Key Speakers

 

Hostess

Amanda Brewton
Owner, Medicare Answers Now

 

Amanda is the owner of Medicare Answers Now in Cleveland, Ohio which is Field Marketing Organization with agents in over 40 states and specializing in Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, Part D Plans, and more. She has been working in the Medicare field for over 17 years, working for both Aetna and Anthem. She continues teaching numerous courses across the country on such topics as: Ethics, Business Development, Sales, Marketing, and many Continuing Education courses. She was recently awarded “Educator of the Year” by her local state NABIP Chapter.

She is also the creator of the Ms. Medicare Conference, which provides an environment for women to network and learn from each other about work/life balance, being a business owner, industry trends and other fundamental skills to help them attain their dreams. She is also the creator of Medicare and Margaritas which is a conference open to ALL agents which focuses on subject deep dives and social networking. Last, Amanda is the partner for the Agent Symposium at the Medicarians: The Future of Senior Health, RetireTech and AgeTech Conference in Las Vegas.

Amanda has been a member for NABIP (National Association of Benefit and Insurance Professionals) since 2007 and held several seats on the Northeast Ohio Chapter board. She is currently serving on the National Membership Board.

Amanda has returned to the NABIP Medicare Advisory Group which is a select group of leaders from across the country that work directly with CMS and various other legislative organizations to discuss the various concerns and issues facing the agents in our industry.

 

Key Speakers

Michelle Waldron
Health Insurance for Seniors, LLC

Anna Patrick
CSG Actuarial and Integrity

 

Anna leads technology training at CSG Actuarial and Integrity. She is passionate about helping agents utilize technology and market data to better manage and serve their clients, increase retention and grow their sales. Anna helps agents understand Medicare market trends and teaches agents how to apply the data to make more informed decisions for their business and their clients.

Jessica Brooks-Woods
NABIP Chief Executive Officer

 

Jessica Brooks-Woods is the chief executive officer of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP), the preeminent organization for health insurance and employee benefits professionals, working diligently to ensure all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare and related benefits. Jessica is also the president of NABIP’s Education Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that assists consumers and communities with access to affordable, high-quality healthcare through educational programs, targeted contributions and online tools.

Brooks-Woods is a respected leader in the healthcare industry and has built a reputation as an engaged and inclusive leader. As NABIP’s CEO, she is focused on shaping the future of healthcare by driving affordability and equity for all.

Brooks-Woods has more than two decades of business and healthcare experience, including president and chief executive officer of the Pittsburgh Business Group on Health, where she led the effort to redefine and advance the discussion around healthcare value, access and quality on behalf of employers. She also co-founded the Executive Action Response Network (EARN) and launched EARN Staffing Solutions as a crucial resource for the business community to advance the culture, procedures, policies and practices to lead sustainable economic empowerment for the African-American workforce and community.

As a prominent and innovative leader in the industry, Brooks-Woods is a recipient of the 2019 Pittsburgh Women of Influence Award and led the Pittsburgh Business Group on Health for its recognition as a Healthcare Purchasing Collaborative Award winner, sponsored by the Validation Institute and the World Healthcare Congress. She serves on the board of governors for the University of Pittsburgh Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence, Adagio Health, the Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative and the Patient Health Action Network, and as an appointee to the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange.

Brooks-Woods has been published in many major news outlets and appeared on numerous radio and TV stations across the country. She was recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times as a Fast Tracker and named to the 2015 Smart 50 class by Smart Business Magazine. Brooks-Woods is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and Carnegie Mellon University, where she received her master’s degree in public management.

Jessalyn Pito

 

Jessalyn Pito hailing from Middletown, Connecticut, boasts a rich career journey marked by versatility and achievement. With a background initially rooted in healthcare, Jessalyn spent 16 impactful years as an x-ray technician. Concurrently, she explored the realm of network marketing, finding an entrepreneurial spark that would shape her path for years to come.

Throughout her tenure in network marketing, spanning another 16 years, Jessalyn exhibited remarkable prowess, emerging as a trailblazer within her company. Notably, she earned the distinction of being the first individual to achieve the remarkable milestone of selling over $1,000,000 in products, showcasing her innate talent for sales and leadership. In addition to this accomplishment, she was a guest on the Dr Oz show for her ability to being super organized.

In a bold career pivot, Jessalyn transitioned into the Medicare Insurance Space, where she embarked on a new chapter that has proven to be equally rewarding. As she enters her sixth year in this field, Jessalyn's dedication and expertise have earned her widespread recognition. She has been named a Top Producer for esteemed industry giants such as Aetna, Anthem BCBS, and United Healthcare, solidifying her status as a trusted authority in the realm of insurance.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jessalyn's personal life is marked by love and resilience. She cherishes the memories of her beloved spouse, John, who earned his angel wings in 2022, and finds strength and joy in the company of her furbaby Chance, son and granddaughter Jessalyn Pito exemplifies the spirit of perseverance, innovation, and compassion, both in her career achievements and in her personal journey. Her story serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to turn challenges into opportunities and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Susan L. Combs, PPACA, ChHC, REBC
Combs & Company

 

Susan L. Combs launched her entrepreneurial journey in 2005, founding Combs & Company at the age of 26. Since then, she and her team have become the trusted go-to for companies often overlooked by insurance carriers, such as those in entertainment, food, and international spheres entering the U.S. market.

