Dionne is a dynamic leader with twenty-five years of progressive experience in the insurance industry. She operates her own Consulting business, which focuses on training and development solutions for insurance professionals and is also a contracted facilitator with some of Ontario’s higher learning institutions. Dionne is one of the Co-Founders and Chair of the Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals; a non-profit organization primarily focused on Advocacy, Mentorship, Education and Networking for individuals in the insurance industry or who are looking to pursue a career in insurance. She has a strong passion for learning and sharing knowledge with others. Dionne graduated from the University of Ottawa with a degree in Criminology and Sociology. She also has a diploma in Public & Private Investigations from Sheridan College and currently holds her Fellowship Chartered Insurance Professional designation - the highest professional designation in Canada’s Property & Casualty industry as well as her Canadian Risk Management designation. She is a published author, has been acknowledged as Instructor of the Year through the Insurance Institute of Canada (Ontario Chapter) for 2023 and has been recently acknowledged as Insurance Business’ top 100 Best Insurance Professionals, globally. In her spare time, Dionne enjoys mentoring people, giving back to the community, reading, traveling abroad, boxing, basketball and creating new experiences with family and friends.

 Edward Furman, Ph.D., is an award-winning scholar in Insurance and Quantitative Risk Management, an accomplished university educator, academic leader, and non-profit executive. His recent work examines systemic risk and dependence modelling in climate, cyber, and financial domains, advancing understanding of interconnected global risks. He has authored and co-authored more than forty academic papers. In 2017, Dr. Furman founded the Actuarial Science program at York University, Toronto, Canada, where he is a Full Professor and Program Director. Under his leadership, the program was designated a Centre of Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries, the highest recognition available to actuarial programs globally. In 2023, he co-founded the RISC Foundation to help society face risk with resilience and shape a sustainable future.  

Keith is Executive Director of CAFII, an Association representing Canadian Banks, Credit Unions, and Insurance Companies, with a focus on credit protection insurance, travel insurance, and direct-to-consumer distribution. Keith was previously Acting President of the Canadian International Council, a Canadian association focused on foreign affairs with over 1000 members and 15 branches across the country. Before that, Keith held senior implementation and client services roles at Brookfield RPS, whose client base is Canadian banks. He has contributed in senior roles at Royal and SunAlliance Insurance Canada, and at Bank of Montreal in strategy, planning, eBusiness, and the Chairman’s Office. Earlier in his career Keith taught at Ryerson University, worked in the Department of Foreign Affairs, and was in a senior position in the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Keith has a Master’s degree from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario, and a Bachelor’s degree (Honours) in Economics from McGill University.  Keith has completed advanced executive programs at the Kellogg Business School at Northwestern University, at the Johnson School of Business at Cornell University, and at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He is married with three daughters.  

Brett McGregor is a seasoned insurance executive with over 25 years of experience in the Canadian insurance industry. Born and raised in Wawanesa, Manitoba, Brett’s strong connection to community and service continues to shape his leadership style.

As President & CEO of Guild Insurance Group, he leads a growing team of 95 employees across eleven locations, delivering customized insurance solutions to individuals and businesses. His leadership has helped shape Guild into a progressive, community-focused firm grounded in service and local expertise.

Brett is a strong advocate for continuous learning and professional development. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba and has earned the CAIB, CIP, and FCIP designations, along with an MBA completed in 2014.

An active member of the insurance community, Brett contributes to the broader industry dialogue through his involvement with the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada. Brett is also a Past President of the Insurance Brokers Association of Manitoba.

Dedicated to giving back, Brett has held leadership roles in several local initiatives and continues to be involved in coaching youth sports and community volunteering.

Lindsey Schroeder has been part of the insurance industry since 2011. Over the years, she has held a variety of roles across different organizations, steadily advancing her career. At Canadian Direct Insurance, she began as a Sales Advisor and was later promoted to Sales Supervisor. She then joined Portage Mutual Insurance, where she worked as an Auto & Property/Farm Underwriter before becoming the Broker Relationship Manager for Northern Alberta. Currently, Lindsey serves as the Team Lead of Personal Lines at Lloyd Sadd Insurance Brokers. Her role continues to be a journey of growth and learning, and she is actively working toward earning her CRM Designation.

