2026 CIU Executive Elections
Vice President
The Vice‑President serves a one‑year term as part of a three‑year commitment, culminating in successive service as President and Past President. By accepting nomination and election to the role of Vice‑President, the individual formally acknowledges and agrees to be nominated to serve as President in the subsequent term, followed by Past President in the third year.
Eligibility and Experience:
Candidates should possess significant leadership experience within the insurance or underwriting profession. It is strongly recommended that nominees have previously served on the CIU's Executive Committee or bring comparable senior‑level industry or governance experience that demonstrates readiness for executive leadership.
Primary Responsibilities:
The Vice‑President plays a key leadership role in advancing the Institute’s strategic and educational objectives. Core responsibilities include:
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Annual General Meeting (AGM) Leadership:
Providing strategic oversight and operational leadership for the AGM, including the development of the program structure, selection of relevant themes and topics, identification and engagement of speakers, and coordination of all related activities. -
Education and Program Coordination:
Serving as the primary liaison with the Program Director, the Vice‑President collaborates closely to plan, coordinate, and support the delivery of educational programming and professional development sessions throughout the year, ensuring alignment with the CIU's mission and members’ needs. -
Executive Collaboration:
Participating actively as a member of the Executive Committee, contributing to governance discussions, strategic planning, and decision‑making processes in support of the Institute’s long‑term objectives.
Leadership Expectations:
The Vice‑President is expected to demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style, while building continuity and institutional knowledge in preparation for the President and Past President roles.
Current Nominees:
Christina Kutarna
Facultative Underwriting Manager, VP
Swiss Re
Christina Kutarna is an underwriting professional with more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. A Fellow of the Academy of Life Underwriting (FALU) and graduate of the University of Ottawa, she has built her expertise through a collaborative leadership style and a commitment to supporting professional development within the underwriting community.
She began her career in 1994 with Crown Life in Regina as a bilingual underwriter. She later moved to Calgary, where she continued to grow her technical expertise with Standard Life and Manulife before joining Swiss Re in 2016. Today, she leads the Canadian underwriting team. Throughout her career, Christina has been passionate about supporting the development of others and contributing to the underwriting profession through conference participation, education, and mentorship.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in the Rockies, enjoying time with her family, expressing creativity through cooking, and volunteering with her therapy dog, Duncan.
Program Director
The Program Director serves a one‑year term, representing the second and final year of a two‑year leadership commitment within the CIU's education and professional development framework.
Role Purpose:
The Program Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the CIU's educational programming. This role ensures the delivery of high‑quality, relevant learning opportunities that support member engagement, professional development, and the Institute’s broader objectives.
Primary Responsibilities:
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Education Program Planning and Delivery:
Leading the planning, organization, and execution of all educational sessions throughout the year, including seminars, webinars, and other learning events. This includes ensuring programs are timely, relevant, and aligned with member and industry needs. -
Committee and Stakeholder Collaboration:
Working closely with the Vice‑President, Assistant Program Director, and the Program Committee, and utilizing the expertise of the Technology Team and Conference Director as required, to design, implement, and deliver effective programming. -
Operational Coordination:
Overseeing all logistical and administrative aspects of educational programming, including booking venues, arranging and managing virtual platforms, engaging speakers, scheduling and chairing planning meetings, and assigning tasks and responsibilities to the Assistant Program Director and Program Committee. -
Annual General Meeting Support:
Providing support to the planning and coordination of the Annual General Meeting (AGM), as required, to ensure alignment between educational content and overall event objectives. -
Executive Reporting:
Providing regular updates and reports to the Executive Committee throughout the year on program planning, delivery status, attendance, and emerging considerations, supporting informed governance oversight and decision‑making.
Leadership Expectations:
The Program Director is expected to demonstrate strong organizational and leadership skills, effective collaboration, and a commitment to educational excellence. The role requires proactive communication, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple initiatives concurrently while maintaining a high standard of professionalism.
Current Nominees:
Claude Boucher
Bilingual Underwriter
RGA Canada
Claude is currently serving as Assistant Program Director, following two years as a member of the Program Committee. Over three years of involvement, Claude has contributed to program planning and delivery, including the initiation of the first CIU French‑language webinar in Fall 2025 to support CIU’s national mandate.
This nomination reflects demonstrated experience, continuity in committee leadership, and readiness to assume the Program Director role.
