Author Archives: EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants

EPIC Insurance Recognized for a Seventh Time as a Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, has been recognized by their team members nationally as one of the "Best Places to Work in Insurance" in a survey conducted annually by Business Insurance Magazine and co-sponsor Best Companies Group. This is the 7th time that EPIC has received this significant and meaningful award.

Only 75 companies nationally are selected as "Best Places to Work in Insurance," based largely on a high level of employee engagement and overall satisfaction with company culture, benefit programs, management practices, career opportunities, and work life balance.

Based on employee feedback, EPIC was ranked #10 in the medium employer category (250 - 999 U.S. employees), where just 17 companies were recognized.

According to Business Insurance, "The 2016 Best Places to Work in Insurance feature showcases the firms that are leading the industry as employers of choice. What they all have in common is a strong commitment to attracting, developing and retaining great talent through employee benefits and other programs that their people value."

"At EPIC, we believe that a strong, positive culture is built on opportunity, personal responsibility, mutual trust and respect, commitment to community, a healthy work/life balance, and having fun," said Mary Smith, executive vice president of human resources. "These beliefs and values - what we call our 'EPICness' - are key to attracting and retaining the industry's best professionals; effectively serving our clients; and providing the foundation for sustained growth and success. We are honored to receive this recognition from our team members, Business Insurance and Best Companies Group for a seventh year in 2016."

About EPIC

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $250 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Supported by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, has been recognized by their team members nationally as one of the "Best Places to Work in Insurance" in a survey conducted annually by Business Insurance Magazine and co-sponsor Best Companies Group. This is the 7th time that EPIC has received this significant and meaningful award.

EPIC’s Rob Massa and Craig Schmidt Named ‘Top Benefit Advising Innovators’ by Employee Benefit Adviser

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Employee Benefit Adviser (EBA) named Director of Retirement Rob Massa and Senior Wellness Consultant Craig Schmidt as "Top Benefit Advising Innovators."

"We are honored that Rob and Craig have been recognized by EBA as advisers who are leading the way in benefits consulting," said John Hahn, CEO of EPIC. "Our clients will need to continue navigating largely uncharted waters as we enter into a new era of employee benefits and healthcare under a new President. Rob, Craig and all of our consultants across the country will continue providing the very highest level of service and expertise to our clients as benefits and healthcare continue to change and evolve."

Employee Benefit Adviser's 30 Top Benefit Advising Innovators includes men and women making significant contributions to the field of benefits consulting and advising and who are leading the way for the industry. Whether it be through focusing on transparency in insurance and healthcare, utilizing technology to improve care, education or bending the cost curve, they are people to watch in the years ahead.

A 25-year industry veteran, Massa created EPIC's investment advisory firm that has grown to $3 billion in AUM. Massa's goal is to let employers establish best practices for their plans, with a growing emphasis on financial wellness and fiduciary responsibility.

Within the past year at EPIC, Schmidt has built the company's employee benefits specialty wellness consulting practice, developing content for client-facing webinars, educated staff on wellness productivity planning and authored new material in EPIC's wellness playbook tool for internal account teams.

Both Massa and Schmidt were recognized by EBA earlier this year as 2016 Employee Benefit Advisors of the year, Massa in Retirement and Schmidt in Wellness.

To see the full list of Top Benefit Advising Innovators, go to:
http://www.employeebenefitadviser.com/slideshow/30-top-benefit-advising-innovators.

About Rob Massa, Director of Retirement, Ascende - an EPIC Company:

Rob Massa joined Ascende as the retirement practice leader in 2010, and in 2011, led the introduction of Ascende Wealth Advisers, Inc. He oversees a team of retirement professionals who work with clients and investment committees to help them develop meaningful retirement plan strategies, manage compliance requirements and fiduciary duties, educate employees and make informed decisions in plan operations. Prior to joining Ascende, he spent 10 years at MBM Advisors, Inc. as a vice president, principal and shareholder of the company. His entire career has been focused in the investment management and administration of qualified retirement plans through a diverse series of responsibilities, including investment advice, trust administration, recordkeeping, compliance testing, product management, legal, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) securities compliance and client consultation. Rob has a Bachelor of Arts degree in public administration and a minor in mathematics from the College of New Jersey. He is a licensed life/health representative, has passed the Series 7, 24, 63 and 65 securities exams, is a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC(r)), a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF(r)) and a Cash Balance Consultant (CBC). In addition, he taught employee benefits at St. Thomas University for the Certified Financial Planner(c) Program.

About Craig Schmidt, Senior Wellness Consultant, EPIC:

As a Wellness Consultant, Craig works with a team of other like-minded wellness professionals to create a healthier working environment for the members and clients EPIC serves. He has a strong background in Health Education, Health Promotion and in particularly a passion for work-site impacts health and wellness plays at any company. Craig strives to not only help our client members that have partnered with EPIC but he also works to be an example in his own daily life, with his co-workers and regular interactions with people.

Prior to joining the EPIC team, Craig worked in many roles within the worksite wellness field to help strengthen him for the position he current holds. He has been a health coach working with individuals 1-on-1, a Program Coordinator for a wellness service provider, and a Health Educator within a carrier disease management platform. Most recently, Craig took on an integral role in an innovative approach to combine workplace initiatives in wellness with carrier services to improve health care consumerism as a Wellness Liaison with WellPoint Inc. Craig was positioned on-site at Google Inc. to work directly with their Human Resources department and with their employees having daily in person interactions whenever needed. Craig's endeavor in his own health and wellness help strengthen his passion to be a leader in the field of wellness and health management and become a valued asset at EPIC as we continue to grow our presence as a worksite wellness innovator.

Craig earned his Bachelors of Science in Health Education and Promotion with an emphasis on Worksite Studies at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. He then continued his studies at the University of Colorado, Denver Anschutz Medical Campus where he completed his Certificate of Public Health Sciences.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
David Hock
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
650-422-3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

IMAGES FOR MEDIA:
* Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-1201s2p-massa-300dpi.jpg
* Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-1201s2p-schmidt-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants ("EPIC"), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Employee Benefit Adviser (EBA) named Director of Retirement Rob Massa and Senior Wellness Consultant Craig Schmidt as "Top Benefit Advising Innovators."

EPIC Golf Insurance Services Named ‘Insurance Provider of the Year’ for the Second Year in a Row by BoardRoom Magazine

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that it has been named the 2016 "Excellence in Achievement" award winner for the second year in a row by BoardRoom Magazine as the "Insurance Provider of the Year."

"It is an immense honor to be recognized with this prestigious award for the second year in a row," said Paul Lindsay, SVP and Principal, EPIC Program Solutions. "This recognition validates our continued dedication to provide customized insurance policies that meet the complex and unique needs of this industry. We always aim to provide superior service and value to our clients."

EPIC Golf Insurance Services, a sector of the firm's Sports & Entertainment Group, provides golf-specific coverage, expertise and comprehensive club insurance solutions including exclusive Property/Casualty and Workers Compensation Insurance programs.

Boardroom Magazine's "Excellence in Achievement" awards are the only private club industry awards that recognize the clubs' business partners. BoardRoom Magazine's industry peers review and select these outstanding suppliers and consultants, which represent all aspects of course and club operations.

"The BoardRoom Awards are the only awards in the private club industry that recognize private clubs' business partners, and every year we see increasing innovation, achievement, a vision and dedication from BoardRoom Award recipients," said John Fornaro, publisher of BoardRoom Magazine. "And of course, private clubs are the beneficiary of outstanding work of the industry's vendors. Clearly each and every one of them is the leader in their respective field and we're absolutely delighted to recognize their contributions."

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that it has been named the 2016 "Excellence in Achievement" award winner for the second year in a row by BoardRoom Magazine as the "Insurance Provider of the Year."

EPIC Named Elite Agency for Second Year in a Row by Insurance Business America

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that it has been named a 2016 Elite Agency for the second year in a row by Insurance Business America, a publication that reports on the latest achievements in insurance and also provides the latest in business best practices in a continually evolving industry.

EPIC was included in the list of 50 top agencies due to its tremendous growth since inception in 2007, from $12 million in revenue to an expected $250 million by year-end. With a focus on upper-middle-market accounts, EPIC provides brokerage and consulting services through four primary business units: property & casualty, employee benefits, specialty practice and programs and private client services. The firm was also recognized for its national construction specialty group, the growing market opportunities of its specialty programs division and the recently launched cyber risk and insurance portal for small to mid-sized businesses.

"It's an honor to be recognized as an Elite Agency for two consecutive years, for our leadership, innovation and unique culture," said Peter Garvey, President of EPIC. "We have had tremendous growth in recent years, and a big part of that success is our team's dedication to providing the highest possible level of service and value to our clients."

To view the full list of 2016 Elite Agencies, go to http://www.ibamag.com/us/rankings/elite-agencies-2016/.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that it has been named a 2016 Elite Agency for the second year in a row by Insurance Business America, a publication that reports on the latest achievements in insurance and also provides the latest in business best practices in a continually evolving industry.

EPIC Insurance’s Chuck Simpson to Speak at OSHA Oil & Gas Safety and Health Conference

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Senior Risk Control Consultant Chuck Simpson will speak at the OSHA Oil & Gas Safety and Health Conference on Wednesday, November 30 at 2 p.m. at the Hilton Americas in Houston, Texas.

The Oil & Gas Safety and Health Conference gathers key decision makers within management an executive positions to foster a better understanding of how industry and OSHA can work together to improve safety performance through cooperation, best practices, knowledge sharing and relationship building.

In his presentation "ANSI Z-390 Hydrogen Sulfide Training Requirements Update," Simpson will discuss the latest updates, particularly around Occupational Exposure Level vs. Threshold Limit Value and the new edition's take on the levels of training and instructor qualification.

Click here to download the full agenda: http://www.oshasafetyconference.org/Events/ugm/Osha2016/Agenda.aspx.

About Chuck Simpson, Senior Risk Control Consultant, EPIC:

Simpson is a health and safety professional with more than 30 years of experience helping companies develop and implement risk management systems in a variety of industries.

Prior to joining EPIC, Simpson served as president of Work Safe International, LLC where he worked on both on- and off-shore projects in the United States, Mexico, Canada, South America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Simpson has experience in the sulfur operations, pipeline, fabrication, oil and gas drilling, vessel operations and food processing industries. He is a certified safety professional (CSP) and a widely recognized expert on Contractor Safety Management, OSHA Recordkeeping and Hydrogen Sulfide Safety. He has presented lectures at the ASSE Safety Professional Development Conference and Exposition, OSHA Oil and Gas Safety Conference, the International Conference on Offshore Safety, the Gulf Coast Safety and Training Group, and the Sulphur Institute's Sulphur World Symposium in the United Arab Emirates.