With a knack for navigating the ever-changing insurance landscape, Susan has collected certifications like prized trading cards, including the esteemed Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) certification. Her expertise in health insurance, akin to Sherlock Holmes, has made her the sought-after guru on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), sought after as a witness, advisor, and speaker.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Susan is an active contributor to her community, serving on the Advisory Board for the University of Missouri Law School Veterans Clinic, as a Trustee for the University of Missouri Jefferson Club, and volunteering for Hospice. Making history as the youngest-ever National President (2014-2015) of Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS), Susan has garnered numerous accolades, including the 2011 Graduate Of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D) Award and the first female to receive the Broker of the Year (BOY) Award from BenefitsPro Magazine in 2017.

In 2022, Susan added author to her resume with the release of "Pancakes For Roger: A Mentorship Guide for Slaying Dragons," dedicated to her father and mentor, Major General Roger E. Combs. A portion of the book's proceeds supports the Missouri Law School Veterans Clinic annually.

Hailing from King City, MO, Susan was raised alongside her older brother Matt by her entrepreneurial mother and county Judge and General father. Now residing in Queens, NYC, with her husband, Sean, and their furry companions, Pepper and Roxy, Susan isn't just thriving in business—she's also a CrossFit and Strongman enthusiast, boasting an over 200lb bench press! 1

Natalie Patterson
Senior Vice President
TLC Insurance Group and Wealth

 

Natalie Patterson is a well-respected figure in the insurance industry, exemplifying dedication, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence over her 11 years at TLC Insurance Group & Wealth. Her impressive career, marked by hard work and innovative leadership as the National Sales and Marketing Director, has recently led to her promotion to Senior Vice President.

Natalie's pivotal role in the growth and success of TLC is marked by her drive for innovation. She develops and implements business strategies, cultivating strong relationships with agents, carriers, and key partners. Her expertise in individual and group Medicare and her extensive knowledge of the insurance industry ensures an all-inclusive approach that facilitates collective growth and success.

Her comprehensive coaching and training, a testament to her dedication, illustrate Natalie's commitment to agents' professional development and business growth. Starting her career as an independent agent, Natalie advocates for a growth mindset, encouraging agents to develop healthy habits, set ambitious goals, and pursue continuous learning. She consistently prioritizes the needs of affiliated agents and agencies, ensuring her decisions positively impact them and add value.

Natalie's optimistic attitude fuels success, leadership, and progress in industry trends, technological innovations, and networking. Known for her caring nature, honesty, loyalty, and determination, she inspires those around her to achieve and surpass their goals. Raised by a mother who built a successful P&C agency, Natalie learned the values of independence and strength early on, which continue to shape her approach to both business and life.

Outside of her professional life, Natalie cherishes her family. She has a supportive husband, an 11-year-old daughter (her mirror image), a 21-year-old stepson, and two rescue dogs. She also loves spending time on the sunny beaches of the Florida Gulf Coast.

Natalie Patterson's journey in the insurance industry is a testament to her success and personal growth. Her experience and insight are invaluable in the insurance industry and across professional settings.

Becki Jennings
Jennings Insurance Group

 

Becki Jennings is the owner of Jennings Insurance Group. The agency opened in June 2011, after she returned to Missouri from Boise, Id, where she lived for 20 years and raised her two daughters.

Becki began her career in the insurance industry in 2007. She remains focused on senior benefits, including Medicare Health Plans, Annuities, Life Insurance, and Employee benefits.

Becki is passionate about her clients and works to introduce legislation to help Medicare beneficiaries and clients in the State of Missouri. She is a member of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals, where she serves as Legislative Chair for the Central Missouri Chapter. Becki joins them while they remain on the front lines, lobbying in Washington DC for brokers and their clients.

Buffie Bain
Independent Insurance Agent

 

Buffie is an independent insurance agent from Greenwood, South Carolina. She has held her Certified Pharmacy Technician License for 28 years. Working in retail pharmacies she was passionate about helping patients find ways to afford expensive medications. Buffie was a liaison for Bridges to access and spent time off researching programs and grants to help her clients. In 2017 she took her Life and Health insurance exam and began helping people with their Medicare. Understanding how insurance works on both sides of the counter has not only been an asset to her client base, but also enabled Buffie to build important referral relationships. Her Business has flourished based on referrals and grassroots marketing.

Dr. Timothy R. King Ph.D., P.C.C.-S
Professional clinical counselor and life coach

 

Dr. Tim was born and raised in Northeast Ohio and has spent over 30 years in the people helping profession. He has completed a bachelor of science degree in psychology and a master of arts degree in clinical counseling. Dr. Tim is licensed in the state of Ohio as a licensed professional clinical counselor and supervisor. Dr. Tim earned and received his doctorate (Ph.D. in clinical counseling) from Liberty University 2014 . Dr. Tim also has extensive training in marriage and family, conflict resolution, addictions, parenting, life coaching, and grief issues. He has also completed course work from the University of Akron and Kent State University as well.

Dr. Tim is the founder of Family Care Counseling Centers and Coaching 4 Living. He has hosted live call-in radio shows and has appeared on several radio and local television programs. He has been a guest lecture at colleges and universities and has spoken to audiences of thousands throughout the United States and abroad. Dr. Tim has consulted with numerous school systems and businesses.

leaders grow to reach their full potential by living emotionally, physically, spiritually, and relationally healthy lives.

Dr. Tim enjoys being in the outdoors hunting, fishing, playing baseball, and spending time with his family.

Dr. Tim has been married to Stacy for over 35 years and is the father of three children Kyler (Kourtney), McKala (Stephen), Kaleigh(11/26/2000-8/17/2020). four grandchildren, Rylan, Charlie, Shepherd, and Bryson. Dr. Tim’s family is active at New Pointe Community Church and resides in Uniontown Ohio.