Press Releases Archives - CAMICO

Meet CAMICO’s New Vice President of Information Technology John Zissu

Amber — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 22:33:18 +0000

John Zissu joined CAMICO as Vice President of Information Technology on April 7, 2025.

Prior to CAMICO, Zissu served as Vice President – Platform Owner at Everest North America and as Vice President of Technology at Tokio Marine HCC (TMHCC), where he spearheaded projects that significantly improved operational efficiency through modern core, digital, and data systems implementations. Specifically, within the TMHCC consolidation, Zissu worked on miscellaneous professional liability and employment practices implementations, developing highly relevant subject matter expertise for CAMICO.

His expertise in modernizing technology operations includes cloud architecture, cybersecurity, data analytics, and the strategic implementation of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“John brings 25 years of insurance industry experience, including 15 years in specialty carrier technology leadership, driving strategic transformation,” said CAMICO President and CEO Mike Ray. “His deep understanding of insurance underwriting, claims, and financial processes, coupled with expertise in modern carrier platform architecture, enables him to translate complex technology into actionable business strategies. He is well prepared to step into this important leadership role and provide value to CAMICO and its policyholders.”

Zissu holds a J.D. from Fordham Law and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The College of New Jersey, bringing a unique blend of analytical and strategic thinking.

“I am thrilled to be joining the CAMICO family and looking forward to contributing to CAMICO’s continued growth and success,” Zissu said. “From my first interactions, it was clear how much CAMICO values its people and its reputation for providing exceptional client value. I’m passionate about using technology to create positive change, and I’m eager to work alongside the team to develop solutions that make a real difference for our employees and policyholders.”

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CAMICO appoints Julie Schilling as its incoming Chief Financial Officer

Amber — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 21:47:52 +0000

SAN MATEO, Calif. (November 7, 2024) — CAMICO, the nation’s largest CPA-directed program of insurance and risk management for the accounting profession, announced that Julie Schilling, CPA, will become its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective January 1, 2025, when CAMICO’s current CFO Mike Ray, CPA, becomes President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Schilling is a CPA and brings over 25 years of financial and operational experience in a variety of industries including insurance, nonprofit, life sciences and education. She has held several leadership positions including two years as CFO of the California Society of CPAs and a 14-year tenure at California Casualty, where she served as Vice President and Controller for nine years.

“With Julie’s proven leadership skills and extensive experience in financial operations, I know that her expertise will bring value to our senior team and the CAMICO program, as we continue to focus on strategic growth and how we can best serve and support our policyholders,” said President and CEO Ric Rosario.

Schilling holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from La Sierra University in Riverside, Calif.

“I am excited to join CAMICO and contribute to its mission of serving and protecting CPAs and financial professionals with integrity and excellence,” said Schilling. “CAMICO’s commitment to providing trusted and innovative risk management solutions aligns perfectly with my passion for driving financial excellence and supporting long-term growth strategies.”

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Mike Ray selected as CAMICO’s next President and Chief Executive Officer

Amber — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 22:16:25 +0000

SAN MATEO, Calif. (July 24, 2024) — CAMICO, the nation’s largest CPA-owned and directed program of insurance and risk management for the accounting profession, announced today that Mike Ray, CPA, will become President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2025. Ray will succeed Ric Rosario, CPA, CGMA, who, in a planned move, will retire December 31, 2024, after serving as CAMICO’s CEO since 2009.

Ray, who joined CAMICO in February 2023 as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), is now phasing into the CEO role as planned by Rosario and CAMICO’s Board of Directors.

“With Mike’s proven leadership experience, expertise and keen understanding of the complex professional challenges that CPAs face, I believe he is the right leader to take CAMICO forward,” said Andrew M. Eassa, CPA, CAMICO Chairman of the Board. “His strategic vision and strong commitment to serving and protecting CPAs will ensure CAMICO’s continued guidance and support to our policyholders.”

“It has been a great honor to serve as CEO of CAMICO for the last fifteen years, guiding and supporting the organization as we strive to assure the continued protection and security of our policyholders,” Rosario said. “I have tremendous respect for Mike’s capabilities, and I am confident that CAMICO’s future under his leadership will be in good and capable hands moving forward.”

Ray previously worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and served as the CFO for California Casualty Management Company for 16 years. He has more than 10 years of leadership experience with the California Society of CPAs (CalCPA) San Francisco Chapter and began serving a two-year term as vice chair of CalCPA’s Board of Directors this month (July 2024).

