Program Book
President’s welcome
Welcome to MetroRAP, PIANY’s first major event of the year, and one of the most important gatherings on our calendar.
MetroRAP is where the conversations shaping the future of our industry begin. Whether you are here to better understand how artificial intelligence is transforming insurance, explore cybersecurity and emerging exposures, or strengthen relationships with peers, partners and carriers, you are in the right place. This event is designed to deliver insight you can use, connections that matter, and perspective that helps move our industry forward.
Keynote, awards and trade show
During today’s keynote and awards lunch, former New York Giants Running Back Tiki Barber will share lessons on leadership, motivation and what it takes to perform at an MVP level—on the field and in business. The luncheon begins at 1 p.m.
At the lunch, PIANY also will recognize excellence within our profession by presenting the Distinguished Insurance Service award, posthumously, to Steve Diamond, and the Executive of the Year award to Meryl Golden of Kingstone Insurance Co., to honor outstanding leadership and service to the insurance community.
The trade-show floor opens at 10 a.m., and it will offer an outstanding opportunity to connect face-to-face with industry experts, vendors and carriers who can help your agency grow. Be sure to participate in the “Best in (Trade) Show” contest by visiting each booth and helping select the most outstanding exhibitor on the floor.
Be the MVP in the age of AI
This year’s MetroRAP features two timely panel discussions focused on AI and cyber security risks.
The morning session, Game Changer: Using AI to Become an Insurance MVP, is moderated by PIANY’s Director of Government & Industry Affairs Brad Lachut, Esq., and will explore how AI can be leveraged to enhance client service and strengthen agency operations.
In the afternoon, Beyond the Firewall: Emerging Exposures in Cyber & AI, also moderated by Brad, will examine evolving cyber and professional liability risks and how carriers are adapting policy language in response to increased AI use.
Both panels are approved for continuing-education credits in New York and New Jersey.
Stay connected @MetroRAP
Be an active part of MetroRAP 2026. Share your experience on social media and follow PIA Northeast on LinkedIn to stay connected throughout the event.
Thank you for being part of MetroRAP and for all you do to support independent insurance agents. I hope you take full advantage of everything this event has to offer—for your business and for our industry.
Jason Bartow
Jason Bartow, AAI, CPIA, TRA President, PIANY
Jennifer Pulgrano jpulgrano@afcodirect.com 646-515-7915
Jeffrey M. Schmitz, CPCU jschmitz@afcodirect.com 631-332-0880
Joseph Felice jfelice@afcodirect.com 917-301-6734
Matthew Davoult mdavoult@afcodirect.com 631-697-2204
wednesday
Jan. 28
6–9 p.m.
MetroRAP Welcome Reception
Hosted by NY-YIP Connolly’s Times Square
thursday
Jan. 29
7:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Registration desk open
8:30–10 a.m.
10–11 a.m.
10 a.m.–1 p.m.
1–2:30 p.m.
2:45–4:15 p.m.
Panel Discussion–Part I
Game Changer: Using AI to Become an Insurance MVP
Continental Breakfast
Trade show
-Amazon gift card drawings
-Exhibitor & grand door prize drawings
-Best overall booth experience winner
-Exhibitor BINGO winner
Keynote/Awards Lunch
Featuring … Tiki Barber, NY Giants former running back Steve Diamond, posthumously, Distinguished Insurance Service award
Meryl Golden, Kingstone Insurance Co., Executive of the Year award
Panel Discussion–Part II
Beyond the Firewall: Emerging Exposures in Cyber & AI
Education
Panel Discussions
Brad Lachut, Esq.
With more than a decade of experience in the insurance industry, Lachut is responsible for all legal, government relations and insurance industry liaison programs for PIA Northeast. Lachut has been involved with the regulatory framework of cyber security protection since the inception of New York’s cyber security regulation in 2015. Since that time, he has authored numerous articles and developed several educational courses designed to assist insurance producers with navigating the regulatory framework that has been developed around cyber security protections. As a big sci-fi fan, Lachut has been preparing for the artificial intelligence apocalypse for many years and he is uniquely positioned to discuss the opportunities and challenges that AI presents to the insurance industry.
Game Changer: Using AI to Become an Insurance MVP
8:30–10 a.m.
Approved for 1 NY CE credit. Applicable to ALL licenses. (NYCR-284395)
Approved for 1 NJ CE credit. (88908433).
