
Jul 1, 2026
Work Life
This past May, we closed out the 2026 Front-Line Management Program (FMP) with a celebration of 47 graduates who spent four months sharpening the skills that turn good managers into great leaders.
The FMP is a cohort-based development program designed for Group 1001 managers and supervisors, each nominated by their own leaders. It's designed to equip our front-line leaders with the foundational skills to lead others effectively, build high-performing teams, and elevate engagement across the organization.
Investing in our greatest asset
At Group 1001, employees are our number one asset. We invest in their growth by providing relevant training to help them reach their highest potential. The FMP is one example of that commitment.
Over six interactive sessions, program participants moved through a curriculum focused on the core skills of leading others:
Building a Foundation of Trust
Guiding Teams to Success: Direction and Delegation
Coaching: A Path to Growth
Leadership in Action: Trust, Direction, and Coaching
Managing Change: Leading the Way Forward
Group 1001 Leadership Panel
Why this program matters
Investing in our people starts with the leaders who shape our team’s day-to-day experience. The FMP is one of the most direct ways we build that capability, preparing leaders for the challenges of today and the opportunities ahead.
"The opportunity ahead of Group 1001 is shaped by the leaders we develop today,” said Vice President of Talent Management Josh White. "Watching these 47 graduates step up and grow over four months was a reminder of just how much talent and ambition exist across our company.”
2026 FMP cohort
Congratulations to the 2026 FMP cohort!
Zionsville cohort:
Mitch Baidinger, Assistant Vice President, Actuarial
Rachel Blacker, Associate Director, Data Analytics
Karlie Burnside, Supervisor, New Business
Joe Dewing, Associate Director, Data Analytics
Melissa Friedman, Supervisor, Onyx New Business QC
Tiffanie Harding, Manager, Annuity and Customer Experience
Patt Love, Supervisor, Claims
Lindsay McKay, Director, Financial Reporting
Chris Michelstetter, Head of In-force Analytics
Sumaiya Nasir, Supervisor, Onyx New Business QC
Julie Olds, Workforce Optimization, Manager
Melissa Reeve, Supervisor, Agency Maintenance
Isaac Satterfield, Supervisor, New Business
Colin Scher, Director, Accounting Control
Nick Strader, Director, Finance
Jackie Vong, Supervisor, Agency Commissions
Chris Ward, Contact Center Supervisor
James Washington, Customer Service Manager
Paul Wheeler, Supervisor, Onyx Contact Center
Virtual cohort:
Spencer Ackerman, Assistant Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis
Ian Appanaitis, Director, Platform Manager
Dawn Baum, Senior Director, Operations
Santhosh Reddy Chintala, Senior Data Engineer
Bomi Chung, Assistant Vice President, Engineering
Brannon Darby, Director, Engineering
Greg Elliot, Head of Distribution
Sam Estigoy, Associate Director, Data Analytics
Tammy Evans, Manager, Operations
Thomas Faucette, Associate Director, Data Analytics
Julio Franco, Analytical Director
Sabrina Gauvin, Assistant Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis
Kristen Hakala, Assistant Vice President, Underwriting
Neal Hamilton, Assistant Vice President, Engineering
Will Hopkins, Associate Director, Customer Marketing
Jeremy Lakey, Assistant Vice President, Engineering
James LaVine, Principal Engineer
Forest Leonard, Director, IT
Yeheng Liang, Manager, Quantitative Analysis
Brian McQueen, Assistant Vice President, Scrum Master and Governance
Benjamin Nesbitt, Production Support Manager
Paul Nguyen, VP, Engineering and Platform
Bryan Ohlund, Director, IT
Joel Smith, Director, Finance
Lily Tendler, Associate Director, Performance Marketing
Daniel Wetherell, Manager, Actuarial Pricing
Frankie Williams, Licensing Supervisor

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