Simpson is an active participant in the American Society of Safety Engineers, Gulf Coast Safety Training Group and serves as Chairman for the ANSI Z390 Hydrogen Sulfide Training Committee. He earned his bachelor's degree in international studies from the University of South Alabama.

About OSHA Oil & Gas Safety and Health Conference:

OSHA Oil & Gas Safety and Health Conference is a 2-day event being held from November 29 to 30, 2016 at the Hilton Americas in Houston, Texas. This event showcases products like improving safety in the Oil and Gas Industry through cooperative educational programming provided by DOL OSHA, Oil and Gas Industry and other Government and Regulatory Agencies. Building a productive and collaborative relationship between the Oil and Gas Industry and Regulatory Agencies through the sharing of best practices etc. in the Petroleum, Oil & Gas industry.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $250 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Senior Risk Control Consultant Chuck Simpson will speak at the OSHA Oil & Gas Safety and Health Conference on Wednesday, November 30 at 2 p.m. at the Hilton Americas in Houston, Texas.

Jim Baker of EPIC to Speak on Employee Benefits and Compensation at EFCG’s HR Executive Conference

NEW YORK, N.Y., May 12, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that EPIC Senior Consultant Jim Baker will speak at the seventh annual EFCG's HR Executive Conference on May 12 and 13. Held at the New York Yacht Club and Harvard Club, the conference is intended to identify and provide insight into global HR and Compensation policies, issues and metrics.

Baker's presentation, "Thinking Twice About Your Benefits Compensation & Strategy," will address how to manage chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart care and mental health, through employee engagement and aggressive care coordination. He will also speak on the evolution of healthcare purchasing and network contracting.

About Jim Baker, Senior Consultant at EPIC:

Baker is an accomplished employee benefits professional with 20 years of experience in managing employee benefit plans for clients of all sizes. His expertise is in working with clients on their comprehensive employee benefits and wellness strategies with a focus on plan flexibility and health outcomes. In his time with EPIC, Baker has led multiple due-diligence efforts for his clients, as well as for The Carlyle Group. His understanding of a client's position within the private equity life cycle has led to effective strategies resulting in a favorable impact to EBIDTA. In addition to his Private Equity work, Baker also leads a team of benefit consultants whose primary role is to support clients with strategic direction and plan oversight.

He began and spent 18 years of his career with UnitedHealthcare in a multitude of roles.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
650-422-3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/jim-baker-of-epic-to-speak-on-employee-benefits-and-compensation-at-efcg-s-hr-executive-conference-2016-0512-02.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2016 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

EPIC Adds Senior Communications Consultant Liz Miller in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 12, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants (EPIC), a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting firm, announced today that Liz Miller has joined the organization's employee benefits division as a senior communications consultant. Miller will be based in EPIC's San Francisco headquarters and report to John Gaffney, director of national benefits operations.

In her new role at EPIC, Miller will be responsible for leading and expanding the company's communications practice, developing impactful campaigns to encourage positive benefits usage across client workforces and supporting new business growth through the development of sales and marketing collateral.

Miller joins EPIC from Zenefits, where as a benefits advisor she provided health and benefits consulting to clients nationwide. Miller previously worked for Aon Hewitt, where as a health and benefits consultant she developed and implemented supportive communication strategies. She also assisted HR teams with adopting consistent and effective practices that helped clients become more efficient and improve their employee services.

Before beginning her health and benefits career, Miller was a business owner providing health instruction and fitness education to the community. She also spent eight years working as a behavioral therapist, helping people increase their productivity in society.

"Liz is a disciplined, results-oriented individual and gifted communicator with a passion for service excellence," said John Gaffney. "Her diverse experience as a health services provider, entrepreneur and benefits consultant gives her a unique perspective on the needs of those she serves. We are very excited to have Liz take on a senior role within our national employee benefits communications consulting team."

Miller earned a bachelor's degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from Princeton University as well as a master's degree in expressive therapy from Lesley University.

Liz Miller can be reached at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
Mobile 415-852-0689
Office 415-356-4803
liz.miller[at]epicbrokers.com

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0512-Liz-Miller-300dpi.jpg

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Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-adds-senior-communications-consultant-liz-miller-in-san-francisco-2016-0512-01.shtml.

Ascende’s Rob Massa to Present at Gulf Coast Symposium

HOUSTON, Texas and SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 11, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) --- MEDIA ADVISORY: Ascende, an EPIC company, today announced that Ascende Retirement Director Rob Massa is speaking at the Gulf Coast Symposium. Massa will speak on "The Intersection of Health Care and Retirement" on Thursday, May 12 at 9 a.m. at the NRG Center in Houston, Texas.

With the increasing convergence between health care and retirement, it is essential for employers to implement strategic approaches to delivering these benefits. This session will provide ways to effectively coordinate the two programs for maximum employee and employer benefits.
Event Details:
* Thursday, May 12, 2016
* NRG Center, Room 504, NRG Center, Houston, Texas
* 9 a.m.-10 a.m.
* Click here to add Rob's session to your agenda ( http://hrhouston16.mapyourshow.com/6_0/sessions/session-details.cfm?ScheduleID=143 ).
* Ascende will also be in the Exhibit Hall at Booth 218.

About Rob Massa, Retirement Director, Ascende:

Rob Massa joined Ascende as the retirement practice leader in 2010, and in 2011, led the introduction of Ascende Wealth Advisers, Inc. He oversees a team of retirement professionals who work with clients and investment committees to help them develop meaningful retirement plan strategies, manage compliance requirements and fiduciary duties, educate employees and make informed decisions in plan operations.

Prior to joining Ascende, he spent 10 years at MBM Advisors, Inc. as a vice president, principal and shareholder of the company. His entire career has been focused in the investment management and administration of qualified retirement plans through a diverse series of responsibilities, including investment advice, trust administration, record keeping, compliance testing, product management, legal, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) securities compliance and client consultation.

Rob has a Bachelor of Arts degree in public administration and a minor in mathematics from the College of New Jersey. He is a licensed life/health representative, has passed the Series 7, 24, 63 and 65 securities exams, is a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC(R)), a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF(R)) and a Cash Balance Consultant (CBC). In addition, he taught employee benefits at St. Thomas University for the Certified Financial Planner(c) Program.

About Gulf Coast Symposium:

The Gulf Coast Symposium represents every facet of the HR Industry, making it the annual one-stop-shop for HR Professionals. Other shows represent just a few components of the HR Industry - the Gulf Coast Symposium brings them all together in one location.

About Ascende - an EPIC Company:

One of the largest independent employee benefits only consulting firms in the country, Houston-based Ascende specializes in health and welfare consulting, benefit plan administration, retirement and investment advisory, wellness, communications, global benefit solutions, mergers and acquisitions consulting and human resources consulting services.

Ascende also offers services unique to the employee benefits industry through the Ascendent(R) Pharmacy Coalition, a purchasing cooperative that reduces pharmaceutical costs to employers.

For additional information, please visit http://www.ascende.com/.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
David Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
650-422-3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/ascende-s-rob-massa-to-present-at-gulf-coast-symposium-2016-0511-09.shtml.

EPIC’s Inland Empire Team Supports the Local Community in a Big Way

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 10, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, today announced details of community support provided by their Inland Empire division.

Led by managing principal Dan Ryan and principals David McNeil and Joe Cotugna, EPIC's Inland Empire team has historically been very active in the surrounding community, supporting a variety of non-profit and community service organizations.

The Joyful Child Foundation has been one of the most significant beneficiaries. For the past two years, EPIC has been the title sponsor of a golf tournament directly benefiting the Foundation, which is dedicated to protecting children from predators and molesters.

In 2015, the "EPIC Invitational Golf Tournament" raised approximately $28,000 for the Joyful Child Foundation. This year's tournament, held on March 25, 2016, generated an additional $40,477 - for a two year total of nearly $70,000.

Said Dan Ryan, "We have seen the visible impact of our efforts around our community in advertising for the Foundation as well as their increased communications with sponsors and those they serve, including a new newsletter."

Erin D. Runnion, Founder of The Joyful Child Foundation shared: "The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion is excited to have the opportunity to bring our BRAVE Programs to the Inland Empire, thanks to the generosity of EPIC Insurance Brokers. Last year's gift provided training to community partner agencies that serve hundreds of disadvantaged children and we are delighted to have a Master Trainer in the area offering monthly programs at Operation Safe House and establish classes with the City of Riverside's Youth Programs. EPIC's support made it possible for The Joyful Child to receive a letter of intent to bring the BRAVE Curriculum to Riverside Unified School District, so that we can train teachers to deliver our age-appropriate safety education in every classroom. It takes a community to keep our children safe and EPIC is leading the way to empower every child to be brave and safe."

EPIC principal Joe Cotugna added, "We are proud and honored to be able to make such an impact in our community in support of an important organization like The Joyful Child Foundation."

EPIC employees are very active in their communities on both an individual basis and in teams. COMMUNITY is one of EPIC's 10 guiding principles, collectively known as "EPICness." Learn more: http://www.epicbrokers.com/epicness/#tabs

"We believe strongly in giving back and making a positive difference," said EPIC principal David McNeil. "It is an integral part of EPIC's 'people first' culture and values."

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

About the Joyful Child Foundation:

The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization founded in 2002 after the abduction, molestation and murder of five-year old Samantha Runnion. In order to prevent child sexual abuse and abduction The Joyful Child Foundation will:
* Be the resource for concerned parents to engage in the movement to stop predatory crimes against children.
* Provide proactive education and empowerment tools to children and parents.
* Facilitate collaboration among individuals, non- profit organizations, schools, businesses, and government to create sustainable community initiatives to ensure that safety education for child protection continue in perpetuity.
* To learn more about the Joyful Child Foundation, please visit http://www.thejoyfulchild.org/.

- Photo: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0510-epic-joyful-300dpi.jpg
- Photo Caption: Presentation of Golf Tournament Proceeds from Joe Cotugna of EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants to Erin Runnion of The Joyful Child Foundation.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
650-422-3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance @JoyfulChild

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-inland-empire-team-supports-the-local-community-in-a-big-way-2016-0510-01.shtml.

EPIC Insurance Wins ‘Gold Award of Excellence’ and ‘Silver Award of Distinction’ from 2016 Communicator Awards

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 9, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that the firm's Marketing, Communications and Design Team has received the "Gold Award of Excellence" and the "Silver Award of Distinction" from the 22nd Annual Communicator Awards, the leading international awards program honoring communication professionals for creative excellence.