Sponsored by: IBANY
During this session, panelists will share how they leverage artificial intelligence to better serve clients and strengthen their agencies. Attendees will learn practical AI applications for risk prevention and gain insights from multiple perspectives—agency, wholesaler, and carrier—so they can put AI to work for their business.
Moderator: Brad Lachut, Esq., PIA Northeast, director of government & industry affairs
Panelists:
• Scott Chirls, chief information officer, SterlingRisk
• Matthew Hart, founder & CEO, Soter Analytics
• Shiraz Saeed, senior vice president–product leader cyber & technology risk, ARC Excess & Surplus
• Andrew Shockey, vice president–risk management services, Philadelphia Insurance Cos.
Beyond the Firewall: Emerging Exposures in Cyber & AI
2:45–4:15 p.m.
Approved for 1 NY CE credit. Applicable to PC, BR, PA & C3 licenses. (NYCR-284396)
Approved for 1 NJ CE credit. (88908434).
Sponsored by: Excess Line Association of NY
In this panel, coverage experts will focus on cyberliability and professional liability to explain how insurance carriers are adapting policy wording to address the increased use of AI. They will highlight the wording to be aware of, and the advice that insurance professionals can give to their clients about these increasing exposures.
Moderator: Brad Lachut, Esq., PIA Northeast Director of Government & Industry Affairs
Panelists:
• Michael Cavallaro, CEO, ARC Excess & Surplus
• Daniel Toutoungi, cyber specialist, Corvus by Travelers
• Jason Curreri, general counsel and product & language expert, Elpha Secure
Keynote/Awards Lunch
1-2:30 p.m.
Lunch sponsored by: Distinguished
Keynote Speaker
Sponsored by: CNA, Kingstone Insurance Co., and Travelers Get ready for an unforgettable Keynote/Awards Lunch
We’re excited to feature this year’s keynote speaker, Tiki Barber.
• Record-breaking 10-year career with the New York Giants
• Former NBC broadcaster and current co-host of “Evan & Tiki” on WFAN
• Successful entrepreneur: co-founder of Julius Inc. and Thuizo Barber will share with the audience strategies on maintaining motivation and becoming an MVP for your agency. You don’t want to miss it!
Award winners
Steve Diamond (Posthumously) Distinguished Insurance Service award
Steven L. Diamond was the president of the Simon Agency NY Inc. His experience in the insurance industry spanned nearly 50 years, and he had been with the Simon Agency since 2001. He was president of the Professional Wholesalers Insurance Association from 2021-23. During his tenure as PIWA president he was committed to growing the relationships between wholesalers and the companies and retail brokers with which they do business. Throughout his expansive career, he earned numerous accolades for his excellence from various organizations including: Marquis Who’s Who, the Long Island Beach Chamber of Commerce and the United Jewish Appeal.
Meryl Golden Kingstone Insurance Co. Executive of the Year award
Meryl Golden joined Kingstone Cos., in September of 2019 as the company’s chief operating officer, and she was named president and chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1, 2023. She is a director on the Kingstone Companies board and a member of the Executive Committee of Kingstone Insurance Co., since September 2019, as well as its president since October 2021. Golden led Kingstone’s modernization and turnaround efforts, which resulted in marketleading growth and profitability. She has more than 25 years of insurance experience in various roles. Previously, she served as the general manager for the Northeast region at both Liberty Mutual and Progressive, managing product, pricing, distribution, customer service and claims. Golden also was the general manager at Earnix—a technology and analytics company. Golden received her MBA from University of Chicago and Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the Wharton School–University of Pennsylvania.
Trade Show
10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Meet vendors and discover markets that will help your business.
Our trade-show floor is brimming with opportunities waiting to be seized. Browse for the newest innovations, and products for your business. With a diverse range of exhibitors representing the best of the industry, it’s a dynamic marketplace of ideas, products, and services.
Back this year “Best in (Trade) Show” contest—a chance for you to be the judge and crown the most outstanding booth on the floor. Attendees will vote for their favorite booth based on overall experience, creativity, and innovation.
Collaborating Associations
Working Together to Strengthen the Independent Agency Community
This year, we’re proud to collaborate with several fellow insurance associations to expand access and engagement at MetroRAP. Through these partnerships, we’re bringing more professionals together to share insights, build relationships, and advance our industry.
