BIP Summer 2025

It’s time to move forward boldly, intentionally, and prepared for what’s next. “

Rider returned to school as an adult, studying human resources at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) while leaning on her clinical background in coding, claims and care coordination. That mix of experience helped her land her first insurance job. After moving into an account manager role with a local broker, she then spent over a decade at Gregory & Appel. There, she discovered a strength in compliance that helped her stand out in a competitive environment. “I was reading the legislation, explaining it to clients and realizing — this could be my edge,” says Rider. That edge led to her current role as Director of Compliance and HR Consulting for Human Capital Concepts. HCC built the position specifically for her. Centralizing compliance and developing a new HR consulting division laid the groundwork for the next step: law school. Shaped by learning Rider has always sought out opportunities to serve and grow. She joined NABIP (then NAHU) in 2003, eager to understand the industry. That early curiosity quickly evolved into a deep commitment. At the local level, she volunteered for the Sales Congress Committee, became chapter president and eventually served as Indiana state president,

legislative chair and media spokesperson. Those early years gave her a sense of belonging and purpose, and introduced her to lifelong mentors. Nationally, Rider made her mark early on as chair of the Young Agents Committee. “Back then, not many people in the room looked like me,” she says. “We were determined to make our time valuable. We brought in a freshman congressman from Indiana to walk us through the legislative process — because we wanted to understand how everything worked.” Rider later served as national media chair during the rollout of the Affordable Care Act. “I wasn’t comfortable doing TV at first,” she says. “But Kelly Loussedes knew I’d get the details right, and we practiced a lot.” That experience deepened her confidence and positioned her as a go-to resource when clarity was needed most. Rider also co-authored NABIP’s first ACA certification course, helped launch the association’s DEI&B committee under Dane Reinhard’s leadership and — when encouraged to run for secretary — spearheaded NABIP’s first fully virtual campaign during COVID. “We set the standard,” Rider says. “Recorded speeches, teleprompters, digital organizing — it was a whole new playbook.” She still keeps her campaign site, SusanRider.com, updated as a way to track progress. Despite her many roles, Rider has always prioritized continuous learning. She’s completed every NABIP certification course and earned a long list of professional designations: MS, GBHR, REBC, ASF, CSFS, CDHC, PBC, CFAA. “People “

KEY POINTS

▶ Purpose-driven leadership and learning: Susan Rider’s career is defined by her commitment to personal growth and grounded by her desire to elevate others. ▶ Trailblazing within NABIP and beyond: Through decades of NABIP involvement, Rider has broken new ground while fostering inclusion and preparing the association for future challenges.

▶ Authenticity as a core strength: Rider embraces vulnerability and

encourages others to show up authentically, in professional settings and within NABIP’s evolving leadership culture.

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