From more than 6,000 entries, EPIC was selected for the distinctiveness and creative work in its "We Know Transportation" online video, which won the "Gold Award of Excellence." The video highlights EPIC's Vice President of Transportation and Logistics Risk Control Michael Nischan, discussing the safety risks and consequences of cargo theft in the transportation industry and how to protect against theft. The video was produced and directed by EPIC Senior Designer, Titus Barrios.

To view the video, please visit: http://www.epicbrokers.com/product/transportation-and-logistics-risk-control/.

EPIC's Employee Benefits 2.0 brochure, a set of content designed to effectively communicate EPIC's comprehensive employee benefits practice capabilities to its customers, won the "Silver Award of Distinction." The design was conceived and executed by EPIC Creative Services Manager Jody Siu and Designer Nancy Phun.

Winners were selected by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, a 600+ member organization of leading professionals from various disciplines of the visual arts dedicated to embracing progress and the evolving nature of traditional and interactive media.

"It is an honor to be recognized for our team's commitment to producing content that effectively and creatively communicates EPIC's capabilities to our customers and others," said Dave Hock, senior vice president of marketing and communications at EPIC. "This recognition validates the creativity, ability, professionalism and collaboration of our team, whose innovative ideas continue to drive interesting, successful communication."

The "Award of Excellence," the highest honor, is given to entrants whose ability to communicate positions them as the best in the field and "The Award of Distinction" is presented for projects that exceed industry standards in quality and achievement.

See the full list of winners of the 22nd Annual Communicator Awards here: https://www.communicatorawards.com/winners/

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com.

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

MEDIA CONTACTS:
David Hock, of EPIC
650.295.4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
650-422-3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-wins-gold-award-of-excellence-and-silver-award-of-distinction-from-2016-communicator-awards-2016-0509-01.shtml.

EPIC adds Southeast Region Senior Benefits Consultant Irv Morris

ATLANTA, Ga., May 3, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Irv Morris has joined the firm's Employee Benefits Consulting team in Atlanta as a Senior Benefits Consultant.

Morris has spent the last 11 years in business development for Mercer's Health & Benefit practice, where he was consistently one of the top 10 new business producers. In addition to his production and client service responsibilities, Morris also developed a signature educational series and co-chaired the Atlanta chapter of a corporate community outreach program.

Prior to Mercer, Morris spent more than 15 years in the technology industry in various business development roles.

As a consultant for EPIC's Employee Benefits practice in the Southeast, Morris will provide client service leadership, including overall strategy, relationship management, in addition to bringing new clients to EPIC. His proven success in these areas is well aligned with EPIC's core values of client service excellence and advocacy.

"Irv's versatility and ingenuity has been invaluable to both his clients and the community he serves," said Steve Needle, Southeast Region Employee Benefits Managing Principal. "He has a collaborative approach to client service and has proven his ability to help middle market employers employ successful benefit strategies that they can build on."

Morris earned his undergraduate degree in Risk Management & Insurance from the University of Georgia.

"I am truly excited to be joining an organization that lives its values," says Morris. "We put people first and by doing so, our clients' needs become our highest priority. I was also attracted to EPIC's constant pursuit of innovation; always looking for new ways to add further value to the clients we serve."

Irv Morris can be reached at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
Office: 678-475-3875
Mobile: 678-977-7743
irv.morris[at]epicbrokers.com

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0503-Irv-Morris-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Irv Morris joins EPIC.

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
650-422-3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-adds-southeast-region-senior-benefits-consultant-irv-morris-2016-0503-01.shtml.

EPIC Insurance’s David McNeil Appointed to California Joint Powers Risk Management Authority Advisory Board

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 28, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, today announced that David McNeil, a principal in the firm's Inland Empire division, has been appointed to the Advisory Board of the California Association of Mutual Water Companies Joint Powers Risk and Insurance Management Authority (CAMWC-JPRIMA).

The California Joint Powers Risk Management Authority is a member-directed excess liability risk retention pool that is dedicated to protecting its members from catastrophic losses and meeting the needs of its members by:
* Providing comprehensive, stable, and affordable excess liability coverage.
* Offering competitive and flexible coverage programs.
* Delivering quality risk management services.
* Preserving financial strength and solvency.

McNeil's selection reflects his more than 20 years of insurance and risk management experience, both generally and specifically related to the water sector, including Dams, Water Delivery Systems/Infrastructure and Waste Water.

McNeil has an extensive history of community and public service, including membership in the Orange County Sheriff's Department Technology Advisory Council (T.A.C.). In addition, McNeil has served as an instructor at the Safe House Kidnap Prevention and Force Protection Training Facility.

In the fall of 2015, McNeil was also accepted into the prestigious InfraGard Program. A partnership between the FBI and the private sector, InfraGard is an association of persons who represent businesses, academic institutions, state and local law enforcement agencies, and other participants dedicated to sharing information and intelligence to prevent hostile acts against the U.S. ( https://www.infragard.org/ ).

McNeil has co-chaired EPIC's support of The Joyful Child Foundation and the organization's efforts to bring their personal safety training to children across the Inland Empire.

Over the past two years the "EPIC Invitational Golf Tournament" brought together more than one-hundred community leaders and VIP's, raising more than $70,000 for The Joyful Child Foundation.

Said Dan Ryan, Managing Principal of EPIC's Inland Empire Division, "It has been my good fortune to know David McNeil as a business partner and friend for more than 20 years. His community involvement and public service is a shining example of what it means to give back and pay it forward. He's both a terrific professional and a very caring human being."

David McNeil can be reached at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
Office: 909-919-7508
david.mcneil[at]epicbrokers.com

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

About the California Association of Mutual Water Companies Joint Powers Risk and Insurance Management Authority (CAMWC-JPRIMA):

The CAMWC - Joint Powers Risk and Insurance Management Authority is dedicated to maintaining a commitment to excellence in the protection of its member entities from catastrophic liability and other financial losses.

The JPRMA programs provide coverage for excess liability, property, boiler and machinery, and auto physical damage. Under the Excess Liability Program, $40 million in coverage is provided. Members can select retained limits of either $500,000 or $1 million. Under the Property Program, participants are provided with $300 million in coverage.

Additional services are provided to the members through the Risk Management Program. These services include a wide variety of training programs, audits of facilities and programs, and extensive consultation services. The JPRMA Risk Management Program is designed to supplement and enhance existing member programs in order to increase their level of effectiveness.

About the Joyful Child Foundation:

The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization founded in 2002 after the abduction, molestation and murder of five-year old Samantha Runnion. Learn more at: http://www.thejoyfulchild.org/.

In order to prevent child sexual abuse and abduction The Joyful Child Foundation will:

* Be the resource for concerned parents to engage in the movement to stop predatory crimes against children.

* Provide proactive education and empowerment tools to children and parents.

* Facilitate collaboration among individuals, non-profit organizations, schools, businesses, and government to create sustainable community initiatives to ensure that safety education for child protection continue in perpetuity.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0428-David-McNeil-300dpi.jpg

*PHOTO Caption: EPIC's David McNeil.

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
650-422-3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance @JoyfulChild

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epics-david-mcneil-appointed-to-california-joint-powers-risk-management-authority-advisory-board-2016-0428-01.shtml.

EPIC Continues Growth in the Sacramento Region with the Addition of Two New Consultants in Gold River, CA

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 25, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, today announced continued expansion of their operations in the Sacramento Region with the additions of Victoria McKinney and Robin Neer. Both will be based in EPIC's Gold River office, under the leadership of Regional Director of Employee Benefits, Beth Barr.

Said Barr, "Victoria and Robin are the foundation of an additional consulting team that will further deepen and expand the exceptional employee benefits consulting being delivered to EPIC clients across the Sacramento Region."

In addition to traditional employee benefits brokerage and consulting services, EPIC offers comprehensive specialty consulting, including wellness, benefits technology, communications, compliance, human resources consulting, international benefits, pharmacy, retirement, voluntary benefits and executive benefits.

Victoria McKinney joins EPIC as a Team Leader and Employee Benefits Consultant. She is a senior level consultant, with more than 20 years in the industry and a deep understanding of plan design, client account management and contract negotiation strategies.

Prior to joining EPIC, McKinney held positions with Sutter Health, TeleNav, Metrotech and CBIZ, where her roles ranged from Senior Benefits Account Manager to Senior Benefits Consultant.

McKinney holds a California Health and Life License as well as a Professional Human Resources (PHR) Certification. She is currently in the process of earning the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation.

Robin Neer joins EPIC as an Account Executive, focusing on both large and small group clients. Across her career, Neer has worked as a producer and account manager and blends strong business development skills with a deep understanding of client needs and service delivery excellence. In addition to supporting her own clients, Neer will collaborate with other Sacramento team members on broader client service initiatives.

Prior to joining EPIC, Neer was a Senior Employee Benefits Client Consultant and Producer with Arthur J. Gallagher. Before this she held client service positions with Filice Insurance and Farmers Insurance.

"We are very pleased to have these two top consultants join our growing team in the Sacramento Region," said John Connell, EPIC's President, Employee Benefits of California. "Victoria and Robin will contribute significantly to expanding EPIC's industry leading support and services, to effectively respond to the evolving needs of our clients."

Victoria McKinney can be reached at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
Office: 916-358-8017
victoria.mckinney[at]epicbrokers.com

Robin Neer can be reached at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
Office: 916-358-8016
robin.neer[at]epicbrokers.com

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit: http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

* IMAGES FOR MEDIA:
(1) PHOTO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0425-robin-neer-300dpi.jpg
(2) PHOTO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0425-vic-mckinney-300dpi.jpg

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
650-422-3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance #EmployeeBenefits

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-continues-growth-in-the-sacramento-region-with-the-addition-of-two-new-consultants-in-gold-river-ca-2016-0425-01.shtml.

EPIC’s Mark Niebuhr Recognized as Energi Elite Producer

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 13, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Energi, a leading provider of risk management and insurance programs for the energy industry, has recognized Mark Niebuhr of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants as a 2016 Energi Elite Producer. At Energi's third Elite Producer Conference in Miami, Florida, Energi acknowledged Niebuhr and 64 other leading producers for their outstanding performance and dedication to promoting energy insurance products and services.

Energi's 2016 Elite Producer Conference was created to provide tools, training and opportunities to a select group of Energi's Elite Producers.

