In this issue
Archives
Side Articles
August Newsletter
President's Report
Dear CPCU Atlanta Members & Friends,
August is a time of transitions. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve watched our State Farm interns present the results of their summer projects, while students across the industry have been sharing reflections as their internships come to an end. One of those students is Satchelle Brown, who shares her own State Farm internship experience later in this newsletter. At the same time, the school buses have started rolling through the neighborhood, traffic has picked up as our younger kids begin their school year, and our thoughts are starting to turn toward the fall activities ahead.
Most of our CPCU Atlanta leaders were able to gather at my house last weekend for a relaxed evening of food and conversation, strengthening our relationships as we prepare for the rest of the year. I keep coming back to this thought: I joined the CPCU Society for the learning opportunities, but what has become most important to me is the people I have met along the way.
That combination of learning and connection is really what the CPCU Society is all about. Our events give us the chance to grow professionally, and just as importantly, they bring together people from across our industry to exchange ideas, build relationships, and learn from one another.
And this fall, we have an especially exciting opportunity to do all of that at Atlanta Risk Focus 2026 on September 17. We have put together a terrific lineup of speakers this year. We’ll welcome back some familiar faces, including Gary Clevenger, Marty Murphy, and former CPCU Atlanta President Tim Fletcher, while also hearing from new speakers Malcolm Tsung, Neelaakshi Piplani, and Will Tschetter. We’ll conclude the day with a fascinating presentation from Sarah Clapa of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, exploring how cutting-edge research into wind, hail, wildfire, and other weather-related perils is helping us better understand and reduce property risk.
Together, they’ll bring an incredible breadth of perspectives on the forces reshaping our industry, from emerging risks and rapidly evolving technology to better decision-making and the leadership we need to navigate what comes next.
We also have something special planned for the lunch hour. Chapter Vice President Penny Gildersleeve will be joined by HR professionals Kim Lott and Emily Martin for Jump Start Your Career, a hands-on session designed to help you get ready for whatever comes next in your career. They’ll share real-world pro tips to help you jump in, pivot, or reboot, then help you put those ideas into action with one-on-one résumé reviews. And you can update your professional image with a complimentary headshot. Whether you’re looking for your next opportunity or simply want to be ready when it comes, we hope you’ll take advantage of everything this session has to offer.
I hope you’ll join us on September 17. Come for the learning, make time for the conversations in between, and take the opportunity to connect with colleagues both new and familiar. After all, those connections are what have made my own CPCU experience so meaningful.
I’m looking forward to seeing many of you there and to everything the fall has in store for CPCU Atlanta.
Warmly,
Elizabeth
President, CPCU Atlanta Chapter
Atlanta Risk Focus 2026
Atlanta Risk Focus 2026
Thursday, September 17
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Roam - Perimeter Center
1151 Hammond Dr, NE, Suite 240
Atlanta, GA 30346
Join us for Atlanta Risk Focus 2026, CPCU Atlanta’s annual I-Day, bringing together risk and insurance professionals from across the Atlanta community for a day of learning, connection, and professional growth.
This year’s program explores the forces shaping the future of our industry, with perspectives on emerging risks, rapidly evolving technology, better decision-making, and leadership in a changing environment. It’s an opportunity to hear fresh ideas, learn from industry experts, and connect with colleagues from across the insurance and risk community.
Our special Jump Start Your Career lunch session will add a hands-on career development experience, with practical advice from HR professionals, one-on-one résumé reviews, and complimentary professional headshots. During lunch, we’ll also celebrate and recognize our 2026 CPCU designees and welcome them to the CPCU community.
Whether you’re a longtime CPCU member, a new designee, or simply interested in the issues shaping our industry, we hope you’ll join us for Atlanta Risk Focus 2026.
Member Spotlight
Meet Andria Jones, CPCU Atlanta Activities Co-Chair
- How did you get started in the insurance industry?
I wanted a career change after more than 10 years in sales. I had recently completed my real estate license, and I quickly realized that real estate and insurance go hand in hand.
My original plan was to start in fire risk, but as I explored the industry, I discovered that I genuinely enjoyed auto insurance—and I’ve never looked back. Since then, I’ve been committed to learning more about risk management and everything that comes with the insurance business.
- What is your current role?
I am an Auto Claims Property Manager.
- What does your work entail?
As a leader, I coach and support my team through complex auto claims—from investigation strategy to documentation and resolution—while ensuring we follow company standards and deliver a consistent, high-quality experience.
- Why did you decide to pursue your CPCU designation?
