Advisory Council (click to view)
Board of Directors
President (January 2023 - December 2024)
Landon Paulson, CIC has been focused on commercial insurance in its many forms for over 5 years now, starting his career at Philadelphia insurance, where he was quickly licensed and pursued his CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor designation). He learned invaluable carrier and marketing experience there, which was helpful in transferring into a retail production role in Pasadena, CA.
After having many positive events with the EIP boards in the Los Angeles area, the first thing he did when he moved back home
to Sacramento was look up the local chapter. Seeing the opportunity and potential for this great organization drove him to seek
Board membership and get involved. Landon is currently a Commercial Insurance Broker for USI and assists his clients and
partners with their insurance and risk management programs.
When he isn’t working, he enjoys good food, soccer, snow sports and his dog Baxter.
Landon Paulson, CIC has been focused on commercial insurance in its many forms for over 5 years now, starting his career at Philadelphia insurance, where he was quickly licensed and pursued his CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor designation). He learned invaluable carrier and marketing experience there, which was helpful in transferring into a retail production role in Pasadena, CA.
After having many positive events with the EIP boards in the Los Angeles area, the first thing he did when he moved back home
to Sacramento was look up the local chapter. Seeing the opportunity and potential for this great organization drove him to seek
Board membership and get involved. Landon is currently a Commercial Insurance Broker for USI and assists his clients and
partners with their insurance and risk management programs.
When he isn’t working, he enjoys good food, soccer, snow sports and his dog Baxter.
Vice President (January 2023 - December 2024)
Caroline Brush began her career in the Risk Management industry in 2014 when she interned for Bickmore. After graduating from Chico State University, Caroline was hired by Sedgwick for data analysis, event coordinating and member communications for two joint powers authorities (JPAs). She worked in Sedgwick’s administration department, providing service to clients and assisting in claims management. After three years, Caroline moved to the consulting world and now works for Control Risks. Control Risks is a global risk and strategic consulting firm specializing in political, security and integrity risk to help organizations succeed in a volatile world.
Caroline quickly got involved with the EIP and started assisting in event coordinating, later seeking further responsibility of Board membership.
In her spare time, Caroline enjoys weekend getaways, being outdoors and spending time with her family.
Caroline Brush began her career in the Risk Management industry in 2014 when she interned for Bickmore. After graduating from Chico State University, Caroline was hired by Sedgwick for data analysis, event coordinating and member communications for two joint powers authorities (JPAs). She worked in Sedgwick’s administration department, providing service to clients and assisting in claims management. After three years, Caroline moved to the consulting world and now works for Control Risks. Control Risks is a global risk and strategic consulting firm specializing in political, security and integrity risk to help organizations succeed in a volatile world.
Caroline quickly got involved with the EIP and started assisting in event coordinating, later seeking further responsibility of Board membership.
In her spare time, Caroline enjoys weekend getaways, being outdoors and spending time with her family.
Director of Finance & Treasurer (2017 - current)
Rebekah Winger spent her career working in insurance and risk pooling for CA Counties and Public Entities. She was most recently the Underwriting Manager for Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management (PRISM), where she developed expertise in JPA administration, risk financing, and underwriting.
Rebekah has recently taken a step back from that fast-paced role to focus more on her family and spending time with her one year old son. Rebekah remains engaged in risk pooling and insurance organizations (like EIP) and will continue consulting or part-time work, assisting risk pools and public entities with insurance and risk management.
Rebekah Winger spent her career working in insurance and risk pooling for CA Counties and Public Entities. She was most recently the Underwriting Manager for Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management (PRISM), where she developed expertise in JPA administration, risk financing, and underwriting.
Rebekah has recently taken a step back from that fast-paced role to focus more on her family and spending time with her one year old son. Rebekah remains engaged in risk pooling and insurance organizations (like EIP) and will continue consulting or part-time work, assisting risk pools and public entities with insurance and risk management.
Secretary/Director of Member Services (2022 - current)
Erica Weill started her insurance career in 2016 working at Builders & Tradesmen Ins. Services as a business development rep. She then decided to get her P&C Insurance License and work as an agent specializing in the Construction Industry. Her combined experience gave her an advantage when she decided to make the switch to Imperial PFS. Now, she works as a Sales Executive, helping the agents and brokers of Northern California with their premium financing needs.
Outside of work, Erica loves to travel. She enjoys skiing in Tahoe, laying by the beach, and spending time with her family.
