For many in the Illinois workers’ compensation community, was more than an industry event. It was a deliberate in building something stronger: a more connected, collaborative space where claims professionals, attorneys, employers, vendors, and risk leaders could move beyond transactional conversations and focus on practical solutions together.

In an industry often shaped by complexity, competing priorities and rising claim challenges, creating space for meaningful collaboration matters more than ever.

And the timing is important. Workplace injuries continue to carry significant human and financial impact across the country, with employers navigating rising medical costs, mental health considerations, return-to-work challenges, and increasingly complex claims environments, private industry employers reported approximately 2.5 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2024 alone, underscoring the continued importance of helping injured employees recover safely. Yet many professionals continue to face those challenges in silos, separated by role, organization or perspective.

set out to change that.

Building Something More Connected

For Abbi Brock, Workers’ Compensation Claims Resolution Specialist at ���Ĵ�ý, involvement as a founding member of the organization came from recognizing an opportunity to create a different kind of industry experience — one rooted not only in education, but in authentic connection and actionable discussion.

“There are a lot of great events out there,” Brock explains, “But we saw an opportunity to build a space that felt a bit more connected — where industry professionals could have honest conversations about the challenges we’re all facing.”

The response suggested that a vision had been needed all along.

Throughout the conference, the most meaningful conversations often extended beyond the scheduled sessions. Panel discussions evolved into hallway conversations, and hallway conversations became opportunities to exchange ideas across roles, organizations and perspectives. What emerged was something deeper than networking; it became much more of a shared recognition that many organizations are navigating the same challenges and that meaningful progress often begins by bringing people together earlier and more intentionally.

“It didn’t feel like just another conference,” Brock says. “It felt like people were genuinely invested in learning from each other and improving how we approach claims.”

Connecting the Dots Before Claims Spiral

One of the conference’s standout discussions centered on Brock’s panel: Red Flags and Rescue: Connecting the Dots Before Claims Spiral.

The conversation focused on a growing reality within Workers’ Compensation: claims rarely become complex overnight. More often, escalation begins with smaller indicators — communication breakdowns, delayed interventions, psychosocial concerns, or missed opportunities to coordinate care and return-to-work efforts proactively.

The panel emphasized recognizing those signals early, improving communication across stakeholders and acting before smaller concerns developed into more complex claims. Recent that cases involving days away from work resulted in an average of eight days away from work. Stats like this help highlight the importance of timely communication, coordinated care and effective return-to-work strategies.

“Successful outcomes often come down to connecting the dots,” Brock explains. “Whether that’s between medical care, return-to-work efforts or the psychosocial factors influencing recovery, early communication often creates opportunities to change the trajectory of a claim.”

That proactive mindset reflects a broader evolution taking place across the Workers’ Compensation industry. As claims environments grow more nuanced, organizations increasingly recognize that strong outcomes depend not only on technical expertise, but on communication, partnership, and early intervention strategies that keep people moving forward.

Perhaps no message captured that mindset more clearly than one simple reminder shared during the discussion.

“In the words of Lindsay Huffman, AVP of Workers’ Compensation Claims here at ���Ĵ�ý,” Brock shared, “‘Say less, listen more.’�ĝ

Simple in phrasing, but powerful in practice.

Behind the scenes, bringing IL Work Comp Connect to life required months of coordination, planning, and shared commitment among organizers and industry partners. But for Brock, the turnout ultimately validated the larger purpose behind the effort.

Momentum Built Through Collaboration

“When you’re building something from the ground up, there’s always a level of uncertainty,” she says. “But seeing the engagement really validated the vision we had.”

Attendees responded with the same enthusiasm, expressing appreciation for having an event in Illinois dedicated not just to presentations, but to meaningful industry dialogue and practical learning opportunities.

That sense of momentum may ultimately become the conference’s greatest success. , sharing injury and illness data helps employers identify workplace hazards and strengthen prevention efforts. Conferences like expand that idea by creating opportunities for professionals to exchange experiences, discuss emerging challenges and learn from one another.

