. Both Jeanne and
Jesse bring significant experience and leadership to the IASIU
board and we are excited to work with them as they help lead
this great organization.
4 SIU TODAY | WINTER 2021
SIU Today Winter 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SIU Today Winter 2021
