(Above is a photo from one of the conferences with Ed Koral, alongside Dan Towle and Governor Jim Douglas.)
As we celebrate 40 years of VCIA we’re reflecting on the people and moments that shaped our journey. The people and the moments which have build who we are: a community built on connection, shared knowledge, and lasting friendships. Over the years, thousands of people have walked through our doors, joined our conferences and helped build the captive industry into what it is today. To celebrate this milestone we want to share what VCIA means to long-time members and what memories stands out most from their time with us. This reflections are reminders of why this organization is what it is and why it is so special. This is just the beginning.
At our 40th anniversary conference, August 11-13th (early bird rates end Monday!), we want YOU to share your VCIA experiences and celebrate our association and this strong industry as we move forward into a prosperous future.
Tom Hodson, President and General Counsel, Genesis Legacy Insurance Company
“I have been attending the conference every year since 1997. It’s the quality and value of the connections I make at the conference each year. And I cherish the sound of Len Crouse's laughter echoing in the hallways at the conference!”
Liz Steinman, Managing Director Risk Finance & Captive Consulting for the Americas, Aon
“I cherish the memory of playing in the first annual VCIA golf tournament. My partners were Jeff Johnson of PPEC and Lita Finch (Captive Educator/Champlain College/ICCIE). We had an absolute blast and won the award for the highest score which is apparently not the objective of the game 😉. I have a VT marble paperweight commemorating the tournament that reminds me often of this great event and cherished memory.”
Ed Koral, Director, Risk & Analytics, NA Captive Consulting Lead, WTW
"The VCIA Conference has always been about placing professional education and business excellence first. The highest priority is always placed on ensuring that our content is current and relevant, and that the conference serves to make us all better at our jobs. I have benefited from this enormously over the years, and I feel the career-long urge to give back to the VCIA with my time and my effort."
Ariel Vadeboncoeur, Account Manager at Advantage Insurance advantage
"VCIA is a conduit for captive industry promotion. Whether it is learning more about the industry or meeting new folks joining or established in the industry. I love being at the conference for the keynote speakers. It always amazes me to see how many people join in one place to learn and connect. And the keynotes never disappoint! Taco the dog says she also loves attending the VCIA conference and is looking forward to traveling to VT for it now that we live on the top of a ridge in TN."
Laura Hatton, Risk Manager, Burnham Holdings, Inc
"For me the conference is a chance to learn more about the ins and outs of Captive Insurance, to network with others in the industry, and to gather resources. One of my favorite memories from VCIA was answering an invite from a group of complete strangers to get together for pizza in Burlington the night before VCIA. I believe Kristen Peed started the thread on Whova. It was my first VCIA conference and I’m pretty sure I didn’t know a single person other than my captive manager at that time. It was a small but great group of people. After a lovely night of pizza and conversation, having a few people who smiled and waved when we crossed paths throughout the rest of the conference helped me to feel more connected and less stranded alone in a sea of people."
Amy O'Brien, Vice President TPA Sales - Carrier Practice, Programs, Captives & Specialty, Gallagher Bassett
"I look to VCIA as a hub for innovation and growth as the captive space is dynamic and evolving. Their events are not just for networking but also essential forums for exploring new uses of captives, engaging emerging talent, and for sharing best practices. VCIA is a platform for education and resources, a community of collaboration with all stakeholders looking to support excellence in captives. As a new producer focused on captives, VCIA was the first major captive event I attended. I felt extremely welcomed by the VCIA staff members and conference attendees. It was that which led to volunteering on the Membership & Marketing committee on which I remain a member seven years later."
Christina Kindstedt, President, Advantage Insurance
"In a fast-changing world, VCIA is the premiere venue to keep abreast of the most innovative developments in captive insurance. The depth and breadth of the content presented, the chance to engage with some of the greatest minds in the industry, and the opportunities to forge new relationships and friendships while enjoying the singular beauty and charm of Vermont, are unrivaled. We will leave this meeting re-energized, refreshed, and better equipped to serve our clients with innovative solutions to the ever-shifting challenges that our industry faces."
As these stories show, VCIA is more than just an association — it’s a shared experience, a professional home, and a network that spans generations. Whether it’s laughter in the hallways, unexpected golf tournament victories, or the pursuit of excellence through education, every memory has helped shape our story. Thank you to all who’ve been part of our first 40 years — we can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together in the next forty.
