
Let's Get Surety
If you have ever gone to a school or a park, attended a large sporting event, rode on a bus, driven on a highway, bought imported goods, or sent a wire transfer, you have been protected by the surety product. On the second and fourth Tuesday of each month Kat Shamapande, the host of Let's Get Surety will be joined by fun co-hosts and exciting and engaging guests who will share their stories, insights, and expertise on the world of surety and how it affects our everyday lives! If you are interested in learning more about surety and surety bonds, this is the podcast for you!
Latest episodes

Jul 8, 2025 • 20min
#140 Shaping Accounting Standards: A Look at FASB With David Pesce
Accounting standards can have quite an impact on surety, but how is the surety industry involved in shaping those standards? Dive into this episode of Let's Get Surety as we talk with David Pesce, Head of Surety with Munich Re Specialty - North America, about the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and its Private Company Council (PCC). Discover how these groups shape financial reporting and why and how surety professionals can get involved. Tune in for insights, examples, and how you can be part of the process! With special guest: David Pesce, Head of Surety, Munich Re Specialty - North America Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Old Republic!

11 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 28min
#139 Surety Success Stories: Navigating Careers, Mentorship, and Leadership
In this engaging discussion, Matt Curran, EVP at Sompo, reveals the importance of mentoring and building strong teams in the surety industry. Heidi Rodzen, AVP at Skillings Shaw, shares her journey from various roles to leadership, emphasizing the value of integrity and trust. David Hoover, SVP at Acrisure, provides insights on problem-solving for clients and the critical role of networking. Together, they explore strategies for career advancement and the transformative power of mentorship in shaping future leaders.

9 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 27min
#138 A Closer Look at the BEAD Program
In this insightful discussion, Philip Macres, a Principal at Klein Law Group, who specializes in supporting telecommunications providers, shares his expertise on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The conversation explores the program’s origin and its evolving role in enhancing broadband access. Philip highlights the importance of performance bonds and how they can streamline funding for underserved areas. He also discusses the challenges ISPs face in securing grants and the vital role of surety professionals in navigating these complexities.

May 27, 2025 • 28min
#137 Building Better: A Conversation With NASBP President Robert Coon
Curious how a fifth-generation insurance professional found his unexpected passion as a surety bond producer? Join us as we get to know NASBP 2025-2026 President Robert Coon. Robert shares stories regarding his career, journey as an NASBP member, volunteer, and leader, and how his experiences led him to his theme, “Building Better.” Follow the links below to get more information on these topics mentioned by Robert during this episode: the producer's toolkit, joining a NASBP Committee, and more information on attending NASBP Fall meetings. And, if you share Robert's passion for the efficiencies gained through technology advancements, check out these related episodes and Virtual Seminars. With special guest: Robert Coon, Vice President - Surety, Scott Insurance Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!

10 snips
May 13, 2025 • 21min
#136 Tariffs: Trends and Risk Strategies in the Customs Bonds Arena
Join Michelle Lucaccioni, VP at Tokio Marine HCC, and John Sheppard, EVP at C.A. Shea & Company, as they tackle the evolving landscape of customs bonds amidst rising tariffs. They explore how fluctuating tariffs create demands for better bonding strategies and the challenges of compliance in a complex market. With insights on proactive risk management and the importance of building strong relationships, this conversation equips surety professionals with the tools to navigate today's unpredictable trade environment.

Apr 22, 2025 • 30min
#135 Unveiling America's Infrastructure: Progress, Problems and Possibilities
Curious how America’s infrastructure is really holding up? Join hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum as they dive into the latest Infrastructure Report Card with ASCE Executive Director Tom Smith. Hear about surprising progress, looming challenges, funding gaps, and how civil engineers and policymakers, and surety professionals can collaborate for a more resilient future. Check out the full report for more information. With special guest: Thomas W. Smith III, Executive Director, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!

Apr 8, 2025 • 24min
#134 Turning Uncertainty Into Success With Meridith Elliott Powell
Feeling overwhelmed by constant change and uncertainty? In this dynamic episode of "Let's Get Surety," we talk with business growth, sales, and leadership expert, author, and speaker Meridith Elliott Powell about building mental fitness, powerful resilience, and relentless vision in uncertain times. Using vivid stories and practical strategies, Meredith shares how to transform anxiety into action and vision into success. Don’t miss these game-changing insights! With special guest: Meridith Elliott Powell, Business Growth, Sales, and Leadership Expert Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!

6 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 30min
#133 Unpacking Executive Order 14173 and Its Implications for Federal Contractors
Stephen Irving, Co-Vice Chair of the Labor & Employment Practice at Peckar & Abramson, delves into the implications of Executive Order 14173 for federal contractors. He discusses the shift towards merit-based opportunities and its impact on diversity and affirmative action. The conversation covers compliance challenges, the potential risks of the False Claims Act, and ongoing legal battles surrounding these changes. Listeners gain insight into how businesses can navigate this evolving landscape while maintaining their diversity programs.

Mar 11, 2025 • 33min
#132 Accelerating Careers: Unveiling the Power of the NASBP 5-15 Leadership Committee
Are you interested in enhancing your leadership skills and your networking opportunities in the surety industry? In this episode of Let’s Get Surety®, we explore the NASBP's 5-15 Leadership Committee with guest and Vice Chair of the Committee, Mike Zahn of Moreton & Company. Learn how this dynamic program accelerates professional growth, builds powerful industry connections with peers and seasoned surety leaders, and provides exclusive mentorship opportunities. Don't miss this engaging discussion on how 5-15 Leadership Committee participation can take your career to the next level! Get more information about the 5-15 application/nominating process and don't forget to register for NASBP's 2025 Annual Meeting as mentioned during this episode! With special guest: Michael Zahn, Sales Executive, Moreton & Company Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Old Republic!

13 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 34min
#131 AI and Risk Management With The Institutes' Peter Miller
In a captivating discussion, Peter Miller, President and CEO of The Institutes, sheds light on how AI is transforming the insurance industry. He elaborates on AI's powerful role in risk management, revealing its capabilities in fraud detection and underwriting. Peter emphasizes the balance between innovative AI solutions and the human touch required for customer interactions. The conversation also touches on emerging regulations and the need for education in implementing AI ethically. Don't miss his insights on the future of customized insurance products!