Erica Weill started her insurance career in 2016 working at Builders & Tradesmen Ins. Services as a business development rep. She then decided to get her P&C Insurance License and work as an agent specializing in the Construction Industry. Her combined experience gave her an advantage when she decided to make the switch to Imperial PFS. Now, she works as a Sales Executive, helping the agents and brokers of Northern California with their premium financing needs.
Outside of work, Erica loves to travel. She enjoys skiing in Tahoe, laying by the beach, and spending time with her family.
Director of Networking Events (2022 - current)
Ted Datanagan is the Business Development Manager of PacWest Alliance Insurances Services, a California based insurance cluster that provides a managed environment for its members to maximize growth and profit while maintaining complete independence and ownership. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Saint Mary’s College of California. Ted previously worked at Access Partners Insurance Services as an Account Coordinator before joining PacWest Alliance in 2020.
In his free time, Ted enjoys adventuring with family and friends, snowboarding, golf, paddle boarding and learning to cook
new recipes.
Ted Datanagan is the Business Development Manager of PacWest Alliance Insurances Services, a California based insurance cluster that provides a managed environment for its members to maximize growth and profit while maintaining complete independence and ownership. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Saint Mary’s College of California. Ted previously worked at Access Partners Insurance Services as an Account Coordinator before joining PacWest Alliance in 2020.
In his free time, Ted enjoys adventuring with family and friends, snowboarding, golf, paddle boarding and learning to cook
new recipes.
Board Member (2023 - current)
Ryan Gildea is a Senior Marketing Representative for Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY). He has worked in the Property and Casualty industry for nearly eight years. He began his career as a wholesale broker and obtained experience in sales and management. After a few years, he moved to the agency side before coming to PHLY in October of 2021. In his current role, he manages the Central Valley territory. Ryan’s primary focuses are agribusiness and nonprofits. He enjoys building strong relationships with agents and the fast-paced nature of the industry. As he has grown as a professional, he takes pride in offering his agents exceptional service.
Ryan grew up in Stockton, CA. He attended Azusa Pacific University and graduated with a degree in Business Management. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports, and playing golf.
Ryan Gildea is a Senior Marketing Representative for Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY). He has worked in the Property and Casualty industry for nearly eight years. He began his career as a wholesale broker and obtained experience in sales and management. After a few years, he moved to the agency side before coming to PHLY in October of 2021. In his current role, he manages the Central Valley territory. Ryan’s primary focuses are agribusiness and nonprofits. He enjoys building strong relationships with agents and the fast-paced nature of the industry. As he has grown as a professional, he takes pride in offering his agents exceptional service.
Ryan grew up in Stockton, CA. He attended Azusa Pacific University and graduated with a degree in Business Management. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports, and playing golf.
Board Member (2023 - current)
Jesse Carlson is a commercial insurance broker in the Rancho Cordova office for USI Insurance Services. He worked in construction prior to his insurance career. Now he utilizes the knowledge gained in the construction industry as a specialist in construction risk management. His insurance career started in employee benefits for large group employers with an independent local agency. He quickly transitioned to commercial insurance as a marketing assistant, working under three experienced brokers for several years learning the industry. Now Jesse has nearly 6 years of experience in helping construction industry specialists improve their insurance & risk management programs and is working on obtaining his CRIS
designation (Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist).
Jesse enjoys all things outdoors. In his spare time, you can find him on the golf course, camping, snowboarding, or wine
tasting in Amador County.
Jesse Carlson is a commercial insurance broker in the Rancho Cordova office for USI Insurance Services. He worked in construction prior to his insurance career. Now he utilizes the knowledge gained in the construction industry as a specialist in construction risk management. His insurance career started in employee benefits for large group employers with an independent local agency. He quickly transitioned to commercial insurance as a marketing assistant, working under three experienced brokers for several years learning the industry. Now Jesse has nearly 6 years of experience in helping construction industry specialists improve their insurance & risk management programs and is working on obtaining his CRIS
designation (Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist).
Jesse enjoys all things outdoors. In his spare time, you can find him on the golf course, camping, snowboarding, or wine
tasting in Amador County.
Board Member (2023 - current)
Derek Van Gundy went into Zenith Insurance Company’s Underwriting Training program in 2014 after graduating from California Lutheran University. He is currently a Senior Underwriter at Zenith. He earned designations for Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS) in 2018 and Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) in 2022.
When he isn’t working, he enjoys hiking, snowboarding, golfing, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Derek Van Gundy went into Zenith Insurance Company’s Underwriting Training program in 2014 after graduating from California Lutheran University. He is currently a Senior Underwriter at Zenith. He earned designations for Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS) in 2018 and Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) in 2022.
When he isn’t working, he enjoys hiking, snowboarding, golfing, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
