PIA National Staff Biographies

Executive Department

Name: Mike Becker Position: Executive Vice President & CEO Phone: 703-518-1340 Email: [email protected] Life at PIA: Mike Becker began working at PIA National in early 2007. He joined PIA National in the government relations department first handling PIAPAC then ultimately overseeing the federal lobbying activity. In addition to representing PIA National on Capitol Hill, Mike oversaw the annual Federal Legislative Summit for many years. Mike moved to his current role in December 2013 where he oversees all operations of the association and for-profit entity, PIA Services. Life Outside PIA: Mike was born and raised in the Washington D.C. suburb of Vienna, Virginia. He holds a bachelor’s degree in government and international politics from George Mason University where he is a regular guest lecturer on Administration in the Political System. He started his career on Capitol Hill working as a legislative aide to a Member of Congress before moving to K Street and lobbying for the pharmaceutical industry. Mike lives in Burke, Virginia with his wife and three young boys. He eats, drinks, and sleeps all things baseball. Interesting Fact: Mike has a deep love for aviation and could fly an airplane before he could drive a car.

PIA National Staff Biography

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Name: Roxanne Johnson Position: Director of Administration & Meetings Phone: 703-518-1343 Email: [email protected] Life at PIA: Roxanne Johnson has actually worked at PIA National at two different times – first from 1985 – 1998 in various internal positions from administrative assistant to director of office services. She was laid off during a downsizing in December 1998, only to return in March 2005 as executive assistant to the EVP. Roxanne wears many hats at PIA and is responsible for managing the building and being liaison to our various tenants, negotiating hotel contracts and meeting planning, human resource functions, and working with the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. She was promoted to Director of Administration & Meetings in 2015. Life Outside PIA: Roxanne is the middle child of a family of seven children, born in Bradford, PA but grew up in Bowie, MD. Growing up in a large family is great training ground for working in the association community. Roxanne has held many jobs in associations, including the Association of American Railroads as a secretary in the public relations department, National Tool, Die & Precision Machining Association as a secretary in the government affairs department, PIA (twice) and the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association as meeting planner. Roxanne is the proud mother of twins – Amanda and Kyle – and thrilled they are both thriving as young adults and established in careers and personal relationships before reaching age 30! Roxanne currently lives in Bowie, MD with her mother (THE Gloria Swanson) and partner Buddy Gormley. Roxanne enjoys gardening and reading, especially audio books on her commute to/from work. She also enjoys being part of various mission-related programs at her church, including Living Waters for the World in Honduras and Stephen Ministries and Christmas Families locally. Interesting Fact: Twins definitely run in the family – and do not skip a generation! Roxanne’s mother is a twin, she has sisters who are twins, and she is the mother of twins!



Name: Darold Kerns Position: Administrative Assistant, part-time Phone: 703-518-1348 Email: [email protected] Life at PIA: Darold was hired in the Spring of 2015 as PIA National’s part-time Administrative Assistant. Darold brings to PIA National 30+ years of Administrative and Managerial experience, both retail and governmental, most recently as Project Manager with Colonial Parking. He was responsible for overseeing the operation of 5 or more retail locations. Prior to Colonial Parking, Darold was a long-time employee of Fairfax County Government‘s Tax Administration Division. His primary duty was the assessment and billing of personal property taxes. Darold represents PIA as our reception host; is responsible for member relations; processes membership renewals; produces membership reports ; fulfill logo product orders for affiliates; and he assists the Director of Administration and Meetings, along with all other departments, with special projects. Life Outside PIA: Darold was born and raised here in the Washington Metro area, actually here in Alexandria, Virginia, where he now lives. He often walks or bikes to work. Darold holds an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration from Northern Virginia Community College and was recently accepted to George Mason University’s undergraduate program. He is a 10 year veteran volunteer staffer for CapitalJazz Productions, LLC. Darold assists stage management and assists in artist transportation. CapitalJazz features one of the premiere annual summer jazz festivals here in the Washington Metropolitan area. They also sponsor a Fall jazz “SuperCruise.” Interesting Fact: Darold is an avid sports fan and season ticket holder of the Washington Redskins. He is also a pretty good bowler.



