May 2026 Newsletter

President's Report

Dear CPCU Atlanta Members & Friends,

One book I've been reading recently is The Score That Matters by Ryan Hawk and Brook Cupps. Its central premise is that the internal score — your alignment with personal values and purpose — matters far more than external metrics like money, status, or social media followers.

One chapter stood out to me in particular: "3 AM Friends," which focuses on the people we choose to surround ourselves with. The authors cite Jim Collins, who observed that "the single greatest determining factor in your long-term success or failure is your who. Who will be your mentor? Who will be your friends? Who will be your spouse? Who will you spend your time with?  That is what will help you get to where you want to go more than anything else.” They add that we naturally become the average of those we spend the most time with, gradually absorbing their character traits through the simple act of proximity.

That idea captures what I appreciate most about the CPCU Society: the who.

Our members have made a genuine commitment to learning and growth — one that aligns with my own core values. Through the CPCU Society, I have had the privilege of learning alongside leaders from across the insurance industry, growing in ways I never could have anticipated. I have been encouraged, challenged, and guided toward leadership roles I wasn't sure I was ready for, and given the support I needed to succeed.

I hope you will take full advantage of everything the CPCU Society has to offer. Go all in. Attend the learning and networking events — but don't stop there. Reach out to volunteer with the chapter or serve on a national committee. It is through active involvement that you truly get to know your fellow members and open yourself to the kind of meaningful influence that changes the trajectory of a career — and even a life.

Your who is here. I hope you'll engage with them fully.

Elizabeth Gieseking
CPCU Atlanta Chapter President

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Calendar of Events

Upcoming events:

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Recent Gatherings

CPCU Atlanta Annual Golf Tournament & Clinic

On May 4, 2026, CPCU Atlanta hosted its 26th annual golf tournament and clinic. This event would not have been possible without the financial support of our grand sponsors, Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies – P&C and National Indemnity Company. With their support, we were able to host a fun-filled event attended by many members of our Metro Atlanta insurance community. Attendees were treated to fun rounds of golf, including games organized by Olde Atlanta Golf Club and Dixon Golf. We also hosted an educational clinic where participants left feeling equipped to confidently tackle the green. Fun prizes were raffled off, including a round of golf for four at Olde Atlanta Golf Club and a $250 credit toward golf equipment from Dixon Golf. Thank you to Olde Atlanta Golf Club for their amazing hospitality, to Little Panda Golf for excellent instruction, and to Larimar Massage for relaxing chair massages. Finally, special thanks to all our volunteers and future board members

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CPCU Outreach

CPCU Atlanta Connects with Georgia State University Students (Gamma Iota Sigma)

CPCU Atlanta recently met with the Georgia State University students of Gamma Iota Sigma. We had a wonderful time making meaningful connections, sharing our CPCU stories, and encouraging students as they continue building their professional paths.

We may be their mentors today, but these bright and accomplished students could be our leaders—and our bosses—tomorrow. We look forward to future engagements with this talented group!

Members: Please consider reaching out and interacting with these students. They need more mentors and professional connections.

Thank you to the Gamma Iota Sigma leaders and members for their gracious hospitality and warm welcome. We truly appreciate it!

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Students

Meet Mia Morris, GA State University student.

My college journey has been defined by curiosity, resilience, and a desire to grow into a leader who uplifts others. When I began at Georgia State University as an Honors student majoring in
Accounting, I promised myself that I would embrace experiences that stretched my perspective.

Over the past two years, that promise has shaped me in ways I never expected. Through involvement in organizations such as NABA, the FinTech Organization, and the Finance Development Society—and serving as a Becker Campus Student Ambassador—I’ve strengthened my confidence and learned the value of showing up for both myself and my community. Opportunities like Panthers on Wall Street and participating in research initiatives deepened my understanding of how financial systems influence everyday lives.

This past year, I felt especially drawn to the insurance industry. I’m genuinely elated to begin my Introduction to Risk Management and Insurance course in Spring 2026 as part of my RMI minor.