Since 2015, Lindsey has been an engaged member of the Edmonton Insurance Association (EIA), serving in multiple capacities on the board. Her contributions include two terms as Treasurer, seven terms as President, and she now holds the position of Director. She is also honored to represent the EIA within the Canadian Association of Insurance Women (CAIW/ACFA). Her involvement with the EIA has been a rewarding experience, offering opportunities to attend and help organize numerous industry events and to build meaningful connections with professionals across the insurance sector. Among the highlights of her involvement are the CAIW/ACFA conventions she has attended across Canada, where she has met many inspiring individuals.

Outside of her professional life, Lindsey enjoys curling—where she plays as the skip for her team in the Insurance Curling League—along with golfing, camping with her boyfriend and their two dogs, and singing. She performs on stage as part of the John Cameron Experience Choir for the Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree, as well as Crescendo.

Kathryn Sinclair is President & CEO of CSIO, where she leads the organization’s efforts to 
advance digital connectivity and data standards across Canada’s P&C insurance industry. With 
more than 25 years of industry experience, she has held leadership roles at CSIO, aha 
insurance, Intact Financial Corporation, and Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan (OTIP).
Since joining CSIO in 2020, Kathryn has championed initiatives to modernize how the industry 
exchanges data and connects digitally, enabling more seamless experiences across the 
insurance ecosystem. She is known for bringing industry stakeholders together to drive 
innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions that help the industry evolve to meet changing 
customer expectations in an increasingly digital future.

Julie Skelton, Executive Director & COO of the Insurance Brokers Association of BC, spent nearly four decades in the insurance industry before joining IBABC in August of 2024 taking over the helm of the association. She came to the association from HUB International where she was VP Personal Insurance Operations, and her role over the last 12 years has been as an executive member of the HCW leadership team with a focus on personal lines, learning and development and catastrophic event leadership. She began her career at a local brokerage in Prince Rupert and has worked at regional brokerages as well as in HUB’s large brokerage. She holds a CAIB designation along with a Chartered Private Risk & Insurance Advisor (CPRIA) designation. One of her passions is to develop and deliver education to attract, grow, and retain talent in the insurance industry.

Becci Taylor is the Executive Director of the Insurance Brokers Association of New Brunswick (IBANB), where she leads the organization’s strategic direction and advocates for independent brokers across the province. With more than a decade of experience in education, marketing and professional development, Becci brings a dynamic blend of industry knowledge, innovative leadership, and passion for continuous learning.

Her career includes an extensive background in recruitment strategy, marketing, and training across both the insurance and post-secondary sectors in Canada and the UK. Since joining IBANB in 2017, she has modernized broker education delivery, introduced digital learning tools, and increased industry engagement through targeted campaigns and advocacy efforts. She also spearheads key initiatives such as continuing education programming, bursaries, and recognition awards for emerging professionals.

A champion of broker professionalism and inclusion, Becci actively contributes to provincial and national working groups focused on talent development, policy modernization, and future-proofing the broker channel.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with Marketing from the University of London, a Certificate in Management Studies, and the CAIB designation with Honours. When she’s not leading industry initiatives or building broker programs, Becci recharges through mountain biking and quick-witted humour rooted in her British upbringing. She’s also the proud (and slightly grey-haired) mom of three daughters — one now following in her footsteps in the insurance industry, another making her mark as a welder, and the youngest still navigating high school life.

MaryKate Townsend is Head of Market Development for Canada and Market Development Executive for the Americas, driving initiatives to strengthen Lloyd’s presence and partnerships across the region. She leads relationships with key stakeholders—including Coverholders, Underwriters, and Brokers - while expanding access to the Lloyd’s market and delivering its commercial strategy across Canada, and the U.S.

With nearly a decade of leadership experience, MaryKate previously served as Vice President for the Central Canada region at a Canadian MGA and has held roles as CEO and Principal Broker. She earned her CMGA designation as Top Graduate in the inaugural class of the Southwestern Ontario chapter of the Insurance Institute of Canada.

MaryKate is the Past-President of CAMGA, where she championed education and advocacy for the delegated authority sector. She has also served as President and Chair of LIBA and is an industry ambassador with the Insurance Institute of Canada.

Sheldon D. Williams is a respected insurance executive, entrepreneur, and community leader with more than 20 years of experience in the Canadian insurance industry. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for delivering innovative insurance solutions, developing strong client relationships, and helping individuals, families, businesses, and non-profit organizations navigate complex risk management challenges.