Communications/Public Relations Department

Name: Ted Besesparis Position: Sr. Vice President, Communications & Public Relations Phone: 703-518-1352 Email: [email protected] Life at PIA: Ted Besesparis started working at PIA National in 1995, beginning with press and media relations. He leads PIA’s public relations program, overseeing the association’s efforts to project a positive image of PIA members in the insurance industry. Ted is publisher and editor-in-chief of PIA’s principal communications vehicles, PIA National Newsline and PIA Connection. In addition, he writes press releases, op-eds, and serves as speechwriter for PIA leaders. He conceived the “I AM PIA” image campaign and he provides strategic advice and counsel. Ted maintains close professional relationships with key players in the insurance media, which helps PIA maintain its high, positive industry profile. Life Outside PIA: Born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Ted moved with his family as a child to West Palm Beach, Florida. At age 21, he began a career as a journalist, hosting a top-rated news and talk radio program in Palm Beach for 15 years. Relocating to Washington, D.C. in 1991, Ted spent several years as national editor of a wire service owned by the Chicago Tribune, prior to making a transition to association communications after being recruited by PIA. Ted lives in College Park, Maryland. He is the consummate “political junkie,” pursuing his hobby of remaining steeped in news about politics. He enjoys travel, especially to Europe and South America, and does volunteer work with the United Church of Christ. Interesting Fact: In the 1950’s, Ted’s late father owned a business that was insured through a PIA agency in Frackville, Pennsylvania. That agency is still thriving, run by the original owner’s son, and still belongs to PIA today.



Name: Sade Hale Position: Communications Assistant Phone: 703-518-1350 Email: [email protected] Life at PIA: Sade joined the PIA team in October 2015. As Communications Assistant, she oversees PIA National’s website and social media channels. In addition, she assists in the production of PIA Newsline and PIA Connection. Sade is the producer of PIA’s Newsline videos and the FLS/Spring Governance meeting/Fall Governance meeting app. Sade acts as the assistant staff liaison to the Awards Task Force and assists in organizing the award luncheon ceremony. Life Outside PIA: Sade was born and raised in Washington, D.C. After graduating from School Without Wall SHS in 2010, she moved to Northeast Ohio to attend Kent State University. In 2014, Sade obtained a bachelor’s degree in News with a concentration in Magazine Journalism. While at Kent State, she also minored in Pan-African Studies. After college, Sade moved back to D.C. and began interning with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP). Sade hopes to one day continue her education and earn a master’s degree in Film & Electronic Media. Sade is a diehard film junkie. She is also an avid comic book and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) fan. She enjoys online gaming, loom knitting, and food and wine paring. Interesting Fact: Sade’s favorite comic book character is Captain America; she has met the cast of Marvel’s Captain America film franchise.



Finance Department

Name: Anthony Saunders Position: Manager, Accounting & IS Phone: 703-518-1361 Email: [email protected] Life at PIA: Anthony Saunders started working at PIA in July 1988. He was employed at PIA for a little over 25 years. Anthony worked in every position from Accounts Receivable Clerk to Accounting Manager during that time. In September 2013, Anthony retired from PIA and became an Accounting Consultant for PIA. In July 2014 Anthony returned to manage the Accounting and IT Departments as an independent contractor. Currently, Anthony manages the day-to-day operations in the Accounting Department which include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, bank reconciliations, report filings, and preparing monthly financial statements. He has streamlined many of the accounting processes and continues to look for and create ways to make the accounting department as efficient possible. Anthony also oversees the IT Department and coordinates with PIA’s outside IT Consultant to make sure that the computers and servers are functioning properly and updated as needed. Life Outside PIA: Anthony is one of the few natives of Alexandria, Virginia. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Strayer University. He started working at PIA from the very beginning and continued his accounting career at PIA for 25 years. Anthony became a Realtor in 2001 and continues to provide Realtor services in the DC Metro Area. Anthony lives with his fiancée and her daughter. He loves to play every type of poker game there is. He loves to watch professional football and is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He enjoys RPG (1st Person Role Playing) video games. Other activities he enjoys are bike riding, fishing, tennis, and playing football. Interesting Fact: Anthony took a bucket list trip to Egypt in December 2010 and has driven across the U.S., from Virginia to California twice.



