Date: April 13, 12:00 PM
Location: Zoom Meeting
How Organizations Get Hacked – And What You Can Do About It
Professional hackers around the world target YOU in attempts to gain access to confidential information, bank accounts, and other valuable data. Today, companies are also held hostage by ransomware, the malicious software that locks up your files until you pay a ransom. All it takes is one person in your organization to click on a link, and all of your shared files could be locked up for good. We'll show you how attackers break into your computer, with screenshots and videos of a real attack. Finally, we'll run through the most important building blocks of a strong cybersecurity program. Learn how to effectively defend against cybercriminals so that you can protect yourself, your clients and your organization.
Patrick Burns is the Director of Business Development and the Senior Relationship Manager at LMG Security. Born and raised in Helena, MT, Patrick spent the next two decades working around the country. From Florida to Arizona, Washington to Indiana to California, he’s been all over learning the art of business development, one relationship at a time. Patrick holds Masters degrees in both fine art and education. He has been with LMG Security for over three years, and he enjoys empowering people across the country when it comes to cybersecurity.
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Greetings from the Iowa CPCU Society!
In this month’s message I’d like to honor Ted Lussem. Ted passed away on February 27th, 2021. While words will never be able to express the immense impact he had on the Iowa CPCU Chapter, the insurance industry, and so many of us personally, I’ll do my best to share the impact Ted made on me.
When I joined the Iowa Chapter CPCU Board in 2014 I was eager to get involved in my local chapter but was inexperienced when it came to serving in a professional organization. I remember attending my first board meeting and being slightly intimidated by the professionalism exhibited by the members of the board and how the formal business meeting was conducted. Ted was always first in line to welcome someone new and introduced himself to me that day. Little did I know at the time, what an impact he’d have on me both professionally and personally.
As I continued to serve in different roles on the board, Ted was always the steady, consistent voice to help guide our conversations and provide wisdom from his wealth of knowledge and leadership experience. He was selfless and quick to share a smile or ask how you were doing; he truly valued each relationship he made. When I had the pleasure to sit with Ted at a chapter meeting, say hi to him at the Insurance Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony each spring, or talk with him at our I-Day Connections visits, it was like being with a celebrity in the insurance industry. Every time leaders of the CPCU Society came to speak at I-Day, they talked about their great anticipation to take a ride in “Teddy’s Taxi” for company connection visits. He had such a positive impact on each person he met.
More recently, Ted was a mentor to me leading up to becoming President of the chapter. It was such a humbling experience throughout the years to learn from Ted about the chapter’s rich history and the great leaders that have served before me. It is people like Ted that have made the Iowa Chapter one of the best chapters in all the nation. His legacy and impact on all of us will not be forgotten.
As you continue reading this month’s Chaptergram edition, you will find other tributes shared about Ted. It is evident the impression he made on the people he met was lasting and impactful. I’m sure Ted would be proud to know what a positive influence he had on so many lives. Knowing it is impossible to capture all the stories of what Ted meant to so many people, we have included a link to the Society community platform, INteract, so that you can post your own experiences with Ted if you desire.
It always brought a smile to my face when our receptionist at IMT would call me and say Ted was here to see me for a visit. I’ll miss those meetings with Ted and seeing him at every chapter event. I look forward to joining all of you in helping keep Ted’s memory alive as we share his legacy with new members to come.
Brad Soma, President, Iowa CPCU Society Chapter
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Tributes to Theodore D. "Ted" Lussem |
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We had a massive response from people who wanted to share their memories of Ted, which is not surprising considering his impact not only within the Chapter but within the insurance industry. Please be on the lookout for a second email which will contain all the responses we received.
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“I didn’t know Ted as well as some, but did have the opportunity to work with him on a few projects last year. Ted let me lead and take ownership but was there every step of the way with questions, tips and encouragement. He just wanted everything to go well. Ted spent an immense amount of time supporting the chapter and those involved and we are all better off for it.”
-Neil Wysocki, EMC Insurance, Iowa CPCU Board
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“I am one of many that have known, worked and befriended Ted over the years. To be honest, I do not remember not knowing Ted. I met Ted early in my career and have considered him a friend ever since. I enjoyed taking classes with him, we were both members various insurance associations and we served on the Board of the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame for over 20 years. Ted was a mentor, friend and task master. He will be missed but not forgotten.”