"We are honored that Mark has been recognized for his ongoing commitment to promoting the energy insurance sector," said John Hahn, CEO of EPIC. "This recognition further validates the hard work and dedication he has put towards delivering exceptional value to EPIC clients."

Niebuhr was also recognized earlier this year as a 2016 Power Broker in the Manufacturing sector by Risk and Insurance Magazine.

Mark Niebuhr can be contacted at 916-576-1513 or mark.niebuhr[at]epicbrokers.com.

About Mark Niebuhr:

Mark Niebuhr specializes in captive and alternative risk financing solutions for middle market companies with 100 to 4500+ employees across the country. For nearly 40 years, Niebuhr has provided innovative insurance and risk management solutions which reduce the total cost of risk to clients in the Wine, Food and Beverage, Energy, Technology, Medical Products, Architects and Engineers and Financial Services industries.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants:

Headquartered in San Francisco, EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has nationwide presence with a depth of industry expertise across key lines of insurance, including commercial property and casualty, employee benefits, unique specialty program insurance, and private client services. Since its founding in 2007, EPIC has grown revenue from $12 million to and estimated run rate of $200 million through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, and remains a fixture on the insurance industry's "Best Places to Work" lists. Its strategic partners include private equity firm The Carlyle Group. To learn more, visit http://epicbrokers.com/.

About Energi:

Energi is a Peabody, Massachusetts based Industrial Reinsurance Company that specialize in providing risk management and insurance solutions to over 1,000 energy companies the United States and Canada. Energi is one of the top ten fastest growing companies in Massachusetts. Energi, along with its dedicated claims management company, has over 250 associates in the United States with 125 associates located in the corporate headquarters. Energi has been selected by the Boston Globe, Boston Business Journal and Business Insurance as one of the Top Places to Work in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Energi has regional branch and support offices that are located in the following: Carlsbad, Calif., Westport, Conn., Carney's Point, N.J., Orlando, Fla., Downers Grove, Ill., Irving, Texas, Kirkland, Wash., Wilmington, N.C., Washington D.C., and Toronto, Canada. For more information, visit http://www.energi.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0413-Niebuhr-300dpi.jpg

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
650-422-3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance @EnergiInc

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-s-mark-niebuhr-recognized-as-energi-elite-producer-2016-0413-01.shtml.

EPIC adds Employee Benefits Consultant Penny Miller in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 6, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Penny Miller has joined the firm's Employee Benefits Consulting team. She will be based in San Francisco and report to David Wiesner, Regional Director Employee Benefits.

Joining as a Vice President, Miller brings 25 years of employee benefits experience to EPIC. She was previously a principal at Mercer in San Francisco with a focus on client relationship management, benefits program strategy, and business development. Miller's expertise in resolving client issues, managing client teams, and conducting financial analyses provided her the opportunity to serve clients of varying size in a wide range of industries, including growth companies converting from fully-insured programs to self-funding.

As a consultant for EPIC's Employee Benefits practice, Miller will provide service leadership to EPIC clients; including overall strategy, relationship management and plan management. She will also develop new business opportunities.

"Penny is a disciplined, results oriented individual, with a passion for service excellence and the delivery of value," said John Connell, President, Employee Benefits of California. "She is well respected in our business and her principles and ability are highly aligned with EPIC's core values surrounding client advocacy, collaboration, and putting 'people first.' We are excited to have Penny join our growing operations in Northern California and the across the country."

Miller earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Santa Clara University in California.

Penny Miller can be reached at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
Office: 415-356-3981
Mobile: 415-652-0699
penny.miller[at]epicbrokers.com

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
650-422-3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

*PHOTO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0406-Penny-Miller-300dpi.jpg

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance #EmployeeBenefits

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-adds-employee-benefits-consultant-penny-miller-in-san-francisco-2016-0406-01.shtml.

EPIC’s Chuck Simpson to Speak on Hydrogen Sulphide Safety at 2016 Sulphur World Symposium

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 5, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, today announced that Senior Risk Control Consultant Chuck Simpson will present at the Sulphur World Symposium 2016 being held at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada on April 11 to April 13. Simpson is a member of EPIC's National Energy Construction Practice based in Birmingham, Alabama. He will speak on "Hydrogen Sulphide - Training Personnel to Work Safely" on Tuesday, April 12 from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is one of the few chemicals that has limited warning properties at dangerous concentrations and can lead to immediate incapacitation. It is important to be aware of the hazards associated with H2S whenever working where hydrogen sulphide is present or presumed present. After engineering controls, a well-executed training program is the most effective way of protecting personnel against H2S exposure.

Drawing on personal experience of having been exposed to hydrogen sulphide poisoning, Simpson will discuss Z390 and other ANSI standards, as well as other critical components of effectively training personnel working in an environment where H2S may be present. Click here to see the full agenda: https://www.sulphurinstitute.org/pub/89820932-bc30-5bd9-0719-acc30ed15a67 .

About Chuck Simpson, Senior Risk Control Consultant, EPIC:

Simpson is a respected HSE professional with more than 30 years of experience assisting companies with the implementation of risk management systems in a variety of industries.

Prior to joining EPIC, Simpson served as president of Work Safe International, LLC where he worked on both on- and off-shore projects in the United States, Mexico, Canada, South America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Simpson has experience in the sulfur operations, pipeline, fabrication, oil and gas drilling, vessel operations and food processing industries. He is a certified safety professional (CSP) and a widely recognized expert on Contractor Safety Management, OSHA Recordkeeping and Hydrogen Sulfide Safety. He has presented lectures at the ASSE Safety Professional Development Conference and Exposition, OSHA Oil and Gas Safety Conference, the International Conference on Offshore Safety, the Gulf Coast Safety and Training Group, and the Sulphur Institute's Sulphur World Symposium in the United Arab Emirates.

Simpson is an active participant in the American Society of Safety Engineers, Gulf Coast Safety Training Group and serves as Chairman for the ANSI Z390 Hydrogen Sulfide Training Committee.

He earned his bachelor's degree in international studies from the University of South Alabama.

About Sulphur World Symposium 2016:

The Sulphur Institute's Sulphur World Symposium 2016 is an annual event that attracts sulphur industry leaders for two days of expert speakers, networking events, and industry tours. More than 150 delegates, from over 30 countries are expected at this year's event. The delegates represent organizations from the entire sulphur value chain.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

* PHOTO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-1027-Chuck-Simpson-300dpi.jpg

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650.295.4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
650.422.3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance #SulphurWorld

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-chuck-simpson-to-speak-on-hydrogen-sulphide-safety-at-2016-sulphur-world-symposium-2016-0405-01.shtml.

EPIC’s Tiffany McClellan to Present at Human Resource Executive Health and Benefits Leadership Conference

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 31, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, today announced that its Regional Director of Employee Benefits Tiffany McClellan will present at the Human Resource Executive Health & Benefits Leadership Conference at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, March 30 to April 1. McClellan will speak on "Strategies for Creating Impactful Employee Communications" alongside Cari Graham of Guidance Software Inc. on Friday, April 1 at 9 a.m.

With today's workforces more global, diverse and mobile, employers are inundated with information in and out of the office. This makes it a constant challenge to capture their attention, communicate important messages and make sure they feel engaged to take action.

The session will highlight proven measures employers can take to improve the effectiveness of their benefits communications and will include the following takeaways:
* Learn how to tailor your message to the audience, making it more memorable.
* Understand techniques to deliver communication in a variety of ways to appeal to multiple generations.
* Create impactful, focused messages with clear calls to action in order to grab your employee's attention and get them to take action when needed.

Click here to see the full agenda: http://www.benefitsconf.com/agenda.html.

About Tiffany McClellan, Regional Director of Employee Benefits:

As Regional Director, Employee Benefits, Tiffany is focused on growing EPIC's employee benefits consulting business in Southern California, recruiting and adding producer consultants, and specialty service teams and fully integrating EPIC's national Employer Services platform into local client offerings. Tiffany is based in Irvine and reports to Jim Gillette the Regional Director of EPIC's Southern California Region. In addition, Tiffany also works closely with John Connell the President of Employee Benefits for California on all Benefits Consulting growth, product development, service and business development initiatives targeting the Southern California Region.

Prior to joining EPIC, Tiffany was a principal with Mercer's Health & Benefits practice, responsible for growing revenue and managing the sales and service teams as a part of the Southern California Region. She spent the prior 14 years with ADP, specializing in employee benefits automation and integration. She has held various positions from managing implementation teams to sales and product development across a suite of benefit services offerings for large employers. Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology/Community Health from Tufts University in Massachusetts. Professionally, she holds Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) and Group Benefits Associate (GBA) designations.

About Human Resource Executive Health & Benefits Leadership Conference:

The Human Resource Executive(R) Health & Benefits Leadership Conference is a place to gain immediate useful solutions and ideas to help you craft a solid benefits program that will attract new employees, retain top talent, improve employee engagement, enhance productivity and more. Sessions are created and delivered by senior executives from leading organizations, both large and small, to give a high-caliber learning experience with real-world lessons and practical takeaways.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0331-McClellan-300dpi.jpg

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-s-tiffany-mcclellan-to-present-at-human-resource-executive-health-benefits-leadership-conference-2016-0331-01.shtml.

EPIC adds Southeast Region Employee Benefits Consultant Stephen McKenzie

ATLANTA, Ga., March 28, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Stephen McKenzie has joined the firm's Employee Benefits Consulting team in Atlanta.

Joining as a Benefits Consultant, McKenzie brings 6 years of employee benefits experience to EPIC. He was previously a Benefits Associate at Mercer in Atlanta with a focus on benefits strategy and business development. His expertise in resolving client issues, reviewing internal compliance and contract documents, and conducting financial analyses provided him the opportunity to serve both mid- and large-group employers.

As a consultant for EPIC's Employee Benefits practice in the Southeast, McKenzie will provide client service leadership, including overall strategy, relationship management and business development, bringing new clients to EPIC. His proven success in these areas is well aligned with EPIC's core values of client service excellence and advocacy.

"Stephen has a proven track record of helping his clients succeed," said Steve Needle, Southeast Region Employee Benefits Managing Principal. "He has consulted with a broad range of employers in various industries and on many different types of projects."

McKenzie earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management & Insurance from the University of Georgia.

Said McKenzie, "My goal is to provide strategic direction and advice to my clients. I strive to be an outstanding team member who develops and maintains relationships with clients and assists them with the needs of their business. EPIC is uniquely and strongly positioned to help me deliver these results to the people and organizations I serve."