Government/Industry Affairs Department

Name: Pat Borowski Position: Senior Vice President, Industry Affairs Phone: 703-518-1360 Email: [email protected] Life at PIA: Through the years with PIA, Pat has served in many policy and corporate positions for PIA. Currently, Pat provides information, assessment and suggested guidance on insurance technical, business operations and market behavior issues important to PIA members’ success. Life Outside PIA: Prior to joining PIA, Pat worked for Zurich Insurance in Chicago, Baldwin & Whitney Insurance Agency in Dayton, Ohio and upon moving to D.C., was hired as the administrator for the Insurance Consumer Action Program (ICAP), a joint government-private industry special project of The White House Office of Consumer Affairs. She is active in her alumni associations for Indiana and Trinity Universities respectively. Interesting Fact: Pat is an active Rotarian.



Name: Lauren Pachman, Esq. Position: Counsel and Director of Regulatory Affairs Phone: 703-518-1344 Email: [email protected] Life at PIA: Lauren Pachman began working at PIA National in late 2015. Before joining PIA National, Lauren was a policy analyst with the American Academy of Actuaries, where she worked with federal agencies, Congress, state insurance regulators, and state insurance legislators on property and casualty issues. Lauren began her career litigating complex personal injury, medical malpractice, and insurance defense cases in the District of Columbia and Maryland. In her current position, Lauren represents the interests of PIA members before the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the National Conference of Insurance Legislators, and relevant federal agencies. She also serves as PIA National’s in-house counsel. Life Outside PIA: Like her parents, Lauren was born in the Bronx, NY. She was raised in central New Jersey and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College). She moved to Washington, D.C. right after college to obtain her law degree at The George Washington University Law School. Lauren lives in Vienna, Virginia with her husband, young daughter, and two cats. She’s been a fan of the Washington Nationals since the team’s arrival in D.C. from Montreal and, with her husband’s encouragement, planned her honeymoon around the opening of Nationals Park in 2008. Interesting Fact: Lauren likes to read, sew, and knit, but never all at the same time.



Name: Jon Gentile Position: Vice President, Government Relations Phone: 703-518-1365 Email: [email protected] Life at PIA: Jon Gentile began working at PIA National in early 2014. He oversees federal lobbying activity. In addition to representing PIA National on Capitol Hill, Jon is responsible for managing the annual Federal Legislative Summit. Jon helped create the annual PIA National Advocacy and Policy Priorities. Life Outside PIA: Jon was born and raised in northern New Jersey. He holds a bachelor’s degree in politics and a master’s degree in international affairs from the Catholic University of America. Before joining PIA, Jon worked for over a decade in the federal government relations field on a broad range of issues including business, law enforcement, labor, and education. Jon lives in Arlington, VA with his wife and newborn son. Interesting Fact: In college Jon studied abroad at Queens University Belfast in the north of Ireland.



Name: Jennifer L. White, J.D. Position: Legislative Associate Phone: 703-518-1364 Email: [email protected] Life at PIA: Jennifer joined PIA’s government affairs team in November 2015. While she oversees and handles PIAPAC, Jennifer is also an advocate in PIA’s federal lobbying efforts, focusing primarily on healthcare, crop insurance, and small business and tax reform. Life Outside PIA: Jennifer was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, and earned her B.A. in journalism and political science from East Tennessee State University, after attending both ETSU and the University of Tennessee. In May 2015, she graduated with her J.D. from Charleston School of Law before moving to Washington, D.C. to pursue a career in public policy. While in law school, Jennifer worked as a legislative fellow in the U.S. House of Representatives for Rep. Phil Roe of Tennessee, a teaching assistant to the Charleston Law Director of Legal Writing and Trial Advocacy, and a law clerk to the chief public defender in Charleston, South Carolina. She was honored to be a recipient of the Charleston Law “Giving Back” Award for her commitment to public service. Jennifer lives in downtown Washington, D.C., where she is president of the Charleston Law D.C. Alumni Chapter and is currently awaiting Maryland/D.C. Bar Exam results, as well as for college football season to start (Go Vols!). Interesting Fact: Jennifer is a musical theatre nerd and has played a number of leading roles in high school, college, and community theatre productions, favorites including Sandy in Grease, the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, and Laurie in Oklahoma!. Current Dream Role: Eliza Hamilton in Hamilton.



