Rooted in New York.
Built on real conversations.
Focused on the human side of risk.

Who we are

The Metropolitan Underwriting Discussion Group (MUD) is a volunteer-run, New York-based organization that brings the underwriting community together for honest dialogue, thoughtful learning, and strong human connection.

At the heart of MUD is our flagship event: an intimate, content-rich, industry-loved annual conference held every January, the first of the year. We’ve been at it for over 50 years. And we’re still just getting started.

What we do

Every January, we host the MUD Conference, two days of content and networking in New York City.

Expect forward-looking content, a warm and personal setting, and a high bar for insight. From medical trends and tech shifts to ethics and risk philosophy, we unpack the big forces shaping our work, and our impact. It’s never too big. Never too buttoned-up. And always worth showing up for.

Why it matters

Risk is human. And in a world of constant change, tech, regulation, social shifts, underwriters need a space to pause, connect, and think deeply.

MUD is that space. It’s where trust meets candor. Where insight flows freely. Where you hear what people really think.

Because at the end of the day, this work isn’t just about numbers. It’s about people.

Looking ahead

As we plan for our 54th Annual Conference, we’re focused on growing smarter, not bigger.

We want to deepen impact. Build loyalty. Welcome new voices. Keep the quality high and the energy fresh.

Because the best way to start the year is together.

Meet the board

Pamela Bergsten

President

Vice President, Head of Large Case Unit and Retention Management for RGA

Doreen Acampora
FALU, FLMI, CLU, ChFC

Vice president & sponsorship lead

Vice President, Head of Underwriting and Underwriting Innovation, Afficiency

Joe
Lapine
CPA, HIA, MHP, ACS

Treasurer

Senior Vice President, Head of Business Development U.S. Individual Markets, RGA Reinsurance Company

Carolyn McAvinn

Secretary

Director, Underwriting Innovations, MIB

Kevin O'Hanlon
ALMI, ACS

Program lead

Vice President & Underwriting Client Relationship Lead, Swiss Re

Erin McClintock

Marketing lead

Senior Director of Underwriting Innovation, Nationwide Financial

Kacie Williams

Operations lead

Vendor Relationship Manager,
Guardian Life

Gary Kranich

Co-Treasurer & Program committee

Assistance Vice President, Senior Underwriting Specialist, Gen Re

Stephanie
Shumosic ACS, AALU

Co-Secretary

Lead Underwriting Consultant, Penn Mutual

Colleen
Eng
DO, DBIM

Program Committee

Corporate Vice President & Medical Director, New York Life Insurance Company

Heather Haslam

Marketing & Carmine’s dinner Coordinator

Director, Underwriting Strategic Initiatives,
USA & Canada ExamOne

Keith
Ax

Marketing Committee

Underwriting Line Lead, Fidelity Investments

Jennifer
Clink-Ciollaro

Operations Committee

Assistant Vice President, Underwriter, Swiss Re

Aaron Baack

Operations Committee

Vice President, Underwriting, RGA

Gina Ferraro Robert

Program Committee

Executive Underwriting Consultant, Massachusetts Mutual