National leadership awards

The CIP Society National Leadership Awards were launched in 2009 to celebrate the achievements of leaders in the insurance community. Applications are accepted from four regions: Western, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic. Candidates can be nominated by colleagues in two categories: Emerging Leader and Established Leader.

To qualify for an award, nominees must hold either a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP), Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP), or Honorary Chartered Insurance Professional (HCIP) designation. The applications are assessed by a judging panel composed of CIP Society members drawn from the four regions. Up to 10 individuals can be recognized annually.

The announcement of award honourees usually takes place in October each year, followed by various presentations to recognize winners between November and March. Award recipients are also inducted into the prestigious CIP Society Leadership Circle.

It's easy to nominate an award candidate. Review the eligibility guidelines on our application platform, gather the relevant information, and submit. Gathering all the application elements can take a little while so ensure you don’t leave it until the last minute!

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The CIP Society celebrates excellence in the p&c insurance community. The National Leadership Awards were created to highlight outstanding leadership across Canada. Recipients have been recognized by their peers for their positive impact and achievement in our industry.

Richard Sanchez, CIP
Senior Property & Marine Claims Specialist, Zurich Canada

Richard Sanchez is a Senior Property & Marine Claims Specialist at Zurich Canada, recognized with the Zurich Customer Rockstar Award and the Zurich Impact Award. He is dedicated to training, coaching, and mentoring, creating and delivering customer service training, guiding Claims’ trainees, and leading by example with humility, authenticity, and purpose. Richard also serves as a subject matter expert on marine insurance and was the first Claims Professional to receive the IUMI Conference Award. Through mentoring newcomers and supporting youth and mental health initiatives, he continues to inspire the next generation of insurance professionals.

Thomas Wright, CIP
Vice President & Partner, Avail Risk Management & Consulting Inc.

Thomas Wright is Vice President & Partner at Avail Risk Management & Consulting Inc., where he leads strategic placement for large and complex clients and helps shape the firm’s advisory model. Known for his collaborative leadership, he brings clarity and calm to complexity, communicates with empathy, and mentors junior colleagues with patience and purpose. Beyond his role, Thomas has been a key force behind the Young Insurance Professionals of Toronto since 2018, leading the organization through a digital transformation and driving exponential growth in programming and mentorship. He also serves as a Council Member for the Insurance Institute of Hamilton/Niagara and is deeply engaged in community service, volunteering weekly with Community Living Burlington and long-standing with the Royal Canadian Legion.

Dylan Pinter-Findlater, CIP, CRM
Manager, Digital Underwriting Strategy, Intact Insurance Company

Dylan Pinter-Findlater is Manager, Digital Underwriting Strategy at Intact Insurance Company, recognized for his relatable leadership and commitment to mentorship. He has supported students at Bow Valley College, the University of Calgary, and Intact’s graduate program, helping people see their skills and succeed. Dylan leads by example, earning respect through actions rather than words, and is deeply engaged in professional development, pursuing his FCIP designation and actively participating in industry councils and events. Beyond his professional role, he gives back through sports and cycling programs that provide youth with skills and opportunities, and through his support of community initiatives and charitable causes. Dylan’s empathy, generosity, and dedication to making a positive impact set him apart as a standout leader in both his industry and community.

Jason Court, CIP
Senior Business Development Manager, Travelers Canada

Jason Court is Senior Business Development Manager at Travelers Canada, recognized for his approachable style, inclusive leadership, and commitment to advancing the insurance profession. He builds meaningful broker relationships across Atlantic Canada and Quebec, communicates complex strategies with clarity, and leads by example through roles with NBIPA and the Insurance Institute of New Brunswick. Jason has earned multiple industry awards, including recognition as Insurance Business Canada’s Underwriter of the Year and the Insurance Brokers Association of Nova Scotia’s Company Representative of the Year. He also co-founded Report Tech Mobile Risk Management, blending technology with frontline risk solutions. Dedicated to education, community, and mentorship, Jason inspires collaboration and continuous learning, setting a high standard for emerging leaders in the insurance industry.