Rather than repeating the same conversations year after year, organizers hope to continue evolving the event around the topics the Illinois workers’ compensation community wants to explore most.

“This year really set the foundation,” Brock says. “I think we’re just getting started.

Stronger Outcomes Start with Stronger Connections

At its core, demonstrated that the industry’s greatest opportunities often begin with a conversation.

Because the strongest outcomes rarely happen in isolation. They’re built through relationships. Through shared expertise. Through people willing to listen carefully, act early, and work together toward better solutions for injured workers and employers alike.

At ���Ĵ�ý, we believe those moments matter. Helping organizations navigate risk, strengthen workplace outcomes, and build resilient partnerships takes more than technical knowledge alone — it requires people willing to meet challenges head-on and move the conversation forward together.

Even in periods of strong growth, construction remains shaped by constraints. Workforce shortages persist, timelines shift, and operational risk is constant. Safety, in particular, remains central to every project. Construction accounts for roughly —more than any other industry—reinforcing how much depends on preparation, communication, and leadership at every level.

It is within this environment—defined by consequence, responsibility, and sustained demand—that more women are choosing to build their careers.

Recent statistics paint a promising picture of growth and inclusion in the construction workforce.��, construction employment grew by an impressive 133,000 jobs—with women contributing 18,000 of these new positions. This means that approximately 1 in every 7 construction jobs, or just over 14% of the workforce, is now held by women. Even as the industry navigates fluctuations in job openings—from a record high of about 450,000 early in the year to around 300,000 by September—the steady influx of talented women helps ensure that the sector remains vibrant, resilient, and full of opportunity.

A Proven Legacy

Women in Construction Week, held annually during the first full week of March, was established in 1998 by the , to recognize that evolution. NAWIC itself began decades earlier, in 1953, when women working in construction formed an organization to support advancement in a field where opportunity was often limited.

Since then, the industry has changed dramatically—but its demands have not softened. Construction continues to require technical expertise, operational discipline, and leadership capable of managing inevitable uncertainty. Projects can unfold over months or years, shaped by variables that cannot always be predicted; stability depends on people who can sustain focus and make sound decisions over time.

The growing presence of women across construction roles—from project management and engineering to safety leadership and skilled trades—reflects the industry’s ongoing adaptation to those realities. Their contributions strengthen the workforce not simply by increasing its size, but by reinforcing its capacity for coordination and long-term continuity.

Safety, Stability, and the Work Behind the Work

Safety improvements across the construction industry have come through sustained effort—through safety training, planning, and a stronger understanding of risk. While the work remains inherently demanding, progress over time reflects the impact of leadership committed to protecting workers and strengthening operational discipline.

“Women in construction bring a unique blend of resilience, intuition, and care to some of the toughest work out there. Every day, women help shape safer environments and stronger teams by showing up with focus and compassion,” said Ashley Parker, Risk Management Manager at ���Ĵ�ý. “It’s an honor to be part of a community of women who continue to elevate the construction industry and the people who depend on it.”

For construction businesses, maintaining that stability requires more than internal effort. It depends on partners who understand how projects unfold in real conditions—helping identify risk early, respond when circumstances change, and support continuity over the life of the work. This need has grown more pronounced as and projects have become more complex, increasing the importance of proactive risk management and coordination across teams.

���Ĵ�ý has long partnered with construction businesses and the agencies who serve them, providing risk management expertise and claims support that help organizations navigate uncertainty and keep projects moving forward. That partnership supports construction professionals not only when disruption occurs, but in the day-to-day effort required to operate safely and meet their commitments.

Construction has never been defined solely by the structures it produces, but by the people willing to take responsibility for building them—and by the partnerships that help sustain that work. recognizes those professionals whose proven strength continues to shape an industry essential to how our communities function and grow.

