Overview
Registration is now open!
Click here to register online! / Click here for Prospectus PDF
Join MASI members and industry leaders as we celebrate 30 years of self-insurance success – 90s style. Set against the beautiful Gulf Coast, this year’s conference brings together education, networking, and a touch of nostalgia and fun for a milestone event you won’t want to miss.
This year’s theme celebrates the decade when MASI was founded and honors three decades of success in Mississippi’s self-insurance industry. The conference features insightful education, valuable networking, and plenty of throwback fun as we reflect on where we started and look ahead to our future. This is one conference you will not want to miss, even if your dial-up modem is still buffering.
- 8 Hours of Totally Rad Continuing Education
- $1,500 Grand Prize at the Throwback Drawdown Party! A Prize Worth Rewinding For!
- Sunrise Devotions on the Gulf Coast
- “This is how we toss it” Cornhole Tournament
- Breakout Sessions – Workers’ Compensation Track and Health Benefits Track
- Cash Prizes Every Day. Exhibitor Door Prizes. Don’t Miss Your Chance to Win!
Who should attend?
Employers, HR and risk professionals, claims and safety personnel, healthcare providers, attorneys, TPAs, and anyone involved in self-funded workers’ compensation or health plans.
Event Cancellation Policy
To adequately prepare for a successful event, please review and understand that cancellations made 30 days or more in advance of the event date will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made within 14 and 29 days in advance of the event date will incur a 50% fee. Cancellations made within 13 days of the event will not receive a refund.
Special Needs and Accommodations
If you require special needs or accommodations, including food allergies, please contact MASI Executive Director Wendy Powell at (601) 749-6274 or wendyp@masiweb.org so that plans can be made accordingly.
Click here to register online! / Click here for Prospectus PDF
Hotel
Hotel Information
The Lodge at Gulf State Park
21196 East Beach Boulevard
Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542
(251) 540-4000
Online Hotel Reservations are now available for the MASI 2026 Fall Conference by using the link below. Only contracted room nights (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night) will be available to book through the link, all pre- and post-night room requests will be call in only.
https://group.hilton.com/ev9mv1
Central Reservations Department for Call-In
(800) 618-4350
Group Code: 948
All reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card. Individual guests are required to cancel or revise their reservations five (5) days prior to arrival to avoid one night’s room and tax penalty.
Any special requests regarding sleeping rooms are based on availability at the time of arrival. Hotel reservations must be made by August 26, 2026, to receive the Conference Rate. Any reservation made after this time will be priced at the prevailing hotel rates.
If rooms are requested prior to check-in time, the resort will make every effort to accommodate your specific requests based upon availability. Luggage storage is available for early arrival and late departure.
Attendees
Press Play: Attendee and Exhibitor Registration
Ready to join us? Here’s everything you need to secure your spot.
Choose Your Pass: Registration & Pricing
Your conference pass includes access to eight hours of continuing education, along with all sessions and networking events. Lock in your pass and join us for a full lineup of learning, connection, and fun.
Click here to pay with a Credit Card / Click here for Registration Form and Check Payment
Cornhole Tournament
Bonus Tracks: Extra Networking and Engagement
Looking for even more ways to engage and be part of the experience?
Click here to Register and pay with a Credit Card / Click here for Registration Form and Check Payment
Boom Boxes, Bean Bags & Bragging Rights!
Join Us for the “This is How We Toss It” Cornhole Tournament!
Think you have got the skills to rule the playground? Grab your partner and get ready to toss like it’s 1999 at our 90s-themed cornhole tournament happening Thursday afternoon, September 24 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Cash Prizes:
1st Place – $100 per player
2nd Place – $75 per player
Registration:
$100 per two-person team
$50 solo entry — we’ll match you with a teammate!
Whether you’re bringing serious skills or just here for nostalgia and networking, this is your chance to compete for prizes and ultimate bragging rights. Come toss like a pro or just chill and watch the action
Spots are limited to the first 16 teams, so don’t wait. This is one game you don’t want to press pause on.
Click here to Register and pay with a Credit Card / Click here for Registration Form and Check Payment
Exhibitors
Looking to connect with attendees and showcase your organization?
Welcome to The Networking Arcade
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Inspired by classic 90s arcades, our Exhibit Hall will serve as the central hub for connection, giving exhibitors prime visibility with attendees throughout the conference.
Exhibitors are encouraged (but not required) to incorporate 90s-themed elements into their booths. Participation in the Neon Nostalgia Booth Contest adds to the fun with the winner receiving a complimentary booth at next year’s conference. So dust off the neon colors, rewind those cassette tapes, and bring your best 90s creativity to the Networking Arcade!
Booth Specifics
The exhibit fee includes two complimentary registrations, signage, reception tickets, lunch, general sessions, and access to the Drawdown party. Each exhibitor will have a curtained 8 x 8 space with a six-foot covered table and two chairs.
Booth assignments are based on sponsorship level and the date MASI receives the application and payment. While we strive to accommodate preferences, MASI reserves the right to adjust booth locations for an optimal event experience. For shipping details, please contact MASI.
Note: Sponsorship packages that include a reduced exhibit booth fee still receive a maximum of two complimentary registrations.
Set Up and Take Down
Your booth can be set up on Wednesday, September 23 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. or on Thursday, September 24 prior to 7:15 a.m. Exhibit takedown will occur Friday, September 25 between 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m., but please not before!