To take initiative beyond the classroom, I recently participated in a collaborative case study hosted by the Latin American Association of Insurance Agents (Atlanta Chapter) and ALPFA at Amwins. Working alongside RMI students from GSU and UGA, I explored real-world
negotiations between brokers, wholesalers, and underwriters navigating a challenging liability market. Experiencing how these professionals assess risk, protect clients, and problem-solve
collaboratively affirmed my growing passion for this field.

I hope my story inspires other students—especially those still discovering their direction—to pursue opportunities with courage and curiosity. The insurance industry plays a meaningful role
in supporting people and communities, and I’m grateful for every step guiding me toward that purpose.

Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn! Mia Morris

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Diversity & Inclusion

May is a time to reflect on the diverse cultural, historical, and social contributions that enrich our communities and workplaces. From honoring the rich heritage of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities to recognizing the impactful legacy of Jewish Americans, this month is filled with opportunities to learn, celebrate, and grow. We also raise awareness about mental health, honor the service of our military members and their families, and celebrate the invaluable contributions of older Americans.

May 2026

• Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI) honors the rich and diverse contributions of Asian Americans in U.S. history and culture. This month is also celebrated as Asian Heritage Month in Canada.
• Jewish American Heritage Month recognizes the diverse contributions of Jewish people to American culture. It is also observed as Jewish Heritage Month in Canada.
• Mental Health Awareness Month (or Mental Health Month) in the U.S. aims to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses while reducing the stigma that surrounds mental health challenges.
• National Military Appreciation Month is observed in the U.S. to honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, as well as their families.
• Older Americans Month honors the legacies and contributions of older Americans and supports them as they enter their next stage of life.

May Observances and Holidays

• May 1: May Day/Labor Day (International Workers’ Day), celebrating laborers and the working class worldwide.
• May 4: Star Wars Day (“May the Fourth be with you”) — a fun cultural observance celebrated by fans globally.
• May 5: Cinco de Mayo, commemorating the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla, celebrating Mexican heritage and culture.
• May 5: Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), honoring the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust.
• May 9: Mother’s Day, celebrating mothers and maternal figures.
• May 12: International Nurses Day, recognizing the contributions of nurses worldwide.
• May 15: International Day of Families, focusing on the importance of families and family policies.
• May 17: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, promoting LGBTQ+ rights and awareness.
• May 25: Memorial Day (U.S.), honoring military personnel who have died in service.
• May 26: Vesak (Buddha Day), celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.

We encourage all members to engage in learning, celebration, and advocacy as we honor these important observances. Together, let’s continue to build inclusive workplaces and communities that value and uplift every individual’s unique story and contribution.

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Networking Event

Big thanks to all of the speakers and volunteers who made this joint networking event with NAAIA a huge success! The event sold out quickly so make sure to sign up quickly when the next one comes around. For those who attended, was a true learning experience to hear the perspectives of the panel. Great job KJ and AJ in organizing another successful event!

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In2Leadership

Jenny Saint Preux attended In2Leadership, Nashville, this year on behalf of the Atlanta chapter. Here is her perspective on the event:

According to leadership expert John Maxwell, “The single biggest way to impact an organization is to focus on leadership development.” The CPCU Society understands the significance and validity of that quote. Every year, the society hosts the In2Leadership conference. At this conference, leaders and potential leaders of the local chapter organizations learn from some of the best while honing their technical and soft leadership skills.

As the current president-elect for the CPCU Atlanta chapter, I had the honor to attend the event this year’s event, which took place in Nashville, TN. At the event, I attended several sessions, including those focusing on organizing engaging events, setting the stage for growing leaders, and gaining a greater understanding of the foundations of effective volunteer leadership. These sessions were led by CPCU chapter leaders from across the country. Their depth of knowledge, undoubtedly earned through years of investment in and commitment to their respective chapters, was evident in the breadth and depth of the expertise they shared in their presentations.

As some of you may or may not be aware, the CPCU Society possesses a strong relationship with the University of Georgia’s Terry School of Business. This year, we had three distinguished professors from the school speaking on the topics of enhancing team effectiveness, resilience, and leading through ambiguity, and understanding and leading digital transformation. The latter includes a dive into the industry-specific role of artificial intelligence in insurance/risk management.

I look forward to sharing greater insights into these sessions within future newsletters. As well as attending future CPCU national conferences.

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