About Us
Learn about NAAIA’s mission, values, and history. Dive deeper into our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the insurance industry.
Our Mission & Philosophy
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower Black professionals in the insurance industry by providing unparalleled educational resources, invaluable mentorship opportunities, robust networking, and recognition of industry achievements. We are committed to fostering professional development and community outreach, creating a supportive environment where our members can thrive and excel.
Our Philosophy
NAAIA is rooted in the belief that diversity strengthens the insurance industry. We are committed to empowering Black professionals by providing a supportive environment where education, mentorship, and networking flourish. Our philosophy centers on fostering growth, celebrating achievements, and driving systemic change to create a more inclusive and equitable industry. We strive to cultivate a community that values representation, professional development, and the advancement of underrepresented talent. At NAAIA, we believe in the transformative power of connection and leadership in shaping a brighter future for all.
A Legacy of Leadership, Empowerment, and Impact
NAAIA Orlando History
NAAIA Orlando is part of a long-standing movement to create space, voice, and opportunity for Black professionals in insurance. While our chapter is newly established, we are grounded in the mission and momentum of the national organization. Our history is one of resilience, ambition, and leadership. We stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way—trailblazers who challenged industry norms, built thriving careers, and opened doors for future generations.
You’re Not Alone with NAAIA Orlando
Across the country, professionals just like you are part of a growing NAAIA network committed to excellence, inclusion, and transformation. Whether you’re launching your career, pivoting into new roles, or mentoring others, NAAIA is here to walk with you.
Whats Next for Orlando
Our Chapter is just getting started. With launch events, new programs, and community partnerships on the horizon, there are many ways to get involved. Whether you want to attend an event, join the board, become a member, or partner with us, this site is your hub for connection and next steps.
Visit our events page to see what’s coming up, explore open board positions, join as a member through NAAIA.org, or see our latest news to stay informed and engaged.
NAAIA Orlando
Executive Board
Our chapter is led by a committed executive board focused on growth, strategy, and community impact. Meet the leaders shaping our work, and explore open roles if you’re ready to lead with purpose.
Michael
Lane
Michael
Lane
President
Originally from North Carolina and a graduate of North Carolina Central University, with a degree in Political Science, Michael is the proud husband of Candice Lane, and father of Dominik(14) and Elijah(12) Lane.
Michael began is journey in Insurance In 2006, working independently for the Hartford. His experience led him to Bouchard Insurance, becoming a top producer of risk management and insurance products for large businesses across the country receiving several awards for his production.
His success drew attention from Marsh & McLennan, the largest insurance broker in the world, who recruited him to lead the state’s Sales, Recruiting and Acquisition efforts. Michael was the only black person in the country who held that position.
Michael after a successful career in the commercial market, Michael took on business ownership, starting a Farmers Insurance Agency, located in the Seminole Towne Center. Michael quickly became one of the top Farmers agents in the country, ranking in the top 17 out of over 13,000 Agents and growing from $0 to $6mil in under 3 years. When Farmers left the state, Michael became an independent broker as 4 Lane Insurance, and opening a second agency in Tampa.
Michael is now the first owner of a AAA Auto Club Insurance Agency in the State of Florida.
Candace
Duncan
Candace
Duncan | M.A., CPCU, CLU, AIC, AINS, API, ACS
Vice President
Candace Duncan is the Assistant Vice President of Claims for Security First Insurance and has nearly 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. Throughout her journey, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to strategic leadership, operational excellence, and talent development. Candace is deeply passionate about continuous learning and is an advocate for cultivating and attracting the next generation of insurance professionals. Her forward-thinking approach and dedication to mentorship have made her a trusted leader and a dynamic presence in professional development spaces.
Her community involvement includes the NAAIA Orlando Chapter, the Central Florida Chapter of the CPCU Society, the Catalyst Committee for the Women in Insurance Initiative, and the National INVEST program.
Sarah
Washington
Sarah
Washington
Secretary
Sarah Washington has over 25 years of experience with CNA Insurance. She currently serves as a Product Manager within the Business Relationship Management & Improvement team in the IT organization. Her extensive background in Commercial Lines, including Life Sciences, has been instrumental in her success as a Business Analyst and Product Manager, where she leads both large-scale and smaller initiatives across the commercial portfolio. Prior to joining the IT organization, Sarah held key roles in HR Learning & Development, Operations as a Trainer & Analysis, and served as a Rating Specialist for all commercial lines of business in Middle Markets.
