Events

Brian Langerman
Chief Executive Officer, Applied Client Network

Brian Langerman is a Business Management Executive with more than 20 years of Technology experience in Corporate America as well as Association and Technology Communities. His expertise includes, new business development, operations management, strategic marketing, channel management, project coordination, change management, process implementation, and management of multi-million-dollar accounts and budgets. Langerman currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Applied Client Network, a global Technology Community for Applied Systems network of independent insurance agents and brokers worldwide that are focused on driving system utilization to increase agency and brokerage value for the next generation of insurance professionals.

Amanda Crawford
Systems Strategist, Compass Insurance

Amanda Crawford is the Systems Strategist at Compass Insurance, where she specializes in agency structural organization, technology implementation, and fostering employee relations. With a background in both personal and commercial lines, Amanda brings nearly two decades of industry experience to her role.

As Co-Leader of the EZLynx User Alliance, Amanda is passionate about empowering agencies to feel confident using the EZLynx platform, enabling them to grow and streamline their operations. She is also dedicated to cultivating a positive and collaborative community of EZLynx users who share knowledge and promote growth and learning.

Julie Levine
Owner, Levine Insurance Group

Julie Levine started her insurance career the way many people have, through family. Julie works with her husband, Jason, in Orlando, Florida, as a second-generation owner. She found her niche by helping the agency transition to a paperless system when they went independent in 2007, and is now the agency’s Applied Epic guru.

She is currently the Communications Leader for the Owner/Principal Alliance, where she loves working with other Applied users. She teaches at the annual Applied Net conference. Julie is a mom to a precocious little girl, Alexandra, who loves to travel and is a foodie just like her parents!

Kathryn Lerch
Vice President of Agency Operations, Darr Schackow Insurance (The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers)

Kathryn Lerch is Vice President of Agency Operations at Darr Schackow Insurance, part of The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers. With over a decade of experience leading multi-office teams, Kathryn specializes in transforming agency operations through process optimization, automation, and global workforce integration.

She has successfully implemented large-scale operational shifts, including blending offshore virtual assistant teams and robotic process automation (RPA) into core service workflows—allowing licensed staff to focus on high-value client relationships while improving efficiency and profitability. Kathryn oversees operations across multiple Florida offices and has played a key role in several post-acquisition integrations, technology conversions, and staffing realignments.

She is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at the University of Florida, where she continues to refine her strategic and financial leadership skills. Known for her pragmatic and people-centered approach, Kathryn is passionate about helping agencies reimagine traditional service models to create scalable, sustainable growth in an evolving insurance landscape.

Jeff Knauss
CEO & Co-Founder, Arcovo AI

Jeff Knauss is a serial entrepreneur, AI strategist, and angel investor with a proven track record of building, scaling, and exiting high-growth businesses.

As the CEO & Co-Founder of Arcovo AI, he is redefining business automation by building AI agents that act as digital employees, helping organizations streamline operations, increase efficiency, and drive growth. Previously, Jeff was the CEO & Co-Founder of Digital Hyve, a full-service digital marketing agency that grew into an 8-figure powerhouse, ranking 52nd on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.

In 2021, Jeff orchestrated a highly successful financial exit, selling the company to an independent agency and ensuring all 56 employees became employee-owners in the acquiring company through an ESOP. He has been recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine, Adweek, Inc., Fortune, and more. He currently serves on multiple boards and launched the Knauss Family Foundation with his wife in 2021.

A sought-after speaker on entrepreneurship, leadership, AI, and business strategy, Jeff captivates audiences with insights on scaling companies, leveraging AI, and navigating the future of work. He lives in Skaneateles, NY, with his wife, Heta, and their two children, Max and Lila.

Daniel Metcalf
Keynote
Co-founder & President, CyberFin

Daniel Metcalf is a seasoned speaker and cybersecurity expert, known for his engaging and informative presentations tailored to the insurance industry. Over the years, he has spoken at numerous industry events, helping independent insurance agencies and financial professionals navigate cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). His approachable style and ability to simplify technical concepts make him a sought-after voice in the field.

Michael Rabinowitz
Product Manager, EZLynx

Michael Rabinowitz brings nearly 30 years of experience in serving and developing solutions for the independent insurance agent channel. He began his career as a commercial insurance agent before transitioning to insurtech in 2000, where he pioneered one of the earliest online commercial rating platforms. Over the years, Michael has designed insurance solutions for organizations such as Bolt Insurance, Liberty Mutual, The Hartford, Wells Fargo, American Express, LexisNexis, IIABA, and others. In his current role as Product Manager at EZLynx, he oversees commercial workflows within the EZLynx AMS and leads initiatives to transform the end-to-end commercial submission and application process.

Neil Rekhi
Personal Cyber Product Lead, HSB Insurance (Hartford Steam Boiler)

Neil Rekhi is the personal cyber insurance product lead in HSB’s Portfolio Risk Solutions (PRS) Division, a leading provider of commercial and personal cyber insurance products. He is focused on building and managing valuable insurance coverages and services for individuals and families.

Neil has a passion for cyber security, and he previously founded an education initiative called Find Me Cyber, where he promoted best practices on cyber security hygiene and tools/services for individuals and small business owners. Prior to joining HSB, Neil worked at The Hartford, Verisk Analytics, and Premium Intel in roles spanning business technology consulting, competitive intelligence, customer strategy & engagement, and product innovation.

Neil holds a CPCU, a bachelor of arts degree in molecular biology from Colgate University, and an MBA from the University of Rochester – Simon School.

Barry Schiefelbein
Director of Technology, FNIC Group

As a seasoned technology leader, Barry Schiefelbein is passionate about driving innovation and creating impactful digital solutions that empower businesses to thrive in a competitive landscape. With over 20 years of experience leading technology teams and spearheading transformative projects, he specializes in aligning technical strategies with organizational goals to deliver exceptional results.

Barry’s expertise spans across diverse domains, including data management, agile software development, CRM, and cloud infrastructure. He prides himself on fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within his teams. Recognized for his ability to manage complex initiatives and build scalable systems, Barry is committed to harnessing technology to shape a better future.

Across his 25-year career in financial services—22 of them specializing in insurance agency technology—Barry has led teams of all sizes, from small informal groups to large hierarchical organizations. He currently serves as Director of Technology at FNIC Group, leading a small but mighty team overseeing all aspects of IT.

Sarah Walden
Senior Application Technician, Houchens Insurance Group

Sarah Walden is the Senior Application Technician for Houchens Insurance Group, managing all insurance-related software for the agency across 12 offices in 5 states. Sarah has nearly 7 years of experience managing insurance technology and over 12 years of experience in Information Technology in total. In her role, she manages the administration of Applied Epic and related applications, reporting, and handling data during mergers and acquisitions.

Melissa Zornes
Senior Vice President, Practice Leader of Employee Benefits, OneGroup

Melissa Zornes, SVP and Practice Leader of Employee Benefits at OneGroup, brings over 14 years of experience in group benefits and HR management. She has held key roles in insurance agencies, including Account Manager, Benefits Practice Manager, and Director of Client Services. Her expertise spans client relations, consultative support, benefits program design, project management, and strategic development. She plays a vital role in agency growth, operations, and technology initiatives, driving innovation and company performance.