We’re grateful to join with these associations in support of a stronger, more connected insurance community:
Council of Insurance Brokers of Greater NY (CIBGNY) www.cibgnyinc.com
The Council of Insurance Brokers of Greater New York, Inc. is a leading professional trade association representing independent brokers in the major metropolitan region of New York state. CIBGNY members come from all New York City Boroughs, Long Island, Westchester & Rockland counties. CIBGNY provides a significant and proactive advocacy voice for the interests and concerns of its members and their clients. It also provides a forum for the exchange of ideas through both professional education and professional networking.
Federation of NY Insurance Professionals Inc. (FNYIP) www.fnyip.com
Federation of New York Insurance Professionals is a state-wide professional organization that provides its members with skills and experiences that will help them to progress in the risk and insurance fields. Through its educational, networking and philanthropic activities, it strives to enhance the image of the professional insurance person.
Insurance Brokers Association of NY (IBANY) www.ibany.org
The Insurance Brokers’ Association of the State of New York represents the interests of the New York Metro insurance marketplace. As an organization, IBANY is committed to fostering inclusion, working toward structural change within the industry, and creating more equitable access to opportunities.
Insurance Professionals Association of Long Island (IPALI) ipali.square.site
IPALI members represent a well-rounded segment of insurance professionals in the Long Island region. Meetings offer opportunities to share ideas, make new friends and establish business contacts. A variety of workshops and seminars are held throughout the year affording all members education in the different phases of the insurance field. It also strives to give back to the community through its fundraising and charity events.
Korean American Insurance and Finance Association (KAIFA) www.kaifaus.org
The Korean American Insurance & Financial Association provides its members with a supportive and warm community for Korean and American insurance workers and businesses. KAIFA is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion, bridging cultural gaps between Korean American communities, offering community support, and advancing ethical practices and integrity in services.
Latin Agents & Brokers Association (LABA) www.golaba.org
As a Hispanic Insurance Association, LABA is committed to empowering agents and brokers who serve the ethnically diverse communities of the Northeast. It works to expand access to services and products that provide financial protection for the growing Latin American insurancebuying community.
National African American Insurance Association New York Tri-State (NAAIA) www.naaianewyork.org
The National African American Insurance Association New York Chapter is an organization of talented professionals in New York, connecting the insurance industry to a talent pipeline of diverse and business-centric individuals.
National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) www.naifa.org
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors is the leading professional association for financial service professionals across the United States, representing advisors in every state and congressional district who are committed to ethical practice, advocacy, professional development, and promoting financial security for all Americans.
Professional Insurance Wholesalers Association (PIWA) www.piwa.org
PIWA is a professional association representing insurance wholesalers who serve retail insurance producers with specialty and excess and surplus lines markets in the Northeast. PIWA provides legislative and regulatory advocacy, networking opportunities, industry outreach, and more.
Responsive to Your Needs
Formerly Iroquois®
Shanna Muscavage
Ben Ward Marshall Glass
Ken Bull Gary Reisman
Proud to support PIA MetroRAP
Exhibitors
Acrisure www.acrisure.com www.auw.com
Affiliated Adjustment Group www.adjustmentgroup.com
Amwins Access www.amwins.com www.afco.com
Applied Underwriters
AFCO Direct www.bassuw.com
Bass Underwriters www.brooks-ins.com
Bridge Specialty Group
Bulovas Restorations Inc.
Friedlander Group Inc. www.bfbond.com
Foremost Flood Insurance www.friedlandergroup.com
FrontLine Restore LLC www.foremost.com
Excess Line Association of NY www.frontlinerestore.com
GAPS Insurance Services LLC www.gapsinsurance.com
Bernard Fleischer and Sons Inc.
Brooks Insurance Agency www.davidjlouie.com
Chenango Brokers LLC www.capitalpremium.net Capital Premium Financing
CAAZ Consulting www.chenangobrokers.com
Distinguished www.caazconsulting.com
David J. Louie Inc. www.distinguished.com
Empire State Brokerage Services LLC
Ironpeak www.bridgespecialtygroup.com
www.empirebrokerage.com
Garlic Insurance www.garlicinsurance.com www.hirebulovas.com
Hamond Safety Management www.granadaindemnity.com
Highview National Insurance Co. www.elany.org
Granada Indemnity Co. www.ipfs.com
Great American Insurance Group www.highviewins.com
Imperial PFS www.greatamericaninsurancegroup.com
Innovation Growth Partners Specialty LLC www.hamondgroup.com
www.etrackcoi.com eTrackCOI www.igpspecialty.com
www.ironpeak.com
www.jencapgroup.com
Jencap Group www.jimcor.com
PIA Northeast
www.pia.org
Program Brokerage Corp.