Stephen McKenzie can be reached at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
Office: 678-475-3863
Mobile: 470-277-5672
stephen.mckenzie[at]epicbrokers.com

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

* LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
650-422-3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-adds-southeast-region-employee-benefits-consultant-stephen-mckenzie-2016-0328-01.shtml.

EPIC Launches National Construction Specialty Group with the Addition of Brian McDonnell as Managing Principal

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 22, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today the addition of veteran construction broker Brian McDonnell as a managing principal, and the formation of the EPIC National Construction Specialty Group.

McDonnell, who joins from Wells Fargo Insurance Services, will be responsible for building and leading a construction-focused national "center of excellence," developing, integrating and delivering key technical resources, leading-edge risk solutions and new tools for the benefit of EPIC clients in construction related industries and the EPIC service teams who support them.

Said EPIC CEO John Hahn, "The addition of Brian and the launch of EPIC's National Construction Specialty Group will help to mobilize and integrate the already significant Construction expertise we have in our West Region, as well as our national Design Build capabilities provided by EPIC/Greyling, and our national Energy Construction practice, both based in the Southeast. Brian brings unique experience with large complex Contractors as well as project specific work such as CCIP's and OCIP's, which our clients across the country will profit from."

McDonnell will be based in EPIC's Concord, Calif. office and report to Derek Thomas, Chief Strategy Officer and co-leader of EPIC's National Specialty Practices & Programs Group.

Said EPIC West Region President, Thomas O'Neil, "We have known and respected Brian for many years, and are excited to have him join our team to lead this significant construction-focused national specialty team. EPIC's strategy of developing highly specialized, integrated and accessible national teams stands in stark contrast to many other firms who tend to 'silo' their business segments around profit center considerations. Brian and his team will deepen our Construction Industry bench strength, reinforce our commitment to client service excellence across the country, and unify our voice to the carriers and larger insurance and risk management marketplace."

McDonnell is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree. Professionally he holds the Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in Reinsurance (ARe), and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) Designations.

In addition, McDonnell has been recognized as a Construction Industry "Power Broker" by Risk & Insurance Magazine, based on his professional excellence and exemplary service and solutions delivered to his clients.

Brian McDonnell can be reached at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants
brian.mcdonnell [at] epicbrokers.com
925-822-9037 direct.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0321-McDonnell-300dpi.jpg

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
408-295-4309 x104
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-launches-national-construction-specialty-group-with-the-addition-of-brian-mcdonnell-as-managing-principal-2016-0322-01.shtml.

Alternative-Risk Financing Roundtable: ‘Creative Uses for Captives’ Moderated by EPIC’s Daniel Houston

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. and ATLANTA, Ga., March 16, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- In the world of risk management, captive insurers are taking on a major role for companies of all sizes. As the number and types of captive insurers are expanding, so too have the types of risks that captive owners are funding through these alternative-risk financing structures, says EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants. One area of increased interest is the use of healthcare captives by medium-size companies. This growth is the result of medical stop-loss since the Affordable Care Act precludes employers from limiting health care coverage in their benefit plans.

EPIC, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, today announced that Dan Houston, EPIC's Senior Vice President of Enterprise Risk Management and Principal, will moderate a roundtable on these captive insurers topics, including what types of new coverages captives are insuring and other creative uses for these entities at the Business Insurance Risk Management Summit in New York on March 22, 2016.

What: Roundtable on "Creative Uses for Captives"
When: Tuesday, March 22 at 1:50 p.m.
Who: Moderator: Daniel W. Houston, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Risk Management and Principal, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants.

Roundtable panelists:
* Ethan Harrington
Director, Insurance and Risk Management
H&R Block
* Steve Kinion
Director, Bureau of Captive and Financial Insurance Products
Delaware Department of Insurance
* Karin Landry
Managing Partner
Spring Consulting Group L.L.C.

Where: The Business Insurance Risk Management Summit, Westin Times Square, New York, NY.

About Daniel W. Houston, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Risk Management and Principal, EPIC:

Dan Houston is Senior Vice President of Enterprise Risk Management and Principal at EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants. He is based in EPIC's Duluth, Ga. office. Prior to joining EPIC in August 2006, he was Senior Vice President and Vice President/ Producer with Marsh, Alexander & Alexander (Aon) and Willis/HRH. He has also served as Director of Risk Management and Insurance Worldwide for Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company and NCR Corporation. While working for NCR he co-developed the first cyber insurance policy and risk management response.

An author of over 500 articles, texts and educational courses on risk management, insurance, analytics, contractual risk transfer, music, religion and law, Houston is the recipient of The Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc.'s (RIMS) prestigious "Harry and Dorothy Goodell Award," and was named "2010 Insurance and Risk Management Professional of the Year." Houston was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal and CNBC for his work with the endangered panda program. He is a member of and/or serves on a number of boards, notably the Next Generation Manufacturing (NGM), Japan-America Business Council, Federal Reserve Bank, Advanced Risk Management Panel, Defense Research Institute, Eisenhower (after his great uncle Dwight D. Eisenhower) Academy and is a founding member of the International Risk Management Federation in Helsinki, Finland.

About The Business Insurance Risk Management Summit:

The Business Insurance Risk Management Summit is a unique two-day conference serving the information and networking needs of senior risk managers, benefits managers and related decision makers from the largest U.S. and global companies.

Now in it its seventh year, the summit provides attendees with focused insights into key risk management concerns via expert panels and strategic, thought-provoking discussions with peers and industry leader.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

* PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0825-Dan-Houston-300dpi.jpg

* LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650.295.4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
650.422.3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/alternative-risk-financing-roundtable-creative-uses-for-captives-moderated-by-epic-s-daniel-houston-2016-0316-01.shtml.

EPIC Way2Wellness Webinar: Dr. David Chenoweth to Address Health and Productivity Management (HPM)

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 8, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Business leaders are too often faced with spiraling health costs that take a financial toll on their organization. However, these costs can be confronted through health and wellness programs that not only promote a healthier workplace, but also increase productivity. EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, today announced its Way2Wellness webinar on Health and Productivity Management (HPM) on Tuesday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. PDT.

HPM expert Dr. David Chenoweth, a wellness consultant with more than 35 years of worksite wellness, data analysis and program evaluation experience, will discuss HPM best practices for small, medium and large companies, as well as a number of successful industry tools he has developed and implemented.

"When best practices are adopted in a strategic manner, it drives programs, policies and incentives that will enhance the overall health and productivity of employees resulting in a much healthier workforce that allows an organization to have a competitive edge," said Dr. Chenoweth. "Human Capital is the best asset any organization has, and a successful company is going to nurture human capital and take it to the next level."

Speakers will include:
* Dr. David Chenoweth, Wellness Consultant
* Ayana Collins, Wellness Consultant, EPIC
* Craig Schmidt, Wellness Consultant, EPIC

To register for the webinar, click here - https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4656131949294965250 .

About David Chenoweth, Ph.D, FAWHP:

David has over 35 years of worksite wellness, data analysis, and program evaluation experience. During that time, he has performed numerous risk factor cost, break-even analysis, and benefit-cost/ROI analyses in the United States and Europe - as well as risk factor economic cost appraisals for nine states. He developed the popular Proportionate Risk Factor Cost Appraisal(TM) as well as the online Physical Inactivity Cost Calculator sponsored by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and co-developed the online County Health Tool for the Institute of Emerging Issues at North Carolina State University. Most recently, he developed the industry's premier online, interactive tool - Corpwell Rx(R) - for worksite wellness program directors, vendors, and consultants.

He has written two Effective Practice Guideline (EPG) reports on worksite wellness for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Foundation - as well as five books on worksite wellness including the popular 3rd edition of the best selling Worksite Health Promotion and the industry's only book on worksite wellness program evaluation, Evaluating Worksite Health Promotion. He has keynoted at a worksite health promotion forum in Czechoslovakia and at the Caribbean Health Ministry in Jamaica. He is a Fellow of the International Association for Worksite Health Promotion. He developed and directed the undergraduate worksite health promotion academic program at East Carolina for 31 years and retired as Professor Emeritus in 2010. Since then, he continues an active consulting and speaking career. His graduate degrees are in Physiology & Health Science (Ball State University) and Health Education (The Ohio State University).

About Craig Schmidt, Wellness Consultant, EPIC:

As a Wellness Consultant, Craig works with a team of other like-minded wellness professionals to create a healthier working environment for the members and clients EPIC serves. He has a strong background in Health Education and Health Promotion. Craig strives to not only help our client members that have partnered with EPIC but he also works to be an example in his own daily life, with his co-workers and regular interactions with people.

Prior to joining the EPIC team, Craig worked in many roles within the worksite wellness field to help strengthen him for the position he currently holds. He has been a health coach working with individuals 1-on-1, a Program Coordinator for a wellness service provider, and a Health Educator within a carrier disease management platform.

Most recently, Craig took on an integral role in an innovative approach to combine workplace initiatives in wellness with carrier services to improve health care consumerism as a Wellness Liaison with WellPoint Inc. Craig was positioned on-site at Google Inc. to work directly with their Human Resources department and with their employees having daily in person interactions whenever needed.

Craig's endeavors in his own health and wellness help strengthen his passion to be a leader in the field of wellness and health management and become a valued asset at EPIC as we continue to grow our presence as a worksite wellness innovator.

Craig earned his Bachelors of Science in Health Education and Promotion with an emphasis on Worksite Studies at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. He then continued his studies at the University of Colorado, Denver Anschutz Medical Campus where he completed his Certificate of Public Health Sciences

About Ayana Collins, Wellness Consultant, EPIC:

Ayana is a dedicated health and wellness professional with over 10 years of proven success in designing, implementing and managing wellness programs of all sizes. Ayana is a subject matter expert and is a contributor, public speaker and author on a variety of fitness, disease prevention and heath awareness topics. Topics include stress management, chronic disease management, and weight management.

Ayana advises large and small organizations on wellness program management specific to clients' needs. She provides guidance with regard to best practices for program design, implementation and evaluation. She also serves as a liaison between third-party wellness vendor and clients, and as a health and wellness resource.

Ayana holds a Master of Science in Sports Administration from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA; a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology & Health Service Research from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC; as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC.

Ayana enjoys health and wellness program design, fitness management, running and golfing.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/ .

* LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650.295.4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
408.295.4309 x104
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-way2wellness-webinar-dr-david-chenoweth-to-address-health-and-productivity-management-hpm-2016-0308-01.shtml.

EPIC Further Strengthens Northern California Construction Practice with the Addition of Trish Drew

SAN FRANCISCO and CONCORD, Calif., Feb. 25, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a unique and innovative national retail insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting firm, announced today that Trish Drew has joined the firm's Northern California Construction Practice.