Products & Services Department

Name: Alexi Papandon, CAE Position: Senior Vice President, Products & Services Phone: 703-518-1353 Email: [email protected] Life at PIA: Alexi Papandon has been with PIA National since 2001. He has served in a variety of communications, marketing and sales roles with the association over those years. He helped create the PIA Branding Program and the annual PIA Agency Marketing Guide and has overseen the design and redesign of PIA's national website and publications a number of times over the years. In his current position, Alexi creates member benefit programs for PIA members and oversees PIA National’s marketing and insurance sales operations. He spearheads PIA’s sponsorship and advertising sales program. Alexi continues to run the PIA Branding Program and every spring he puts together the annual PIA Agency Marketing Guide. Life Outside PIA: A native of Oakdale, New York, 50 miles east of New York City in Long island’s Suffolk County, Alexi earned a bachelor’s of business administration in marketing from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. Alexi returned to New York City and worked in sales after graduating from William and Mary, but before returning to Virginia to settle down. There he worked in advertising for two of the city’s premier advertising agencies. He later earned a master degree in education from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia where he taught fifth grade for six years, before starting an educational fundraising business and ultimately returning to his marketing and sales roots at PIA. Alexi earned the Certified Association Executive designation (CAE) in January, 2010. Alexi lives with his two children, a daughter and a son. He is active in Cub Scouts, loves to attend concerts and play poker, and is quite the nerd for things like Harry Potter and Magic the Gathering. He enjoys playing tennis and awaits the day his beloved Redskins once again win the Super Bowl. Interesting Fact: Alexi once managed production in a textile plant specializing in tie-dye garments.



Name: Teresa Lewis Position: National Insurance Representative Phone: 703-518-1381 Email: [email protected] Life at PIA: Teresa Lewis began working at PIA in late 2004. She joined PIA as an Administrative Assistant for the Government Affairs department. She then took on the role as Membership Coordinator in 2005 working with all of the affiliates and membership in the National-only states. Teresa moved into her current role in February 2015 where she sells E&O in the 9 National-only states and assists affiliate producers with national insurance programs. Life Outside PIA: Teresa was born and raised in the Washington D.C. suburb of Charlotte Hall, MD. She holds a certificate in Client/Server Programming from Computer Learning Center, a trade school. She started her career on government contracts and worked at the State Department on the Y2K project while attending school. She became a licensed insurance agent in 2014. Teresa lives in Charlotte Hall, Maryland with her husband, son, daughter and the newest member of the family, a white German shepherd. Her oldest son joined the Air Force in 2015 and lives in Florida with his new wife. She enjoys playing board games, spades, poker, corn hole, swimming and biking with family and friends. Competitive Monopoly or Trouble and a few tears is a normal family game night in her house. Interesting Fact: Teresa met her husband online playing competitive spades 13 years ago. 3,000 miles apart, he living in Vancouver, B.C. and she in Maryland, is a short distance for soul mates.



Name: Chris Hall Position: Manager, Marketing & Membership Phone: 703-518-1382 Email: [email protected] Life at PIA: Chris has been with PIA National since 2015 in the newly created position of Manager, Marketing & Membership. In his current position, Chris provides marketing support for all of PIA National’s products and services. His role has significant interaction with PIA affiliate staff and PIA members across the country and is key in developing good relationships with PIA’s state affiliates. Life Outside PIA: A native Washingtonian, Chris grew up on the Potomac River in a town founded by his relatives in the late 1800’s as they emigrated from the small Prussian town of Silesia. Chris attended Coastal Carolina University near Myrtle Beach, SC. and spent many years doing political education for membership organizations before going in to the food and beverage industry where he implemented an e-commerce wine program for one of the Top 100 retailers in the world. His last stop before PIA was as the Loyalty Marketing Manager for the food service side of Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants. Chris lives with his fiancée (soon to be wife) and two fish in Old Town Alexandria, 7 blocks from the PIA National headquarters. He loves to spend time at his beach home on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and his future in-laws’ 300 acre cattle farm in rural West Virginia. Interesting Fact: Chris was once a professional race car driver and has finished in the Top 10 in his category numerous times and as recently as 2010.



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