Meet The Presenters

Emily A. Donnelly, CPCU, AIDA

Emily Donnelly is a dynamic and accomplished Senior Talent Development Specialist at NJM Insurance Group, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's workforce into a formidable team of leaders. Her journey with NJM has been a testament to her dedication and passion for personal and professional growth. Emily is a recognized speaker and motivator, known for her authentic and energetic approach to leadership and development. In her role, she creates and facilitates cutting-edge leadership and development programs that align seamlessly with NJM’s mission to provide policyholders with exceptional levels of service. Starting her career journey at NJM in 2010 as a customer service representative in the Personal Lines Department, Emily’s ascent has been remarkable. She quickly distinguished herself and became a founding member of the Personal Lines Training Team at NJM’s Hammonton Office. Emily’s impressive list of accomplishments includes a range of industry certifications that underscore her deep knowledge and expertise. She holds certifications such as the Associate in Data Analytics, Associate in Claims, Associate in Insurance, Associate in Insurance Services, and Associate in Personal Insurance. Furthermore, she has achieved the prestigious Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation, a testament to her exceptional proficiency in the insurance field. Beyond her role at NJM Insurance Group, Jane is an influential leader in the insurance community. She serves as the president of the Central New Jersey Chapter of the CPCU Society, where she actively contributes to the growth and development of insurance professionals in the region. Additionally, she holds the position of Vice Chair of the Global CPCU Society's Emerging Leaders Committee, where she plays a vital role in shaping the future of the industry. Emily Donnelly’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. Her authentic leadership style, coupled with her energetic approach, makes her a sought-after speaker and motivator in the field. She continues to inspire and empower individuals within and beyond NJM Insurance Group, leaving a lasting impact on the insurance industry as a whole.

Rita Williams-Bogar, MBA, CPCU

Rita Williams-Bogar enjoyed 25 successful years in corporate America working in the insurance industry where she led Commercial and Personal Lines operating divisions, Public Affairs, Human Resources, and Learning & Development. As founder of Personal Development Solutions, LLC, she does what she loves. Her mission is to share proven strategies to better leverage individuals’ talents and skills to reach their full potential. An award-winning dynamic speaker and facilitator, Rita uses a client-centered approach to provide custom workshops and consults with businesses and individuals on leadership development, emotional intelligence, ethics, diversity, and insurance education. Rita is a TEDx speaker. The title of her talk is, Surpassing Your Personal Best. Rita is a CPCU 540 Facilitated Study Group Leader. She holds the CPCU, AINS, AU, ARM, and ChFC designations. Rita earned her MBA in Finance & Risk Management, with honors, from Walden University. Rita served on the CPCU Society’s Leadership Council. She is a member of the CPCU Society’s Ethics Committee and Professional Growth & Development Interest Group and serves as the New Jersey CPCU Society Chapter’s Executive Director. Rita serves on Bryant University’s Board of Trustees where she chairs the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee. She serves on Rosedale Cemetery’s Board of Managers, where she chairs the Insurance, Sales, & Historic Committees. Rita is very active as a runner, avid golfer, and world traveler. She brings relevant experiences to the learning environment.

Precious Norman Walton, CPCU, SHRM-CP, TRIP

Precious Norman Walton currently serves as a Leadership Council member for the CPCU Society, and is the Adjuster Relations Manager for Pacesetter Claims Service. With almost 20 years of insurance experience, she has served the insurance industry in many ways, including Director of Underwriting for Harbor AI, Chief Operating Officer for Diamond National Insurance Advisors, and VP of Account Management for Insureon. Precious earned her CPCU Designation in 2016, and has served as President of the Dallas Chapter in 2020, Director of Programming/I-Day, and Vice Chair for the In2Risk 2022 Committee. She was recognized by Insurance Business America (IBA) as Elite Woman 2022 and 2023, and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal. Precious is a Study Group Facilitator for the CPCU 530 Exam, and lives in Bossier City, Louisiana with her husband and children.

Steven D Lyon, CPCU, CIC, CRM

Steven D. Lyon is the founder and principal of Lyon Consulting Services, LLC, an independent Education and Management Consulting firm. Lyon utilizes his 43+ years of expertise and experience that comes from owning, operating, and managing a respected and profitable Independent Insurance Agency in Northern New Jersey. In addition to owning an Independent Agency, Steve has served as the Regional Director of Education for a large Brokerage firm, and was a Regional Vice President in charge of Personal Lines for the Insurance Division of a dynamic Banking Institution. Steve has earned his CPCU, CIC, CRM, AAI, ARM, AIS, CRIS, AFIS, TRIP and MLIS designations and lectures for Insurance Agencies, Brokers, Companies and Associations. He regularly works with the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of New Jersey, Professional Insurance Agents of NJ, NY, CT and NH, Insurance Agents and Brokers of PA,MD and DE; and travels to all 50 states and Puerto Rico teaching CISR, CIC, and Ruble Seminars as a National Faculty member for The National Alliance.

Traci Adedeji, CPCU, API, ARM

Traci Adedeji is the 2024 President and Chair of The Institutes’ CPCU Society and works as a Vice-President at JP West, Inc where she heads the firm’s personal and small commercial lines insurance operations. Her insurance career began in 1984, and her 30+ years of experience includes leadership roles with several national carriers. She is a past president of the RI CPCU Society chapter and her professional affiliations include membership in the Society for Insurance Trainers & Educators (SITE) and the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) – Boston chapter where she serves on the board as Membership Director. In addition to CPCU, Traci holds the Institutes’ ARM, API and AIDA designations, and IRMI’s TRIP designation. As a community leader, Traci currently serves as board president of New England Basecamp, a non-profit organization that provides support and professional development to educators. She is a mentor for the Rhode Island Black Business Association’s LEAP program, and a Program Advisor for the Women in Leadership program at the University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business. Traci studied at Rutgers University in Newark, NJ and Franklin University in Columbus, OH, and is a proud graduate and class spokesperson of the Leadership Rhode Island 2021 Rho II class. She was recently selected to participate in the third cohort of the Rhode Island Foundation’s Equity Leadership Initiative and currently resides in East Providence, RI.