As 2023 winds down and 2024 begins, IRES has transitioned into a new President, so let me introduce myself and share some hopes for the next year.
Hi! My name is Erica Weyhenmeyer, and I am the Chief Market Conduct Examiner for the Illinois Department of Insurance. I have been at the Department for just over nine years now, with five-and-a-half of those in Market Conduct. Wow, I still find it shocking it’s been nearly six years, this has been one of the most challenging and interesting jobs! I guess things just stay interesting as we move through different topics across all lines of business – time flies while we are having fun!
After having a background in Property & Casualty insurance for eight years, the first two years or so coming to Market Conduct was like drinking from a fire hose. I’ve since had a crash course in Life and Health while conducting the state’s first ever mental health parity examinations, but five-and-a-half years later, I think I may have finally hit my stride.
I hope to be an asset to IRES during this Presidency as a resource for others: I am happy to help anyone with questions and encourage everyone to get involved! I chaired the CDS Committee last year for IRES and the MCM Committee the prior year. Additionally, I am currently chairing three working groups at the NAIC, including MHPAEA (B) Working Group, Market Conduct Annual Statement Blanks (D) Working Group,and Advisory Organizations (D) Working Group– with a Vice Chair thrown in with Market Conduct Examinations Guidelines (D) Working Group. I think it’s obvious I like to be involved and may have a hard time saying no. Ha!
We have some exciting things going on at IRES! This year we are working with the IRES Foundation to revamp the AMCM course and appreciate their partnership! We are also launching the BHPA and hope to have a final Core 1 course for participation very soon. The Publications group is looking at ways to upgrade our website for better member experience, with the Accreditation & Ethics Committee doing new outreach to help in getting your CE credits. Lastly, we are actively working on site visits for future CDS Meetings. All of our Committees are doing exciting things and are looking for volunteers to bring not only additional help but new ideas!
Each member should have received an email from IRES seeking volunteers on our Committees. Please consider getting involved and filling out the form sent out with the email. Ask any of us questions about what we do so you can find the right fit!
Lastly, I want to thank all of the Board of Director members who are returning and newly elected for your continued dedication to IRES! And a special thank you to our Executive Committee members:
Sheri Marston- Immediate Past President and Chairing the Meetings & Elections Committee.
LeAnn Crow- President-Elect for 2024-2025 and Chairing the CDS Committee
Jennifer Hopper- Vice President and Chairing the Membership & Benefits Committee
Tom McIntyre- Secretary & Treasurer and Chairing the Budget & Finance Committee
Mary Nugent- Chair of the Accreditation & Ethics Committee
Chrystal Bartuska- Chair of Publications & Public Relations Committee
Shelly Shuman- Chair of the MCM/AMCM/BHPA Committee
Maria Ailor- Chair of the Education Committee
I look forward to a wonderful year at IRES!
Erica Weyhenmeyer
IRES President
Chief Market Conduct Examiner- Illinois Department of Insurance
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