Drew has specialized in the risk management and insurance needs of the Construction Industry for her entire 35+ year career, both as a Risk Manager for one of the nation's largest commercial general contractors and as an Account and Client Services Executive for regional and national insurance brokers.

Drew will be based in EPIC's Concord, Calif. office and will report to Curt Perata, Regional Director, Property & Casualty.

In her new role at EPIC, Drew will be a resource to all construction-focused service teams across Northern California in specialized areas such as Owner Controlled Insurance Programs (OCIP), Contractor Controlled Insurance Programs (CCIP), project management and contract review. In addition, Drew will be a key contact for all construction business underwriters serving EPIC clients.

"We have known and respected Trish for many years," said Curt Perata. "She is a consummate professional and EPIC clients will benefit significantly from her broad experience and deep knowledge of the Construction Industry. Personally, her 'people first' client-focused values and beliefs align strongly with our own. We couldn't be happier that she has chosen to join our EPIC Northern California Construction team."

Trish Drew can be contacted at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
925-822-9184 - direct
trish.drew@epicbrokers.com

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0225-trish-drew-300dpi.jpg

*Photo Caption: Trish Drew joins EPIC's Northern California Construction Practice.

Media Contacts:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
650-422-3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-further-strengthens-northern-california-construction-practice-with-the-addition-of-trish-drew-2016-0225-01.shtml.

EPIC’s Mark Niebuhr Honored as a 2016 Insurance Industry ‘Power Broker’

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Feb. 24, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property & casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Mark Niebuhr has been recognized as a 2016 Power Broker in the Manufacturing sector by Risk and Insurance Magazine.

A Power Broker is defined as an individual who stands out among their peers for the exceptional work they delivered to clients over the past year. The brokers awarded Power Broker recognition are judged based on their problem solving, customer service and industry knowledge.

Niebuhr's insurance career spans nearly 40 years and he has worked extensively with a wide range of clients in the wine, beer and beverage industries. Niebuhr's clients consistently point to his knowledge, positive attitude, responsiveness and advocacy.

Client Trinchero Family Estates (also known as Sutter Home Winery) took some serious hits during the Napa earthquake in late 2014, with substantial damage to wine in storage, including barrels and racking equipment. Niebuhr leveraged his industry expertise and his strong relationship with the insurance carrier to make a successful case for including the racks in the claim, recovering a substantially higher sum for the client.

"That was a good million-dollar plus swing in our favor," said Anthony Torres, the winery's principal, vice chairman and director. "Mark did a great job."

Said John Hahn, EPIC co-founder and CEO, "Mark truly embodies our core values of people first, innovation and responsibility. These beliefs, and all here who embrace them, are the reason EPIC has achieved such great success in a relatively short period of time. We are honored to have Mark and EPIC recognized by our clients and by Risk and Insurance Magazine, and we applaud and celebrate his achievement."

Mark Niebuhr can be reached at:
mark.niebuhr@epicbrokers.com
916-576-1513

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions across California and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/ .

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0224-Mark-Niebuhr-300dpi.jpg

*PHOTO caption: EPIC's Mark Niebuhr.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
650-422-3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epics-mark-niebuhr-honored-as-a-2016-insurance-industry-power-broker-2016-0224-01.shtml.

Renee Crow Joins EPIC as Vice President, Hospitality Practice Leader in the West

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Jan. 27, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a unique and innovative national retail insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting firm, announced today that Renee Crow has joined the firm as Vice President and West Region Hospitality Practice Leader.

Crow has focused on and specialized in the risk management and insurance needs of hotels, restaurants and others in the hospitality industry since 2004, first as an Account Executive for insurance broker Arthur J Gallagher and then for the past 8 1/2 years as the Vice President, Risk Management at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.

As EPIC's Hospitality Practice Leader, Crow will be responsible for further developing an innovative, unified approach to serving hospitality clients across the West Region and nationally. This will include strategy development and leadership, establishing risk management best practices, developing new leading-edge products and services, building client-focused service and specialty resource teams, integrating and leveraging both local and national people and resources, and managing and strengthening relationships with all underwriters and specialty markets serving the Hospitality sector and developing new business.

Crow will be based in EPIC's San Francisco headquarters and will report to Marianne Schleicher, Chief Operating Officer of the Bay Area Region.

Across her career, Crow has been consistently recognized as a top risk management professional, most recently as a "2015 Risk All Star" by Risk & Insurance Magazine. http://www.riskandinsurance.com/playing-the-part/.

During her time at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Crow was able to reduce the organization's total cost of risk by roughly 40 percent, while Kimpton grew from 24 to more than 60 properties.

Professionally, Crow has earned both the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations.

"We are pleased to have Renee join EPIC and look forward to the added benefits she will deliver to our Hospitality Industry clients," said John Hahn, EPIC CEO. "Renee's unique experience in both the insurance brokerage business and in hotel risk management gives our clients a perspective they will not get from any other broker resource. We've known and admired Renee for many years, and we're excited that she has chosen to join the EPIC team."

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

* PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0127-Renee-Crow-300dpi.jpg

* Photo Caption: Renee Crow Joins EPIC.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
650-422-3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/renee-crow-joins-epic-as-vice-president-hospitality-practice-leader-in-the-west-2016-0127-01.shtml.

Clarence Bates Joins EPIC as Principal, Employee Benefits in Irvine, California

SAN FRANCISCO and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Jan. 21, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a unique and innovative national retail insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting firm, announced today that Clarence Bates has joined the firm as a Principal in the Employee Benefits Practice.

Bates brings more than 17 years of dedication to delivering employee benefits management strategies for mid-sized and large companies. His strategic initiatives include designing, implementing, and communicating benefits programs that results in cost savings far below comparable trend. His success is based upon strong project management and organization skills, coupled with a keen attention to detail and the ability to effectively communicate to people of all levels. All of these skills will be highly beneficial to EPIC and the clients who work with Clarence and his team of benefits professionals.

Prior to joining EPIC, Clarence was a Vice President at USI Insurance for 11 years and an Account Executive at Dodge, Warren & Peters for 6 years. He spent 4 years in the United States Marine Corps. Clarence holds a Group Benefits Disability Specialist (GBDS) designation.

"We couldn't be happier to have Clarence join our team of professionals at EPIC and know that he will bring strong value to our clients," said Jim Gillette, Managing Principal of the Southern California region. "The addition of Clarence will add another strong intellectual mind to our Employee Benefits practice and team of consultants."

Clarence Bates can be reached at:
(949) 417-9181
clarence.bates[at]epicbrokers.com

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions across California and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0121-clarence-bates-300dpi.jpg

*Photo Caption: Clarence Bates Joins EPIC.

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/clarence-bates-joins-epic-as-principal-employee-benefits-in-irvine-california-2016-0121-01.shtml.

Carlton Pilger Joins EPIC as Director of Employee Benefits Compliance

ATLANTA and SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Jan. 19, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a unique and innovative national retail insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting firm, announced today that Carlton "Carl" Pilger has joined the firm as Director of Employee Benefits Compliance.

Pilger has advised and represented businesses for more than 20 years as an ERISA attorney. During his career he has focused exclusively on ERISA compliance, including representing his clients in DOL and IRS audits. As EPIC's Director of Employee Benefits Compliance he will continue to consult with and advise clients on ERISA and ACA compliance. Pilger will be based in Duluth, Georgia and report to John Gaffney, EPIC's Director, National Benefits Operations.

Prior to joining EPIC, Pilger served as Vice President, Legal Counsel with Digital Insurance where he spearheaded ERISA and ACA compliance initiatives. Previously, he held positions with three prominent Atlanta law firms including; Taylor English Duma, LLP, Miller & Martin, PLLC and Fisher & Phillips, LLP.

Pilger is a well-known subject matter expert in the Affordable Care Act and has traveled the country speaking to numerous industry groups regarding the law's complexities.

Pilger earned a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism and a Juris Doctorate degree from Northwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Georgia Bar Association.

"We are pleased to have Carl join EPIC and look forward to the added benefits he will deliver to our clients with regard to ERISA and ACA compliance," said John Hahn, EPIC CEO. "His addition further expands and strengthens our EPIC Employer Services Platform, which provides comprehensive, specialized employee benefits services to our larger clients."

Carl Pilger can be reached at:
Phone: (678) 245-0240
carl.pilger[at]epicbrokers.com

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0119-Carl-Pilger-300dpi.jpg

*Photo Caption: Carlton Pilger Joins EPIC.

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/carlton-pilger-joins-epic-as-director-of-employee-benefits-compliance-2016-0119-01.shtml.

EPIC adds Southeast Region Risk Consultant Ken Glanton

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Jan. 13, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Ken Glanton has joined the firm's Birmingham-based National Energy Construction Practice as a Risk Consultant. Glanton joins a rapidly growing team of risk management and insurance professionals serving larger, complex construction and energy companies across the country.

Glanton brings nearly 10 years of successful sales, business development and consulting experience to EPIC. Across the first three years of his career while at Integrated Medical Systems, Glanton ranked #6 among 82 sales people nationally. He was later responsible for launching a 5-state southeast territory for EquipSystems, LLC, where he issued nearly a million dollars in new service contracts in the first year of this assignment.

Glanton comes to EPIC from commercial insurance broker Assured Neace Lukens in Nashville, Tennessee, where he provided consultative services in the development, implementation and oversight of strategic risk management programs for large and mid-sized companies.

EPIC Birmingham's managing principal Crawford McInnis noted, "Ken is a respected business development and consulting professional with proven sales success and experience utilizing innovative consultative strategies. Adding Ken to our team further broadens the scope of expertise and service we provide to our clients."

"The Birmingham team strengthens EPIC's national platform serving contractors, energy companies and oil and gas distribution contractors," said Derek Thomas, EPIC Chief Strategy Officer and co-leader of EPIC's Specialty Practices and Program Group. "We look forward to developing additional strategic initiatives with Ken as we further build out EPIC's consulting services platform in Birmingham and across the country."

Glanton earned both a Bachelor's degree in History and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Ken Glanton can be reached at:
EPIC
205-581-3345 direct
615-955-0389 cell
ken.glanton[at]epicbrokers.com

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions across California and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0113-Ken-Glanton-300dpi.jpg

*Photo Caption: Ken Glanton.

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-adds-southeast-region-risk-consultant-ken-glanton-2016-0113-01.shtml.

