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Dave Jackson
Of the many interesting facts that make up Dave Jackson, one, in particular, is that he is also a pilot. It is a hobby that suits him incredibly well. He has a strong sense of being able to see the big picture yet never loses sight of the importance of the details. This makes him perfectly suited to be at the helm of CLIA.
Dave has always called Regina home. His alma mater being the University of Regina, where he earned degrees in finance and economics. After a career in government and as Director of Insurance for the Saskatchewan School Board, Dave came to CLIA to create a central office for the organization and help mould its future.
Having an opportunity to handpick his team, Dave has created a culture that embodies his primary value. "People mean a lot to me," says Dave. "We have a team that works incredibly hard and yet have never had an environment where people are punching the clock. Our team members deliver their very best to our clients, giving me full confidence that we will surpass every clients’ expectations."
"I see insurance as being synonymous with a healthy relationship," says Dave. "We do a lot of listening to make sure we get it right, and that makes a real difference. We also tend to be a team of compulsive problem-solvers". The CLIA team is collaborative and can quickly and calmly get to the heart of the best insurance solutions. "It is important to all of us that clients feel that they can leave their insurance needs to us. Our role is to let them do what they do best: practice law. We do what we do best: to provide the best insurance solutions quickly and easily."
When Dave looks forward, he sees key opportunities to expand the organization and deepen relationships with clients. "This is a long game for us," says Dave. "We know we make a difference to every law firm and law society we serve, which is the best feeling!"
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Jon Bridge
Jon is used to being a step ahead.
It might be due to his love for basketball, golf, and most other sports, as Jon has this knack for seeing what his clients need before they do. Jon's manner is warm and unassuming, yet underneath, he has a strong desire to deliver the very best experience for his clients and team.
As CFO, he has in-depth market knowledge and an expert grasp of financials. He is thoughtful and analytical and can be relied on to provide a collaborative approach to delivering best-in-class service and products.
"I have this desire to consistently improve on the work we deliver," says Jon. "And, technology is part of that, which I find very exciting." His natural sense of curiosity leads him to the idea that "being able to work smarter is central to what we do. Everything comes back to my foundational question: how can we make insurance easier for our clients while delivering unparalleled service? I ask this same question of myself and our team every day, and I never tire of improving on the answer."
Central to his role is being able to bring out the best in people. "We have this autonomy amongst our team. We all understand that we work hard but know that we also need to keep balanced. I think we accomplish this because we have a deep respect for each other and our clients."
Jon is also a natural fit because he is a foodie like everyone else on the team. At a moment's notice, he is ready to dish about his last great meal! He also recharges in nature, appreciates great conversation, and if you have a tee time or a court booked... count him in!
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Sheila Gyorgy
If you have met Sheila, you know that her desire to help others is her raison d'etre. If you haven't met Sheila, you will know it the minute your conversation begins.
Sheila has spent her entire career in the insurance business. Sheila is a continuous learner, and if she does not have the answer, she will find it, learn it, and deliver it in record time! She believes the company is unlimited in helping law societies and lawyers. "We are the trusted organization to provide insurance for lawyers. We have earned that reputation because we leave nothing to chance. We will go the extra mile every time."
Conscientious and highly motivated, Sheila likes nothing more than to surpass the expectations of her clients. "You made it so easy" is the compliment she loves best! With her highly detailed experience, it is no surprise that this compliment often comes her way.
Sheila grew up in small-town Saskatchewan. She can pull a calf, relishes jumping into a pair of rubber boots, and has never forgotten the best lesson she learned growing up – appreciating the little things makes for a good life.
She is fully onboard the foodie train, and if you ask her for her dill pickle pizza on a BQQ recipe, she will share!
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Cindy Komonosky
When the CLIA team was asked to define customer service, they used one word – Cindy!
Cindy is a vibrant connector; it is truly her superpower.
She is also uniquely able to take all the facts and efficiently produce the tangible results that matter to the client. "We all strive for quality," says Cindy. "Our goal from day one has always been, how can we make this process easier for our clients? What can we streamline? This goal of continuous improvement is very motivating for me. Making this process easier for our busy clients as part of my everyday work is a bonus!"
"Many businesses talk about creating a good culture and the importance of teamwork, but at CLIA, we live that every day, which means the world to me," says Cindy. "Our team is a well-oiled machine."
Cindy loves to live life actively, with sports always being part of her and her family’s life. She loves a good dog walk and is part of the foodie tribe at CLIA. If you are sharing recipes or the latest restaurant hot spot, she is here for it!
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Cathy Nyhus
To Cathy Nyhus, no claim is just another claim.
You can be assured she will make no assumptions, take the time to get to know you and be more responsive than you might ever expect.
Cathy's magic is an equal mix of kindness and competence.
What drives Cathy is problem-solving. She loves working and closing claims! "I think our clients appreciate that we always keep them in the loop," says Cathy. "They don't have to wonder where they are at, and they are never forgotten. We see it as a partnership both with our clients and internally. We are a collaborative team, and collectively we accomplish something we are all proud of."
A Rider season ticket holder since she was 14, Cathy defines what it means to be a loyal fan. Loyalty comes easily to her. Even if there were some dry years, her green and white heart was always on her sleeve. As a Mom of three, she has gone to great lengths to cheer on her kids no matter their pursuit. She is a firm believer that sports unite us all and that enthusiasm spills into her work.
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Melanie Hodges Neufeld (BA, LLB, LLM)
CLIA is always asking how can we ramp up our ability to serve our clients in new and different ways? When they started to ask themselves that very question, they got their answer in Melanie Hodges Neufeld.
Melanie is the first lawyer to join the team. She is a hand-in-glove fit (and not just because she, too, is a foodie). But because she shares the organization's primary passion for being difference-makers by offering an unparalleled level of care for their clients.
"If the law societies and lawyers that we serve understand that we are always there for them, then we know we are having the impact we are capable of," says Melanie.
Having been with the Law Society of Saskatchewan for 12 years and also with the Saskatchewan Department of Justice, Melanie brings a unique point of view and a wealth of experience. "The legal profession is changing dramatically, and the pandemic certainly escalated that. In the process, it has opened up so many opportunities for CLIA. Whether that be in the area of cyber security, remote working, or the role of paralegals, the trend of how lawyers work is changing. We want to be a part of making all of these transitions easier for lawyers." commented Melanie.
"I think what made me the right fit for CLIA is that this organization is dedicated to the ever-changing needs of lawyers. To do that, we need to be one step ahead and be able to provide what lawyers need before they know they need it. That kind of thinking puts us in the position to be difference-makers in this industry. And being a difference maker suits me to a T." said Melanie.
For Melanie, the outdoors are always calling her name (as well as her son!) A good run, time at the lake, and surrounding herself with her family make Melanie Melanie. And that is a very good thing.