www.programbrokerage.com
Johnson & Johnson Inc. www.lancerinsurance.com
Risk and Insurance Education Alliance
www.riskeducation.org
Lancer Insurance Co. www.golaba.org
www.lovellsafety.com
RMS Programs LLC
www.rmsprograms.com
Latin Agents and Brokers Association
RT Specialty
www.rtspecialty.com/product/binding
www.neptuneflood.com
Jimcor Agencies www.aipso.com
NEXT Insurance
ShelterPoint Life Insurance Co.
www.shelterpoint.com
NY Automobile Insurance Plan
Simon Agency
www.simonagency.com
TAPCO Underwriters Inc.
www.gotapco.com
New York Young Insurance Professionals www.nysif.com
Lovell Safety Management Co. LLC www.plmins.com
Philadelphia Insurance Cos. www.jjins.com
www.younginsuranceprofessionals.org/ny/
PA Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Co. www.nextinsurance.com
NYSIF www.phly.com
PLRisk Specialty Insurance Agency LLC
Neptune Flood Inc. www.plrisk.com
The Premins Company Inc.
www.premins.com
www.usdsoftware.com
Victor Insurance
www.victorinsurance.com
Wholesure
United Software Developers www.wholesure.com
Wilkoff Bonds
www.wilkoffbonds.com
XPT Specialty
www.xptspecialty.com
XS Brokers
www.xsbrokers.com
Sponsors
AFCO Direct
Platinum Host
ALE Solutions Inc. Lanyards
Amwins Access
Charging Station
Eugene A. Bartow Insurance Agency Inc.
Mobile Website
Bridge Specialty Group
Continental Breakfast
Brooks Insurance Agency Coat Check
CNA Keynote Speaker
David J. Louie Inc. Shoeshine Booth
Distinguished Keynote/Awards Lunch
Excess Line Association of NY Education Session
Friedlander Group Inc.
Amazon Gift Card Giveaways
FrontLine Restore LLC
Committee Jerseys
FTP Inc.
Grand Door Prize
Greater New York Insurance Cos.
RAP Event Host
Sponsors
Green Metro Restoration
Mini Foam Footballs
Greene & Associates
RAP Event Host
Highview National Insurance Co. Gold Host
IBANY
Education Session
Innovation Growth Partners Specialty LLC
Hot Chocolate Bar
Interboro Insurance Hand Sanitizers
Ironpeak
Platinum Host
Jencap Group
Professional Digital Headshots
Sponsors
CP The Premins Company
Kingstone Insurance Co.
Keynote Speaker
Lancer Insurance Co.
Grand Door Prize
Liberty Mutual/Safeco
Gold Host
NEXT Insurance
Gold Host
Philadelphia Insurance Cos.
Platinum Host
The Premins Company Inc.
Tote Bag Booth
Seneca Insurance Co.
AM Meeting Refreshments
Simon Agency
Platinum Host
Travelers
Keynote Speaker
XS Brokers
Name Badges
Committee
2026 MetroRAP Committee
Chair:
Maria Thomas Friedlander Group
Members:
Richard Alonso CNA
Angelina Bocanegra Kingstone Insurance Co.
Eric Cohen Benefit Quest Inc.
Peter Conte, CPIA, MSRE Honig Conte Porrino Insurance Agency Inc.
Matthew Davoult AFCO Direct
Jennifer DeCristofaro Lancer Insurance Co.
Michele Dodd Merchants Insurance Group
Leslie Driscoll Tronilo-Driscoll Insurance Agency
Bill Faba GNY Insurance Cos.
Khaleedah Francis Sedgwick
Marshall Glass, CPIA Ironpeak
Debbie Holmes Ale Solutions Inc.
David Louie Jr., CPCU, MBA David J. Louie Inc.
Peter Resnick Interboro Insurance
Scott Richards Hilltop Strategies
Robert Rovello Travelers
Rocco Schiaffino, CPCU, CIC, CRM Philadelphia Insurance Cos.
Greg Somers Distinguished
Ian Sterling, CLCS SterlingRisk
Jennifer Tragna RT Specialty
Maria Treglia ARC Excess & Surplus
