SFAA Elects New Leadership and Sets Strategic Direction for the Surety and Fidelity Industry

The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) recently held its 117th Annual Meeting, a pivotal event that not only celebrated the achievements within the surety and fidelity industry but also set a strategic direction for its future. The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustained engagement in addressing the challenges and opportunities of today's dynamic marketplace. SFAA Chair Mike Keimig and President & CEO Ryan Work highlighted the association's commitment to leveraging new staff expertise, enhanced data analytics, and emerging technologies to increase its impact.

During the meeting, the SFAA recognized the contributions of key individuals and organizations, including Ralph Pulver, the recipient of the 2025 Surety Platinum Award, and the Surety Association of Ohio and the San Diego Surety Association, honored with the 2025 Silver Surety Awards. These accolades underscore the industry's dedication to excellence in member engagement, education, and advocacy.

Keynote speaker Sam Jordan provided valuable insights into how technology and data-driven strategies could shape the future of the surety industry, challenging members to consider the intersection of technology, trust, and transformation. The event also featured a discussion with U.S. Congressman Addison McDowell, focusing on the advancement of the nation's infrastructure priorities, highlighting the political and economic dimensions of the surety industry's work.

The unanimous election of the 2025–2026 Board of Directors and Executive Committee marks a significant step in the SFAA's efforts to guide the surety and fidelity industry through a period of rapid change. The newly elected leaders represent a broad spectrum of expertise and experience, poised to drive the association's strategic initiatives forward. This leadership transition is critical for the SFAA as it seeks to enhance its advocacy, research, and technological capabilities to better serve its members and the broader industry.

The implications of these developments are far-reaching. For the surety and fidelity industry, the SFAA's strategic direction signals a commitment to innovation and adaptability, essential qualities in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. For stakeholders, including businesses and government entities reliant on surety bonds, the association's focus on technology and data analytics promises greater efficiency and reliability in bond issuance and management. Ultimately, the SFAA's efforts are poised to strengthen the foundation of trust and security that underpins the surety and fidelity industry, benefiting the economy at large.