Elizabeth Bates, Senior Manager, Contractual Risk Management & Insurance

The Boeing Company

Elizabeth Bates is the Senior Manager of Contractual Risk Management & Insurance at The Boeing Company. With over 17 years of experience, Elizabeth spent a decade as an Aviation Insurance Broker with McGriff, Seibels & Williams, before transitioning to her current role at Boeing. For the past seven years, she has overseen risk management strategies for Boeing's Commercial, Defense, and Services divisions, providing enterprise-wide expertise in managing contractual risk and insurance across global operations. Read more about Elizabeth here.

Theresa Craw, Senior Director of Insurance, Finance & Legal Operations

Nordstrom

Theresa leads Nordstrom’s enterprise-wide insurance strategy. With over a decade of risk management experience, Theresa is focused on aligning insurance programs with evolving business needs, mitigating operational risk, and supporting cross-functional legal initiatives. Theresa is known for her collaborative leadership style and her ability to translate complex risk frameworks into actionable business insights. She is passionate about building resilient systems that support long-term business growth, continuity and trust. Theresa holds an MBA from Seattle University and is an active member of the RIMS Washington chapter.

Katie Schlax, Senior Property Broker

Aon

Katie is a National Property Broker at Aon, servicing a core book of key property clients across the U.S. She leads client advocacy on all aspects of Property insurance, from developing Aon United strategies through market negotiations and final placement. She also acts as a national resource for hospitality-related property risks. Katie began her insurance carrier at a claims handling firm in 2009; and before joining Aon in 2024, Katie spent nearly a decade as a Senior Account Executive at Lockton Companies, managing a large portfolio of real estate accounts and helping drive real estate-focused initiatives.

Elizabeth Mutton, Managing Director

Aon

Elizabeth Mutton is the Managing Director and U.S. Growth Leader for the Financial Services Group at Aon. With nearly two decades of experience in executive liability and insurance, Elizabeth leads national growth strategy, focusing on Fortune 200, public, and pre-IPO accounts. She specializes in Directors’ and Officers’ Liability, Employment Practices Liability, and related coverages, serving industries such as Life Sciences, Technology, and Financial Institutions.

Gabriela Richards, Central & West Leader – National Casualty Umbrella/Excess Liability

Aon

Gabriela Richards leads Aon’s National Casualty Umbrella & Excess Practice for the Central & West region, based in Los Angeles. With over 20 years of experience focused on umbrella and excess liability, Gabriela specializes in managing and developing complex casualty programs for clients across sectors including real estate, manufacturing, trucking, hospitality, and retail. Gabriela leverages deep market expertise and collaborative leadership to deliver tailored risk solutions and optimal results. Gabriela holds a BA in English Literature from California State University, Northridge, and is recognized as an Insurance Magazine Power Broker Finalist.

Theresa Usack, Senior Vice President, Casualty Broker

Aon Risk Solutions

Theresa Usack is a Senior Vice President and Senior Casualty Broker at Aon’s National Casualty Practice, based in Seattle, WA. With over 19 years of experience focused on large, complex casualty accounts, Theresa Usack specializes in analyzing, marketing, and servicing domestic and international casualty programs. Theresa Usack leverages deep industry expertise and advanced data analytics to deliver optimal results for clients, even in challenging market environments. Theresa Usack brings strong knowledge across sectors including big box retail, real estate, technology, digital economy (marketplace platforms and micro-mobility), sports & entertainment, energy (oil & gas and field support services), and mining.