Ascende, Inc., a Leading Human Capital and Employee Benefits Consulting Firm, Joins EPIC

HOUSTON, Texas and SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Jan. 7, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Ascende, Inc. (Ascende), a premier human capital and employee benefits consulting firm, and EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a unique and innovative national retail insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting firm, announced today that they have joined forces.

Founded in 1995, Houston, Texas-based Ascende is one of the largest independent employee benefits consulting firms in the country, providing solutions in a variety of human capital related fields, including health and welfare, benefit plan administration, retirement, investment advisory, pharmacy management, wellness, communications, global benefit solutions, mergers and acquisitions consulting and human resources consulting services.

EPIC, founded in 2007, is one of the 20 largest U.S. retail insurance brokers, with a belief in and reputation for service excellence, innovation, community service, collaboration and having fun - all in the interest of being a "people first" (clients and team members) organization.

"Ascende has been delivering strategic guidance and service around benefit programs and HR needs to our clients for over 21 years, and we believe the decision to join EPIC will help us deliver an expansive new set of capabilities to our clients and additional value, with the same commitment to service delivery that Ascende has been a hallmark of our firm. We expect that our clients will immediately benefit from EPIC's broader resources including risk management, property & casualty insurance, workers' compensation, management and executive liability, and private client services," says Ascende Chief Executive Officer Jim Watt. "We are thrilled to join a unique and successful company like EPIC."

As part of EPIC, the firm will now operate as Ascende, Inc. - an EPIC Company. Jim Watt will assume additional responsibility as EPIC's President, Southwest Region, and the Ascende leadership team will continue to play vital roles within the larger EPIC organization.

Said EPIC CEO John Hahn, "We found a strong cultural partner in Ascende, in an important and highly desirable region, where we have wanted to be a partner in the community and see strong opportunities for growth. EPIC has been investing heavily in our employee benefits consulting capabilities across the country and Ascende, with the leadership of Jim Watt and his team in the Southwest, will add significant value to our clients and create further opportunities for all of our employees' long term growth and career success."

EPIC President Peter Garvey added, "In addition to the integration and expansion of our respective benefits platforms, Ascende provides a platform in the Southwest to extend our risk management, property casualty insurance, program solutions and private client services to companies across the region and nationally. We could not be happier to have the entire Ascende team join the EPIC family."

The addition of Ascende significantly expands EPIC's employee benefit capabilities nationally, adding nearly 100 top professionals and a strong client base in the Southwest to EPIC's existing team of more than 200 employee benefits professionals across the country.

About Ascende - an EPIC Company:

One of the largest independent employee benefits only consulting firms in the country, Houston-based Ascende specializes in health and welfare consulting, benefit plan administration, retirement and investment advisory, wellness, communications, global benefit solutions, mergers and acquisitions consulting and human resources consulting services.

Ascende also offers services unique to the employee benefits industry through the Ascendent(R) Pharmacy Coalition, a purchasing cooperative that reduces pharmaceutical costs to employers.

For additional information, please visit http://www.ascende.com/ .

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions across California and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/ .

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0106-EPIC-ascende-300dpi.jpg

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/ascende-inc-a-leading-human-capital-and-employee-benefits-consulting-firm-joins-epic-2016-0107-01.shtml.

EPIC Golf Insurance Services Named ‘Excellence in Achievement’ Award Winner by The BoardRoom Magazine

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Dec. 14, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that it has been named a 2015 "Excellence in Achievement" award winner by The BoardRoom magazine as the "Insurance Provider of the Year."

"It is a tremendous honor to be the only insurance and risk management services provider recognized in this way by BoardRoom magazine," said Gary Sigel, program director of EPIC Golf Insurance Services. "Our entire Golf Insurance Services team is singularly focused on the needs of those we serve, and being honored among the leaders of the private club industry validates our commitment to provide the highest level of service and protection to our clients."

EPIC Golf Insurance Services, a sector of the firm's Sports & Entertainment Group, provides golf-specific coverage, expertise and comprehensive club insurance solutions including exclusive Property/Casualty and Workers Compensation Insurance programs.

BoardRoom magazine's "Excellence in Achievement" awards are the only private club industry awards that recognize the clubs' business partners. BoardRoom magazine's industry peers review and select these outstanding suppliers and consultants, which represent all aspects of course and club operations. Winners are selected based on overall excellence in their respective fields, and their achievements, innovation, vision for future growth and continued impact on private club operations.

"We have seen an increasing amount of innovation and dedication from recipients of BoardRoom Awards, to the benefit of private clubs," said John Fornaro, publisher of BoardRoom magazine. "Each award winner is clearly a leader in their industry and we congratulate each and every one of them."

About The BoardRoom magazine:

BoardRoom magazine is designed for board of directors, owners, general managers and department heads of private golf, city, yacht, tennis and country clubs. The magazine is distributed through paid subscriptions to clubs, organizations and businesses throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia.

About EPIC:

Headquartered in San Francisco, EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has nationwide presence with a depth of industry expertise across key lines of insurance, including commercial property and casualty, employee benefits, unique specialty program insurance, and private client services. Since its founding in 2007, EPIC has grown revenue from $12 million to and estimated run rate of $200 million through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, and remains a fixture on the insurance industry's "Best Places to Work" lists. Its strategic partners include private equity firm The Carlyle Group. To learn more, visit http://epicbrokers.com/.

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-golf-insurance-services-named-excellence-in-achievement-award-winner-by-the-boardroom-magazine-2015-1214-01.shtml.

EPIC Again Named Among Best Places to Work in Insurance by Business Insurance Magazine

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Nov. 24, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that it has been ranked #5 among the 2015 "Best Places to Work in Insurance" in the medium employer category (250-999 U.S. employees) by Business Insurance Magazine and Best Companies Group.

Best Places to Work in Insurance is an annual feature presented by Business Insurance that recognizes the agents, brokers, insurance companies and other providers demonstrating the highest levels of employee engagement and satisfaction. This is the sixth time EPIC has been so honored by its employees for the organization's commitment to attracting, developing and retaining great talent through a combination of culture, benefits and other programs that employees appreciate and value.

"We believe that our EPIC community is strengthened through putting people first - both our employees and our clients," said John Hahn, CEO of EPIC. "We are very pleased to again receive this recognition from our people, as it continues to validate the strength of our culture and the importance of our shared EPICness."

EPIC believes that employees who are respected, challenged, valued and trusted perform at a higher level with belief, passion and loyalty. The company's innovative culture focuses on 10 core beliefs centered on people first, respect, responsibility, adaptability, community, alignment, confidence, innovation, humility and fun.

EPIC employees are involved in and support a number of charities and community service organizations, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation, American Heart Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Alzheimer's Association and numerous local community events across the country. EPIC currently has more than 700 team members operating from 28 office locations in 11 states.

About EPIC:

Headquartered in San Francisco, EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has nationwide presence with a depth of industry expertise across key lines of insurance, including commercial property and casualty, employee benefits, unique specialty program insurance, and private client services. Since its founding in 2007, EPIC has grown revenue from $12 million to an estimated run rate of $200 million through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, and remains a fixture on the insurance industry's "Best Places to Work" lists. Its strategic partners include private equity firm The Carlyle Group.

To learn more, visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

* LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/14-0721-epic_300dpi.jpg

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-again-named-among-best-places-to-work-in-insurance-by-business-insurance-magazine-2015-1124-01.shtml.

EPIC’s Dana Liedel honored among the 2015 ‘Most Influential Women in Benefits Advising’

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Oct. 28, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property & casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Dana Liedel, Managing Principal of EPIC's Employer Services Platform, has been recognized among "The Most Influential Women in Benefits Advising" by Employee Benefits Advisor Magazine.

Selected from national nominations received over a month-long application process, Liedel is one of only 25 women to receive this recognition.

According to Elizabeth Galentine, Managing Editor of Employee Benefits Advisor, Liedel and other influential women being honored "are taking the field to unprecedented heights. Incredibly active in community and national organizations as well as in-office mentoring opportunities, these 25 women are working to ensure a successful future for all women in the industry."

When asked what motivates her most about her job, Liedel offered a quick and sure response: "Creating value and differentiation while in the constant pursuit of excellence."

Liedel added, "We had the vision and endorsement from EPIC leadership to create a truly unique, quality-focused consulting practice, and the opportunity to provide these value-added services to clients has been both exciting and extremely rewarding. The EPIC Employer Services Platform has contributed significantly to the growth and success of our Benefits Consulting Practice."

Recently recognized by Business Insurance Magazine as the nation's #1 Benefits Broker by Growth (growth in 2014 employee benefits revenue), EPIC offers a full range of health and welfare plans and supporting consultation, including group medical, group disability, group life, voluntary benefits, international benefits consulting, wellness consulting, compliance consulting, HR and benefits technology solutions, communications consulting, actuarial services, and a proprietary private exchange (EXP - The EPIC Exchange Platform).

"Dana's vision regarding the evolution of benefits consulting in a post-ACA world, change management efforts and the delivery of innovative client solutions via our Employer Services Platform, has been an important part of making EPIC the fastest growing employee benefits broker/consultant in the nation," said Derek Thomas, EPIC's Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Sponsor of the Employer Services Practice. "We are proud of what Dana has helped our team accomplish and thank Employee Benefits Advisor for recognizing her hard work, knowledge and influence in this way."

To see all of the 2015 "Most Influential Women in Benefits Advising" please visit: http://eba.benefitnews.com/gallery/eba/who-are-ebas-2015-most-influential-women-in-benefit-advising-2747348-1.html .

Dana Liedel can be reached at:
dana.liedel[at]epicbrokers.com
415-356-3939

About EPIC:

Headquartered in San Francisco, EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has nationwide presence with a depth of industry expertise across key lines of insurance, including commercial property and casualty, employee benefits, unique specialty program insurance, and private client services. Since its founding in 2007, EPIC has grown revenue from $12 million to an estimated run rate of $200 million through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, and remains a fixture on the insurance industry's "Best Places to Work" lists. Its strategic partners include private equity firms The Carlyle Group and Stone Point Capital.

To learn more, visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

* IMAGE (web): Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-1028-Dana-Liedel-72dpi.jpg

Twitter: @EPIC_Insurance

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epics-dana-liedel-honored-among-the-2015-most-influential-women-in-benefits-advising-2015-1028-01.shtml.

EPIC Recognized as Fastest Growing Employee Benefits Broker by Business Insurance Magazine

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Oct. 14, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, has received top rankings from Business Insurance Magazine in its 2015 Broker Supplement in three categories:

* Ranked #1 in the "Top 25 Benefits Brokers By Growth." EPIC had an annual revenue increase of 132.5 percent in 2014.

