ABOUT ME

I have been in the health insurance industry for over 35 years.  After I graduated from University of California, Berkeley. I worked and was trained in the old school big carrier training programs at MetLife, and performed many different roles which culminated in leadership of their Jumbo accounts on the West Coast with revenues over $1 billion.  In this role, I worked with all phases of the insurance process including underwriting, contracting, claims and employer/provider relations with P&L responsibility.

After a going through a few mergers and acquisitions on the carrier side, my wife and I decided to start our own independent health insurance agency in Oakland CA.  We had two small children, a mortgage, and one decent sized client.  Together we knew our drive for success would help us make it work!  That is when I discovered the values of NAHU / NABIP and I’ve been hooked since!

NABIP has been an integral part of my professional life.  Developing relationships with NABIP members from not only California, but across the country has helped me with my business in so many ways.   

I’m passionate about doing the right thing for my clients and our industry!  There is little true understanding of our business from the general public - specifically how the independent agency model is the most efficient way to deliver health care financing to individuals and companies through insurance and other products, why competitive, private insurance is the most cost-effective way to provide health care financing without causing rationing or stifling innovation, and how agents are truly consumer advocates for their clients.

I’m a firm believer, like most all NABIP members, that giving back for the greater good is important in all aspects of life, and that professionally you have an obligation to those who come after you to do your best for your industry.  As a NABIP member, I have been consistently working to better the lives of my clients and my fellow agents through NABIP leadership, political activism and fundraising.  I’m proud that my involvement working alongside many of you has made a significant impact on the health care in my state and across the country.  As a member of the National Board of Directors for five years representing the largest region of NABIP, and through local, State, Regional and National committees and councils prior and current - I have been an advocate of communication, leadership and education for members, legislators and the public.  

AND NOW I WANT TO USE THE SKILLS I BRING TO HELP OUR ASSOCIATION AT THE NEXT LEVEL!