NIA Announces New Executive Appointments in HR and Customer Experience

Press Release


SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Nonprofits Insurance Alliance (NIA), the nation’s leading insurer exclusively focused on the 501(c)(3) nonprofit sector, announced today that it has appointed Melissa Dalske as Chief Experience Officer responsible for member and brokers services, and Starr Thompson as Chief People and Administrative Officer responsible for human resources, talent acquisition, and leadership development.

“I’m delighted to welcome Melissa and Starr to the senior leadership team at NIA, I look forward to working with them both,” said Pamela Davis, founder, President, and CEO of NIA.

“Melissa brings over 20 years of insurance industry experience to the company and is helping us improve our broker and member experience,” continued Ms. Davis. “And I’m pleased to have Starr helping us to lead our HR function and ensure we are living up to the equity and inclusion principles that have been so important to us for over 30 years.”

Prior to joining the NIA Senior Leadership team, Ms. Dalske held leadership and management roles with national insurance brokerages, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Partners Specialty Group, and Lamb Insurance Services. She is a graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania and holds a B.A. in Music and Communication Studies. She earned her CIC designation from The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors in 2011.

Ms. Thompson was vice president of human resources for Fitness Club Management in Southern California prior to joining NIA. Before that Ms. Thompson held positions as director of human resources at Medical Group Executive Services, and human resources manager at Lemonade Restaurant Group.

“While I have worked in the insurance industry for two decades, NIA is truly a unique company that has no equal in terms of commitment to its member-insureds,” said Ms. Dalske. “I’m excited to be at a carrier that is leading the way in coverages and services offered to policyholders.”

“NIA has seen phenomenal growth in recent years, but our employees have lost none of their passion for protecting nonprofits,” said Ms. Thompson. “As we continue to add staff across the country, I am looking forward to preserving our unique culture as we evolve to meet the needs of our members.”

About NIA

Nonprofits Insurance Alliance (NIA) is the nation’s leading liability and property insurer exclusively serving nonprofit organizations. Founded in 1989 in Santa Cruz, CA, NIA is a social enterprise developing the long-term sustainability of the nonprofit sector.

NIA has one of the best customer retention rates in the industry. NIA members enjoy fair and equitable insurance pricing, specialized insurance coverages, dividends, and innovative risk management and member resources.

The NIA group brand is comprised of Alliance Member Services (AMS) and three insurers rated A (Excellent) by AM Best: Nonprofits Insurance Alliance of California (NIAC); Alliance of Nonprofits for Insurance, RRG (ANI); and National Alliance of Nonprofits for Insurance (NANI).

All organizations under the NIA brand are 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Learn more about Nonprofits Insurance Alliance at insurancefornonprofits.org/about.