Sponsors
Take the Stage: Sponsorship Opportunities
Want to take your visibility even further? Sponsorships play an important role in making the MASI Fall Conference a success. Your support helps fund the conference’s educational programs, networking opportunities, and special events while allowing MASI to keep registration rates affordable for self-insured employers and industry professionals across Mississippi.
Think of our sponsorship levels as the greatest hits of the conference, each offering unique opportunities to showcase your organization, connect with attendees.
Click here to pay with a Credit Card / Click here for Registration Form and Check Payment
Program Ads
Bonus Tracks: Extra Networking and Engagement
Looking for even more ways to engage and be part of the experience?
Click here to Register and pay with a Credit Card / Click here for Registration Form and Check Payment
Conference Program Advertising
MASI is turning 30 in 2026! What better way to celebrate than with a little 90s nostalgia and a lot of appreciation for the partners who have been part of the journey? As part of our 2026 Fall Conference, we are inviting sponsors, members, and industry partners to leave their mark by purchasing an ad in the official conference program. This is your chance to:
- Celebrate MASI’s 30-year milestone and share a congratulatory message
- Showcase your organization to highlight your services
- Be seen by conference attendees throughout the event
Whether you have been a part of MASI since the days of dial-up or just joined the party, we want you to be part of this milestone moment.
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Specs |
Pricing |
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Full Page |
Size: 8 ½ x 11 |
$500.00 |
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Half Page |
Sizes: |
$250.00 |
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Quarter Page |
Size: 3.75″ W x 4.75″ H |
$125.00 |
Click here to Register and pay with a Credit Card / Click here for Registration Form and Check Payment
Agenda
Conference Agenda
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
|
Time |
Event |
Location |
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1 p.m. |
Conference Registration Begins! |
The Burrow |
|
1–5 p.m. |
Exhibitor Set Up |
Gulfview Ballroom I & II |
Work Comp Track
Gulfview Ballroom III
|
Time |
Session |
|
2–3 p.m. |
Mississippi Workers’ Compensation by the Numbers: Trends, Challenges, and What’s Ahead In this comprehensive review of workers’ compensation in Mississippi, the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Executive Staff will discuss key findings from the Commission’s 2025 Annual Report, highlighting claim trends, injury patterns, industry data, litigation activity, and other developments affecting employers, insurers, and self-insured entities across the state. In addition to the statistical review, Commission leadership will provide updates on important initiatives and programs within the agency, including developments in Mississippi’s self-insurance community, the work of the MWCC Advisory Council, and ongoing efforts to support Kids’ Chance of Mississippi, offering attendees a unique opportunity to hear directly from leadership regarding current trends, priorities, and the future direction of workers’ compensation in Mississippi. |
|
3–4 p.m. |
An Hour with the Judges: Practical Updates from the Bench Join Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission Administrative Law Judges Stewart Lee and Jenny Nicaud for an hour of practical insight into issues shaping today’s workers’ compensation system. Judge Lee will discuss how to prepare a work comp case for hearing, including what ALJs look for in well-organized records, effective witness testimony, meaningful stipulations, and professional conduct throughout the claims process. He will also provide a brief overview of the principles that guide judges and practitioners, including judicial impartiality, ex parte communications, confidentiality, and professionalism. Judge Nicaud will explore two emerging issues facing the workers’ compensation community: the increasing use of artificial intelligence by pro se claimants and the growing role of mental health considerations in workers’ compensation claims. She will share observations from the bench, discuss practical implications for employers and practitioners, and offer insight into how these evolving issues are influencing today’s claims environment. |
|
4–5 p.m. |
Age Matters: Understanding Injury Severity, Recovery, and Return-to-Work Outcomes As the workforce continues to age, employers are seeing a measurable shift in workers’ compensation trends, including fewer frequent injuries among experienced employees, but higher severity, longer recovery times, and increased medical costs when injuries do occur. This session will explore how age impacts injury type, claim duration, and return-to-work outcomes, and will identify strategies employers can implement to manage risk while supporting a multigenerational workforce. |
Health Benefits Track
Gulfview Ballroom IV
|
Time |
Session |
|
2–3 p.m. |
Healthcare Cost Containment Solutions for the Self-Insured Employer: A Closer Look For self-insured employers, controlling healthcare costs requires more than simply reacting to rising expenses, it demands a proactive, long-term strategy focused on improving plan performance while maintaining access to quality care. Effective cost containment involves evaluating every component of the health plan and identifying opportunities to reduce unnecessary spending, improve transparency, and maximize value for both the employer and plan participants. This session will explore a variety of cost-containment tools and strategies available to self-funded employers, including Reference-Based Pricing, Medical Bill Review, Direct-to-Employer Contracting, Captive Programs, Pharmacy Benefit Management, post-pay auditing, and claims recovery initiatives. |
|
3–4 p.m. |
Beyond the PBM: Strategies for Managing Prescription Drug Costs in Self-Funded Health Plans Prescription drug costs continue to be one of the most significant and unpredictable expenses facing self-funded health plans. From specialty medications and GLP-1 therapies to evolving Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) regulations, employers are under increasing pressure to balance access to quality care with the need to control costs. This session will provide a practical overview of the factors driving pharmacy spend and explore strategies employers can use to improve pharmacy plan performance. Attendees will learn about plan design considerations, direct-to-consumer purchasing options, alternative funding approaches, member advocacy tools, and emerging vendor solutions that can help reduce prescription drug expenses. The presentation will also include a brief update on recent state and federal PBM developments and what they may mean for employer-sponsored health plans. Designed specifically for employers, this session focuses on practical, real-world approaches that can help organizations make informed decisions while managing one of the fastest-growing areas of healthcare spending. |
