September 2025
It is both an honour and a privilege to serve as the 95th President of the Ontario Insurance Adjusters Association.
My journey with the OIAA began in April 2013 when I answered the call to serve as Secretary of the K-W OIAA, not realizing at the time that this decision would be the beginning of a five-year term, and a much greater journey than I could have imagined. Before officially stepping into the role, I shared the news that I was expecting my first child in February 2014, but I promised to remain dedicated throughout my leave. During this time, I was introduced to the OIAA’s senior executive, where I attended a crash course on non-profits and board governance organized by Tammie Kip and her executive. That same event also included a spirited scavenger hunt in Toronto—an early example of the balance of professionalism and camaraderie that has defined my OIAA experience.
My first official event as Secretary was greeting attendees at the entrance of the K-W OIAA Annual Tradeshow at the Concordia Club. The following year, I transitioned directly to
Vice President when Mark Hale stepped away from the organization. Once again, I was expecting, and once again I committed to remai an active and engaged member of the executive. That year, the senior executive joined KW in planning the “Out of Town” Provincial Conference, I not only learned the intricacies of hosting such an event but also discovered that Catherine Groot makes the most exceptional cookies—something that quickly became a personal pregnancy craving.
From 2015 to 2017, I had the privilege of serving as President of the K-W OIAA. A highlight of my presidency was hosting Maytoberfest the Provincial Conference, where I had the unique opportunity to learn the art of tapping a keg alongside Ian Gallagher—a memory I will always treasure.
Along the way, the OIAA has taught me many unexpected skills: how to curl, how to golf, how to plan a large-scale provincial conference (no less than 3 times), how to organize kids’ and adult holiday parties, how to negotiate with hotels, and how to survive claims conferences. But perhaps the hardest lesson of all? Learning how to endure a full tradeshow after the legendary Big Mingle hosted by -30- Forensics.
Throughout my involvement with the K-W OIAA, I have had the great fortune of working with and learning from remarkable colleagues and friends, including Charlene Ferris, Lisa Dobson, Cyndy Craig, Stephen Tucker, Carrie Keogh, Jennifer Mohr, Ashleigh Leon, Manish Patel and Gillian Reain among many others. In 2018, Stephen Tucker nominated me to join the OIAA as provincial delegate for K-W joining under the leadership of Michael McLeod a former K-W OIAA President serving as Provincial President. When Leanne Hardman took the reigns as President, she entrusted me to serve as editor of the WP and co –chair of the holiday party, two very large portfolios.
Trial by fire they said, I hope that I was able to rise to your expectations Leanne. In 2021, I was nominated for the role of Secretary, beginning six-year term on the OIAA senior executive.
When I reflect on my journey, I recognize that the OIAA has given me far more than opportunities for leadership. It has introduced me to mentors, industry leaders, and lifelong
friends from whom I have learned in countless ways. To Catherine Groot, Ian Gallagher, Jen Graham, Michael McLeod, Leanne Hardman, Simone Cybulski, Rhu Sherrard, Kyle Case and to the presidents who came before them—thank you. Your guidance, dedication, and stewardship have shaped my understanding of this association and its rich history. It is my honour to continue in your footsteps.
I must also extend my deepest gratitude to my family. My children have been attending OIAA meetings and events quite literally since they were in utero, an they have grown up alongside this association. To my husband, thank you for your unwavering support through countless late nights stuffing wristbands into envelopes, early mornings at golf tournaments, and the many evenings I spent away at events and meetings. The OIAA journey is not one I have taken alone—our families and loved ones truly earn these achievements alongside us, and I am profoundly grateful for mine.
I would also like to thank my employer Echelon Insurance and my leaders Laurel Cutting and Joe Colby, whose generous support, trust and faith has allowed me to contribute fully to this role and to our profession. I also would be remiss if I didn’t thank Definity Insurance in addition to my former leaders and mentors, Dawn Delaney, Fiona Von Kannen, Corrina Mann and Kelley Boettcher for supporting and guiding me on this journey as well.
To Kyle Case, Terry Doherty and Shawna Gillen, the immediate past presidents that served before me, thank you for your guidance over the years and entrusting me with various committees to learn all the ropes. I learned how to work and play hard, all of you encouraged me to make some of the changes that are in place for this year.
Finally, to my current committee: I am inspired daily by your commitment, passion, and creativity. Together, I am confident we will achieve great things in 2025–2026 and beyond. The OIAA’s future is bright, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead this incredible association.
Industry Partners, Social Member and Adjuster members, please join us on October 2, 2025 at the El Mocambo as we kick off the year with a 90’s Video Dance Party. Tickets and sponsorship is available at www.oiaa.com.
With gratitude and pride,
Jennifer Brown
President, OIAA
Manager, Accident Benefits Claims
Echelon Insurance