Key Speakers

 

Hostess

Amanda Brewton
Owner, Medicare Answers Now

 

Hi! I'm Amanda Brewton out of Cleveland, Ohio. If you're looking for a shiny, sugar-coated bio, you’re in the wrong place. I’m almost 6 feet of no-nonsense, straight-talking Medicare Yoda, but don’t let the rugged exterior fool you. I deeply care about my clients, my agents, and this industry. For over 17 years, I've been deep in the trenches of the Medicare world, having worked for the likes of Aetna and Anthem. This isn’t just my job, it's my passion. Why? Because I believe everyone deserves clarity when it comes to their health coverage. That's why I've dedicated years to teaching and spreading knowledge across the country. Topics that I can talk about and teach? You name 'em – Ethics, Business Development, Sales, Marketing and a ton of Continuing Education courses. Hell, they even named me “Educator of the Year” at my local NABIP Chapter. Not too shabby, right? I'm also the creator behind the industry leading conferences such as the Ms. Medicare Conference, because women in this industry need to stand tall, network, learn, and take charge of their dreams. Let’s not forget about the men! "Medicare and Margaritas" – that’s right, who says you can’t mix business with mixed drinks? This is an industry learning event unlike any other! It's a deep dive into our field with a side of social networking and fun at the beach.

I’ve been a member of NABIP (National Association of Benefit and Insurance Professionals) since 2007 and worn many hats. Right now, I’m in the roles as National Membership Medicare Chair and I’m working with an elite group of my peers with the NABIP Medicare Advisory Group. We are working elbow-to-elbow with CMS and other various levels of legislature, ensuring the voices of agents like us don’t get drowned out. Alright, enough about me. If you're here, it’s because you want answers and clarity, not fluff. And that's precisely what you'll get. Let’s go! Game on!

 

Key Speakers

Michelle Waldron
Health Insurance for Seniors, LLC

 

https://www.healthinsuranceforseniorsllc.com/home

Anna Patrick
CSG Actuarial and Integrity

 

Anna leads technology training at CSG Actuarial and Integrity. She is passionate about helping agents utilize technology and market data to better manage and serve their clients, increase retention and grow their sales. Anna helps agents understand Medicare market trends and teaches agents how to apply the data to make more informed decisions for their business and their clients.

Jessica Brooks-Woods
NABIP Chief Executive Officer

 

Jessica Brooks-Woods is the chief executive officer of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP), the preeminent organization for health insurance and employee benefits professionals, working diligently to ensure all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare and related benefits. Jessica is also the president of NABIP’s Education Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that assists consumers and communities with access to affordable, high-quality healthcare through educational programs, targeted contributions and online tools.

Brooks-Woods is a respected leader in the healthcare industry and has built a reputation as an engaged and inclusive leader. As NABIP’s CEO, she is focused on shaping the future of healthcare by driving affordability and equity for all.

Brooks-Woods has more than two decades of business and healthcare experience, including president and chief executive officer of the Pittsburgh Business Group on Health, where she led the effort to redefine and advance the discussion around healthcare value, access and quality on behalf of employers. She also co-founded the Executive Action Response Network (EARN) and launched EARN Staffing Solutions as a crucial resource for the business community to advance the culture, procedures, policies and practices to lead sustainable economic empowerment for the African-American workforce and community.

As a prominent and innovative leader in the industry, Brooks-Woods is a recipient of the 2019 Pittsburgh Women of Influence Award and led the Pittsburgh Business Group on Health for its recognition as a Healthcare Purchasing Collaborative Award winner, sponsored by the Validation Institute and the World Healthcare Congress. She serves on the board of governors for the University of Pittsburgh Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence, Adagio Health, the Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative and the Patient Health Action Network, and as an appointee to the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange.

Brooks-Woods has been published in many major news outlets and appeared on numerous radio and TV stations across the country. She was recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times as a Fast Tracker and named to the 2015 Smart 50 class by Smart Business Magazine. Brooks-Woods is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and Carnegie Mellon University, where she received her master’s degree in public management.

Jessalyn Pito

 

Jessalyn Pito hailing from Middletown, Connecticut, boasts a rich career journey marked by versatility and achievement. With a background initially rooted in healthcare, Jessalyn spent 16 impactful years as an x-ray technician. Concurrently, she explored the realm of network marketing, finding an entrepreneurial spark that would shape her path for years to come.

Throughout her tenure in network marketing, spanning another 16 years, Jessalyn exhibited remarkable prowess, emerging as a trailblazer within her company. Notably, she earned the distinction of being the first individual to achieve the remarkable milestone of selling over $1,000,000 in products, showcasing her innate talent for sales and leadership. In addition to this accomplishment, she was a guest on the Dr Oz show for her ability to being super organized.

In a bold career pivot, Jessalyn transitioned into the Medicare Insurance Space, where she embarked on a new chapter that has proven to be equally rewarding. As she enters her sixth year in this field, Jessalyn's dedication and expertise have earned her widespread recognition. She has been named a Top Producer for esteemed industry giants such as Aetna, Anthem BCBS, and United Healthcare, solidifying her status as a trusted authority in the realm of insurance.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jessalyn's personal life is marked by love and resilience. She cherishes the memories of her beloved spouse, John, who earned his angel wings in 2022, and finds strength and joy in the company of her furbaby Chance, son and granddaughter Jessalyn Pito exemplifies the spirit of perseverance, innovation, and compassion, both in her career achievements and in her personal journey. Her story serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to turn challenges into opportunities and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Susan L. Combs, PPACA, ChHC, REBC
Combs & Company

 

Susan L. Combs launched her entrepreneurial journey in 2005, founding Combs & Company at the age of 26. Since then, she and her team have become the trusted go-to for companies often overlooked by insurance carriers, such as those in entertainment, food, and international spheres entering the U.S. market.

With a knack for navigating the ever-changing insurance landscape, Susan has collected certifications like prized trading cards, including the esteemed Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) certification. Her expertise in health insurance, akin to Sherlock Holmes, has made her the sought-after guru on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), sought after as a witness, advisor, and speaker.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Susan is an active contributor to her community, serving on the Advisory Board for the University of Missouri Law School Veterans Clinic, as a Trustee for the University of Missouri Jefferson Club, and volunteering for Hospice. Making history as the youngest-ever National President (2014-2015) of Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS), Susan has garnered numerous accolades, including the 2011 Graduate Of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D) Award and the first female to receive the Broker of the Year (BOY) Award from BenefitsPro Magazine in 2017.

In 2022, Susan added author to her resume with the release of "Pancakes For Roger: A Mentorship Guide for Slaying Dragons," dedicated to her father and mentor, Major General Roger E. Combs. A portion of the book's proceeds supports the Missouri Law School Veterans Clinic annually.

Hailing from King City, MO, Susan was raised alongside her older brother Matt by her entrepreneurial mother and county Judge and General father. Now residing in Queens, NYC, with her husband, Sean, and their furry companions, Pepper and Roxy, Susan isn't just thriving in business—she's also a CrossFit and Strongman enthusiast, boasting an over 200lb bench press! 1

Natalie Patterson