My current company invests heavily in employee growth and development, and one of the options offered was insurance education. After joining the company in 2019, I began working on designations to expand my skill set. I earned credentials including the Associate in General Insurance and Associate in Claims Management, along with a few others.
After completing each program, I found myself wanting to learn even more, which led me to the CPCU designation. Pursuing and completing it has been one of the most challenging—and most rewarding—experiences of my career. I’ve learned a great deal about the industry, and it reinforced that when I set my sights on a goal, I can achieve it.
- How have you been involved with the CPCU society and the Atlanta chapter?
My involvement with the CPCU Society started with reviewing articles and participating in webinars. Then I connected with a peer who invited me to an in-person event with the Atlanta chapter. I was welcomed with open arms by people who shared my passion for risk and for learning more about the industry.
Since then, my involvement has grown steadily. I now serve in a larger capacity within the chapter, where I continue to help lead others and support the organization. It has been an incredible experience—full of networking, valuable information, and opportunities to grow and learn about the wide world of insurance.
- What do you like to do for fun?
I love traveling, reading, and shopping. Traveling lets me see the world through a different lens. Reading expands my mind—and it’s also pretty entertaining. In my opinion, it’s much better than television!
And yes—shopping. Everyone deserves a good shopping trip after a long day of risk management.
Diversity & Inclusion Spotlight
- International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples — August 9 recognizes and celebrates the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions of Indigenous peoples worldwide. It’s a meaningful opportunity to honor Indigenous communities while reflecting on the importance of listening to lived experience, protecting culture, and expanding inclusion.
- Obon (Ullambana) — August 13–15 is a Buddhist festival and Japanese custom honoring the spirits of ancestors. It reflects the value many cultures place on remembrance, family connection, and respect across generations.
- Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary / Dormition of the Theotokos — August 15 is observed in Christian traditions around the world as a sacred day honoring Mary. These observances highlight the importance of faith, tradition, and the many ways spiritual identity shapes belonging and community.
- Independence Day (India) — August 15 commemorates India’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1947. It offers a moment to recognize the significance of national identity, self-determination, and the diverse histories that shape global communities.
- World Humanitarian Day — August 19 honors those who step into crises to help others and remembers those who have lost their lives doing humanitarian work. It’s a reminder that compassion, service, and dignity are central to building stronger communities.
- International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition — August 23 marks the anniversary of the uprising in Santo Domingo that initiated the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean. It invites reflection on history, resistance, and the ongoing responsibility to advance equity and human dignity.
- Women’s Equality Day — August 26 recognizes the certification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. It’s a time to reflect on the continued work of expanding opportunity, representation, and equality.
Pro Tip
Pro-Tip: Incorporate a 1-minute Micro-Routine to increase Productivity
The Micro-Routine (60 seconds)
- Pause + breathe (30 seconds): Inhale slowly, exhale, and mentally commit to the next task.
- Set a micro-goal (15 seconds): Define one specific outcome for the next 15 minutes (e.g., “draft the email subject + outline,” “review and summarize one section of the report”).
- Minimize distractions (15 seconds): Silence non-essential notifications and close unrelated tabs/apps before you begin.
Recent Gatherings
Workers’ Compensation 101
Presented by Nija Brown, Accident Fund Insurance Company
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History & Context: We reviewed the origins of workers’ compensation and learned that pirates were among the first to use similar concepts of compensating injury-related losses. We also discussed how workers’ compensation is structured differently across states—some require coverage to be purchased through state-administered funds rather than private carriers.
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Purpose of Workers’ Compensation: Workers’ compensation is designed to provide benefits to injured workers for work-related incidents, including:
- Medical benefits for treatment related to the injury
- Indemnity benefits, such as wage replacement when income is lost due to the disability
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Waiting Periods (State-Specific): Benefits may include a 3–5 day waiting period, which varies by state and depends on the extent of disability.
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Types of Disability Covered: There are four disability categories:
- Temporary Total Disability (most common)
- Temporary Partial Disability
- Permanent Partial Disability
- Permanent Total Disability
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Claims Process & Timeliness: Nija walked us through the key steps in the workers’ compensation claim process. A central takeaway was that delayed reporting increases claim cost. For example, the same claim could cost approximately 44% more if the injured worker waits four weeks to report.
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Rate Setting & Experience Modification (E-Mod): Workers’ compensation differs from many other insurance types because premiums are influenced by an employer’s Experience Modification Factor (E-Mod). This E-Mod is calculated by NCCI using the employer’s claims history over the past three years, with frequency typically carrying more weight than severity.
