ACADEMIC DIRECTORS
Meet The Team
Our vision is to be the indispensable, transformative learning resource for risk and insurance professionals through adaptive technology and practical instruction. The educational programs and research conducted by The Alliance were built on a foundation of integrity, innovation, and imagination. These qualities commit us to act responsibly, to be accountable for our actions, to fulfill our obligations, and to inspire others with our relentless determination to achieve a standard of excellence in every endeavor.
Dustyne Bryant, Personal Lines Academic Director at Risk & Insurance Education Alliance, is a self-professed and colleague–backed wholehearted Personal Lines Insurance geek. Supported by multiple degrees and designations over the course of a decade and rising, her thirst for knowledge is never-ending and ever-growing. Her passion for educating others in Personal Insurance is even greater. She is an advocate of permanency for children in foster care and relishes all the joys of being a soccer mom, minus the minivan.
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Jeremiah Gonzales is the Academic Director for Commercial Lines for Risk & Insurance Education Alliance. He is responsible for the Commercial Certified Insurance Service Representative and Certified Insurance Counselors designation programs. Jeremiah began his insurance career in 2003 and has worked in various roles in the insurance industry from Account Management, Senior Commercial Marketing Representative, Carrier Relationship Manager, and Commercial Lines Operations Manager. Jeremiah has obtained multiple designations throughout his carrier and has a strong passion for the insurance industry.
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David Pierce is an Assistant Professor of Insurance and CLU Program Director at The American College of Financial Services, holding the O. Alfred Granum Chair in Practice Management and the Charles J. Zimmerman Chair in Life Insurance Education. With a career spanning roles from Advisor to CEO, he has built successful teams and strategies across the U.S., Southeast Asia, India, and New Zealand. David, who holds multiple advanced degrees and professional designations, created the original “Life Insurance Awareness Week” campaign and led the development of Southeast Asia’s first Financial Needs-Based Planning system. He is also the author of Five Pillars of a Tremendous Life, selected as an Amway Book of the Month.
Sarah Warhaftig is the Academic Director of Risk Management Programs for Risk & Insurance Education Alliance where she is responsible for the Certified Risk Manager, the Certified School Risk Manager, and the Certified Personal Risk Manager designation programs.
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Jay Williams is the Head of Faculty & Academic Development for Risk & Insurance Education Alliance. He is responsible for all faculty and Educational Consultants, as well as overseeing curricula development by our Academic Directors. Jay started his insurance career in 1979 and has served in multiple positions within the industry from owning an agency to being an insurance company executive. In addition, he also serves as an Educational Consultant and is a member of our National Faculty, teaching CISR, CIC, Ruble Graduate Seminars, and PROFocus events.
