We asked several members and fellows: What is the best gift the industry has given you this year? See their answers below.
Jose Gomez, MBA, SIP, CPCU, CCP, Claims Audit Specialist, Falls Lake Insurance. Fellow since 2024.
“The best gift the industry has given me this year is the opportunity to earn the Certified Claims Professional designation. Achieving this credential has not only validated my expertise in claims auditing, but it has also deepened my understanding of best practices, compliance, and ethical standards across the industry. More importantly, it has connected me with a network of professionals who are equally committed to excellence and innovation in claims management. This recognition has been both a personal milestone and a professional gift, reinforcing my ability to add value to my organization and to the broader insurance community.
As Robert Collier said, ‘Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.’ This achievement reflects that steady commitment to excellence, showing how consistent effort and professional growth create lasting impact in our field.”
Esther Omoloyin, Esq., Partner, Goldberg Segalla LLP. Member since 2015.
“This year, the industry gave me the gift of connection and presence. I had the opportunity to meet new people and reconnect with old friends at various events. By attending industry gatherings across the country and being present, I was able to develop stronger connections that are not only professional, but also personal. The benefits of these in-person connections extended well beyond the meetings. I have seen a positive impact on collaborations and teamwork with employers, claims professionals, and other vendors, leading to innovative ideas. Connecting with people in person builds trust in a way that is significantly harder to achieve through electronic communication. It is incredible to be part of such a wide yet tight-knit community within our industry.”
Alex Malino, Esq., Partner, Barry, McTiernan & Moore LLC. Member since 2009.
“This year, the insurance industry has pushed us into a new era of collaboration—where data, metrics, and legal theory work in lockstep. The sophistication of analysis we’re seeing is reshaping how we litigate, advise, and win. It’s raised the bar for the entire profession. The approaches unfolding now are only the beginning, the future points toward deeper innovation and expanding opportunity.
As much as things evolve, the defense industry’s greatest gift is the community it creates—dedicated professionals united by integrity, problem-solving, and service. It’s given me a career grounded in purpose and a network that elevates our practice every day.”
Melinda Konicke, AIC, SCLA, ACP, CPCU, Executive Specialist, Environmental Claims, Crum & Forster. Fellow since 2012.
“The greatest gift the industry gave me this year was the honor of joining Crum & Forster’s inaugural class of Brand Ambassadors. This amazing opportunity allowed me to learn new things, give back to the community, reconnect with old friends and colleagues, and build meaningful relationships with new ones.”
Marcus Nickson, Litigation Specialist, Claims Questions LLC. Fellow since 2020.
“The greatest gift the industry has given me this year is community. In a year filled with transition and growth, I was reminded how powerful it is to have people who genuinely want to see you win. As a lifelong learner, I’ve always pursued opportunities to sharpen my skills, but this year showed me how transformative it is when mentors pour into you. The guidance I received—from industry leaders to colleagues and organizations like NAAIA, RIMS, and CLM—has accelerated my growth and expanded my sense of purpose.
What has meant even more is realizing that learning doesn’t stop with me. I’m now doing my part to pay that knowledge forward, helping educate the next generation of bright minds about the opportunities within the insurance industry. That combination of mentorship, community, and the responsibility to uplift others is the gift I am most grateful for this year.”
Franklin Munoz, Staff Counsel, Travelers. Fellow since 2021.
“An opportunity to try to be 1% better each day, and health and prosperity to my peers, colleagues, and comrades in the insurance community.”
Angela Cabado, Director, Insurance & Risk Management, Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation. Fellow since 2021.
“The best gift I received this year from the industry was being given the space to grow and discovering that my voice matters—not despite being different, but because of it. Whether you're with a carrier, firm, broker, TPA, or in risk management—the knowledge you share and the connections you make ripple far beyond your desk. Outside the transactions and the paperwork, you have the power to impact people at every stage of their journey through authentic relationships. I'm grateful to those in this community who have done that for me.”