2021 President Dan Auslander –

In this column a year ago former Foundation President, Lynn Halper, eloquently detailed the organization’s new focus to support tomorrow’s diverse professional liability workforce through outreach, education, mentoring and giving back.

Despite the many challenges we all faced in 2020, it was a truly exciting year for the PLUS Foundation and its exceptional board of directors. Executive Director, Glenda Swan, led our long-term strategic planning while executing our outstanding fundraising and giving back efforts. The Foundation successfully accomplished so much last year, highlighted by the formation of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee and the transition of the Diversity Leadership and Mentoring Program from PLUS to the Foundation.

The Foundation achieves its goals by implementing the following cornerstone programs:

The Diversity Leadership and Mentoring Program (LAMP) – This program focuses on the advancement of traditionally underrepresented groups in the professional liability industry through education, mentoring, and access to PLUS resources. The ten insurance professionals in the 2021 Cohort are from the US, Canada, and Bermuda.

Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) – WLN provides opportunities for women to network, improve their professional skills, and learn from the experience of other accomplished women. We look forward to again partnering with PLUS Chapters across the country to present speakers and topics that focus on enhancing the success of women in the professional liability workforce.

WLN Scholarship – We are proud to offer this scholarship to women who are investing in themselves to obtain positions of greater responsibility and enhance their contribution in the industry. The WLN Scholarship provides the winners with mentorship opportunities within PLUS and funds leadership development opportunities of their choice.

Conference Cause – This is one of my favorite programs, and the event that, years ago, convinced me to become a volunteer leader of the Foundation. Conference Cause began in 2004 and, due to the incredible financial and volunteer support of our professional liability colleagues, has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to worthy not-for-profit organizations located in the city where the annual PLUS Conference is held.

In summary, Foundation activities prioritize supporting individuals who face obstacles to entering or advancing their career, and populations that are underrepresented in professional liability insurance and in senior management.

Thank you to all the companies and individuals that generously give to support the Foundation! Our ability to execute our mission and impactful programs is solely dependent on your generosity.

We look forward to continuing to support the Professional Liability industry by giving back and preparing the future. Be well.