Mark Coberly, CLP-A – Convention Task Force Member
Your name and Region. Do you belong to a local association or are you a MAL? How long have you been a member?
Mark Coberly | Region VII | MAL-Hawaii | Member since Fall 2014
What inspires you to be part of Insurance Professionals and what prompted you to join?
Networking, meeting other insurance professionals from across the country, and building friendships inspired me to join Insurance Professionals. When I moved to Hawaii for a claim adjuster position, my good friend and mentor, Kim Green, told me about Insurance Professionals. She knew I did not have many friends in Hawaii and suggested Insurance Professionals as an opportunity to meet people with whom I may have something in common and make new friends. She was right; I made several friends after attending my first meeting with the Honolulu Association ofInsurance Professionals.
Describe a memorable collaborative effort, such as a committee, task force, or program, where you worked effectively with others to achieve a common goal.
One of the most memorable experiences I have had as a member of Insurance Professionals was co-chairing the 2023 Region VII Conference in Honolulu. Although it required a lot of time and work organizing, collaborating, and planning, the final result of seeing the conference come together was an enriching and gratifying experience. Our members were so appreciative of all our efforts and hard work. Knowing they received what they needed from the conference to succeed in their careers and personal growth made serving a rewarding experience.
What is one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had as a member, whether it was a meeting, a specific project, or a challenging situation you encountered?
For the last 6-7 years, I have volunteered as a judge for the Eddie Aikau Foundation’s essay contest for students in grades 7-10 in public and private schools throughout Hawaii. I became acquainted with the Eddie Aikau Foundation through the Honolulu Association of Insurance Professionals. Reading the essays written by the students explaining how they adopt the characteristics and virtues of Eddie Aikau into their daily lives, which are often under some very difficult conditions, has been a very humbling and sobering experience for me. Reading firsthand how these future members of society, our future community leaders, have overcome adversity, learned and grown from daily challenges, and been positive examples to their peers and family members gives me hope for our future as a community, a state, and a country.
What is a good tip on how to share the benefits of membership with an employer?
It was sharing the various education opportunities and designations that Insurance Professionals offer that inspired my employer to give their support in funding my membership and attendance to regional conferences, state council meetings, and the national convention. In particular, my participation in the CWC class and speak-off competitions on both the regional and national stages excited my employer, as they expressed how impressed and proud they were of me and how I was representing the company.
What Insurance Professionals programs have you taken that you would highly recommend to another member?
I have obtained the CLP and most recently, the CLP-A designations. Both courses were incredibly informative and provided tools, insights, and guidance to be a stronger and more effective leader/manager at work and IAIP.
Our organization’s vision statement includes: Insurance Professionals is the leading provider of education, skills enhancement and leadership development to members and partners of our industry. Which part of our Vision statement do you feel has had the biggest impact on your personal or professional growth?
With the many opportunities available in the organization, I would have to say that leadership development has made the biggest impact on my personal and professional growth. I have served as vice president of the local association and have been a member of committees on the regional and international levels. I am currently on the 2025 Convention Task Force. I am also one of the assistants to the Region VII Vice President, which has been an amazing and rewarding experience. I am in awe of the leaders in Region VII and their dedication to the organization and the daily sacrifices they make to grow and enrich Insurance Professionals. They are true leaders and have been exemplary examples for me.
What are your hobbies, interests, or a particular cause you are most passionate about? I love and appreciate the beauty of nature and am passionate about capturing that beauty through photography. While an amateur, I am constantly learning and trying new techniques to perfect my craft. I have been asked and have offered to donate several of my prints to Insurance Professionals for various fundraising events, which has been very rewarding, knowing that my hobby is helping to grow the association in a small way and that the members appreciate and enjoy my work.
The Hidden Heroes of Insurance Professionals is a collaboration of the Member Engagement and Services and Marketing and Publications Task Forces.