BIP Summer 2024

with other organizations in the space. On the first account, she says, “What's missing for agents and brokers not part of a very large organization is someplace to go for a source of truth, for education. There is a lot that goes into a robust advisor relationship these days. I want NABIP to be the place they can go to feel like they can get the tools and the resources and trust they need.” As for boosting collaboration, Riedl sees the Healthcare Bill of Rights as an essential tool. "We can use the Bill of Rights to focus on important things and then show, 'Here's what we've done, and here's what we stand for.' Doing that, we'll get more face time and credibility with the other organizations trying to change the healthcare system, too," Riedl says.

With many years of active involvement across NABIP committees, conferences, chapters, and more, Riedl is sometimes asked for her perspective on the value she gets from the endeavors. “People will ask, ‘If I go to these meetings, if I go to that luncheon, if I go to Cap Con, what do I get back from it?’” Riedl says. “My answer is to reframe it. I can tell you that all of the work that I've done within MAHU, NABIP, it has formed me into the leader I am today. It's the knowledge, it's the network of people, it's the family that exists within this organization that has buoyed me and taught me things that I never would have learned otherwise. And that is worth the time. Trust me, if you put that energy in, you will get way more out of it than you ever expected.”

Exit interview As Eric Kohlsdorf, president of Prisma Strategies, concludes his term as NABIP president, he reflects on efforts to improve the healthcare system.

Any final thoughts? I will say there's no script to being president. As I look at the last year, were there opportunities that I missed during my tenure? Absolutely! However, I feel as though this board, through my tenure, has been successful in acting on the issues that have plagued our organization for years. Is it complete? No. But at least we continue to look to the future. I'm confident we will become more and more essential in healthcare financing, where governments and all stakeholders look to us for ideas and advice. I always use the analogy; I'd rather drive the car looking out the big window in front, not the little mirror focused backward. We have a great opportunity ahead for NABIP, and the harvest is ripe for the picking! That's what I hope my legacy will be: shifting our focus from reactive to proactive leadership — looking forward to a healthcare system that works for our members and all Americans.

when I leave and Alycia Riedl comes in as president that enthusiasm is going to continue. And I'll absolutely continue helping to look at shaping the future of healthcare!

Was there anything unexpected about becoming president? When I first ran for secretary, I didn't expect to be onboarding a new CEO during my tenure. Janet Trautwein was CEO for 25+ years and processes were pretty standard routine. With Jessica Brooks-Woods coming on board, there was

Where do you see Alycia taking the organization?

NABIP's presidency is one year, and it's difficult to accomplish everything you want during that period. During my tenure, we laid the foundation to shape healthcare with the NABIP Healthcare Bill of Rights, and I'm sure Alycia will continue to build on that vision. We owe it to our members and all Americans. Alycia and I have known each other for a long time, and she has great ideas and a

no training regarding the dynamics of change, so that was a learn-as-you-go process. It's been enjoyable for me to get to know

and work with her because she's got a different vibe and a real drive to fix healthcare,

visionary mindset. She's always been focused and intentional, and

which is and has been my priority! It's been exciting. I'm certain

the national board certainly has this leadership directive.

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