|
4–5 p.m. |
From Data to Behavior – Turning Insights Into Action Great data means nothing if it doesn’t change behavior, and great engagement strategies fail without knowing where to aim them. This session bridges plan analytics with real-world engagement strategy: how to read claims and financial data to find what’s actually driving cost, then translate that insight into point solutions, communication, and clinical engagement strategies that move the needle. |
|
6–7:30 p.m. |
Welcome Reception in The Networking Arcade Exhibit Hall |
Gulfview Ballrooms I & II |
Thursday, September 24, 2026
|
Time |
Event or Session |
Location |
|
7 a.m.–12 p.m. |
Registration Desk Open |
The Burrow |
|
7:15–7:30 a.m. |
Sunrise Devotional |
The Dunes Terrace |
|
7:30–8:15 a.m. |
Breakfast with Exhibitors in The Networking Arcade |
Gulfview Ballroom I & II |
|
8:15 a.m.–12 noon |
General Session |
Gulfview Ballroom III & IV |
|
8:15–8:30 a.m. |
Welcome and Annual MASI Membership Meeting |
Gulfview Ballroom III & IV |
|
8:30–9 a.m. |
The Legislative Rewind and What’s Next Join Mississippi Speaker of the House Jason White for an insider’s look at the latest developments from the Mississippi Legislature and a preview of the issues likely to shape the year ahead. Speaker White will provide updates on key legislative actions, discuss emerging policy priorities, and offer his perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Mississippi’s business community, employers, and citizens. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from one of the state’s most influential leaders as he shares insights on the legislative landscape and what may be on the horizon when lawmakers return to the Capitol. |
Gulfview Ballroom III & IV |
|
9–10 a.m. |
No More Stigma: Supporting Mental Health and Recovery at Work Mental health conditions and substance use disorders often intersect in ways that can significantly impact employees, families, and the workplace. Whether recovering from a workplace injury, managing a chronic health condition, caring for an ill loved one, or facing other life challenges, employees may experience depression, anxiety, isolation, or emotional distress that can increase the risk of substance misuse. Unfortunately, fear of judgment and workplace stigma often prevent individuals from seeking the help they need. This session will explore the complex relationship between behavioral health and substance use disorders and the role employers, supervisors, claims professionals, and colleagues play in supporting recovery. Workplace injuries, prolonged absences from work, chronic pain, and prescription medications all can contribute to mental health challenges and addiction risks. Attendees will learn practical strategies for recognizing warning signs, encouraging early intervention, fostering supportive workplace cultures, and reducing the stigma associated with both mental illness and addiction. Through greater understanding and awareness, organizations can help create an environment where employees feel safe asking for help, accessing treatment, and successfully returning to productive and healthy lives. |
Gulfview Ballroom III & IV |
|
10–11 a.m. |
Break with Exhibitors in The Networking Arcade |
Gulfview Ballroom I & II |
|
11 a.m.–12 noon |
General Session Resumes The Rising Cost of Healthcare: What’s Driving Health Insurance Premiums? Healthcare costs continue to rise at a pace that challenges employers, employees, and health plans alike. From increasing hospital and physician costs to specialty medications, chronic disease, workforce shortages, medical technology, and changing government regulations, numerous factors are contributing to higher healthcare spending and rising insurance premiums. This session will examine the key drivers behind today’s healthcare costs and explain how these trends impact employers, health plans, and consumers. Participants will also receive an update on the current health insurance marketplace, recent legislative and regulatory developments, and emerging issues that may influence healthcare costs in the years ahead. Designed for employers and insurance professionals, this presentation provides practical insight into the forces shaping today’s healthcare environment and the challenges organizations face in providing affordable, sustainable health benefits. |
Gulfview Ballroom III & IV |
|
12–1 p.m. |
Lunch with Exhibitors in The Networking Arcade |
Gulfview Ballroom I & II |
|
2–4 p.m. |
Cornhole Tournament |
Gulfview Ballroom I & II |
|
5–7 p.m. |
Drawdown Party |
Gulfview Ballroom I & II |
Friday, September 25, 2026
|
Time |
Event or Session |
Location |
|
7:15–7:30 a.m. |
Sunrise Devotional |
The Dunes Terrace |
|
7:30–8:15 a.m. |
Breakfast with Exhibitors in The Networking Arcade |
Gulfview Ballroom I & II |
|
8:15–11:15 a.m. |
General Session |
Gulfview Ballroom III & IV |
|
8:15–8:45 a.m. |
PBM Pricing Models: Charting the Course to Transparency The pharmacy benefit management (PBM) marketplace is evolving rapidly as new specialty medications, increasing prescription drug costs, and heightened legislative scrutiny continue to reshape the industry. For employers, understanding how PBMs operate and how they are compensated has never been more important. This session will provide a practical overview of today’s PBM pricing models, including traditional, transparent, and hybrid approaches, while explaining the responsibilities PBMs perform in managing prescription drug benefits. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the various revenue streams that exist within the PBM marketplace and why transparency has become a central issue for employers, policymakers, and plan sponsors. The presentation will also explore how transparent PBM arrangements can support an employer’s fiduciary responsibilities by providing greater access to data, improved alignment of incentives, and a clearer understanding of pharmacy benefit costs. Participants will leave with a stronger foundation for evaluating PBM contracts and asking the right questions to ensure their pharmacy benefit strategy aligns with the goals of their health plan. |
Gulfview Ballroom III & IV |
|
8:45–9:45 a.m. |