* Ranked #3 in the "Fastest Growing in 2014" with a 108.4 percent rate of growth in 2014 total brokerage revenue.

* Ranked #17 among the "Largest U.S. Commercial Retail Brokers," (excluding employee benefits revenue) with 2014 commercial retail revenue of $110,586,000.

As one of the fastest growing private insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting firms based in the U.S., EPIC has been on an aggressive growth trajectory. In 2014, EPIC set out a strategy for expanding its employee benefits consulting services and client support and has been executing well against its plan. Fueled by entrepreneurial innovation, shared values and a client-focused culture, EPIC's strategic growth plan is successfully driving steady expansion into new regions and markets.

"Being recognized in these important industry rankings reflects our commitment to delivering the highest level of customer service excellence and expanding our expertise to meet our customers' unique needs," said EPIC CEO, John Hahn. "We are proud of this recognition and motivated to create even more value in the markets we serve. Our customers can expect to see EPIC's expanded offerings and innovative solutions continue to grow in the future."

Industries and specialty practice areas served by EPIC include Financial Institutions; Energy Construction; Architecture, Engineering and Law Firms; Contractors; Real Estate; Healthcare; Non-profits; Transportation and Logistics; and Employee and Executive Benefits Consulting, including ACA Compliance, Benefits and HR Technology, Employee Communication, Voluntary Benefits, Wellness and the EPIC Exchange Platform (EXP).

About EPIC:

Headquartered in San Francisco, EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has nationwide presence with a depth of industry expertise across key lines of insurance, including commercial property and casualty, employee benefits, unique specialty program insurance, and private client services. Since its founding in 2007, EPIC has grown revenue from $12 million to an estimated run rate of $200 million through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, and remains a fixture on the insurance industry's 'Best Places to Work' lists. Its strategic partners include private equity firms The Carlyle Group and Stone Point Capital.

To learn more, visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-recognized-as-fastest-growing-employee-benefits-broker-by-business-insurance-magazine-2015-1014-01.shtml.

EPIC’s Michael Nischan to Speak at the Sixth Annual Commercial Motor Vehicle Collision – How to Protect Your Company Seminar

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Sept. 23, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that its Vice President of Transportation & Logistics Risk Control Michael Nischan will present at the Sixth Annual Commercial Motor Vehicle Collision - How to Protect Your Company seminar.

The seminar is on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:35 p.m. at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta. EPIC will co-sponsor the one-of-a-kind seminar that Nischan co-founded to educate and promote commercial motor vehicle safety.

The free, interactive program will include sessions on:
* A 90-minute interactive mock crash scene investigation with members of the Georgia State Patrol's Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT) and Georgia Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD).
* The latest on-board technology: What's available and how it can help (or hurt) you.
* An interactive pre-trip inspection of a modern tractor-trailer.
* The independent medical examination (IME), a live demonstration by a Board-certified orthopedic surgeon.
* The latest issues and trends affecting the trucking industry and its insurers.
* Other sponsors include: Custard Insurance Adjusters, Inc., Ferguson Frost Moore & Young, Gallagher Sharp, Georgia Motor Trucking Association and Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP.

Click here to download the full agenda (PDF):
http://epicbrokerscom.c.presscdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2015-CMV-Litigation-Seminar-Brochure.pdf .

Click here to register:
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=lks4umoab&oeidk=a07eb70zvan1fe676ce .

About the Presenter, Michael Nischan, CDS, CCSP, Vice President of Transportation & Logistics Risk Control, EPIC:

Michael Nischan is responsible for the transportation risk control practice of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, working out of the Southeast Region office in Atlanta. With more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement, private industry management and consulting, he has a genuine understanding of what it takes to operate a fleet safely and profitably. He helps motor carriers achieve and exceed regulatory requirements, develops management and training programs, implements operational controls to enhance efficiency and educates all members of an organization on compliance and security measures.

Nischan is an instructor with the North American Transportation Management Institute (NATMI) and provides professional training courses on behalf of the Georgia Motor Trucking Association (GMTA). He is the only Certified Cargo Security Professional (CCSP) employed by an insurance or risk management firm in Georgia and is active in the battle against cargo and equipment theft. Michael is a member of numerous organizations, including the GMTA and the Southeastern Transportation Security Council (SETSC). He is a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne College.

About EPIC:

Headquartered in San Francisco, EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has nationwide presence with a depth of industry expertise across key lines of insurance, including commercial property and casualty, employee benefits, unique specialty program insurance, and private client services. Since its founding in 2007, EPIC has grown revenue from $12 million to and estimated run rate of $200 million through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, and remains a fixture on the insurance industry's "Best Places to Work" lists. Its strategic partners include private equity firms The Carlyle Group and Stone Point Capital.

To learn more, visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

* PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0923-nischan-300dpi.jpg

* LOGO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0904-epic-brokers-300dpi.jpg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epics-michael-nischan-to-speak-at-the-sixth-annual-commercial-motor-vehicle-collision-how-to-protect-your-company-seminar-2015-0923-01.shtml.

EPIC’s Daniel Houston to Speak on Insurance and Risk Management Issues for Cyber, Technology, Media and Privacy at CFO Risk Management Summit

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Aug. 26, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Cyber threats are one of the most significant risks businesses and individuals face today, says EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants. High profile breaches in the past few years have highlighted the substantial impact and significant costs associated with these attacks. And the breaches we hear about are just the tip of the iceberg, since information about an attack may not be revealed to the public if no personal data is stolen.

Becoming more informed about cyber risks is an important first step in arming yourself and your business. That's the focus of an address by EPIC's Senior Vice President of Enterprise Risk Management and Principal, Dan Houston, at the CFO Risk Management Summit in Boston on September 11.

Mr. Houston's presentation, "Cyber, Technology, Media and Privacy Risk Management and Insurance" will provide insights into how you can better protect your business from cyber, technology, media, and privacy risks; methods of attack; relevant federal and state laws; the FBI's role in cybercrime; how to protect your organization from these risks; and what to do if a data breach happens to you.

What: Presentation on "Cyber, Technology, Media and Privacy Risk Management and Insurance."

When: Friday, September 11, 2015 - 2 p.m.

Who: Daniel W. Houston, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Risk Management and Principal, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants.

Where: CFO Risk Management Summit, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, Mass.

About the Presenter, Daniel W. Houston:

Mr. Houston is Senior Vice President, Enterprise Risk Management and Principal at EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants. Prior to joining EPIC in August 2006, he was Senior Vice President and Vice President/ Producer with Marsh, Alexander & Alexander (Aon) and Willis/HRH. He has also served as Director of Risk Management and Insurance Worldwide for Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company and NCR Corporation. While working for NCR he co-developed the first cyber insurance policy and risk management response.

Author of over 500 articles, texts and educational courses on risk management, insurance, analytics, contractual risk transfer, music, religion and law, Mr. Houston is the recipient of The Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc.'s (RIMS) prestigious "Harry and Dorothy Goodell Award," and was named "2010 Insurance and Risk Management Professional of the Year." Dan was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal and CNBC for his work with the endangered panda program. He is a member of and/or serves on a number of boards, notably the Next Generation Manufacturing (NGM), Japan-America Business Council, Federal Reserve Bank, Advanced Risk Management Panel, Defense Research Institute, Eisenhower (after his great uncle Dwight D. Eisenhower) Academy and is a founding member of the International Risk Management Federation in Helsinki, Finland.

About the CFO Risk Management Summit:

The CFO Risk Management Summit held September 10 and 11 in Boston, brings together the best Senior Risk Management and Finance professionals for a thought leading summit acclaimed for its innovative insight. For more information on the CFO Risk Management Summit and to register, go to: http://theinnovationenterprise.com/summits/risk-management-summit-2015-boston .

About EPIC:

Headquartered in San Francisco, EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has nationwide presence with a depth of industry expertise across key lines of insurance including commercial property and casualty, employee benefits, unique specialty program insurance, and private client services. Since its founding in 2007 EPIC has driven revenue from $5 million to $150 million through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, and remains a fixture on the insurance industry's 'Best Places to Work' lists. Its strategic partners include private equity firms The Carlyle Group and Stone Point Capital. To learn more, visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

* PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0825-Dan-Houston-300dpi.jpg
* Photo Caption: EPIC's Daniel Houston to Speak on Insurance and Risk Management Issues.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-daniel-houston-to-speak-on-insurance-and-risk-management-issues-for-cyber-technology-media-and-privacy-at-cfo-risk-management-summit-2015-0826-01.shtml.

EPIC expands Employee Benefits Practice with the acquisition of Executive Financial, Inc. in Southern California

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 18, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today it has acquired Executive Financial, Inc., an employee benefits consulting firm specializing in executive benefits, life, and disability insurance strategies.

Founded in 1995 by Peter Lizotte, Los Angeles, Calif. based Executive Financial will considerably broaden the specialized brokerage and consulting services available to EPIC clients across the country and position the company for significant growth in the Executive Benefits segment.

"Peter and his team have built a terrific firm and practice," said Jim Gillette, EPIC Managing Principal in the Southern California Region. "Their addition is an exciting development in the continuing growth of EPIC. Our clients benefit significantly when we add top professionals with a unique and highly specialized practice who bring depth and expertise to our brokerage and consulting platforms."

Added Peter Lizotte, "As a part of EPIC, we now have access to best in class compliance, communication and wellness services, not only to support our existing clients but also to successfully compete for new business. Additionally, we are very excited about the opportunity to significantly expand our proprietary Executive Disability Income and Life insurance programs under the EPIC brand."

Since The Carlyle Group became the firm's major investment partner in December 2013, EPIC has completed nine strategic acquisitions/purchases, adding nearly 400 team members in multiple locations across the United States.

Peter Lizotte can be contacted at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants
Address: 4601 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90010.
Phone: (323) 965-6408
Email: plizotte[at]executivefinancial.com.

About EPIC:

Headquartered in San Francisco, EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has nationwide presence with a depth of industry expertise across key lines of insurance, including commercial property and casualty, employee benefits, unique specialty program insurance, and private client services. Since its founding in 2007, EPIC has grown revenue from $5 million to $160 million through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, and remains a fixture on the insurance industry's "Best Places to Work" lists. Its strategic partners include private equity firms The Carlyle Group and Stone Point Capital.

To learn more, visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/epic-expands-employee-benefits-practice-with-acquisition-executive-financial-inc-southern-california-2015-0518-03.shtml.