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Volunteer with Applied Client Network

Shape the Future of Applied Client Network

Every day, ACN volunteers display a passion and commitment to our community which helps us continue to strengthen and grow. We wouldn't be where we are today without the outstanding support of our volunteer leaders.

Interested in volunteering with ACN ? Opt in to the volunteer pool to indicate your interest in available volunteer opportunities.

ACN Committees: Value, Support, Impact

In 2020, ACN launched a streamlined committee structure. This new format eliminates redundant committee activity, encourages new volunteers to participate, and creates more leadership opportunities for member volunteers. The goal of the new structure is to ensure that all volunteer activities meet three key criteria - providing value to the individual volunteer, providing support to the larger organization, and allowing volunteers to see the impact of their contributions.

If you are interested in learning more about the new committee structure, this video provides additional details.

Networking Committee

The Networking Committee is charged with the overall mission of ensuring member value and developing opportunities for member involvement. The Networking Committee consists of three subcommittees:

• Member Value | Focused on member engagement and retention, and providing feedback to proposed changes to member benefits.
• Volunteer Development | Focused on recruitment, retention, and recognition of ACN volunteers across all levels.
• Chapter Leadership | Focused on developing content for annual meetings – Applied Net and Leadership Academy, defining Chapter needs and supporting staff in developing resources for chapter officers

View Networking Committee Charter

Education Committee

The Education Committee promotes dynamic continuing education and knowledge through resources, programs and products that enhance and drive agency/brokerage profitability and value.

View Education Committee Charter

Education Committee Members

Amy Dumke, Johnson Financial Group (Green Bay, WI) -- Committee Member
Angie Smith, Unitas Financial Services (Dublin, OH) -- Committee Member
Ashlee Neumann, Kingsgate Insurance (Fort Dodge, IA) -- Committee Member
Ashley King, Cadence Insurance (Baton Rouge, LA) -- Committee Member
Ashley McClure, The Rathbun Agency (Lansing, MI) -- Committee Member
Belynda Hereford, RCP, an Alera Company (Clayton, MO) -- Committee Member
Beth Martin, Commercial Insurance Associates (Brentwood, TN) -- Committee Member
Brittany Cottoner, EM Ford & Company (Owensboro, KY) -- Committee Member
Bruce Carter, Swingle Collins & Associates (Dallas, TX) -- Committee Member
Caitlin Chovan, Ameristar Agency (Wayzata, MN) -- Committee Member
Courtney Peterson, INSURICA (Denver, CO) -- Committee Member
Danielle DuFour, NBT Insurance Agency LLC (Norwich, NY) -- Committee Member
Diandra "D" Carpenter, Core Assurance Partners, Inc. (Virginia Beach, VA) -- Committee Member
Donna Whittenburg, Trimble-Batjer Insurance Associates, LLP (San Angelo, TX) -- Committee Member
Elizabeth McGivney, The Dowd Agencies, LLC (Holyoke, MA) -- Committee Member
Jacqueline Beracasa, Sihle Insurance (Altamonte Springs, FL) -- Committee Member
Janet Woodyear, Acrisure LLC dba The Signature B&B Companies (Garden City, NY) -- Committee Member
Jayme Moreno, Alliant Insurance Services Inc (Moreno Valley, CA) -- Committee Member
Jennifer Malone, Hotchkiss Insurance Agency (Carrollton, TX) -- Committee Member
Jodi Wesneski, Gannon Associates Insurance (Towanda, PA) -- Committee Member
Julie LaChance, Combined Agents of America LLC (Austin, TX) -- Committee Member
Kelly Surles, Combined Agents of America (Austin, TX) -- Committee Member
Laura Bartak, Momentous Insurance Brokerage, A Marsh McClennan Agency (Van Nuys, CA) -- Committee Member
Lydia Ramos, FUSA Insurance Agency (Aurora, CO) -- Committee Member
Mark Piontek, The Starr Group (an Acrisure Partner) (Greenfield, WI) -- Committee Member
Mary Paterra, Brokers Trust Ins. Group Inc. (Concord, ON) -- Committee Member
Meagan Hoff, Higginbotham (Fort Worth, TX) -- Committee Member
Melissa Lukas, OTIP Group of Companies (Waterloo, ON) -- Committee Member
Michelle Price, Sunstar Insurance Group (Weldon Spring, MO) -- Committee Member
Miriam Kasseris, Arthur J Gallagher Risk Management Services (Bedford Hills, NY) -- Committee Member
Susan Selvaggi, Levitt-Fuirst Associates (Buchanan, NY) -- Committee Member
Theresa Pilmer, Hylant (Toledo, OH) -- Committee Member
Colleen Lazanich, CalNonprofits Insurance Services (Capitola, CA) -- Board Liaison
Carla Spencer, Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. (Atlanta, GA) -- Board Liaison
Renee Riedel, (Chicago, IL) Applied Client Network -- Staff Liaison
Sarah Logan, (Chicago, IL) Applied Client Network -- Staff Liaison
Erin Stanton, (Chicago, IL) Applied Client Network -- Staff Liaison

Advocacy Committee

The Advocacy Committee is charged with representing ACN within the independent insurance agency community, developing opportunities for collaboration, identifying trends, and driving product feedback. The Advocacy Committee consists of three subcommittees:

• Product Development | Focused on working with Applied Systems product teams to provide feedback and enhancement requests
• Industry Outreach | Focused on establishing and developing relationships with other industry groups, representing ACN at industry events and identifying opportunities for collaboration
• Advocacy Development | Focused on exploring and identifying new opportunities for advocacy or industry engagement, and providing guidance on leveraging information to enhance member value

View Advocacy Committee Charter

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee provides guidance to the Applied Client Network Board of Directors and CEO to assure ACN’s bylaws protect both the rights of the ACN membership and the Board’s ability to govern the organization.

View Governance Committee Charter

Governance Committee Members

Laura Fisher, First Direct Insurance Agency Inc. (Phoenix, AZ) -- Chair
Carla Spencer, Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. (Atlanta, GA)  -- Board Liaison 
Colleen Lazanich, CalNonprofits Insurance Services (Capitola, CA)  -- Board Liaison 
Melissa Zornes, Cadence Insurance (Baton Rouge, LA)  -- Board Liaison 
Jacqueline Gaggiano, (Chicago, IL) -- Applied Client Network Staff Liaison