UCC Insurance Board at Home in OKC
This year's robust presence of the United Church of Christ Insurance Board at our Annual Meeting is especially due to the efforts of Howard Sewell, a member of our host congregation. Like all of the UCC's financial ministries, the Insurance Board isn't just a corporate office in a far-away city -- it's made up of a network of folks across the country who truly see their work as a ministry of service with our local churches and specialized settings.
Howard Sewell, Insurance Board of Directors
Howard is originally from Georgia, but as an “Air Force Brat,” he traveled extensively in the US and abroad until college.
Howard graduated from college with a BS in Microbiology and began a 36 year career with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. Howard worked in the Risk Management Department. He takes pride in his job, helping businesses prevent accidents and reduce the risk/cost of loss. Through his career, Howard was a Field Consultant, Training Specialist and Regional Manager. Howard retired in January 2021.
Over the years, Howard has worked on his writing hobby. Since retirement, he has focused on a career in scriptwriting.
Howardliveswithhiswife(Emily)in OKC. They have three adult sons living throughout the US. Howard and Emily are involved in their local church and community to improve social justice.
Lisa Gonzalez, Director of Loss Control
Lisa Gonzalez, Director of Loss Control
Lisa Gonzalez is committed to helping ministries build a culture of safety as the Director of Loss Control at Insurance Board. Prior to joining the Insurance Board, she worked on the front lines mitigating risk in non-profits and faith communities for 30 years. Lisa has served as an employee, volunteer, board member and donor for a multitude of ministries and faith-based organizations; she has the unique perspective of understanding the challenges ministries face managing the expectations of donors and insurance providers with the realities of day-to-day operations. Lisa received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of Dayton. She was a recipient of the Congressional Award of Excellence from Senator Sherrod Brown and honored as a “Difference-maker” through Leadership Lorain County in 2006.
Elizabeth Vance, Senior Loss Control Representation
Elizabeth joined Insurance Board in 2007. After spending 12 years propelling the Insurance Board to exceeding business goals as the Marketing & Communications Manager, Elizabeth transitioned to a new initiative assisting churches to implement risk management strategies to mitigate loss. She discusses business policies and practices and any other relevant information with the churches so that they fully understand their business and risks. She analyzes and assesses loss data to determine causes and trends, evaluate risks against industry standards, and recommends solutions and services that will support the churches in reducing and/or preventing future losses.