Powered by Volunteers: Thank You 2026 Future PLUS Committees

The successful Future PLUS programs, events, and initiatives are brought to you by several groups of dedicated volunteers who generously give their time, expertise, and energy to make it possible. Our Future PLUS volunteers have helped shape educational programming, create meaningful networking opportunities, and share valuable industry insights. Whether developing content, supporting an event, recruiting participants, or simply stepping up wherever needed, their contributions have an impact far beyond the hours they give.

Future PLUS Leadership Committee

Members serve as chairs of the four subcommittees as well as advocate for the needs of young professionals in the professional liability insurance industry and provide guidance for the Future PLUS Advancement Initiative.

In 2025, PLUS launched the Future PLUS Advancement Initiative, a strategic, high-impact effort designed to expand opportunities for early-career professionals, elevate awareness of Future PLUS offerings, and build a stronger leadership pipeline for the industry. One of the most exciting new programs developed as part of the initiative has been the PLUS LEAD Program, a six-week virtual leadership training experience designed to equip professionals for their next career step. With instructor-led sessions, collaborative breakout discussions, scenario-based learning, and an interactive digital whiteboard, the program provides participants with the tools and confidence they need to lead effectively.

Committee Members
Mike Galati, Berkley Professional Liability, Chair
Drew Crocitto, Travelers, Vice-Chair
Omar Dogbey, Sompo International, Past Chair
Janet B. Dreifuss, Esq., ARC Excess & Surplus, LLC, Board Liaison
Jessica Centeno, Kroll
Sabrina Gonchar, Chubb
Shelby Hecht, Goodwin
William Wynne, Falcon Risk Services

Carer Path Programming Subcommittee

Members regularly source and develop content to appeal to not only young professionals but also those who are newer to the industry or want to have a broader perspective. Each quarter new pieces are published across the following series:

Career Path Spotlight: Explore success stories in our Career Path Spotlight series. Members reveal the pivotal moments and strategies that shaped their careers. Gain valuable insights, learn from diverse experiences, and elevate your own professional journey.

Day in the Life: A Day in the Life Series dives into different roles in the Professional Liability industry to give readers an idea of what a typical day for the role looks like.

Icons & Innovators: Icons & Innovators is a podcast series spotlighting influential leaders and forward-thinking changemakers in the professional liability industry. This series offers insights, inspiration, and fresh perspectives for anyone interested in where professional liability is headed next.

Subcommittee Members
Jessica Centeno, Kroll, Chair
Zachary Auslander, Bowhead
Chris Cipriano, Travelers
Makenna Collari, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance
Victoria Davey, Liberty International Underwriters
Cody Endris, Elpha Secure
Anika Malde, Liberty Mutual

Future PLUS Membership Engagement Subcommittee

The group engages with members and collects feedback through an annual survey, bi-monthly polls, and quarterly focus groups to help identify new ways to strengthen engagement across PLUS. Focus group discussions delve deeper into topics such as enhancing educational opportunities, early career programming at events, and communications to better connect with and support members.

In 2026, the subcommittee is also piloting a coffee chat style networking program for all members. The program offers a simple way to connect with different PLUS members via a “roulette” style matching algorithm. Participants are matched for a one-time, 30-minute conversation, providing an opportunity to meet a variety of industry professionals you might not otherwise connect with. There’s no long-term commitment, just a chance to build connections, share experiences, and expand your network one conversation at a time.

If you are interested in the coffee chat pilot program or participating in a focus group, please email estephens@plusweb.org.

Subcommittee Members
William Wynne, Falcon Risk Services, Chair
Darren Bloomfield, Cogitate
Victoria Bykow, AmWins
Drew Crocitto, Travelers
Emma Taylor, IMA

Mentorship Subcommittee

The subcommittee manages the Future PLUS Mentorship Program which connects experienced leaders with young professionals looking to grow within the professional lines community. This 3–12-month experience thoughtfully pairs members with seasoned industry professionals for focused, career-driven guidance.

Through the program, mentees gain valuable insights, broaden their professional networks, and take intentional steps forward in their careers. At the same time, mentors have the opportunity to give back, share their expertise, and play an active role in shaping the next generation of industry leaders.

There will be an informal meet up for program participants at the upcoming PLUS Conference in San Diego on Wednesday, November 11 from 5 – 6pm at the PLUS Pop Up Bar.

Join today: https://plusweb.org/education-career/mentorship-program/

Subcommittee Members
Sabrina Gonchar, Chubb, Chair
Alaina Clemmons, Canopius
Christopher Sakauye, Dykema Gossett
Amanda Thompson, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance
Gabrielle Vance, Wiley Rein LLP

National Events Subcommittee

The subcommittee members plan networking events at the annual PLUS Conference for all attendees to enjoy. These activities can be particularly beneficial to those who are new to the event and young professionals as it can help you form connections and make the most of your time at the event. Activities at the upcoming PLUS Conference in San Diego:

• Tee Off the PLUS Conference: Pre-Conference Mixer on Monday, November 9 from 7 – 9pm
• Connect @ Conference on Tuesday, November 10 from 12:15 – 1:15pm
• Meet Up at the PLUS Pop Up Bar before the PLUS Welcome Reception on Tuesday, November 10 from 5 – 6pm

In addition, the Future PLUS Symposia Liaison Program was introduced in 2026 to further support the professional growth of young professionals within the association and offer insight into leadership pathways. The liaisons are selected to observe and engage with the planning and execution of the association’s national symposium events.

Out of the Future PLUS Advancement Initiative, PLUS also now provides a 20% discount to all Future PLUS members to attend the PLUS Conference and PLUS Symposium events. Use code FPEvents2026 for the upcoming PLUS Conference in San Diego this November.

Subcommittee Members
Shelby Hecht, Goodwin, Chair
Andrea Martinez, Wiley Rein LLP, Chair
Omar Dogbey, Sompo International
Mike Galati, Berkley Professional Liability
Kaylee Jones, Westfield Specialty
Rebecca Leigh, CNA
Allison McCue, Westfield Specialty
Shane Walsh, Beazley

Future PLUS Symposia Liaison Program

The Future PLUS Symposia Liaison Program provides early-career professionals with an inside look at how our symposia are organized, provides opportunities for informal mentorship, and encourages diverse perspectives in the content planning process.

Future PLUS Symposia Liaisons
Conor Dowd, Berkley Transactional
Rebecca Gancarcik, Lockton Companies
Jessica Klein, Lockton
Rebecca Leigh, CNA
Andrea Martinez, Wiley Rein LLP
Jade Weaver, Canopius Re

To every Future PLUS volunteer who contributed this year: thank you. Your time, talent, and commitment make our work in developing tomorrow’s leaders possible, and our organization and industry are stronger because of you.