Dear TCIA Members,

After many years of serving in various capacities within the Tennessee Captive Insurance Association (TCIA), it is with great excitement that I come to you now, as President. I hope to continue to build upon the established foundation, advancing collaboration and growth.

It is a true honor to follow in the footsteps of Michael Corbett, who has served with distinction as both President-Elect and President, and Kevin Doherty whose dedication to the TCIA and the Tennessee domicile has been invaluable. Over the past few years, TCIA leadership has made significant strides to ensure a seamless transition of presidential officers at the end of each term, fostering stability and continuity. It has been a privilege to collaborate with both Kevin and Michael, and I am proud of the legacy we are building for the future.

The year 2024 marked tremendous success for TCIA. Our membership continued to grow, and the Annual Conference, held at the Embassy Suites in Nashville, TN, was a monumental achievement, with over 258 attendees and more than 300 Continuing Education credits earned. We remain committed to strengthening our relationship with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI), ensuring our industry's voice was heard. This critical work is made possible through the advocacy efforts of our lobbyist, Trammel Hoen, with Johnson Poss.

I am excited to usher in this new chapter in TCIA's history—a year of expansion, both geographically and within the industry. Our goal is to establish local Ambassador Programs in East and West Tennessee, supporting representation in each of Tennessee’s three grand divisions. This will create more networking opportunities for our members and serve as a guiding resource for those interested in captive insurance within their communities.

In alignment with our growing membership, we will continue prioritizing legislative advocacy for the Tennessee domicile. Our focus includes accelerating approval processes to remain competitive by advocating for fully online application systems, hiring an in-house actuary, and further strengthening our partnership with the TDCI. TDCI’s commitment to providing a business-friendly environment, with a well-established regulatory team has put Tennessee within the top ten of captive domiciles in the United States.

I extend my deepest gratitude to all past board members whose hard work has made TCIA a leading force for captives in Tennessee. To our current board members, thank you for your ongoing dedication as we move into 2025 and the challenges that come with a new year. I am proud to share that, as of January 1, 2025, all 12 board positions are now filled, ensuring a strong leadership team to guide us forward.

Finally, I want to extend an appreciation to you, our membership and the many committee volunteers, whose continued support makes all this possible.

Blessings to All in 2025,

Jennifer Meranda