To learn more about ���Ĵ�ý’s construction expertise and agency partnerships, visit our website. You can also explore Women in Construction Week^® events, helpful resources, and unique industry perspectives at:

The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice; instead, all information, content, and materials contained in each article are for general informational purposes only.

In this role, Ms. Varghese will lead the strategy and execution of ���Ĵ�ý’s application engineering initiatives, helping to accelerate innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and drive digital transformation across the enterprise. She brings more than 20 years of experience in technology leadership, product innovation, and engineering operations.

“Cereen brings a deep understanding of how to align technology with business goals to deliver meaningful impact,” said Amjed Al-Zoubi, Chief Information Officer at ���Ĵ�ý. “Her extensive leadership experience, proven ability to drive innovation, and commitment to building high-performing teams make her a tremendous asset to ���Ĵ�ý as we continue to transform and modernize our digital capabilities.”

Before joining ���Ĵ�ý, Cereen held senior leadership roles at organizations including Infosys Technologies, Société Générale, Concentrix, Our Daily Bread Ministries, and most recently, Caresoft Global as Chief Product Officer. While serving at Caresoft, Cereen led the development and launch of an AI-enabled idea platform and built and scaled a global engineering and technology team while driving innovation and leveraging emerging technologies to deliver customer-centric solutions.

Recognized among the Top 50 Women Leaders in Technology, Ms. Varghese is known for her strategic vision, disciplined execution, and people-first leadership style. She holds certifications in EFQM, Agile Practices, and CMMI benchmarking, and is passionate about mentoring talent and fostering agile, results-driven cultures.

About ���Ĵ�ý Insurance
���Ĵ�ý is a leading provider of commercial property and casualty insurance solutions for U.S.-based construction, manufacturing and healthcare businesses. Licensed in all fifty states and available through an exclusive network of elite independent agents, the company upholds an “A” (Excellent) financial strength rating, industry-leading service scores, and multiple awards for innovation. ���Ĵ�ý has been in business for more than 100 years and is consistently named among the best places to work in the industry and throughout the nation. To learn more, visit amerisure.com.

Farmington Hills, Mich., May 19, 2025 — ���Ĵ�ý is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Brodsky as Vice President of Internal Audit.

In this role, Ms. Brodsky leads the company’s Internal Audit function, supporting the Board of Directors and senior management in achieving their objectives through the independent evaluation and improvement of ���Ĵ�ý’s financial controls, regulatory compliance, risk management and governance processes.

“Jessica brings a wealth of experience in audit compliance, financial systems, and internal controls that will help strengthen our oversight and risk management capabilities,” said Angela McBride, Chief Transformation & Strategy Officer at ���Ĵ�ý. “Her leadership, deep technical expertise, and commitment to continuous improvement will be instrumental as we enhance the value and impact of our Internal Audit function across the organization.”

Ms. Brodsky joins ���Ĵ�ý with more than 25 years of experience in financial leadership and audit compliance. She most recently served as Senior Director of Accounting & Controls at Kelly Services, Inc., where she spent 17 years in various senior roles, including Senior Director of Global Financial Systems & Controls. Prior to that, she held Assistant Vice President roles over a 12-year career at Handleman Company. She is known for her collaborative approach, strategic thinking, and dedication to maintaining high standards of accountability and transparency.

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About ���Ĵ�ý Insurance
���Ĵ�ý is a leading provider of commercial property and casualty insurance solutions for U.S.-based construction, manufacturing and healthcare businesses. Licensed in all fifty states and available through an exclusive network of elite independent agents, the company upholds an “A” (Excellent) financial strength rating, industry-leading service scores, and multiple awards for innovation. ���Ĵ�ý has been in business for more than 100 years and is consistently named among the best places to work in the industry and throughout the nation. To learn more, visit amerisure.com.

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Farmington Hills, Mich., April 25, 2025 — ���Ĵ�ý is pleased to announce the promotion of April Smith to Vice President of Underwriting Operations.