Maya
Pollock
Maya
Pollock
Treasurer
Originally from Maryland, Maya is a graduate of Wake Forest University (Go Deacs!), where she earned a Master of Science in Management. She currently works as a General Liability Claims Representative at CNA, bringing a unique perspective from her work in Workers’ Compensation claims and Human Resources Management.
Maya is committed to professional development, collaboration, and leadership. She is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, where she has served as Reclamation Committee Chair, and brings her passion for service and community uplift to her role as Treasurer for NAAIA.
Committee Chairs
Our committee chairs turn ideas into action. They lead outreach, plan programs, grow membership, and create spaces where professionals feel seen, supported, and connected.
If you’re passionate about contributing your time and talent, consider applying for a leadership role that aligns with your strengths.
Your
Name
First
Last Name
Member Chair
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Karene
Ellis
Karene
Ellis
Programs Chair
I’ve spent more than 15 years in the insurance industry, including the past 13 years as a Senior Training Specialist at Liberty Mutual, where I’ve led key initiatives to strengthen collaboration and optimize processes. I’ve always been passionate about employee experience and talent development, and I’m thrilled for what’s ahead.
NAAIA Orlando is officially here, and we’re ready to cultivate meaningful partnerships that empower and elevate our members!
Michael
Sullivan
Michael
Sullivan
Agent Chair
Michael is a nearly 20-year veteran of the insurance and financial services industry. He started when he was only five years old. Ha!
By day, he serves as Senior Manager of Claims at Security First Insurance Co. His skillset ranges from Sales, Service, Claims, Quality Assurance, Agency Communications, and Catastrophe. He is extremely passionate about development and growth, and enjoys helping coach and develop new team members and mentees.
Mike holds double Bachelor of Science degrees from Illinois State University in Business Management (Entrepreneurship) and Marketing (Integrated Marketing Communications), an MBA from the University of North Florida (HR & Organizational Administration), a Master of Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University, and finishing up his Master of Arts in Technical Writing from the University of North Alabama. He holds 23 Insurance and IICRC Certifications, with the goal of one day holding the most…or at least be in the top two.
Mike’s professional and community involvement activities include: NAAIA Orlando Chapter, The CPCU Society – General and Central Florida Chapter, National INVEST Program, Company Ambassador of the IICRC, the Daytona Beach Alumni Chapter of the National Panhellenic Council, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the International Business Fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi.
He does this while also giving back to the local universities via completing employer mock interviews, workshops, and career development seminars.
Tre
Mason
Tre
Mason
Marketing/PR Chair
Tre’ Mason is an accomplished EDX Consultant at Sun Life, where he focuses on optimizing digital exchange processes, enhancing data quality, and leveraging automation to improve enterprise efficiency and client outcomes. His expertise spans EDI/EDX workflows, AI-supported operations, and process innovation.
In addition to his professional work, Tre’ serves as the Public Relations and Marketing Lead on the Board of the NAAIA Orlando Development Chapter. In this role, he strengthens strategic communication efforts, amplifies community visibility, and supports initiatives that advance the development of Black talent within the insurance and financial-services industry.
Tre’ is a proud graduate of Miles College, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing/PR in 2015. His achievements and continued impact led to his recognition as a 2024 Miles College 50 Under 50 honoree a testament to his leadership, community influence, and professional excellence.
Mia
Nedd
Mia
Nedd
Emerging Leaders Chair
Mia Nedd is an accomplished insurance professional and rising industry leader with deep expertise in property claims, manufactured homes, and Florida regulatory compliance. Known for her strategic thinking, operational excellence, and commitment to developing future talent, Mia serves as the Emerging Leaders Chair for the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA), where she champions professional growth, mentorship, and community-building for the next generation of insurance professionals.
With a proven track record in field and desk adjusting, claims operations, and catastrophe response, Mia brings a unique blend of technical proficiency and people-centered leadership. She is recognized for her ability to bridge field realities with organizational goals, streamline complex claims processes, and elevate service quality through training, coaching, and continuous improvement.
Mia’s dedication to leadership development extends far beyond her day-to-day work. She actively collaborates with industry partners, local chapters, and national committees to create pathways for emerging professionals—focusing on education, visibility, and access to career-advancing opportunities. Her leadership style reflects a strong foundation in servant leadership, advocacy, and empowerment.
Mia is a member of the APCIA Emerging Leaders Class of 2025 and frequently volunteers in her local Florida community, including initiatives supporting youth education and career exploration. She is passionate about mentorship, professional excellence, and building diverse, sustainable talent pipelines that strengthen the insurance industry as a whole.
