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 55th 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

Erin McClintock

President

Senior Director of Underwriting Innovation, Nationwide Financial

Aaron Baack

Vice President

Vice President, Underwriting, RGA

Gary Kranich

Treasurer

AVP, Senior Underwriting Specialist, Gen Re

Stephanie Shumosic

Secretary

Senior Underwriting Consultant, National Life Group

Kevin O'Hanlon
ALMI, ACS

Program lead

Vice President & Underwriting Client Relationship Lead, Swiss Re

Heather Haslam

Marketing lead & Carmine's Dinner Coordinator

Director, Underwriting Strategic Initiatives, ExamOne

Kacie Williams

Operations lead

Vendor Relationship Manager,
Guardian Life

Jessica Caracofe
RN, CPU

Sponsorship Lead & Program Committee

Director, Underwriting Strategic Initiatives, MIB

Greg
Dewey

Co-Treasurer & Program Committee

2nd VP Underwriting Services, Underwriting & Innovation, Munich Re

Eugene
Frimpong DBA, MBA, MFM, ALMI, ACS

Co-Secretary & Program Committee

Consultant, PhD, Banner Life

Gina Ferraro Robert

Co-Operations & Program Committee

Executive Underwriting Consultant, Massachusetts Mutual

Cody
Socher Certified FALU, FLMI, ACS

Marketing & Program Committee

VP, Head of Underwriting Advocacy, M Financial Group

Kendra Campbell ACS, ALMI

Marketing & Program Committee

Senior Underwriting Director, Lincoln Financial Group

Christopher Woolfolk
MBA, FLAU, FLMI

Program Committee

Underwriting Tech Lead, New York Life