An Update from the MID: Navigating Air and Ground Ambulance Charges in Today’s Insurance Environment Ambulance costs continue to generate concern for employers, health plans, insurers, and consumers alike. David Browning and Ryan Blakeney of the Mississippi Insurance Department will examine the growing use and cost of air and ground ambulance services, consumer protections available through Mississippi’s balance billing laws and the federal No Surprises Act, and the impact of Mississippi’s out-of-network ground ambulance reimbursement requirements. In addition, the presenters will provide an overview of the Mississippi Insurance Department’s Consumer Services Division, highlighting the resources and assistance available to Mississippi consumers and employers. The session will also include updates on current trends affecting the homeowner and automobile insurance markets, along with other regulatory developments impacting the insurance industry. |
Gulfview Ballroom III & IV |
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9:45–10:15 a.m. |
Break to give away exhibitor door prizes. Must be present to win! |
Gulfview Ballroom III & IV |
|
10:15–11:15 a.m. |
When the Weather Turns Dangerous: Ice Storm 2026 In January 2026, a severe ice storm struck Mississippi, forcing electric cooperative linemen into prolonged restoration efforts under some of the most hazardous working conditions imaginable. Icy terrain, freezing temperatures, limited visibility, fatigue, and live electrical exposure combined to create a high-risk environment where injuries were not theoretical but real and consequential. Gerald Gordon with the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi will walk attendees through their real-world response to the January 2026 ice storm, sharing firsthand experiences from the field, including the types of injuries sustained, near-miss incidents, and the operational pressures that accompany emergency restoration work. He will examine how extreme weather fundamentally changes workplace risk, increases injury severity, and complicates medical response and workers’ compensation outcomes. |
Gulfview Ballroom III & IV |
|
11:15 a.m. |
Cash Prize Giveaway for Completing Exhibitor Game Piece |
Gulfview Ballroom III & IV |
Speakers
Aaron Sisk
President & CEO
Magnolia Health Plan
Aaron Sisk has served as President & CEO for Magnolia Health Plan since May of 2016. He was promoted to CEO from his role as Chief Operating Officer, a position that he held with Magnolia since joining the company in May of 2013. Originally from Madison, MS, Aaron completed his undergraduate education at Mississippi State University in 1999 with a B.A in Sociology and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law in May of 2003.
Prior to joining Magnolia, Aaron served for seven years as a Senior Attorney for the Mississippi Department of Insurance and Director of the Department’s Life and Health Actuarial Division. A large part of Aaron’s work with the Department involved monitoring market reforms associated with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and managing the Department’s efforts to implement a state-based health insurance exchange for Mississippi.
Aaron is actively involved in the insurance industry in Mississippi serving on Boards for the Mississippi Life and Health Guaranty Association, the Mississippi Association of Self Insurers, the American Cancer Society, the Mississippi Business Alliance Board of Directors, the Mississippi Association of Health Plans, and the Ole Miss RMI Advisory Board.
Aaron resides in Madison County, MS, with his wife Brittany and their daughters, Ella, Harper, and Ivy.
Beth Harkins
Commissioner
Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission
Beth Harkins is a physical therapist and Commissioner representing the employee interest of the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission. She attended Mississippi State University from 1995 to 1997 and received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Mississippi School of Health-Related Professions in 1999.
She has been a licensed physical therapist for almost 18 years in a variety of health care settings including outpatient clinics, hospitals, long-term care and skilled nursing rehab facilities, assisted and independent living facilities, and school systems. She was appointed by Governor Phil Bryant in 2013 to the Mississippi State Board of Health and served until 2015, when she went on to serve in her current position as Commissioner at the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Callie Roberson
AVP, Pharmacy Benefit Consulting | National Pharmacy Practice
Gallagher Benefit Services
Dr. Callie Roberson specializes in providing pharmacy consulting services. In her role as AVP, Pharmacy Benefits Consultant, Dr. Roberson’s primary focus is helping clients manage their pharmacy spend. Her strong analytical skills and clinical knowledge allow her to assist her clients to navigate through the complex and dynamic pharmacy marketplace with confidence.
Dr. Roberson joined Arthur J. Gallagher (AJG) in July 2025. She is a licensed pharmacist with over a decade of experience providing clinical and pharmacy benefit management (PBM) consultation. Prior to joining AJG, she served as a Clinical Advisor at a leading PBM organization, where she provided strategic insights into drug trends, conducted clinical analyses, and identified opportunities to enhance pharmacy benefit plans for large, self-funded employers nationwide.
She is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Mississippi – College of Pharmacy and completed a PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York, NY.
Chris Choate
National VP of Business Development
Drexi
Chris Choate, a seasoned pharmacy and financial professional, serves as National VP of Business Development at Drexi Pharmacy. With over 20 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical and financial industries, Chris leads with a client-centric mentality, genuinely prioritizing the risk management Drexi provides to both its members and clients. His expertise spans sales, insurance, account management, leadership, and health insurance, as he remains steadfast in driving business growth and cultivating strategic partnerships.
Having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree focused on Finance from Butler University, Chris has honed his skills through various roles at esteemed organizations including MetLife, Brighthouse Financial, and BrightSpring Health Services. His dedication to the self-funded community and broker distribution channel has been instrumental in providing nationwide pharmacy cost containment solutions.
Chris is an active member of prestigious industry associations such as the Self-Insurance Institute of America and the Society of Professional Benefit Administrators. His expertise and leadership have solidified his reputation as a trusted authority in the field, making him an invaluable asset to Drexi Pharmacy and the pharmaceuticals industry.