As a licensed insurance broker and business owner, Sheldon has successfully led insurance operations focused on property and casualty insurance, commercial insurance, personal insurance, and specialty risk solutions. His extensive industry network, technical expertise, and client-first approach have positioned him as a trusted advisor and problem solver for clients and industry partners alike.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sheldon is deeply committed to advancing diversity, inclusion, and community development. He is the Co-Founder and former Chair of the Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals (CABIP), where he played a key role in establishing and growing an organization dedicated to increasing representation, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for Black insurance professionals across Canada.

Sheldon has also dedicated more than 14 years of service to the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH), one of Halton Region's leading community organizations. During his tenure, he served in numerous leadership capacities, including President and Past Chair, helping guide the organization's growth, governance, and strategic direction. Through his leadership, CCAH has expanded its impact through educational initiatives, cultural programming, youth development, scholarship opportunities, and community outreach programs that strengthen and support diverse communities throughout the region.

Known for his collaborative leadership style, entrepreneurial mindset, and commitment to service, Sheldon has served on numerous boards, committees, and industry initiatives. He is passionate about building meaningful relationships, mentoring emerging leaders, fostering community engagement, and creating opportunities that positively impact both the insurance profession and the communities he serves.

Whether supporting clients, leading organizations, or advocating for greater inclusion within the industry, Sheldon remains dedicated to making a lasting and meaningful difference through leadership, integrity, and service.

She is a Global HR Executive & CHRO, with over 30 years of experience in corporate and organizational human resources strategy, board, and business strategy. Ingrid has pursued excellence in human resources, board, and leadership strategy through the CHRP and CHRL designation, and through programs at Queens University and the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. Ingrid also currently serves as Vice Chair of the Appeals Regulatory Committee, Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA) and as a member on the HRPA Speaker Bureau. She also holds several IDEA certifications in areas such as leading for equity, inclusion and accessibility and holds the Inclusive and Ethical Leadership certification. She serves on non-for-profit, community and advisory boards and committees, including as Project Lead, The LINC Bust Project; Board Member and Vice Chair, Humber River Health; Board Member and Vice Chair, AIDS Committee of Toronto; Community Member, Region of Peel, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism Committee (DEAR); Former Board Member, Governance and Audit at the Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals (CABIP); Founding Advisory Committee Member, System-3 Inc., Member Governance and Human Resources Committee, Black Opportunity Fund (BOF), C-Suite Mentor and HR Advisor, Black Mentorship Inc., and has previously served as Board Chair and Vice Chair on other non-for-profit boards. Ingrid is a recipient of the Top 25 DEI Person of the Year Award, 2021, The Canadian Multicultural Group and LINKEDIN DIRECTORY OF 1000+ WOMEN WHO INSPIRE THROUGH THEIR WORK, July 2022, TOP 100 HR Professionals, National Diversity Awards 2023, Black Mentorship Inc. Female Mentor of the Year 2024, Women Leaders in Insurance in Canada, Elite Women, 2024, Finalist, 2024 Women Changing the World Awards, co-author Flourish: A Workbook for Social Innovators and Winner, 2024 Women Changing the World Americas Awards in the category of Woman in Corporate & Public Sector.

Nina is an accomplished business transformation leader with deep expertise in the insurance industry, known for driving complex strategic initiatives that deliver sustainable growth, operational excellence, and exceptional customer experiences.

In her current role as Senior Director at the Insurance Institute of Canada, Nina leads Ontario operations, championing professional education, strengthening industry collaboration, and advancing regulatory engagement. Previously, as Vice President of Insurance Operations at Marsh, she led a global team, successfully enhancing service delivery, improving operational performance, and driving scalable efficiencies across the organization.

Nina’s career spans senior leadership roles at Sovereign Insurance, Travelers Canada, RSA Group, and Allstate Insurance, where she consistently delivered impact through large-scale transformation initiatives, end-to-end process optimization, and the development of high-performing, engaged teams.

She is widely recognized as a thought leader in underwriting and risk management, process optimization, and change leadership. Nina is particularly known for her people-first leadership style, combining strategic vision with a strong commitment to empowering teams, fostering innovation, and driving meaningful organizational change.