In this new role, Ms. Smith will lead the execution of ���Ĵ�ý’s underwriting strategy, overseeing underwriting operations and talent management. She will also be responsible for driving business results across the company’s renewal portfolio—supporting ���Ĵ�ý’s broader strategic and operational objectives.

“April has been a tremendous asset to ���Ĵ�ý throughout her career,” said Marty Arnold, Chief Underwriting Officer at ���Ĵ�ý. “Her expertise, dedication, and thoughtful leadership have earned the trust of her peers and consistently delivered results. I’m confident she will continue to make a meaningful impact in this next chapter.”

Ms. Smith joined ���Ĵ�ý in 2005 as an Associate and has since progressed through a number of impactful roles, including Marketing Underwriter, Corporate Underwriting Consultant, and Manager of Line of Business Premium & Profitability. Most recently, she served as Assistant Vice President of Corporate Underwriting.

She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Adrian College and holds the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation.

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About ���Ĵ�ý Insurance
���Ĵ�ý is a leading provider of commercial property and casualty insurance solutions for U.S.-based construction, manufacturing and healthcare businesses. Licensed in all fifty states and available through an exclusive network of elite independent agents, the company upholds an “A” (Excellent) financial strength rating, industry-leading service scores, and multiple awards for innovation. ���Ĵ�ý has been in business for more than 100 years and is consistently named among the best places to work in the industry and throughout the nation. To learn more, visit amerisure.com.

A Proud History of Progress

Established in 1998, Women in Construction Week was born out of a vision to highlight women as a vital and necessary component of the construction industry. NAWIC, founded in 1953 in Fort Worth, Texas and now boasting over 115 chapters nationwide, has long championed the contributions of women—from overcoming challenges to leading innovative projects that shape our communities. This week serves as both a tribute to the courage and dedication of current professionals and an invitation to future generations to consider the boundless opportunities available in construction.

By the Numbers

Recent statistics paint a promising picture of growth and inclusion in the construction workforce. , construction employment has grown by an impressive 133,000 jobs—with women contributing 18,000 of these new positions. This means that approximately 1 in every 7 construction jobs, or just over 14% of the workforce, is now held by women. Even as the industry navigates fluctuations in job openings—from a record high of about 450,000 early in the year to around 300,000 by September—the steady influx of talented women ensures that the sector remains vibrant, resilient, and full of opportunity.

���Ĵ�ý targets and partners with construction businesses and proudly supports women in the industry. Learn more about our comprehensive construction solutions on our website.

���Ĵ�ý is upholding its part to change these statistics and support women in technology. We’re more than just a , and it’s not surprising considering our involvement with organizations that support women in technology. Our long-lasting partnership with the demonstrates our commitment to philanthropy and the promotion of technology careers for women. In partnership with MCWT, ���Ĵ�ý not only provides a platform for female employees to give back to the community through volunteering opportunities (such as judging at technology competitions, mentoring young women in tech, etc.) but also attracts female talent into the company. We also offer leadership clinics and other avenues for professional development and pride ourselves on providing these opportunities which further solidify our commitment to nurturing women’s growth in both the technology and insurance industry.

With over 27 years of experience in the technology field, Director of Application Engineering, Jyothi Palakodati, has enjoyed multiple opportunities to support women in the field, including several at ���Ĵ�ý.

“My educational background in Computer Science paired with giving back to the community — especially encouraging other women in technology — are passions of mine. I’ve been with ���Ĵ�ý for a year and a half now, and I am thrilled to validate that ���Ĵ�ý IT is a best place to work, especially for women.”