Christina Johnson
President
JMS Consulting
Christina Johnson is currently serving a President for JMS Consulting. She has a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and is a certified case manager. While in nursing school she started with JMS Consulting in an administrative role. As she gained the medical knowledge behind the cases she saw play out in her clerical role, Christina fell in love with the Workers’ Compensation field. After obtaining her nursing license, Christina worked in Central Arkansas as a nurse case manager and developed the southern territory for JMS. In 2020, she moved to the role of President to oversee operations at JMS.
David Browning, CFE
Deputy Commissioner
Mississippi Insurance Department
David Browning was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) in 2023 and took office in January 2024.
Browning joined MID in 2001 and served as the Director of the Financial and Market Regulation Division since 2012. In that role, Browning was responsible for financial and non-financial oversight of companies doing business in Mississippi, which included financial solvency and market conduct activity functions, in addition to assisting the Commissioner with the rehabilitation and liquidation of insurance companies. He also worked on key legislation for MID and was responsible for maintaining MID’s accreditation status, among other duties.
Browning is a native of Yazoo City and currently resides in Madison with his wife Ashley and two children, Campbell and Carson. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Delta State University in May 1999. He is a member of the Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals, Insurance Regulatory Examiners Society, and Society of Financial Examiners, and holds the Certified Financial Examiner (CFE) designation.
Prior to joining MID, Browning worked in the Bond Division of the State Treasurer’s Office.
Gerald Gordon
Vice President/Director Safety and Loss Control
Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi
After graduating from Jefferson City High School (Jefferson City, Missouri), Gerald Gordon went to Mississippi College and Ole Miss where he earned degrees in Criminal Justice and Chemistry. In 2005 he moved to Lafayette, Louisiana, to start dental school. While waiting on dental school to begin, Gerald took a job working offshore in the Gulf of Mexico on mooring vesicles. In August 2005 Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast and temporarily closed the LSU dental school. Once it came time for school to reconvene, the decision was made to stay in the oil field and that choice led to a 12-year career covering operations and eventually the safety functions of multiple oil and gas corporations. In 2016, Gerald moved back home to Jackson Mississippi, to begin a new venture working in the electric power world. He began as an instructor at the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM) and then became the Vice President and Director of Safety and Loss Control for ECM in 2018.
Gerald is married to Lauren Gordon, who is a nurse in the Pediatric ICU at the University Medical Center, and has a son, Nicholas, who is an E4 in the Naval Nuclear Engineering Program.
Gordon Larson
Vice President – Health Plan Solutions
AMPS
Gordon Larson has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry and currently manages key strategic partnerships at AMPS. Mr. Larson is an experienced business development leader who is passionate about designing and introducing solutions that give employers direct access to their preferred providers at fair, transparent costs. As Vice President of Health Plan Solutions at AMPS, Mr. Larson led initiatives to build AMPS America, with preferred pricing and plan design features that provide advantages for the health system, plan sponsors, and plan members. He specializes in client relationship management and new business introduction, working with TPAs, consultants, brokers, and self-insured companies to deliver the benefits and value proposition of AMPS solutions. Mr. Larson holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Jason White
Speaker of the House
Mississippi House of Representatives
Jason White was born and raised in Kosciusko, Mississippi. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from Mississippi College. He graduated from law school in 1998 and has practiced law in his hometown of Kosciusko, Mississippi, his entire career.
In August 2011, he was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives, District 48, which consists of portions of Attala, Carroll, Holmes, and Leake counties. After re-election in 2016, he was named Rules Chairman and elected Republican Floor Leader by the Republican Caucus. In 2020, his Mississippi House colleagues elected him Speaker Pro Tempore and his fellow Republicans elected him Republican Caucus Chairman. In January 2024, Jason was unanimously elected as Mississippi’s 62nd Speaker of the House.
During his time in the Legislature, Jason has been involved in several pieces of key legislation, including changing the State Flag, the Mississippi Infrastructure Modernization Act, and the largest tax cut in state history at that time, the Mississippi Tax Freedom Act, while also seeing the implementation of historic accountability measures and investments in both education and workforce development. Since being named Speaker, he led the charge on the historic K-12 public school funding formula rewrite, which further led to the greatest investment in Mississippi’s education. He is a champion for healthcare, specifically in rural Mississippi, and is proven to be the driver of conversations that lead to meaningful policy at the Capitol. In the 2025 Legislative Session, Jason spearheaded HB 1, the Build Up Mississippi Act, landmark legislation that delivers a $1.9 billion net tax cut, eliminates the state income tax, significantly reduces the sales tax on groceries, and funds core government and infrastructure needs.
He is the City Attorney for Kosciusko and the attorney for several government entities, utility boards, and providers. He is a former Municipal Court Judge, Youth Court Judge, and Alderman. He is involved in a number of civic duties, including currently serving as President of the Attala County Bar Association and President of the West Historical and Preservation Society. Jason lives in the town of West, Mississippi, with his wife, Jolynn, and their three children, Sara Burden, John, and Carlyn. They are members of West Baptist Church, where Jason currently serves as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher.
