Senior Staff

Benjamin J. McKay, JD, MPA

Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Director

P: 415-434-4900 ext. 1132
E: Contact

Curriculum Vitae

Ben McKay joined the SLA in 2012 after a career in both the private and public sector. Most recently, Ben spent eight years with the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) as its Senior Vice President for Federal Government Relations. In that role, Ben was named one of Washington D.C.’s top lobbyists five times by The Hill, one of the city’s leading political newspapers. Prior to his time at PCI, Ben served as Chief of Staff to a member of United States Congress in Washington, D.C., and worked on financial services and international relations issues.

Other career highlights include eight years as staff to members of the Florida legislature, where he worked on insurance, economic development, banking, criminal justice, and other important issues. He served a tour as a regulator at the Florida Department of State, where he held the position of Deputy Secretary for International and Legislative Affairs. Later, he served as the youngest Chief of Staff in the history of the 750-employee department. Ben received his Juris Doctor from Catholic University, his Master in Public Administration from Harvard University, and his Bachelor of Science from Florida State University.

Joy Erven, MBA

Chief Operating Officer, Chief Cultural Officer and Director of Member Services

P: 415-434-4900 ext. 1105
E: Contact

Curriculum Vitae

Joy Erven joined The Surplus Line Association in July of 2003 as Director, Stamping Office. She has since seen extensive growth and change in the Association. She was promoted to COO in 2015 and added the titles of Chief Cultural Officer and Director of Member Services in 2020. She oversees the $24m+ organization responsible for assisting and educating the surplus lines members of California. Joy’s duties include overseeing the operations at an executive level, primarily focused on the Education & Compliance and Financial Analysis Departments. In her role of Chief Cultural officer, she focuses on the initiatives that promotes mental and physical health along with diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Joy brings a strong operational background focused on building teams and relationships that facilitate business decisions and transforming the organization to align the SLA business strategy and stakeholder needs. Prior to joining the SLA, Joy was responsible for the west coast operation of Chubb where she led the underwriting and marketing support teams. Prior to Chubb, Joy worked for notable wholesale brokerages such as Swett & Crawford, Heath, and Commodore Insurance. Throughout her career Joy has focused on simplifying policies and procedure within organizations and creating teams that move in tandem with business expectations and the pace of the industry.

During her 25-year career, Joy has witnessed several significant industry trends. She attributes her success to the talent she surrounds herself with and is passionate about developing individuals to reach their potential. Joy is actively involved with many nonprofit organizations. She has ties with Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, Covenant House, USC Risk Management, UC Colorado Risk Management program, WSIA, CIWA, EIP, and various animal rescue organizations.

Joy’s familial and personal journey tie her deeply to the mission of SLA, and her passion for education makes her an asset to the Association and its members

Michael Caturegli

Chief Technology and Analysis Officer

P: 415-434-4900
E: Contact

As Chief Technology and Analysis Officer, Michael oversees the Data Analysis and Technology departments and also provides high-quality quantitative analysis of data and trends affecting the surplus line industry in California. Michael’s extensive background in quantitative analysis and technology enables the SLA to keep all industry stakeholders—including members, regulators, legislators and consumers—up to date about what is happening in the market and how it impacts consumers and the general public through the use of current applications and technologies.

David Kodama, Jr

Chief Industry and Regulatory Officer

P: 415-434-4900 ext. 1136
E: Contact

As Chief Industry and Regulatory Officer, David serves in the executive management of the SLA and oversees the Financial Analysis and Policy & Training departments. With a deep background in surplus lines, actuarial science, policy analysis, and industry and regulatory relations, David strengthens the advisory services of the SLA on matters that impact the surplus lines industry and the California insurance marketplace.

Jody Black

Vice President, Data Analysis

P: 415-434-4900 ext. 1135
E: Contact

As vice president for Data Analysis, Jody is responsible for managing the processing, recording and storing required for all filings under California Insurance Code (CIC) section 1780.56(a)(1), and overseeing the invoicing and collecting of stamping fees from brokers for document processing in accordance with CIC section 1780.56(b).

Cliston Brown, ASLI, AINS, AIS

Vice President, Public Affairs

P: 415-434-4900 ext. 1139
E: Contact

Curriculum Vitae

As Vice President, Public Affairs, Cliston leads the SLA's outreach efforts to legislators and legislative staff in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. Additionally, he is responsible for media relations and executive communications.

Vani Ganti

Vice President, Technology

P: 415-434-4900 ext. 1116
E: Contact

As Vice President for Technology, Vani is responsible for all computing technology, office equipment, and telecommunications at the Surplus Line Association of California, and also for ensuring that all internal employees and SLA members have the automated tools they need to access information and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, the Technology Department supports its end-users and continually keeps up with industry trends relating to technology and automation in the marketplace.

James Greene

Vice President, Digital Communications

P: 415-434-4900 ext. 1165
E: Contact

As Vice President of Digital Communications, James is responsible for ensuring that SLA members receive high-quality digital information on a regular basis about the marketplace and how it affects them. He also leads the SLA’s digital efforts at its various meetings and events throughout the year and compiles an ongoing visual history of the association and the industry.

Glenn Leung, CPCU, AIAF, ARE, ASLI

Vice President, Financial Analysis

P: 415-434-4900 ext. 1184
E: Contact

As Vice President, Financial Analysis, Glenn coordinates SLA participation in the security review program for the insurance commissioner’s List of Approved Surplus Line Insurers (LASLI). He represents the SLA at regular meetings with the California Department of Insurance (CDI) and provides input on SLA compliance with the CDI Plan of Operation.

Barbara Trumbly

Vice President, Human Resources

P: 415-434-4900 ext. 1181
E: Contact

Barbara Trumbly is a senior professional in Human Resources experienced in providing guidance and leadership to senior managers regarding HR processes and policies, compliance, employee relations, performance management, benefits, compensation and training programs.