January 2026
The OIAA year starts July 1st , which means that with the start of January I am now halfway through my term as president. I can’t believe that it is January already or the year 2026. Every president says your year will go fast, it is hard to believe when there is a 4 year lead up to the role, but it’s true the year flies by. Although it is flying by we are running on the high from last year’s Claims Conference and can’t wait to see you on March 26, 2026, the line up of seminars and panels is one you won’t want to miss. There are a few booths and sponsorships available but they won’t last long.
Thank you to all who attended the 2025 Holiday Party and Past President’s and Honorary Members event here in the beautiful Niagara Falls. It was great to kick off the holiday season in the lights and the mist as we Decked the Falls. The holiday party committee that work tirelessly to bring the event to fruition was Emily Feindel, Carrie Keogh, Rob Fiorido, Michele Field and Maya Panchmatia. I am grateful for all their support and so proud of the event.
The OIAA has an extensive history that extends over 95 years. We had 17 Past Presidents in attendance at the Holiday party. All of our past presidents have paved the road before us and had their hand in getting this organization to what it is today. We are thankful for their tremendous contributions to the OIAA and the insurance industry.
This year it was my privilege to introduce our newest Past President, who was at the helm from July 2024- June 2025, Shawna Gillen. Shawna has served on the OIAA since 2015 and has filled many roles such as WP editor, Claims conference Chairs, Advertising chair, events chairs and sponsorship roles. She had an amazing year, where she had the notable accomplishment of having a claims conference whose attendance not only met but exceeded pre-covid attendance, with a sold-out show and over 1100 attendees. As she reached the end of her tenure on the OIAA Senior executive we are thankful for all she has done and continues to do for the OIAA.
I also had the honor to nominate an OIAA member to become an honorary lifetime member. An honorary lifetime member is a member who has provided a great service to the OIAA. This member not only promotes and maintains a high standard of ethics amongst insurance professionals, they represent the interests of the insurance industry and the OIAA. This individual has served as a board member of a chapter for many years but also has demonstrated their commitment to the industry by acting as a member of the OGI hockey tournament and organizing charity fundraiser with others from their employer. This individual demonstrates commitment to the insurance industry, their local chapter and the OIAA as a whole, many of you can attest that this individual can be called upon to help whether you are an insured, a friend or a community member in need, she wil always show up and ask how she can help. This individual was a cornerstone of the K-W OIAA when they did their first run on the executive but when called upon to help out came back for a second tour to help with the 2017 Maytoberfest in K-W. They also were one of the masterminds behind the belove Battle of the Bands, chairing the first one of many. It was truly my honour and privilege to introduce this year’s Honorary Lifetime member- Charlene Ferris.
These events would not be possible without the generosity and support of all our industry partners. Mistletoe and Fallsview Sponsors; Hero Response, Newtron Group, Hudson Restoration, Structured Restoration and Larrek Investigations and to our Jingle Falls sponsors; Kings Restoration Group, Accomsure- ALE Management Solutions, DKI Canada, Davis Martindale LLP, Rebuild Response, Greystone Investigations, The Built Group and InsuraBuild.
With gratitude and pride,
Jennifer Brown
President, OIAA
Manager, Accident Benefits Claims
Echelon Insurance