Event Details

Convention

Mark Your Calendars

The North Carolina Surplus Lines Association’s Annual Convention is
March 18-20, 2026, at the Grandover Resort.

This event brings together industry professionals, regulators, and leaders for a unique opportunity to network, share insights, and stay ahead of the latest developments in the surplus lines market. With a full agenda of informative sessions, interactive workshops, and engaging social events, this is one gathering you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for more details—registration opens soon! We look forward to seeing you there!

View Schedule
View Sponsorships

2026 Convention Speakers

Brady Kelley

WSIA

Chief Executive Officer & President

Brady R. Kelley has served as WSIA’s CEO & President (previously Executive Director) since August 2017 and was previously NAPSLO’s Executive Director since September 2011. Brady is responsible for the overall management of the association’s staff support activities, services to members and business operations.

Prior to joining WSIA Brady was the Chief Financial and Business Strategy Officer for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) with oversight of the NAIC Finance Division, Products and Services Division, Technical Services Division and the NAIC Financial Regulation Standards and Accreditation Program. In this role, Brady was responsible for all financial management and reporting, business strategy, risk management and compliance activities. His previous positions include Senior Vice President of Finance for the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation and Senior Accountant in the Kansas City office of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

Wendy Houser

Markel

President, US Wholesale & Specialty

Wendy Houser is the President of US Wholesale and Specialty at Markel, where she has been instrumental in shaping the company’s business model. With over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, including 11 years as a broker, Houser has played a significant role in the development and success of Markel’s wholesale and specialty operations.

Her leadership has been recognized with the Dana Roehrig Award for outstanding service to a committee and her appointment to the WSIA Board of Directors in 2019. Houser is also a strong supporter of diversity and inclusion within the insurance industry, having served on the IICF Board of Governors and as the chair of the IICF Southeast Division Board of Directors.

Eden Hancock

Risk Placement Services

Area Senior Vice President
Atlanta Transportation

Eden Hancock’s professional journey in the insurance industry is marked by her leadership and dedication. She joined Risk Placement Services (RPS) in 2018 as the Area Senior Vice President for Atlanta Transportation. With over 15 years of experience in the transportation industry, she has been instrumental in developing a transportation team for RPS’s Alpharetta, GA office. Eden’s leadership extends to the fleet/brokerage department at RPS Charlotte, which is the fastest- growing segment within RPS Transportation.

Her recognition as an Elite Woman by Insurance Business America in 2017 highlights her significant contributions to the industry. Eden holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Kennesaw State University and has earned her Transportation Risk Specialist Designation. Her personal life includes being married with two daughters and a stepson currently pursuing his RMI degree at UGA. Eden’s commitment to the insurance industry is evident in her role as a Senior VP, Area Transportation (Atlanta) at RPS, where she continues to drive growth and innovation.

Joe Hutelmyer

Appalachian State University

Adjunct Lecturer
Finance, Banking & Insurance

BS Business Administration – Drexel University, Risk Management Leadership Track/Georgia State University; Certified Insurance Wholesaler

Joe spent over 40 years in the insurance industry as an Owner and President of a Specialty Wholesaler, and sold his operation to Amwins Group where he stayed on as President of the Transportation Division and ultimately Chief Underwriting Officer. Retired from Amwins and took over as CEO/COO of the Motor Carrier Insurance Education Foundation where he guided the Foundation through COVID and retired from the Foundation in 2022.

Joe served on the NC Surplus Lines Stamping Office Advisory Board and the Brantley Center Board at Appalachian State for 10 years. He also served on the American Association of Managing General Agents Board of Directors for 9 years, serving as President in 2005. Served as Chancellor of the AAMGA University for 3 years and have taught insurance classes for 30+ years. Joe holds a Certified Insurance Wholesaler and Transportation Risk Consultant Designation and has been a Lloyds Coverholder and Lloyds Correspondent throughout his career.

Alyssa Bouchard

Gamma Iota Sigma

Senior Vice President
MBA, CPCU, ARM, ASLI

Alyssa Bouchard’s career journey is marked by her dedication to the insurance industry and her commitment to education and community engagement. She has held various leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of Development at Gamma Iota Sigma and Vice President of Communications at the Michigan Bankers Association.

Her professional accolades include the Alan C. Williams Leadership Award from Gamma Iota Sigma and recognition as one of the “young stars” in the insurance industry by Insurance Business America. Alyssa’s efforts have not only shaped her professional growth but also her impact on the communities she serves.

Anella Bengel

Burns & Wilcox

Associate Vice President
NCSLA President

NCSLA – President

Since joining Burns & Wilcox in 2010, Anella has held multiple roles within the organization. Currently as Associate Vice President, Regional Practice Group Leader for the Atlantic Region, she helps manage product offerings, contract renewals, and assists with the training and development of the personal insurance teams across 11 Burns & Wilcox office locations.

With years of experience working with coastal personal insurance products – including wind coverage, coastal homeowners and flood – her responsibilities also involve continuing to modify and evolve the company’s exclusive products for East Coast exposures.
Additionally, Anella works directly with carrier partners to provide optimal programs for the teams she assists. She also helps strengthen and build relationships with retail clients through various marketing and sales strategies.