NABIP-NN September 2026 Newsletter 
Chapter Updates
2026-27 Board of Directors Installed
The newly elected officers of the Northern Nevada chapter were installed by Past President Jason Casey during the August membership luncheon.
Jason Casey, chapter President during the 2020–2021 board year, hosted the swearing‑in portion of the program before turning the podium over to incoming President Georgana Cepeda, who gave remarks about her leadership plans for the next twelve months.
Participating in the ceremonial installation were (left to right) Jason Casey, Past President; Joy Gardner, Vice President of Finance; Aliana Rushing, Immediate Past President and Programs Chairperson; Breeze Yerves, Vice President of Membership; Don Goldmann, Vice President of Media & Communications; Georgana Cepeda, President; Valerie Shamin, Vice President; Chanté Padilla, Secretary; Merre Gregory, Medicare Chairperson; Cambria Williams, Event Coordinator Chairperson; and Mitchell Brown, Individual Benefits Chairperson.
Not available for the picture were Mary Lou Urrutia, Vice President of Legislative Affairs; Ross Pendergraft, Vice President of Awards; Glen Montablo, Vice President of Membership; Daniel Wescott, NABIP Education Foundation representative; and Julie Ann Evans, Vice President of Professional Development.
NABIP-NN at the Region 8 Leadership Conference
The NABIP Region 8 Annual Meeting titled “Innovation and Leadership Lab” was held August 16 through 18 at the Hotel Kabuki in San Francisco.
Northern Nevada chapter President Georgana Cepeda represented the chapter at the meeting and filed notes for this report. Her report will be provided in two parts, split between this month and next.
The opening keynote, “Genomics and AI Are Reshaping the Longevity Conversation,” was presented by Dr. Wei Wu Lee of Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Human Longevity.
The keynote explored a future in which healthcare becomes more proactive, predictive and personalized. Her primary observation centered on the value of earlier detection to uncover cardiovascular disease, cancer and other serious risks before symptoms appear.
She also recommended personalized prevention, including analysis of genetic and longitudinal health information to help clinicians tailor medications, monitoring and lifestyle recommendations.
From sick care to health care, the goal is to extend healthy years while reducing the length and burden of late‑life illness.
The insurance implications are that more precise individual risk models could eventually influence life‑insurance design, underwriting and product economics, subject to ethical and regulatory safeguards.
The second major presentation focused on “Industry Innovation and the Changing Benefits Landscape.”
Kevin Duffy of VERIS presented information about a consortium‑based self‑funded model for employers with 50 or more covered lives who are considering a move away from traditional fully insured coverage.
The primary value of this approach was described as predictability, with stable monthly payments intended to provide a familiar experience for employers transitioning to self‑funding.
Each employer’s risk remains separate, allowing organizations to better understand their own claims performance, which gives them more transparency and control.
The model includes renewal protections and the return of unused claim funds, providing additional potential financial value.
The message reinforced the importance of knowledgeable advisors who can explain emerging funding strategies clearly and help clients evaluate both opportunity and risk.
This report will continue in the President’s Corner of the October issue of this newsletter.
NABIP National Launches New Certification Program
NABIP’s National Learning Institute announced a new certification program titled the “Healthcare Fiduciary Certification.”
The NHFC equips insurance professionals with practical tools, legal insight and a behavioral governance framework needed to operate confidently under today’s evolving standards, including alignment with the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA).
It is a three‑part virtual program offered as a live coaching series of six hours or a self‑paced format with textbook. Nevada has approved the program for six continuing education credits that apply to a broker’s ethics requirements.
Attendees receive essential training to navigate fiduciary responsibilities with confidence. Led by industry experts, the program offers practical knowledge and tools aligned with the Consolidated Appropriations Act. Through focused materials on fiduciary duties and best practices, participants emerge ready to provide informed guidance to clients in the complex landscape of healthcare benefits.
Registration information is available at NABIP.org in the Learning Institute section.
