Meet the Makers

Katie brings 20+ years of experience in content, marketing, and operations for trade associations to the A-Team, including 16 years at IIABA as VP of communications. She has led award-winning teams and served as editor-in-chief of Independent Agent magazine. 

Rosalie is Managing Editor with 25+ years in B2B publishing, specializing in simplifying complex legal and regulatory topics. A former lawyer, she’s covered everything from insurance to employment law. She holds a JD from the University of Toledo and a BA from Fairfield University. 

Dave brings his  deep  expertise  in employee benefits  and financial literacy to his work. He’s authored over 200 articles and co-wrote The Practical Agency Planner. A former SVP at IIABA, he led the Trusted Choice brand and served as publisher of Independent Agent magazine.

Fiona is a brand and creative strategist with a global perspective, bringing 20 years of experience from the U.K. to Washington, D.C. Known for her agile, design-led approach to problem-solving, she delivers smart, creative solutions as part of the Aartrijk team—when she’s not kayaking the Potomac.

Virginia is a seasoned designer with award-winning work spanning industries from craft breweries to global brands. Since 2004, she’s brought creative problem-solving to both digital and print projects—often from her home in the woods of southern Mississippi. 

Kevin brings 15+ years of research expertise from Washington Mutual, Safeco, and Liberty Mutual, where his team earned the 2020 Marketing Research & Insight Excellence Award. A certified Insights Professional (Master level), he helps uncover what agents, customers, and employees really think. 

Lauri started in insurance in her family’s MGA business in 1999 and quickly gained experience in marketing, claims, operations, and premium finance. She’s focused on digital distribution and marketing, blending industry know-how with a passion for communication and innovation. 

Maggie began her career in litigation consulting for Price Waterhouse but found her true calling in client services and project management. She has worked in that capacity for the New York Stock Exchange, Hertz UK, and fintech company Cullinan Group. Maggie loves to anticipate her clients’ needs and find them a solution. 

Cybil is a results-driven communications strategist with a proven track record of helping organizations achieve sustainable growth through strategic counsel, market positioning and innovative media and communication solutions. With deep expertise in the insurance, financial services and professional services industries, Rose specializes in aligning communications strategy with business goals to amplify impact and drive measurable results. 

Amy brings over 20 years of marketing and communications experience, with a background in both agency and corporate roles. She’s held leadership positions at Campbell Mithun and Bob Evans Farms, and consulted for clients like Assurex Global. Amy holds a PR degree from Bowling Green State and a master’s in advertising from Northwestern.

Peter is a lifelong sports fan with sharp insurance insight and a passion for clear, creative communication. In 1999, after two decades in journalism and PR, he founded Aartrijk—a team of pros who mix strategy with fun (a hiring requirement). He named it after his Belgian ancestors, though we’re still waiting on the chocolate. 

Mike Butler is a PMP-certified professional with 25 years of experience in operations, finance, and IT at Deloitte and KPMG. He has led teams of up to 30 and delivered process improvements and automation to enhance both internal operations and client-facing services.