Heartland Chapter Election Candidates

Regional Director Candidates

Lori Straight

I have over 22 years of experience in the life, health and annuity insurance industry. My insurance experience includes, but is not limited to underwriting, complaint handling, market conduct exams, product filing, advertising review, legislative research and overall insurance compliance knowledge. I have over 16 year of experience in investigating various insurance fraud schemes involving providers, insureds and agents, internal employee fraud, and was the AML Compliance Officer and Privacy Officer at my prior organization. I currently serves as the President of the Heartland Chapter of the Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Iowa State University and 8 insurance designations, outlined below.

• ACP- Association Compliance Professional (Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals)

• FLMI- Fellow, Life Management Institute (LOMA)

• ACS- Associate Customer Service (LOMA)

• HIA- Health Insurance Associate (AHIP)

• HCSA-Healthcare Customer Service Associate (AHIP)

• HIPAAA- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Associate (AHIP)

• HCAFA- Health Care Anti-Fraud Associate (AHIP)

• CHP- Certified HIPAA Professional (ECFC)

What skills do you bring to the office? What qualifications make you a viable candidate for the office?

I have over 22 years in the insurance industry, 20 of which have been in Compliance. I’ve been involved with AICP (as a member) since 2016 and as a board member for 3 years now.

What would be your goals for office if you are elected?

To be an effective liaison with the National Board, to represent the Heartland Chapter and to keep the Chapter informed of all issues relating to national activities.

If elected, how would you use your office to work with others in the AICP to pursue the AICP’s current goals and objectives, to meet member needs, and to enhance the AICP’s value in our insurance compliance community?

I would advocate for continued educational, professional, networking and development opportunities to those in the insurance compliance industry.

Where would you like to see the AICP in the future and what would you do to move the AICP toward the vision?

I know we have started doing more outreach to students, but I think there is a definite opportunity to bring in younger compliance professionals.

Vice President Candidates

Jason Sweeney

I have been with Sammons Financial Group since 2012 serving in a variety of roles including New Business, Variable Annuities and Agency Services before moving to Compliance in 2016. Previously i worked for Principal Financial Group in the Retirement Plans Division, also previously spent time with Cova (now MetLife) and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.

What skills do you bring to the office? What qualifications make you a viable candidate for the office?

I’ve been in the insurance field for 25 years in a variety of roles and am entering my 20th year with Sammons. I have been a part of the Sammons Compliance team since 2016, and currently my focus is in Market Conduct. I have previous experience in managing call centers and the Agency Services department at Sammons.

What would be your goals for office if you are elected?

Expanded membership, increased networking, increased participation in local and national events. Promotion of the educational options.

I believe being in a leadership role with the Heartland Chapter will help give me additional clout with others in the Des Moines area. Des Moines has been called the Insurance Capital of the World but I don’t see as much participation in this area as I would expect to see. I would use my position to make contacts at those Companies to encourage involvement.

Where would you like to see the AICP in the future and what would you do to move the AICP toward the vision?

A leader in Compliance organizations, a go to for people new and experienced in the field. I’d like to see great collaboration to help others share best practices and feel that their membership has helped their careers and their companies.

Additional Comments

I’ve got a great relationship with the current VP Brandy Hoffman and President Lori Straight who I know will be very supportive and help me on this journey as well as being great mentors!

Secretary Candidates

Michelle Heuer

What skills do you bring to the office? What qualifications make you a viable candidate for the office?

I’ve served on several boards in the past – church treasurer, President, Vice President and Treasurer of a local youth non-profit, School Board Director for 10 years, Board Chair for 4 years.

What would be your goals for office if you are elected?

To expand the visibility of the association. Until recently, I wasn’t aware the organization existed.

If elected, how would you use your office to work with others in the AICP to pursue the AICP’s current goals and objectives, to meet member needs, and to enhance the AICP’s value in our insurance compliance community?

I’ve already begun to discuss additional members of my organization to join the association. As secretary, I would ensure accurate meeting notes and would work with other Board members to further the objectives of the association.

Where would you like to see the AICP in the future and what would you do to move the AICP toward the vision?

I’d like the organization to be more widely recognized in the insurance compliance community. There is a wealth of knowledge within the organization that would be valuable both to new and existing members of the compliance world.