Jennifer Field Nicaud, JD
Administrative Law Judge
Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission
Jenny Nicaud received her undergraduate degree from Tulane University and her Juris Doctorate from Tulane Law School where she served as Editor of the Dicta and received the Meritorious Service Award from the Student Bar Association. She is certified in mediation by Harvard Law School and the University of Mississippi. She is a member of the state and federal bar associations of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida as well the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Over the course of her career, she served as a staff attorney to U. S. District Judges Marcel Livaudais, Jr and Ivan L.R. Lemelle in the Eastern District of Louisiana and Chief Magistrate Judge John M. Roper, Sr. in the Southern District of Mississippi. Thereafter, she practiced with Balch and Bingham, Copeland, Cook, Taylor, and Bush and served as a Municipal Judge Pro Temp for the City of Pass Christian. Currently, she is an adjunct professor at Mississippi College School of Law teaching Workers’ Compensation and Negotiations and as an appointed Commissioner of the Pass Christian Historic Preservation Commission. She served as an adjunct instructor of evidence and courtroom procedure for the Harrison County Law Enforcement Academy.
She was appointed by the Mississippi Supreme Court to serve on the Complaint Tribunal. She is currently a Board Member of the National Association of Workers’ Compensation Judiciary(“NAWCJ”), on the conference committee of the NAWCJ and repeatedly as a Judge of the National Workers’ Compensation Moot Court Competition. She is on the Dispute Resolution Committee of the IAIABC. Judge Nicaud is an Ambassador of the Alliance of Women’s Workers’ Compensation.
She served as a past President of the Russell, Walker, Blass American Inn of Court, and has served on the National Board of the American Inn of Court. She was the Chairperson of the Federal Rules and Procedure section of the National Litigation Board and a Board Member of the ADR Board of the National Federal Bar Association. She has served as the liaison for the Fifth Circuit Judicial Conference. She is a frequent lecturer at various continuing legal education seminars and author of articles for the LEX, a publication of the NAWCJ.
She was recently appointed to a three-year term for the Bench and Bar Liaison Committee of the Mississippi Bar. She finished two terms as the Chairperson and a term as a member of the Professional Committee for the Mississippi Bar Association. She is a member of the Access to Justice and the Women in the Profession Committees of the Mississippi Bar Association and was formerly a member of the Moral Character and Fitness Board of the Mississippi Bar. She actively has served or serves on the boards of many legal organizations and civic charities including Kid’s Chance, the Friends of Children’s Hospital, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, the Corporate Board of the Boy’s and Girl’s Club, the Walter Anderson Museum, the Ohr O’Keefe Museum, and the Pass Christian School Foundation Board.
Jimmy Madeksho
Regional Vice President of Sales
AMPS Southeast
James “Jimmy” Madeksho serves as Regional Vice President of Sales for AMPS Southeast, where he is a passionate advocate for self-insurance and works alongside consultants, brokers, and employers to navigate the complexities of healthcare with greater accountability, pricing integrity, and fiduciary responsibility.
Drawing on his extensive experience as a former insurance broker, Jimmy brings a unique perspective to the challenges facing employers and their health plans. He is focused on advancing alternative network and cost savings strategies that challenge traditional healthcare models, helping organizations better understand their healthcare spend, strengthen fiduciary compliance, and reduce costs while prioritizing better outcomes for employees and their families.
Those who know Jimmy often describe him as a missionary for the self-insurance movement, a reflection of the conviction and purpose he brings to his work. He is passionate about challenging the status quo, educating others on what is possible, and advancing meaningful change in an industry where employers and their employees deserve better.
Jimmy extends that commitment through his industry leadership, serving as the Tennessee Chapter Leader for the Free Market Medical Association and as a Board Member of the Greater Memphis Employee Benefits Council.
Katherine Pannel, DO FAPA
Medical Director
Ambetter from Magnolia Health
Katherine Pannel, DO is a Psychiatrist and medical director for Right Track Medical Group as well as Magnolia Health plan. She is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is a fellow to the American Psychiatric Association.
Dr. Pannel received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Delta State University and received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. She completed her internship and residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Dr. Pannel is the District 3 Trustee and Past Chair of the Mississippi State Medical Association Board of Trustees. She is also the past President of the Northeast Medical Society. She is a current Alternate Delegate to the AMA. Dr. Pannel is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and serves on their PAC Board. She is the current President Elect of the Mississippi Psychiatric Association, as well as Chair of MPA’s Council on Legislation. Her volunteer service extends as well to the American Osteopathic Association where she serves as an Alternate Delegate to the AOA and serves as a Trustee member of the Mississippi Osteopathic Medical Association. She also serves on the Boards of the Mississippi Physician Health Monitoring Program and the Mississippi Rural Physician Scholars Program. Outside of organized medicine, Dr. Pannel volunteers her service as a member of the Board of Advisors for First Commercial Bank of Mississippi and is a member of the University of Mississippi Rose Society.
Dr. Pannel has received numerous awards, including being named the 2022 recipient of the AOA Physician Excellence in Advocacy Award, the 2022 MOMA Excellence in Advocacy Award, 2021 recipient of the Dr. James C. Waites Leadership award, a 2019 Mississippi Healthcare Hero recipient, MSMA Doctor of Distinction, MSMA Community Service Award, Mississippi Top 50 Under 40, the 2019 and 2020 Oxford, MS Best Psychiatrist, and the 2020 recipient of the One in a Million Award for her volunteer efforts to found Crocheting for a Cause – a Facebook group that makes Fidget Sleeves for Dementia patients across the state of Mississippi.