“Serving as the CEO of CAMICO is a distinguished privilege,” Ray said. “Surrounded by dedicated employees, we aspire to be extraordinary in serving and protecting CPAs and financial professionals. I am committed to growing and protecting this policyholder-owned organization, while fostering a thriving and innovative culture. Building on CAMICO’s successes, the future looks bright, and I am honored to be able to serve and support the needs of our policyholders as the profession changes and evolves.”

Rosario, who has been with CAMICO for 32 years, will continue to serve as a member of CAMICO’s Board of Directors after his retirement as CEO and will succeed Eassa as Chairman of the Board when Eassa’s term expires in June 2025.

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CAMICO Earns A- (Excellent) Rating From AM Best

Amber — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 22:19:22 +0000

SAN MATEO, Calif.— CAMICO, the nation’s largest CPA-owned and directed program of insurance and risk management for the accounting profession, announced today that AM Best has upgraded its Financial Strength Rating to A- (Excellent) from B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of a- (Excellent) from bbb+ (Good).

In excerpts from its 2024 report, AM Best said the ratings upgrade reflects “an improvement in CAMICO’s balance sheet strength assessment to the higher end of the ‘very strong’ category, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).” CAMICO maintains the strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio. Additionally, CAMICO has an appropriate ERM program in place, with well-identified key risks and corresponding mitigation strategies.

“We are excited that AM Best has upgraded CAMICO to an A- (Excellent) rating,” said CAMICO President and CEO Ric Rosario. “AM Best recognizes our commitment to excellence which comes from our knowledge, expertise and lead position within the accounting profession as we continue to deliver on our promise of providing the best-in-class insurance program for CPAs. This upgrade will continue to strengthen the trust that our policyholders have in CAMICO and allow us to further enhance our value proposition and better position us for continued growth.”

“CAMICO’s passion for helping our policyholders with top-quality insurance, claims and risk management solutions designed to meet their evolving needs is integral to what we do,” Rosario said.

To view AM Best’s full press release please visit: AM Best Upgrades Credit Ratings of CAMICO Mutual Insurance Company. For the latest Best’s Credit Rating, access www.ambest.com.

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CAMICO Appoints Two New Board Members

Amber — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 16:16:00 +0000

SAN MATEO, Calif. (June 28, 2024) — CAMICO, the nation’s largest CPA-owned and directed program of insurance and risk management for the accounting profession, elected Debra Lockwood and Paul Nienow, CPA, MST, to the company’s board of directors on June 18, 2024.

Debra Lockwood

Lockwood retired in 2017 as a partner at the national CPA firm RSM US LLP (“RSM” formerly McGladrey & Pullen) after working for the company for more than 30 years. She has served as a non-Board committee member for CAMICO since 2017, previously on the Investment Committee and currently on the Risk Management Committee. Nienow is the founder and managing partner of Nienow & Tierney, LLP, a full-service CPA firm in Tustin, CA. He has served as a non-Board committee member for CAMICO since 2019, previously on the Risk Management Committee and currently on the Investment Committee.

“I am delighted to welcome Debra and Paul to CAMICO’s Board of Directors,” said CAMICO President and CEO Ric Rosario. “Bringing new perspectives into the boardroom is a critical component to our continued growth and focus on having the right products and services in place to meet the evolving needs of CPAs. These talented individuals have a deep knowledge of accounting and a wealth of experience in the CPA profession. Their diverse skills, leadership and expertise will be a great asset to our board and organization, and I look forward to working with them.”

Lockwood served on McGladrey & Pullen’s Board of Directors from 2006-2010 and was inducted into the RSM Hall of Fame in 2022. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and became a licensed CPA working for RSM. She also spent seven years serving as vice president of finance for an affiliated group of 40 entities involved in the acquisition, development, syndication, ownership, management, and disposition of real estate properties.

“In my work serving CPA firms, I have always been passionate about customer service and providing the best possible solutions for firms in their practices,” Lockwood said. “I’m excited to be working with a company whose expertise in risk management, customer service quality and culture support the CPA profession, and provide solutions to the challenges that face our profession. I am grateful to be joining the CAMICO Board and look forward to contributing as a member.”

Paul Nienow, CPA, MST

Nienow has a diverse background that includes experience in the real estate, construction, manufacturing and distribution industries. He has served in leadership roles with the AICPA and California Society of CPAs (CalCPA), including serving as the statewide chair of the CalCPA Management of an Accounting Practice Committee. He graduated from California State University (Fullerton), earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration (with a concentration in accounting) and received a master’s degree in taxation from Golden Gate University.

“I am very excited to be joining CAMICO’s Board of Directors,” Nienow said. “As a longtime policyholder, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that a partnership with CAMICO can have on a local CPA firm. I believe the CPA profession has a vital role with businesses and individuals, and I look forward to being part of the vital role that CAMICO has in the CPA profession.”

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