The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) has announced the recipients of its 2026 Emerging Leaders awards at the annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Out of a group of 289 insurance professionals, 15 individuals were recognized for their significant contributions to their companies and communities.
Special recognition was also given to Brian Duperreault, Chairman of Cedar Trace Limited; Wendy Davis Johnson, author of “Faith & Purpose: The Life and Vision of Insurance Icon Brian Duperreault”; and Bill Plastine, Senior Vice President, Talent and Organization Development at Crum & Forster. These leaders were honored for their efforts in strengthening talent development within the industry.
“Congratulations to all of the award winners at this year’s Emerging Leaders Conference,” said David A. Sampson, president and CEO of APCIA. “To be recognized among such an elite group of rising stars is a tremendous testament to their hard work, innovation, and dedication. I also want to congratulate Brian, Wendy, and Bill for being honored for their incredible leadership on industry talent initiatives.”
Brian Duperreault and Wendy Davis Johnson received the Industry Talent Champion Award for co-founding the Insurance Careers Movement. Their initiative has brought together industry leaders globally to address workforce challenges and encourage more people to consider careers in insurance.
Bill Plastine was awarded the Talent Leadership Award for his commitment to developing industry talent and preparing employees for future challenges.
Award categories included Business Impact Award, Community Leadership Award, Future Ready Talent Champion Award, Industry Leadership Award, Innovation Leadership Award, Resilience & Mitigation Leadership Award, Talent Impact Award, Technology Leadership Award, as well as special recognition awards.
“These Exceptional Emerging Leaders represent the very best of what leadership looks like today and what it must become tomorrow,” said Marguerite Tortorello, executive director of the Insurance Careers Movement. “They are driving innovation, leading meaningful transformation, and shaping the future of work while making a real difference within their organizations and communities. Not only did we get to recognize these outstanding rising stars, but we also had the opportunity to celebrate industry legends Brian Duperreault and Wendy Davis Johnson and the talented Bill Plastine for their extraordinary dedication to cultivating talent and inspiring the next generation of insurance leaders.”
The conference offers insights from executives in the field along with networking opportunities designed for emerging leaders navigating a rapidly changing sector. After attending this event, participants join over 1,300 alumni who serve as ambassadors promoting career opportunities in insurance.
APCIA is a national trade association representing home, auto, and business insurers across different regions worldwide. It supports private competition in insurance markets through advocacy at state,federal, and international levels.APCIA provides policy support, compliance resources,legislative updates, research publications,and hosts professional events aimed at advancing property casualty insurance.David A. Sampson serves as chief executive officer.