She also serves as a leading voice for addressing mental health and has penned numerous articles which have been published in KevinMD, the New York Times and Better Homes and Garden. She has also provided Congressional testimony in DC on the current mental health and fentanyl crisis. Additionally, Dr. Pannel has fielded local, state, and national media requests to address a myriad of mental health issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to her service on the MSMA COVID-19 and Telemedicine Task Forces, Dr. Pannel spearheaded an effort to raise awareness to the public to flatten the curve during the pandemic with the sales of self-designed #flattenthecurveMS buttons and t-shirts with the $2,400 proceeds donated to the Mississippi Department of Health.
Dr. Pannel is a strong physician advocate and mental health voice at the Mississippi Capitol and has been instrumental in championing legislation to add and fund a psychiatry scholarship for the Mississippi Rural Physician Scholarship Program, to create an Alzheimer’s and related dementias caregivers’ program, as well as decriminalizing fentanyl test strips.
And while she loves all things mental health and advocacy, her favorite job is being mom to Anabelle, Charlotte and Beckham.
Mark Formby
Chairman
Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission
Mark Formby served 24 years in the Mississippi House of Representatives as a member of the Committees on Insurance, Energy, Public Utilities, Marine Resources, Oil and Gas, Education, Rules, Revenue and Expenditure, Ways and Means, and Interstate Cooperation. Chairman Formby has served as Chairman of the Insurance Committee, the Rules Committee, and the Revenue and Expenditure Committee.
He was recognized as one of the top five “pro-economic development” legislators 24 years in a row and was ranked by liberty.org as the number one supporter of individual rights in the Mississippi Legislature.
From 1987 to 1990, Commissioner Formby served on the Washington, D.C. staff of United States Senator Trent Lott as his Economic Development and Small Business Legislative Assistant and then returned to Picayune to serve as Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. He has been in private businesses in Picayune for over 25 years.
He graduated from Picayune Memorial High School and attended Pearl River Community College before receiving his Bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University.
He has been active with numerous civic and volunteer organizations and served as State President of the Mississippi Jaycees and National Vice President of the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Commissioner Formby is still active in community service and serves as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church.
He and his wife Rita have two children, Rebekah and Eli.
Mark Henry, Esq.
Commissioner
Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission
A seventh-generation Mississippian, Mark Henry, Esq. grew up in Louisville He graduated from Mississippi State University, where he was named to the Hall of Fame, and from the University of Mississippi School of Law.He then clerked for the Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (and former Governor) J.P. Coleman. In 1993, Mark went to Washington where he worked in the Reagan Administration at the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy. While in Washington the Secretary of Energy nominated Mark for the Outstanding Young Federal Attorney Award.
Since joining State Government in 1993, Mark has served as the Deputy State Auditor, Chief Legal Counsel and Chief of Staff for Governor Kirk Fordice, Administrative Judge at the Workers’ Compensation Commission, Chief of Staff for Lt. Governor Phil Bryant, Executive Director of the Department of Employment Security, President of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, Chairman of the State Workforce Investment Board, Chairman of the State Longitudinal Data System Governing Board, member of the Gulf Coast Restore Council, and Commissioner on the Workers’ Compensation Commission where he now works.
Michelle Marshall
Regional Leader, Health & Performance Consulting
HUB International | Fox Everett
Michelle Marshall is the South Regional Leader, Health & Performance Consulting, where she partners with employers to design, implement, and elevate workplace wellness strategies. She supports clients across all phases of program development, from foundational planning to optimizing mature wellness initiatives, delivering data-driven solutions that boost engagement, lower health risks, and strengthen organizational culture. In her regional role, Michelle also leads a team of consultants, providing strategic guidance and collaboration to help support clients across the South region.
With over a decade of experience in wellness programming and employee communications, Michelle brings deep expertise in vendor partnerships, program compliance, and strategic marketing. She is known for her ability to translate complex health data into actionable insights and to build custom programs that align with organizational goals and employee needs.
Prior to joining HUB, Michelle served as a Wellness Coordinator for a third-party administrator, where she led national wellness technology and communication initiatives. Her background also includes strong project management and relationship-building skills, as well as a track record of operational efficiency and program innovation.
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Health Promotion & Wellness from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Her passion lies in helping organizations create meaningful, measurable change through a culture of well-being.
Commissioner Mike Chaney
Mississippi Insurance Department
Mike Chaney, a Tupelo native and long-time resident of Vicksburg, is Mississippi’s Insurance Commissioner. Prior to taking office in January 2008, Commissioner Chaney served seven years in the Mississippi House of Representatives and eight years in the Mississippi Senate, where he was the first Republican to serve as Chairman of the Education Committee.
Commissioner Chaney also served as a key member of the Senate Insurance Committee and Chairman of the Senate Education Committee. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Finance and is a veteran of the United States Army, serving in Vietnam from 1968–69. He is married to Mary Thurmond Chaney, and the couple has three married children and eight grandchildren.
Preston Williams
Director of Self Insurance
Mississippi Worker’s Compensation Commission
Preston Williams brings over 40 years of wide-ranging workers’ compensation experience to the table. He is the former President and CEO of the largest worker’s comp carrier in the State of Maryland, which boasted over one billion dollars in assets. Companies have included the Aetna, the largest financial institution in the world (at that time), Royal, St. Paul and USF&G insurance companies, as well as the National Council on Compensation Insurance, the licensed rating organization for most states.
