Connecticut Insurance and Financial Services
Connecticut Insurance and Financial Services (CT IFS) was established in 2003 as a statewide initiative of the MetroHartford Alliance. Representing 23 member companies, we are the driving force behind Connecticut’s globally recognized insurance and financial services sector. For over two decades, CT IFS has been dedicated to strengthening and advancing the industry, ensuring it remains a leader in innovation, talent, and economic growth.
Extensive Data Hub
Robust network of more than 500 public and private organizations
23 Member Companies
Partner with experts changing the global insurance marketplace
Statewide Alliance
Regional networking for insurance executives, professionals and startups
Leadership and Collaboration
CT IFS leadership works closely with the State of Connecticut, meeting quarterly with the Commissioners of Economic Development, Banking, and Insurance. This public-private partnership fosters collaboration, aligning strategies and goals to drive economic growth and strengthen the insurance and financial services industry.
Current Chair
Mark Meador
President
ConnectiCare
Recent Past Chairs
Anne Thibeault
Vice President, Product Integration and Segment Strategies
Michael Klein
EVP & President, Personal Insurance
Travelers
Jim Bedard
CFO Individual and Specialty Businesses
UnitedHealthcare
Executive Committee
Timothy Archer, CEO, New England, UnitedHealthcare
Laura Borek, Assistant Vice President, Enterprise Long-Term Growth & Innovation, The Hartford
Rajat Kalia, Chief Technology Officer, Workplace Solutions, Voya
Courtney Larkin, Vice President, Government Relations, Travelers
Shilpa Manaktala, Partner Insurance Trust Solutions, PwC
Adam McLaughlin, Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending, Webster Bank
Anne Thibeault, Vice President, Head of Product Strategy & Solution Delivery, Empower Retirement
Roberta Wachtelhausen, President, WellSpark Health
Board Members
Stuart Brereton, Chief Sales Officer, Delta Dental of Connecticut & New Jersey, Inc.
Ethan Chevrette, Audit Senior Manager, Deloitte
Diane Ellsworth, Chief of Staff to CEO, Nassau Financial Group
Scott Hawkins, Managing Director, Head of Insurance Research, Conning
Matthew Hummel, Senior Vice President and Team Leader, Key Bank
Drew Iacucci, Senior Vice President, Private Client Manager, Bank of America
Susan Jackson, Partner, KPMG
Domenic Luppino, Vice President, Consulting Services, CGI
Lisa Marecki, Senior Vice President, Workplace Benefits, Symetra
Charlie Mihaliak, Principal, Financial Services Office, EY
Prem Sagar Sundaram, Client Partner, Insurance Services, Cognizant
Vilas Shah, Head - Partnership and Alliance [Insurance North America], Infosys
Stephanie Watkins, Senior Vice President, Global Product Owners, HSB/Munich Re
The Driving Force Behind Connecticut’s Leadership
The success of Connecticut’s insurance and financial services industry is built on collaboration and visionary leadership. As a key initiative of the MetroHartford Alliance, CT IFS benefits from strong partnerships and strategic guidance. Together, they create the foundation for innovation, growth, and global impact.
A MetroHartford Alliance Initiative
CT IFS is a key initiative of the MetroHartford Alliance (MHA), an organization powered by more than 500 businesses, public and private organizations, and municipalities. The MHA champions economic growth and innovation across the Hartford Region, fostering collaboration to enhance quality of life, attract top talent, and create a thriving business ecosystem. By tracking vital data and aligning with state and regional partners, the MHA provides essential support to CT IFS, helping the insurance and financial services sector lead on a global scale.
Susan Winkler: Leading CT IFS
Since 2007, Susan Winkler has provided strategic leadership to CT IFS, guiding the organization’s mission to strengthen Connecticut’s insurance and financial services sector. As Executive Director, Susan works closely with the Board of Directors and key stakeholders, including K-12 and post-secondary education partners, state officials, and national and international agencies. Her collaborative efforts ensure CT IFS remains a leader in innovation, talent development, and economic growth.
Susan also serves as a prominent representative of Connecticut’s insurance and financial services industry, collaborating with trade associations, and sitting on numerous boards.