-Susan Roberts, FBL Financial Group, CPCU
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“Ted’s passion for all things insurance related is something I will truly miss. I’m blessed to have had the chance to work beside him, get to know his kind heart, and laugh at his humor.”
-Abby-Jaye Dawson, IMT Insurance, Iowa CPCU Board
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Darren Wheeler, CPCU
Farm and Casualty Underwriter
Grinnell Mutual
Born and raised in Ames, Iowa, I attended Upper Iowa University where I received my degree in finance. After meeting my wife, Kristine, I moved to Grinnell, and started my career with Grinnell Mutual as a Personal Lines Underwriter. After working in Personal Lines Underwriting for almost 6 years, in 2019 I was promoted to a Farm Casualty Underwriter, at Grinnell Mutual, working with farm liability, umbrella, auto, watercraft & inland marine lines of business. Since starting at Grinnell Mutual, I have obtained 5 insurance designations, including AINS (Associate in General Insurance), API (Associate in Personal Insurance), AIC (Associate in Claims) & AFIS (Agribusiness Farm Insurance Specialist) along with my CPCU.
New to the insurance industry, I wanted to learn as much about my career as possible. After discussing my options with my director, she mentioned that earning my CPCU would be a great goal and encouraged me to start with the AINS & API designations. Excited about both of these designations, I followed her advice and took my first CPCU test in September of 2014, about 7 months after my son, Kallen, was born. When we welcomed my daughter, Jaylene, to our family in 2018, I knew I was going to need to restructure the time I had dedicated to my CPCU a bit differently. As a dad to two young children, I decided to take a break from my CPCU. When COVID-19 shut down our country in the spring, I was able to refocus my attention to completing my CPCU with my extra time at home, and in doing so, I was able to earn my CPCU in July of 2020.
Studying for my CPCU started by reading through the entire textbook. I would then follow up with the resources found on The Institutes website and on the Smart Quiz Me app, paying close attention to the topics of the practice exam questions. During my review, if any topics seemed unfamiliar, I would return to my text to gain a better understanding of that content. I would continue with practice exams until I felt comfortable with the material. Scheduling the test was of equal importance to me. Knowing my brain was fresher in the morning, I would often schedule my tests early in the day. The knowledge I have gained from my CPCU has helped immensely. I not only have more knowledge pertaining to the full insurance operation, but also a better understanding of other departments as well.
Since my CPCU, I have continued to focus my attention on earning other designations. Between studying, I enjoy spending time cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones and Green Bay Packers along with my family. I also hope to spend some additional time teaching my son, Kallen (5) how to play golf this summer.
Lastly, a couple of fun facts about me include that my longest drive in golf was 384 yards (after I hit the golf path) and both of my children were born on the 23rd of the month.
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Are you a CPCU Society member who is interested in being mentored or serving as a mentor? Sign up today!
Find out more at the CPCU Mentor Match website located in the INteract community. Mentees will be able connect with a CPCU Society member who can provide guidance on leadership development, career growth and succeeding in the industry.
Become a Mentee to:
* Gain support and guidance from a CPCU
* Develop your knowledge and skills
* Expand your professional network
* Be inspired to grow your career
* Become more involved in the industry
Mentors don't have to be experts, just willing to help a fellow CPCU Society member. Mentees are looking for guidance, advice and discussion on a wide variety of career topics from members with diverse experiences.
Become a mentor to:
* Share your knowledge with eager colleagues
* Give back to the industry
* Develop your leadership skills
* Gain new perspectives and fresh ideas
* Shape the next generation of leaders
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Vino & Volunteering Happy Hour |
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On April 14, at 4:30 PM, grab a glass of wine (or your beverage of choice), and join your fellow CPCU members in creating “No Sew T-Shirt Bags”.
We will welcome a Missy Reams, the Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager, for Bidwell Riverside Center / Hawthorn Hill. She will speak briefly on the organizations’ mission, as well as walk us through the creation of the t-shirt bags to be used in their food pantry. These bags are sturdier than plastic bags, can hold more food items, and can be reused. This is a great opportunity spend some time together, help the community, and hone your “crafting” skills!
You can register for the event here.
Supplies Needed:
- Beverage of Choice
- An old t-shirt or two
- Scissors
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May Meeting - Registration is Open |
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We will hold our next virtual chapter meeting on May, 12 at 12:00 PM and you may now register at Eventbrite.
Our speaker will be Sanjita Pradhan, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
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