People Moves: MIAA Adds Zabka; JM Wilson Promotes Aranda

Midwest Insurance Agency Alliance hires Denise Zabka as agency development field specialist

Midwest Insurance Agency Alliance (MIAA) Denise Zabka has recently joined the organization as agency development field specialist.

In this role, Zabka will be directly responsible for agency development and consulting services of MIAA member agencies in Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota—with a focus on agency growth and development opportunities.

Zabka comes to the organization with more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, and a deep understanding of the Midwest markets. Prior to MIAA, she held leadership roles in two leading captive insurance companies, including agency manager and district manager.

Zabka will work closely with MIAA Regional Vice Presidents Clayton Gravatt and Brian Boeshans. Together, they will be a resource for Midwest agencies facing start-up challenges, growing personal and commercial lines, technology adoption and usage, as well as new business and retention strategies.

Founded in 2001, Midwest Insurance Agency Alliance, Inc. (MIAA) is comprised of more than 200 independent agency members spanning across the states of Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.

JM Wilson Promotes Aranda to executive transportation underwriter

JM Wilson has promoted Phyllis Aranda to executive transportation underwriter in their Arlington Heights, Illinois office. Aranda is responsible for underwriting a wide variety of new and renewal transportation risks as well as strengthening relationships with independent insurance agents and company underwriters in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

With an increased level of product knowledge, Aranda is a leader and resource to other underwriters in her department.

Aranda has been with JM Wilson since 2008 and has held various positions in JM Wilson’s transportation department. Most recently she held the position of senior transportation underwriter. Prior to joining JM Wilson, she served in various rater and underwriter roles at American Country Insurance for 19 years.

Founded in 1920, JM Wilson is a managing general agency and surplus lines broker providing independent insurance agents access to specialty markets. JM Wilson can provide coverage for standard and hard-to-place commercial Transportation, property & casualty, brokerage, marine, personal lines, and surety.