Conference Director
The Conference Director serves a two‑year term, representing a two‑year commitment to the planning and execution of the CIU's conference activities associated with the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Role Purpose:
The Conference Director provides leadership and oversight for all logistical and on‑site arrangements related to the AGM conference, ensuring a professionally delivered, well‑coordinated, and engaging experience for members, speakers, and guests.
Primary Responsibilities:
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AGM Conference Planning and Coordination:
Overseeing all conference‑related arrangements at the AGM venue, including planning, organization, and on‑site coordination of conference logistics to ensure a seamless and high‑quality event. -
Stakeholder Collaboration:
Working closely with the President, Vice-President, and the CIU's Executive Committee to ensure conference planning is aligned with overall AGM objectives, timelines, and governance requirements. -
Venue and Hotel Liaison:
Serving as the primary point of contact with the convention hotel or venue, with responsibility for:-
Establishing room layouts and meeting space configurations
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Coordinating catering and meal functions
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Managing room blocks and reservations
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Organizing signature events, including the Monday evening dinner/reception and entertainment
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Registration and Materials Management:
Overseeing the preparation and coordination of conference registration materials, including attendee lists, name badges, and related on‑site materials. -
Support to Educational Programming:
As required, assisting the Program Director with educational sessions held throughout the year, providing operational or logistical support where conference‑related expertise is beneficial.
Leadership Expectations:
The Conference Director is expected to demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, effective vendor and stakeholder management, and the ability to deliver complex events with professionalism and precision. The role requires collaboration, clear communication, and sound judgment in managing timelines, logistics, and event execution.
Current Nominees:
Cynthia Laincy
Underwriting Manager
Manulife
Cynthia Laincy is an Underwriting Manager at Manulife Financial based in Montreal, QC, with broad experience in individual insurance underwriting, risk assessment, and people leadership gained across multiple organizations. Bilingual in French and English, she has worked in both frontline and leadership roles, bringing a well‑rounded perspective to underwriting decisions rooted in practical experience and established risk frameworks.
Throughout her career, Cynthia has worked closely with advisors, wholesalers, and internal partners, developing a collaborative and relationship‑focused approach. She is known for being well organized, able to manage multiple priorities effectively, and maintaining a strong focus on quality and follow‑through.
Her diverse operational background and structured, pragmatic approach allow her to contribute thoughtfully to committee discussions, with an emphasis on balance, alignment, and sound decision‑making.
Secretary
The Secretary serves a two‑year term, representing a two‑year commitment to supporting the effective governance and administrative operations of the CIU.
Role Purpose:
The Secretary plays a key role in ensuring the accurate documentation, communication, and continuity of Executive Council activities, while providing essential administrative and logistical support to the Institute’s leadership and events.
Primary Responsibilities:
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Executive Council Governance Support:
Preparing, maintaining, and distributing complete and accurate minutes of Executive Committee meetings in a timely manner. The Secretary ensures that decisions and action items are clearly recorded and tracked, and that outstanding items are addressed or carried forward to subsequent meetings as required. -
Meeting Administration:
Issuing formal notices of Executive Committee meetings and supporting meeting logistics to facilitate effective participation and governance compliance. -
Records Management:
Maintaining official Institute records and documentation, ensuring accuracy, continuity, and appropriate retention of corporate and governance materials. -
Annual General Meeting (AGM) Support:
Coordinating and ensuring full coverage of the AGM registration desk, including volunteer coordination as required. The Secretary also supports conference‑related administrative tasks in collaboration with the Conference Director. -
Communications and Administrative Assistance:
Assisting with proofreading correspondence at the request of Executive Committee members and providing administrative support to ensure clear, professional communications. -
Education Program Support:
Providing assistance to the Program Director, as required, for other educational sessions held throughout the year.
Leadership Expectations:
The Secretary is expected to demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, confidentiality, and professionalism. The role requires reliability, effective communication, and a collaborative approach to supporting the Executive Committee and advancing the Institute’s objectives.
Current Nominees:
Diana Frey, RPN
Certified Professional Underwriting Consultant
RBC Insurance
I currently work as an Underwriting Consultant specializing in Life and Critical Illness insurance. Prior to joining the insurance industry, I worked as a nurse in my local hospital, bringing a strong medical background and client focused approach to my underwriting career. I began my insurance journey in individual claims in 2014, before transitioning into underwriting in 2019, where I have continued to develop my knowledge and experience.
I live in Waterloo, Ontario and outside of work I enjoy spending quality time with my 9-year-old son, hiking trails all over the world and travelling.