Value Based August Luncheon
The September luncheon program at the Northern Nevada NABIP chapter featured a well‑received presentation on value‑based care with a focus on Medicare Advantage programs.
John C. Rhodes, MD, President and CEO of Optum Nevada and Southwest Medical, delivered an enlightening presentation.
His detailed analysis comparing value‑based care in Medicare Advantage programs with care based on a fee‑for‑service payment system drew significant questions and opinionated comments from some of the most experienced Medicare brokers in attendance.
It was a spirited Q&A between the speaker and the members.
Northern Nevada Chapter’s Annual Gala and Charity Support
An evening of celebration that also salutes a wonderful Reno charity, “Spread the Word Nevada.”
“Spread the Word Nevada,” through its book‑distribution literacy program, provides access to books for children throughout Washoe and Elko Counties. Their work ensures that children are empowered to succeed academically and beyond.
The NABIP Northern Nevada chapter chose “Spread the Word Nevada” as an annual recipient for donations raised by the chapter and is partnering with the charity to host a book drive during the annual gala.
For every new or nearly new children’s book you bring to the gala, you will receive one raffle ticket for a chance at a $75 Atlantis dining credit. The more books you contribute, the more raffle tickets you receive.
Come celebrate the evening of September 11, “Night Under The Stars,” NABIP‑NN’s most festive event of the year.
The evening celebrates both another successful year of activities for the Northern Nevada chapter and the winner of the Stuart Michell “Cause It To Happen” Award, given to the member who had significant impact on the chapter’s operation in the last twelve months.
Formal attire is requested.
Register today for the “Night Under The Stars” event on September 11 at the Atlantis Resort and Casino.
Festivities begin at 6:30 PM with an open bar, a formal dinner and dancing afterwards.
Cost for entrance is $50 per person whether a member or a guest.
The first fifty guests through the door get a free drink ticket.
Special thanks to the event’s sponsors: Prominence, Carson City Chamber of Commerce, Service Benefit & Manufacturing Benefit Trusts, Aetna and Kaiser Permanente
Calendar of Events
September 11, 2026
6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Add to Calendar
Atlantis Hotel/Casino
3800 South Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89502-6191
October Monthly Meeting
NABIP Happenings
One of the best ways to maximize the value of a NABIP membership is to learn about all the benefits at any monthly New Member Orientation!
Monthly orientations are held by Zoom at 9 AM on every 4th Thursday of the month.
The Zoom meeting ID is 826 3420 3381 and the passcode is “Membership”.
The program can also be accessed here: http://welcometonabip.org
Member Resources
Online Learning Institute
Earning the Registered Employee Benefits Consultant® (REBC®) designation elevates your credibility as a professional. The field of employee benefits continues to evolve rapidly. A year does not go by without new government regulations, new or modified coverages, and new techniques for controlling benefit costs. To best serve their clients, professionals need to have a current understanding of the provisions, advantages, and limitations associated with each type of benefit or program as a method for meeting economic security.
Affordable courses are available by visiting the NABIP site here.
Did You Know
There are many resources available to every member. Below are active links to a world of benefits that come from being a member of NABIP.
This collection of logos contains active weblinks to make it very easy for you to click and be led directly to the appropriate section of the national NABIP website.
Apply today for one of NABIP's highest honors - Leading Producers Round Table (LPRT). Click here for more information.
NABIP's Leadership Academy assists chapter leaders and members to become better leaders in life and NABIP. This 12-module program provides a wide variety of topics touching on many areas to provide students with a well-rounded experience. Programming can be done through attending pre-recorded programming, by attending monthly webinars or as a mix of the two formats.
NABIP created the President's Triple Crown Program to recognize those members whose individual contributions help advance the association's mission.
NABIP Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB).
Vision & Core Values, DEIB Training & DEIB Resources. Click Here to learn more.
Leadership Mentorship Program
Provides senior leadership support to new and current members professionally and in their leadership roles. Click Here for more information