Tomas Stryncl, MBA, FCIP, CRM, CAIB
National Marine, Strategy and Execution Leader, Aon Canada

Tomas Stryncl is National Marine, Strategy and Execution Leader at Aon Canada, recognized for his empowering leadership and ability to foster collaboration, accountability, and growth. Since becoming Office Leader in Halifax in 2020, he has driven double-digit branch growth for five consecutive years and created a culture of trust, support, and high performance. Known for his patience and problem-solving, Tomas leads by example, building strong client relationships and navigating challenges with professionalism and vision. He is a steadfast advocate for continuous learning, having earned multiple designations while encouraging colleagues to pursue professional development. Beyond the workplace, he is deeply engaged in the community through board roles, volunteer service, and coaching youth hockey, reflecting his commitment to mentorship and teamwork both inside and outside the industry.

Neal Jardine, FCIP, CRM, CSM
Chief Cyber Intelligence and Claims Officer, BOXX Insurance

Neal Jardine is a pioneer in cyber insurance, known for turning challenges into opportunities for innovation. As one of Canada’s first cyber claims adjusters, he helped transform how the industry responds to ransomware and digital threats, creating solutions that reduce risk and empower clients. He communicates with clarity and empathy, whether guiding brokers through complex coverage, mentoring early-career professionals, or leading webinars that attract hundreds of participants. Trusted across the industry, Neal has been quoted widely in trade publications and is a regular speaker at national and international events. Beyond technical expertise, he is driven by purpose—bringing others along with him, building confidence in moments of crisis, and ensuring the next generation of professionals are better prepared to meet emerging risks.

Established Leaders:
Rohit Trivedi, FCIP (2024)
John Taylor, CIP (2023)
Carol Jardine, FCIP, CRM, ICD.d (2022)
Glenda Ouellette, BA, MBA, FCIP (2021)
Lynn Whitehead CRM, CIP, ACIP (2021)
Ginny Bannerman, MBA, CIP (2013)
Carla Blackmore, FCIP, CRM (2009)
Ron Bouwmeister, FCIP, ACS (2010)
Diane Brickner, CIP, ICD.D (2012)
James Cameron, FCIP, CRM, C. Arb. (2013)
Paul Croft, CIP (2019)
Paul Féron, FCIP, CRM (2018)
Glenn Gibson, CIP, CLA, FCIAA, CFE, CFEI, CFII-c (2011)
Andrew Janzen, BComm, FCIP, FRM, CAIB (2009)
Johanne Lépine, FPAA (2014)
Barry F. Lorenzetti, CIP (2012)
Paul Martin, CIP (2016)
Patrick McNally, BBA, FCIP (2009)
Lynn Oldfield, MBA, CRM, FCIP (2014)
Robert Pearson, FCIP (2016)
Greg Thierman, CIP, CFE (2010)
H. Ross Totten, FCIP, CCIB (2009)
Raymond White, BBA, B.Ed., FCIP (2010)
Monica Woldring, CIP (2019)

Emerging Leaders:
Emily Gray, CIP (2024)
Thea Baird, CIP (2023)
Ngawang (Noah) Choedon, CIP (2023)
Renée-Léa Soucy, CIP (2022)
Bryan Bedford, B.Sc., FCIP, CRM (2015)
Rob Bickerton, BComm (Hons),CFE, CSWP, CGA, CPA, CRM, FCIP, FCPA, FCSI, FMA, LPCS, RPLU (2010)
Patrick Bouchard, PAA (2009)
Kyle Case, FCIP, CRM (2018)
Simon Charbonneau, BComm, FCIP (2011)
Andrew Clark, MBA, CAIB, CRM, FCIP (2011)
Drew Collins, BA, CIP, CRM, ACS (2012)
Anne-Marie Deschênes, CIP, CRM, AIB (2013)
Mathieu Gagnon, PAA, CRM (2010)
Vincent Gaudreau, C.d’A.A., FPAA, CRM (2011)
Lindsay Loughridge, B. Econ., FCIP, CRM (2013)
Ernest Mashingaidze, ACS, BBA, CIP (2019)
Melanie Needham, FCIP, CRM (2010)
Thomas Newby, CIP, CRM, CAIB (2009)
Tammie Norn, FCIP (2013)
Adrian Osti, B.Comm, FCIP, CTDP, CRM (2014)
Frederik Pelaez, BEng, MBA, FCIP, CRM, CIB (2012)
Phillip Robichaud, D.V.M., LL.B., FCIP (2009)
Sara Runnalls, FCIP, CRM, RIB) (2018)
Kevin Sigouin, BComm, CIP, CRM (2012)
Victoria Stanhope, MBA, FCIP, CRM (2018)
Jonathan Stone, FCIP (2009)
Laura Van Vliet, CIP, CRM (2016)