As ���Ĵ�ý’s point of contact for the MCWT relationship, Jyothi recently had the privilege of presenting scholarships to four young women who elected to study technology-related majors. She adds,

“���Ĵ�ý has an inclusive environment where women can thrive and contribute at all levels of the company. Women leaders in various cadres, including leadership and pivotal roles both in and outside of IT at ���Ĵ�ý, help to highlight our commitment to diversity and equality. Personally, the company’s values align with my passion for giving back to the community and supporting women in technology, making it a fulfilling workplace for me.”

In her early career, UX Designer, Holly Ross, who has an educational background in Computer Science, is passionate about the technology field. Over her two and a half years with the company, she has enjoyed the benefits of growth on a tech career path. She remarked:

“���Ĵ�ý is a company where all women can feel welcome, thrive, and grow within their careers, both inside and outside of IT. ���Ĵ�ý lives true to the company’s values on a daily basis while consistently giving back to its employees and the community. It is amazing to experience how diverse and inclusive ���Ĵ�ý’s culture is. I am proud to call myself a woman in IT at ���Ĵ�ý.”

Our company’s leadership is the driving force for recruiting people with a wide variety of backgrounds and skills, from recent graduates to seasoned managers. Chief Information Officer, Amjed Al-Zoubi, has been enthusiastic about opening the door for more women in technology as well as supporting the greater industry. He expressed his enthusiasm for our partnership with MCWT:

“Having a diverse team is so important in making ���Ĵ�ý a great place to work as well as for delivering great results, and MCWT is a part of that. What is really inspiring about MCWT’s vision is their full “life cycle” approach. From school-aged through professional careers, MCWT is working to grow interest in technology and keep women in the technology field as they move into the professional world. This makes a huge difference for Michigan companies looking for talent in technology fields.”

���Ĵ�ý is recruiting top talent in information technology and related areas. Please check out ���Ĵ�ý.com/Careers for more information on our openings and how to apply.

This year’s theme from the NAWIC is “Keys to the Future” and “celebrates the strength and knowledge of women and the vital role they play in shaping the future of the construction industry.” Based in Fort Worth, Texas, the NAWIC was founded in 1953, gained its charter in 1955, and now boasts over 115 chapters nationwide. In honor of WIC Week, check out these ways to celebrate and show awareness.

• Find a near you, and network with other women in the construction industry
• Utilize the WIC Week in documents, on jobsite equipment, or clothing
• Share a photo or story about your experience in the construction industry on social media
• Nominate a local woman in the construction industry for an award or recognition
• Invite a woman in construction to speak in a classroom, business or during a community event
• Research , and share with others to encourage women to get involved in the industry
• Offer to advertise construction job openings on your website or newspaper for free, or at a discounted price
• Host a STEM or skilled trades event that enables girls and women to experience tools, jobsite management and other construction opportunities

���Ĵ�ý targets and partners with construction businesses and proudly supports women in the industry. Learn more about our comprehensive construction solutions here.

Yee Leong-Mok, ���Ĵ�ý’s Assistant Vice President of Underwriting Systems & Technology, was recently recognized as a member of the inaugural Guidewire All-Star Class of 2023. The award recognizes drivers of organizational success within the Guidewire community who are involved in key initiatives and business processes benefiting their organization’s culture, customers and results.

The Guidewire team reviewed nominees and from hundreds of submissions.

“We are very excited that Yee has been recognized as part of the inaugural Guidewire All-Star class,” said Marty Arnold, ���Ĵ�ý’s Senior Vice President & Chief Underwriting Officer. “In leading our policy administration system and enhancing underwriting processes, Yee’s expertise and contributions go above and beyond.”

Yee joined ���Ĵ�ý in 2011 as a Senior Marketing Underwriter in the Atlanta Core Service Center and is a Guidewire Certified Associate, Certified Scrum Master and Certified Scrum Product Owner. In her current role, she develops and implements the vision for ���Ĵ�ý’s underwriting technology strategy.

The Guidewire All-Star award recipients were recognized at the Guidewire Connections conference on November 12-15, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee. ���Ĵ�ý has continued to evolve its customer experience through its partnership with Guidewire. In 2022, the company , allowing the ���Ĵ�ý team to adapt more quickly to changing market demands and deliver added value to its partner agencies and policyholders.

