Ellen Melchionni Announces Retirement; Cassandra Anderson Succeeds Her As President of the New York Insurance Association

ALBANY, N.Y., The 140 year old New York Insurance Association, Inc. (NYIA) Board of Directors has announced top  leadership changes.

Ellen Melchionni, currently president of NYIA, will retire effective December 31, 2024. Cassandra Anderson will assume the role of president on January 1, 2025. Anderson is currently NYIA’s executive vice president.

Melchionni has served as president of the association for 16 years and the insurance industry for more than 30 years. Prior to being named president of NYIA, Melchionni served as vice president of the association for 13 years and for three years as legislative analyst. During Melchionni’s tenure, NYIA has achieved significant milestones and has been instrumental in advancing the association’s purpose to promote an insurance market that is viable and strong to better serve insurance companies and policyholders.

Before coming to NYIA, Melchionni was employed with both the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly. She worked in leadership offices of both houses for a combined tenure of 10 years.

“It has been a pleasure working with Ellen to advance the association and the property and casualty industry,” Edward Harper, NYIA chair and president and CEO of Statewide Underwriting Services, said. “Ellen has made countless contributions to the industry in New York and will be greatly missed.”

“Cassandra has true enthusiasm and energy for the insurance industry and association management,” Harper said. “I have full confidence that she will excel in her new role and meet the high standards set by prior leaders.”

Anderson was promoted to the position of executive vice president of NYIA in 2024. In her role, she supports the overall operations and strategic plan of the association. She is responsible for public affairs, public relations and serves as public information officer. She also oversees the organization’s communications and education programs. Anderson plays an instrumental role in NYIA’s advocacy as a lobbyist before the legislative and executive branches. She has been with NYIA for more than 15 years, serving in a variety of roles. She currently serves as president of the New York Insurance Scholarship Foundation. Previously, Anderson was director of member services for the Empire State Society of Association Executives.

“I have worked closely with Cassandra since the day she joined the association,” Melchionni said. “I have no doubt she is more than capable of representing the insurance industry, but she will take the association to new heights with her thoughtful stewardship.”

Anderson has attained the certified association executive designation through the American Society of Association Executives. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in public relations and policy studies. She has served in leadership roles with the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation and Syracuse University Alumni Club of the Capital District. She is also a member of the American Society of Association Executives and Empire State Society of Association Executives.

“I greatly value the confidence and support of the NYIA Board of Directors and membership,” Anderson said. “I look forward to building on the success of the association and working to enhance New York’s property and casualty marketplace.”

The New York Insurance Association (NYIA®) is a state trade association that has represented the property and casualty insurance industry.