Outside of her professional commitments, Mia enjoys traveling, photography, and contributing her creative skills to community and entrepreneurial projects.
Keir
Lee
Keir
Lee
Nominations & Elections Chair
Keir Lee, CEO & Founder of Bureau of Claim Scene Investigations (BCSI), has 30 years of experience in claims management, 3rd party consulting, adjusting, umpire, appraiser, arbitration and expert witness services. He founded BCSI in 2012 to streamline the claims management and dispute resolution process. BCSI offers clients a diverse and complete range of expert, responsive claim services. Keir has an extensive background in insurance claims, construction project management, adjusting and estimating.
With a reputation built on trust and unbiased accuracy, Keir is a highly sought after Adjuster, Umpire, Appraiser, Arbitrator and 3rd Party Expert. He has worked numerous storms, hurricane and weather events throughout Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Texas, North and South Carolina, Virginia, Missouri, Connecticut, California, Nevada, and New Mexico. He also presents on topics related to claims management and property damage.
Committed to advanced education, collaboration and improving the industry, Keir is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Windstorm Insurance Network, Inc. and is a Board Member for the Orlando Claims Association (OCA). With three decades of combined experience as an Insurance Adjuster (IA), Public Adjuster (PA), and Home Improvement Contractor (HIC), he has a thorough understanding of all points of view. He utilizes this knowledge to serve his clients as an IA.
Prior to launching BCSI, Keir worked as an Insurance Adjuster and Claims Examiner for adjusting firms, insurance carriers, as well as third-party administrators (TPAs) for over 15 years. He specialized in insurance appraisals, umpire services, litigation support, and claims consulting services for everyday and catastrophe claims.
Quiana
White
Quiana
White
At-Large Board Member
Talent Acquisition Professional at a major insurance brokerage firm, she has helped build awareness of careers in insurance since 2022, supporting recruitment for roles ranging from corporate finance to account management. She manages the company’s recruiting and DEI partnerships, including developing relationships with local HBCUs to advance its mission of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Rasheeda
Garricks
Rasheeda
Garricks
At-Large Board Member
Rasheeda Garricks is a seasoned insurance industry professional with extensive experience in claims, training, and workforce development. She leads operations at R.G. Smith & Associates and serves as an independent adjuster coach, helping new and experienced adjusters build sustainable careers in the field.
Rasheeda holds a Bachelor’s in Finance and an MBA with a concentration in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics. Throughout her career, she has supported initiatives that strengthen industry knowledge, expand access to professional opportunities, and promote diversity within the insurance sector.
In her service to NAAIA, Rasheeda brings a commitment to professional excellence, mentorship, and developing the next generation of insurance leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How would you define the makeup of NAAIA’s membership and partners?
- Who are NAAIA’s constituents?
- Is NAAIA exclusively for Independent Agents?
- How Can I Become a Member of NAAIA?
- How Can I Attend NAAIA’s National Conference?
- What Are the Benefits of Membership?
- How Can I Stay Updated on NAAIA News and Announcements?
How would you define the makeup of NAAIA’s membership and partners?
NAAIA boasts over 2,500 members and partners with influential associations that drive our industry’s success on local, regional, national, and global levels. Our collaborations with carriers, brokerages, agencies, and strategic alliances ensure mutual success by achieving shared goals, benefiting individuals, businesses, and communities alike. With a presence in twenty-five states and growing, NAAIA’s footprint extends across every major region of the country.
Who are NAAIA’s constituents?
NAAIA’s membership includes newcomers, emerging leaders, experienced staff and executives. NAAIA membership is diverse, comprising individuals from various positions and roles such as insurance agents, brokers, insurers, underwriters, claim adjusters, recruiters, legal and financial professionals, and more.
Is NAAIA exclusively for Independent Agents?
No, NAAIA is not exclusive to any one industry segment. NAAIA engages, encourages and supports any and all insurance career professionals, be they employed, unemployed or retired, in industry-related fields, or students interested in insurance.
How Can I Become a Member of NAAIA?
Becoming a member of NAAIA is easy! Visit our Membership Page for more detailed information. Join Us and become part of a vibrant community of Black and African American insurance professionals!
How Can I Attend NAAIA’s National Conference?
Participating in NAAIA’s annual National Conference is a fantastic opportunity to network and learn from industry leaders. Visit our Events Page for information.
What Are the Benefits of Membership?
NAAIA offers networking opportunities, access to insurance education resources, career advancement support, and much more. Visit our Membership Page for more information.