Throughout Women’s History Month, we will feature female change-makers and leaders at ���Ĵ�ý who are providing an industry-leading experience and making an impact within the insurance space.

Yvonne Hobson has experienced tremendous growth, both personally and professionally, throughout her career. As vice president of Special Risk for ���Ĵ�ý, Yvonne is responsible for driving business strategy and results as they relate to the programs, products and administration of special risk capabilities. This includes large accounts, loss sensitive, group captive and other alternative risk programs, as well as identifying new market opportunities to help expand the company’s footprint.

Yvonne has more than 30 years of experience in property & casualty insurance, and during her tenure with ���Ĵ�ý, has risen from a manager to several leadership roles. She served as vice president of the corporate underwriting team until the spring of 2020. In this role, Yvonne was tasked with reshaping the department, which included hiring line of business underwriting professionals with robust underwriting and analytical skills. She was also charged with improving underwriting efficiency through process and technology improvements and created the Underwriting Systems and Technology team.

Three years ago, Yvonne was selected to serve as vice president of Special Risk and was eager to accept the new professional challenge. She met with hundreds of contacts in her first year of the role to enhance the team’s brand. Today, she is continuing to develop rising stars in the department — expanding product and market offerings — and has helped the team reach its premium goal each year.

“I love meeting with customers and am proud of the team’s growth and achievements,” said Hobson.

A Rising Tide Lifts all Boats

Yvonne is both collaborative and team-oriented and believes more is accomplished when bringing everyone together rather than individually. One of her strongest leadership qualities is being achievement-oriented and inspiring her team to achieve their goals. This drives the success of her team, as Yvonne believes “a rising tide lifts all boats.”

Frequent communication is also important to Yvonne, and she aims to be transparent by providing frequent touch points, which was especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also believes it takes a diverse team to be successful, as everyone brings a different skillset to the table, and in this type of environment she is best able to nurture and develop the unique skill sets of the group.

Mentorship & Enhancing Her Skills

When Yvonne was rising in her career, she had a female advisor through a mentorship program, and because of this impactful experience, mentoring other women has always been important to her. Currently, Yvonne has several mentor relationships with professionals at ���Ĵ�ý, and they regularly reach out to her for support and guidance. She recently mentored a young woman who was looking to make a career change to underwriting and helped her navigate this change. Two of Yvonne’s recent mentees have also risen to assistant vice president and vice president roles.

“When I am asked, I always extend an enthusiastic ‘Yes!’ to being a mentor, because someone cared enough to care about me along the way,” said Hobson. “Helping individuals evolve their talents and providing them with opportunities has always been important to me and allows me to be confident there are the right people in the right seats for the next leaders at ���Ĵ�ý.”

As part of her professional growth, Yvonne has excelled at public speaking throughout her career. By becoming experienced with speaking throughout her various roles, she has been able to move past an initial reluctance and become an effective public speaker. In her personal time, she is also a volunteer with The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan.

Moving forward, Yvonne is excited to drive business strategy and results for Special Risk and ���Ĵ�ý.

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About Yvonne Hobson

Yvonne Hobson is the Vice President of Special Risk for ���Ĵ�ý. In this role, she is responsible for business strategy as it relates to the programs, products and administration of Special Risk capabilities.

Yvonne began her career at ���Ĵ�ý in 1987. During her tenure, she has held roles beginning in Field Underwriting, as an Underwriter and Field Marketing & Underwriting Manager. Later, she was promoted to Assistant Vice President of Corporate Underwriting, then Vice President of Corporate Underwriting in 2006, where she oversaw underwriting products and strategy for more than 15 years. In 2020, she assumed the role of Vice President, Special Risk for ���Ĵ�ý.

Yvonne received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Michigan University.