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Safety Culture & Loss Control: We discussed how safety culture has the greatest impact on reducing accidents, supported by findings from the U.S. Department of Labor. Loss control services support employers in identifying and eliminating hazards before injuries occur, including:
- Workplace hazard assessments
- Safety program development
- Employee training
- OSHA compliance
- Ergonomics
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Return to Work (RTW) Effectiveness: The session highlighted the strong impact of early return to work programs. Outcomes improve significantly when employees return sooner:
- Return to even partial work within 12 weeks → ~50% chance of full recovery
- Return after 6 months → ~20% chance
- Return after 1 year → <1% chance
Bottom Line: The training emphasized that successful workers’ compensation outcomes depend on timely claim reporting, proactive hazard prevention, and early return-to-work efforts, all of which can reduce claim costs and improve recovery outcomes.
Students
Meet Satchelle Brown, GSU Student & State Farm Summer Intern
2026 P&C Claims Internship at State Farm: My “Right Opportunity” Story
One of the greatest things in life is an opportunity, especially the right one. The right opportunity can shape your life and truly transform your trajectory. I’m blessed to have received that right opportunity to be selected as a 2026 P&C Claims Intern at State Farm. Here’s my story.
How It Started: From Interview to Insight
What started as an interview led to a deeper view of what I truly wanted. I always hoped to land an internship that aligned with my major in Risk Management and Insurance. When I applied to the State Farm P&C Claims intern role in Fall 2025, I had high hopes.
As a two-time State Farm Risk Management and Insurance awardee, and having State Farm as my personal carrier, I already felt connected to the company in a meaningful way. I began the internship with curiosity and excitement—and the experience quickly became truly insightful.
I started on the Fire side of P&C Claims, and it has been a phenomenal experience from day one.
Training: Learning the “Why”
Before I jumped into real work, I went through training. I had the opportunity to meet incredible Learning Delivery Facilitators who guided us through module-based training on policies and claims software.
Training lasted for a few weeks, and I loved how it helped me go beyond surface-level learning. I delved into understanding the Homeowners policy, the different coverages, and—most importantly—the “why” behind claim handling processes. Those sessions broadened my understanding of claims in a way that felt both practical and purposeful.
Real Claims: Applying What I Learned
After training, I began working on real claims. I was able to start speaking with customers about their claims, and it was truly eye-opening.
I used what I learned from training to support customers by explaining their policies, going over their claims, and listening with empathy while providing quality service and effective communication. It was one thing to learn the process—and another to see how communication and care directly impact someone’s experience. My manager was also phenomenal in assisting in this process.
Beyond the Work: Meetings, Events, and Community
In addition to claim handling, I had the awesome privilege of engaging in meetings and activities like Founders Day and Speed Networking.
I loved Founders Day. It was amazing to experience the whole organization coming together—good food, great energy, and games and activities that brought people together.
I also enjoyed Observe and Learn meetings, day-in-the-life sessions, and hearing from executives. I always came prepared with questions, and more than once, my questions were selected to be asked in larger executive meetings. That was such a nice reminder that at State Farm, curiosity is valued.
Another highlight was my mentor’s meetings with a section manager in Fire Claims. She was phenomenal. I gained so much insight—advice on personal development and branding, academic pursuits, and her personal journey at State Farm. Those conversations helped me refine how I want to grow both personally and professionally.
Culture: Supportive, Welcoming, and Fun
One of the biggest reasons I’ve enjoyed this internship so much is the culture. Everyone was super nice and incredibly helpful. The social dynamic and camaraderie made the environment feel relaxed, welcoming, and genuinely supportive.
I also appreciated the celebrations and events—they helped build team spirit and strengthened the internal relationships across the group.
Final Thoughts: Grateful and Motivated
This internship honestly felt surreal. I was given the unmatched ability to take full advantage of the resources the program offers, and I’m truly grateful to be part of something so impactful.
The knowledge and experience I gained will boost my academic trajectory. It was an amazing internship, and I truly wish everyone could have the chance to experience a program like this.
My gratitude is overflowing—and so is my fuel to continue the path of excellence.
Dive In
Registration is now open for Dive In Festival 2026.
Dates: September 22-24, 2026
This year's theme, The human gAIn: Powering culture & connection, explores how can we harness technology while strengthening the human skills that matter most—trust, creativity, belonging and collaboration.
Whether you're interested in leadership, workplace culture, AI, wellbeing, innovation or personal growth, Dive In offers something for everyone.
What to expect?
- Inspiring speakers
- Fresh perspectives
- Interactive discussions
- Practical takeaways
- Opportunities to connect with people from around the world
