NABIP-NN October 2026 Newsletter 
Chapter Updates
Annual Gala a Huge Success
The second annual gala of the Northern Nevada chapter was a sparkling success of dining, dancing and celebratory activities including an announcement of a new award to honor Merre Gregory, who passed away only days before the event. 
Immediate Past President, Aliana Rushing, began the ceremonies by celebrating the life of NABIP-NN chapter member Merre Gregory, who endured a long-term set of illnesses while continuing to support the chapter. The award will be given to any member of the chapter who experiences life challenging events, but continues to show the resolve of dealing with those events while staying committed to our industry.
Don Goldmann, Vice President of the chapter’s 
communications and media activities was the moderator of the evening and kept things lively while introducing the many event sponsors, annual sponsors and charities that the chapter supports each year.
Amongst the many activities that everyone participated in at the September 11th event was the photobooth, which everyone enjoyed and the lively entertainment of McClain’s Mobile DJ.
The evening was capped off with the announcement of the 2026, Stuart Michell’s “Cause It to Happen” award, given annually to the board member who most effectively made things happen for the chapter. This year’s winner, for the second time, was Julie Ann Evans, who manages the chapter’s professional development activities.
Remembering Merre Gregory – A Shining Star of NABIP Northern Nevada
The President’s Corner by Georgana Cepeda
This month, I write my President’s Corner with a very heavy heart as we remember and honor our dear friend and Medicare Chair, Merre Gregory, who passed away last month.
With just a few years of being involved with our chapter, Merre made a much more lasting and larger impact than anyone would have expected over a relatively short period of time. Merre served as the Medicare Chair for NABIP Northern Nevada, but her impact on our chapter went far beyond her title. Merre was truly one of the shining stars of our organization.
I had the privilege of knowing Merre, not only as a fellow NABIP member and colleague, but also on a personal level. Over the years, our relationship grew into a close friendship, and I feel incredibly fortunate for the time, conversations, laughter, and memories we shared.
Merre had a genuine passion for NABIP Northern Nevada and for the people who make up our chapter. She was always looking out for our members and thinking about what she could do to help. Whether there was an event to support, a member who needed assistance, an idea that could make our chapter stronger, or simply work that needed to be done, Merre was there. She was on the front lines, ready to roll up her sleeves and help.
That was Merre.
She didn't just hold a position...she cared deeply about the organization she represented. She wanted NABIP Northern Nevada to grow, succeed, and be the very best it could be. She understood that a strong chapter is built by people supporting one another and she lived that belief through her actions.
Merre also had an incredible way of caring for the people around her. She wanted to make sure everyone was okay. She encouraged people, supported them, connected them and made people feel like they belonged. Her energy and spirit were unmistakable. When Merre was involved, you knew she was there because she brought her whole heart with her.
She was also deeply loved throughout our community. The number of people whose lives she touched speaks volumes about the person she was.
It still seems unreal to say that Merre is no longer with us. There are people who become such a familiar and important part of our lives and our organization that it is difficult to imagine moving forward without them. Merre was one of those people.
But I believe the greatest way we can honor her is to carry forward the qualities she demonstrated so beautifully: show up, help one another, welcome people in, support our members, give back to our community and always work toward making our chapter stronger.
Merre left her mark on NABIP Northern Nevada, and that will not disappear. Her dedication, friendship, laughter, passion and incredible spirit will remain part of our chapter's story.
As President, and especially as her friend, I will miss her more than words can express. I know many of you will as well.
Merre, thank you for everything you gave to NABIP Northern Nevada and to all of us personally. Thank you for your friendship, your passion, your commitment and for always being willing to stand on the front lines for our chapter.
Your spirit was so alive, and your light touched so many people. We will continue to honor you by carrying that light forward.
You will always be a part of the NABIP Northern Nevada family, and you will never be forgotten.
With love and remembrance.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, October 24th at the McKinley Arts Center, located at 925 Riverside Drive in Reno. Any chapter member who knew Merre is welcome to attend. Please RSVP by October 17th by emailing or texting Aliana Rushing at [email protected] or (775) 848‑1808.
NABIP Announces Annual Capitol Conference
Nevada’s ACA Market at a Crossroads: What Happened, What We Learned and What’s Coming?
The chapter’s October membership luncheon program will be a one hour continuing education panel, made up of four industry experts, who will provide brokers with a practical look-back at plan year 2026 and a forward-looking discussion of the issues expected to shape plan year 2027.
The four brokers who will be speaking are Gina Espinal Aguerre, Partner of the Nevada Silver Life & Health Agency, independent insurance broker Michelle Brown, broker Se’Leah Schultz of Senior Insurance Agency and Aaron Ware, founder of Aware Benefits.
Panelists will examine how affordability pressures, premium changes, the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, enrollment trends, income and eligibility verification requirements and compliance considerations may affect Nevada Health Link consumers and brokers alike.
Attendees will gain insight into real-world consumer decision-making, program integrity expectations, plan design considerations, and strategies brokers can use to help clients make informed coverage decisions while preparing their businesses for the 2027 enrollment season.
Calendar of Events
October Monthly Meeting
October 7, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Atlantis Hotel/Casino
3800 South Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89502-6191
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
