INSU Webinar: Paths to Capital Protection for Start-Up Investment

About this event:

The Columbia University Master's in Insurance Management program is continuing to explore the convergence of insurance and investments in an online webinar, Thursday, February 26, 2026,  from 12-1 PM ET. In what looks to be a robust year of dealmaking and M&A activity, it's the perfect time for conversation between the CFO of a recently IPO-ed small cap insurance company, an in-house strategic technology investor, and a PE risk advisory executive, as they share experiences about how to protect new business opportunities and shepherd deals to a successful close. Brad Mulcahey, CFO, Bowhead Specialty, Cheryl Poccia ('24SPS), Scouting Manager, Innovation Group at State Farm, and Karen Williams, Senior Managing Director, Private Equities Practice at Risk Strategies Company, represent the seller, buyer, and enabler of such deals, and their insights will prepare you for the exciting year ahead.

Speakers/Presenters:

Moderator:

Teresa Chan, Director, Master of Professional Studies in Insurance Management.

With over 27 years of experience in the insurance industry, Teresa Chan is a recognized leader and innovator in the areas of renewable and alternative energy, niche market development, and policy drafting. Throughout her career, she has tackled emerging issues by building and leading multi-disciplinary teams and delivering client-focused solutions.

Most recently, Chan served as Business Manager for an InsureTech business incubator supported by Willis Towers Watson. Three businesses were launched, leveraging emerging tech capabilities to underwrite specialized markets such as renewable energy and management/cyber liability.

Panel:

Brad Mulcahey, Chief Financial Officer, Bowhead Speciality

Brad Mulcahey has served as Bowhead Specialty Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since September 2022. Prior to joining Bowhead, Mr. Mulcahey was Chief Financial Officer at Berkley Select, a division of W.R. Berkley Corp (NYSE: WRB) from October 2021 to September 2022. From May 2015 to April 2019, Mr. Mulcahey served as Controller of JLT Specialty USA (“JLT”). Following JLT’s acquisition by Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE: MMC), Mr. Mulcahey served as a Senior Vice President, Finance with Marsh until September 2021. Prior to joining JLT, Mr. Mulcahey held various finance roles at Aon PLC (NYSE: AON) starting in 2002. Mr. Mulcahey received a B.A. in Business Administration and Finance from Southern Illinois University and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Illinois.

Cheryl Poccia, Scouting Manager for the Ventures, Scouting, and Trends Team of the Innovation Group, State Farm

Cheryl Poccia is Scouting Manager for the Ventures, Scouting and Trends team of the Innovation Group at State Farm®, the largest Auto and Homeowners insurer in the U.S. with 85 million policies and accounts in force, net worth of $130 billion and current ranking of #36 on the Fortune 500 list. More than 19,000 agents and 56,000 employees serve customers throughout the U.S.

Cheryl joined State Farm® in 2023 in Claims with the Weather and Catastrophe Team. In her role, she developed her understanding of the insurance market and the needs of the policy holders. That approach has expanded to additional areas, and Cheryl then transitioned to the Innovation Group to help use the experience to future proof State Farm®. In her role, she focuses on identifying emerging technology trends, gathering and analyzing startups, and pinpointing strategic investment opportunities. Her focus on sustainability and innovation within the insurance industry allows her to provide valuable insights on both current and future developments.

Prior to joining State Farm®, she honed her skills in entrepreneurship, investment strategies, and sustainability studies, gaining experience across multiple industries. This diverse background equips her to bring a unique perspective on her role.

Cheryl earned her MS in Sustainability Management from Columbia University and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Drexel University. She served as a volunteer at CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).

Cheryl is a very proud Aunt of many nieces and nephews. She resides in New York, NY and works remotely at State Farm Corporate Headquarters.

Karen Williams, Senior Managing Director, Private Equity Practice, Risk Strategies

Karen is Senior Managing Director, Property & Casualty Practice Leader, in Risk Strategies’ Private Equity Practice.

She is responsible for leading and developing staff, providing M&A due diligence, and managing portfolio design and purchasing strategies for private equity firms and their portfolio companies to manage and reduce their cost of risk. Karen’s responsibilities extend to developing key partnerships to foster market relationships and executing strategies to drive profitable growth.

Karen joined Krauter & Company (now part of Risk Strategies) in 2014. Prior to joining Risk Strategies, Karen held a variety of leadership positions within the industry.

Karen takes an active role in mentorship, advocacy and volunteerism. She is a graduate of Mercy University with a B.Sc. in Business/Interdisciplinary Studies.

This is a virtual event and will be hosted via Zoom. Registration is required.

For more information, please contact Mary Dawidziuk, md3554 [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu.

To obtain additional information about program offerings at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, please contact an Admissions Counselor at inquire [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu.

If you require closed captioning, sign-language interpretation, or any other disability accommodations, please contact Disability Services, disability [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu, at least 10 days in advance.

Please visit Columbia University’s Hub for Emergency Preparedness (https://preparedness.columbia.edu/) to stay up to date on the latest campus health and safety policies.

This event is open to individuals irrespective of identity and sex.