Donna Rademacher, CPIW, AU, CPCU, PIAM, DAE – Assistant to the Region III RVP Toni Condon , CPCU, AINS, AU-M, CIIP, CRIS
Your name: Donna Rademacher, CPIW, AU, CPCU, PIAM, DAE. Region: III.
Do you belong to a local association or are you a MAL? Insurance Professionals of Jackson MS.
How long have you been a member? Since February 1980.
What inspires you to be part of Insurance Professionals and what prompted you to join?
I initially joined the Insurance Women of Jackson for the education. I was fairly new to the insurance industry and wanted to learn more. IPJ inspired me and supported me as I obtained my CPIW, AU, CPCU, PIAM, and DAE designations. I took CWC (actually called LACE back then) and took on additional leadership roles. I moved up the ladder of officer positions in IPJ and then on to State Director and eventually Regional Vice President in 1991. I continue to stay involved because of the fellowship and the opportunity to pay back to the association.
Describe a memorable collaborative effort, such as a committee, task force, or program, where you worked effectively with others to achieve a common goal.
I think some of my most memorable collaborative efforts I have experienced have been the
Region III Conferences that our local association has hosted. We work together well and enjoy
what we’re doing and I love seeing others enjoy what we have put together.
What is one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had as a member, whether it was a meeting, a specific project, or a challenging situation you encountered?
Putting on the Region III Conference in San Juan, PR in 1992 was one of the most memorable experiences as a member. The Puerto Rico association worked so hard and we developed lasting relationships. So as RVP I was in charge of the Conference and the chairman of the hostess association in Puerto Rico was Lindin Garcia Sharp. Lindin and I have become lifelong friends, and in fact, earlier this year, Toni Condon and I flew to PR to celebrate Lindin’s 90th birthday. It was truly an event I won’t forget.
What is a good tip on how to share the benefits of membership with an employer?
I’m retired now, but when I was working, my accomplishments illustrated to my employer the benefits of belonging to IAIP. My insurance education, my leadership abilities and the networking with so many others were just good business for my employer. When I changed employers, I made sure that my new employer would support my involvement. Show the benefits by being an above average employee. Take advantage of the education and leadership opportunities offered through IAIP.
What Insurance Professionals programs have you taken that you would highly recommend to another member?
My first recommendation is always CWC – the confidence to speak well in public is so worth it. I took many IAIP courses, including CLP programs, while working so I could retain my DAE. The opportunity to develop Leadership Skills through the CLP programs and other classes is invaluable – being comfortable in doing presentations, handling difficult work situations, etc. You don’t find classes on these things in many places.
Our organization’s vision statement includes: Insurance Professionals is the leading provider of education, skills enhancement and leadership development to members and partners of our industry. Which part of our Vision statement do you feel has had the biggest impact on your personal or professional growth?
Well, in the beginning education had the biggest impact on my growth and I considered getting my CPCU designation is the equivalent of getting a college degree for myself. Then in later years it was the leadership development. Both contributed to my professional growth and success, but so much of what I experienced through IAIP has also helped me personally.
What are your hobbies, interests, or a particular cause you are most passionate about?
I am very active in my church and do a lot of volunteer work. I am our Community Action chair for IPJ so I keep us involved in helping with activities to help others in our area like Salvation Army bell-ringing and the Turkey Drive for Mississippi Food Network. Since retirement I’ve really enjoyed doing more yard work and I started taking Pilates classes twice a week. I also enjoy reading, sewing and maintaining my connections with my insurance friends.
The Hidden Heroes of Insurance Professionals is a collaboration of the Member Engagement and Services and Marketing and Publications Task Forces.