Laura Bennett is a pioneering leader in the digital consumer insurance sector, known for her expertise in strategy, product design, and culture-building leadership.

In 2003, she co-founded and led Embrace Pet Insurance for 14 years, building an insurtech MGA that reimagined pet insurance products and the digital customer experience in the US. Her visionary approach to product development and customer experience set industry standards, including pet accident/illness and wellness product innovations.

During her eight years on the NAPHIA board, including four as Chair, Laura led the creation and implementation of a five-year strategic plan ahead of schedule, doubled membership, and implemented key industry benchmarking and research initiatives.

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Jane Brunt, DVM is the Executive Director of the CATalyst Council, whose mission is accelerating innovation in feline care to enhance the quality of life for cats, and their people. She is founder of Cat Hospital At Towson (CHAT), the first feline-exclusive veterinary hospital in Maryland. CHAT is AAHA-Accredited and maintains the top Gold Certificate for the American Association of Feline Practitioner (AAFP) Cat Friendly Practice program. She is a past president of AAFP, the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association, and is a career-long member of AVMA and remains active in leadership initiatives. She is a co-author of several peer-reviewed articles and textbooks contributions, and appears on LinkedIn, online, in podcasts and print to promote awareness of feline health and well-being to animal healthcare professionals and cat people… and those who will be in the future.

Candise Goodwin, Founder and CEO of Outlier Advisors, is a seasoned leader in the pet health industry. With over a decade of experience, she has become synonymous with strategic growth, operational excellence, and successful partnerships.

Attendees of NAPHIA Engage can look forward to the actionable strategies and real-world wisdom that Candise Goodwin brings to every engagement. Her commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the pet health industry makes her participation in this panel a must-attend event.

Known for her strategic insights and operational excellence, Candise has led significant advancements at Merck Animal Health, Vets First Choice, VIP Petcare, and Petco. At Outlier Advisors, she delivers tailored solutions, driving innovation and sustainable growth for pet healthcare and retail businesses, making her a sought-after mentor and speaker.

David Haworth, DVM, PhD is an Executive Vice-President at Embark Veterinary, responsible for Research & Development, Business Development and Corporate Strategy, as well as a highly sought-after advisor and consultant to some of the largest and smallest organizations in the animal health and wellness space.

He serves on numerous boards including RxActuator, DOG TV, and Canine Biologics and Chairs the Scientific Working Group of the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). Prior to Embark, he was the co-founder and president of Vidium Animal Health, a genomic diagnostics company, and helped lead it to a successful acquisition.

He is also a former President of PetSmart Charities in the US and Canada, where he managed the largest strategic grant-making organization in animal welfare as well as the former President & CEO of Morris Animal Foundation, providing millions of dollars in grants for veterinary medical research.

Prior to his work in non-profits, he served in multiple positions at Pfizer Animal Health (now Zoetis, Inc.), the largest producer of veterinary pharmaceuticals and vaccines in the world, ending as the Director of Global Alliances within the Business Development group and before that a Director in Pfizer Animal Health’s Research & Development division. Prior to joining Pfizer Animal Health, he was an associate veterinarian at a small animal and emergency clinic in Washington State.

Dr. Haworth received his bachelor of science in biology from the College of William & Mary and his doctor of veterinary medicine and doctorate of philosophy from Colorado State University. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Colorado State University’s Animal Cancer Center.

He has two adult children and splits his time between Denver, Colorado and Bozeman, Montana with his wife of over 30 years and their Golden Retrievers, Bridger and Breckenridge.

Having been with Verisk since October 2020, Scott Husmann is currently Product Leader for Emerging Markets and Pet Insurance.

An American multinational data analytics and risk assessment firm, Verisk Analytics, Inc. has customers spanning insurance, natural resources, financial services, government, and risk management sectors. Verisk delivers insurance solutions using advanced data analytics, technology, scientific research, and deep industry knowledge.

Prior to joining Verisk, Scott spent 12 years at USAA insurance in various roles including Product Management, Change Management and Operations Management.

Scott received his master’s in business administration (MBA) from Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) and his bachelor’s degree from California State University Sacramento (CSUS) in which he double majored in Finance and Risk Management. Scott completed the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (CPCU) Program and is a Certified Product Manager through Association of International Product Marketing & Management (AIPMM).