His unique experiences include active participation in the rebuilding of USF&G; where he was responsible for the second most profitable division in the company. He was an original member of the MS Assigned Risk Pool Board. His years of experience with multiple carriers, working through numerous reorganizations and re-engineering business processes and strategies, as well as working with various TPAs, consultants, agents and regulators has resulted in a unique understanding of operational efficiency and profitability. But most important was the opportunity to work for and with some of the top insurance leaders, such as Steve Lilienthal, former President and CEO of CNA, Marita Zuraitis, current President and CEO of Horace Mann, Jane Frank past President and CEO of Zenith, Jim Lewis former head of CNA’s US operations, and the newly appointed President and CEO of Hanover Jack Roche.
As the Director of Self Insurance, Mr. Williams is responsible for both individual and group self-insurers for the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission. The Commission approves rates, establishes solvency requirements, audits groups, and approves both individual and group self-insurers in Mississippi.
Mr. Williams is a graduate of Mississippi State University where he majored in Business with areas in Finance and Insurance. In 2005, three weeks before Katrina, he and his family returned to Mississippi.
Raj Shiwmangal
Vice President of Sales for National Accounts
Liviniti
Raj Shiwmangal serves as the Vice President of Sales for National Accounts at Liviniti, where he has been a cornerstone of success since joining the organization a year ago. Raj has played a pivotal role in driving Liviniti’s growth, spearheading numerous sales accomplishments and developing innovative, custom solutions that have expanded Liviniti’s reach into non-traditional areas of pharmacy benefit management (PBM).
Throughout his tenure, Raj has consistently been a top-performing producer, exceeding sales targets and establishing strategic partnerships that have positioned Liviniti as a trusted leader in the PBM industry. His leadership and creativity have significantly contributed to the company’s revenue growth and enhanced its reputation for delivering clear, simplified, and cost-effective pharmacy benefit solutions.
Before joining Liviniti, Raj was the Senior Director of Sales at RxParadigm, where he built a strong track record of success by developing impactful sales programs, driving client retention, and implementing strategic solutions tailored to client needs
A passionate advocate for transparency and fairness in the PBM industry, Raj continues to leverage his expertise to ensure Liviniti’s clients achieve their goals while experiencing unparalleled service and value.
Raj holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Public Health from the University of South Florida. His enthusiasm for Liviniti stems from its mission to revolutionize the PBM marketplace, and he remains committed to shaping the future of the industry through innovation and client-centric solutions.
Ryan C. Blakeney
Director, Consumer Services Division
Mississippi Insurance Department
Ryan Blakeney was named Director of the Consumer Services Division in March 2024. He previously served as Deputy Director of Consumer Services and the Life and Health Specialist for the Consumer Services Division. He serves MID staff, private industry professionals, and consumers in understanding complex insurance issues and resolving conflicts regarding life and health, property, and casualty topics.
Ryan earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Mississippi, followed by a Master of Health Sciences from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He and his wife, Amy, live in Brandon with their daughter, Avery.
Stephen M. Taylor, MD, MPH, DFAPA, DFASAM
Chief Medical Officer
Pathway Healthcare
Stephen M. Taylor, MD, MPH, DFAPA, DFASAM is Chief Medical Officer of Pathway Healthcare and President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), the nation’s leading professional society dedicated to addiction treatment and prevention.
Board-certified in general psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and addiction medicine, Dr. Taylor brings more than 30 years of clinical experience treating adolescents and adults with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Previously, Dr. Taylor served for 16 years as Medical Director of the NBA and NBPA Player Assistance and Anti-Drug Program. A nationally recognized leader, educator, and advocate, he is a Distinguished Fellow of both the American Psychiatric Association and ASAM. Dr. Taylor is committed to advancing evidence-based addiction treatment, improving access to care, and shaping the future of addiction medicine nationwide.
T. Stewart Lee, Esq.
Administrative Law Judge
Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission
Before being appointed to serve as an Administrative Judge in 2022, T. Stewart Lee, Jr. had worked for one of Mississippi’s largest law firms, had been a partner in two small firms and had maintained a solo practice. He represented both businesses and individuals in a wide variety of lawsuits, including complex commercial and mass tort litigation, personal injury and wrongful death litigation, construction cases and workers’ compensation matters. He represented clients that were plaintiffs and clients that were defendants in civil matters. He represented clients in every circuit court district in the state of Mississippi as well as in federal courts. Further, Judge Lee represented hundreds of clients in matters before the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Judge Lee served on the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Conference Steering Committee in 2009 and 2010, the Mississippi Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors of Jackson Young Lawyers. He has been a member of the Mississippi College Alumni Board and served as a University of Mississippi Law School Alumni Board Member.
Judge Lee obtained his undergraduate degree from Mississippi College in 1998 where he served as President of the Student Body and played shortstop on the MC baseball team. He was named to the Academic All American baseball team. In 2017, he was inducted into the Mississippi College Sports Hall of Fame. Judge Lee obtained his J.D. at the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2001 where he was on the Moot Court Executive Board and served as Mississippi Law Journal Associate Articles Editor. He graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Thomas Hodges
Regional Director of Financial Consulting
HUB International | Fox Everett
Thomas Hodges is the Director of Financial Consulting for the South Region with experience in complex financial projects for both self-funded and fully insured clients. Thomas has worked for two large benefits brokerage firms prior to joining HUB, primarily focusing on large employers’ health plans. Thomas leads a group of ten Financial Consulting teammates in the South region and overseas claims reporting, renewal projections, utilization reporting, benchmarking, and IBNR analysis.
Thomas holds certifications from the National Association of Health Underwriters and State Health & Life Insurance Licenses in multiple states. Additionally, Thomas holds two Bachelors of Science Degrees from Appalachian State University in Finance and Risk Management & Insurance.