Members of the board serve voluntarily and advise the commissioner on the agency's fraud program. The board includes representatives from the insurance industry, consumers, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the county prosecutor's office and law enforcement.

Insurance industry

Craig Williamson - Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, Zurich American Life Insurance Company and Resolution Life US

Mr. Williamson manages the Special Investigation Units for Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, Zurich American Life Insurance Company and Resolution Life US, and was appointed head of the Fraud Expert Network for Zurich Global Life. He received a bachelor's degree from Washington State University in police science and a master's degree in criminal justice from Pacific Lutheran University. Craig earned his Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential and the Association of Life and Health Claims (ALHC) designation from the International Claims Association.

Leslie Wagner - Liberty Mutual Insurance

Ms. Wagner is a Senior Special Investigator with Liberty Mutual/Safeco. Her insurance career began as an adjuster prior to becoming a Special Investigator in 2008. She has extensive background investigating the most severe, complex, and high dollar cases in auto, injury, product liability, homeowners, business lines, and worker's compensation. Ms. Wagner earned her bachelor's degree in political science from Pacific University. She also has been an officer in the Puget Sound Special Investigators (local chapter) of the International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU) since 2009.

Ed Anderson - PEMCO Mutual Insurance Company

Mr. Anderson is a Property and Special Investigations Unit supervisor for PEMCO Mutual Insurance Company. Since starting his insurance career in 1987, he has worked as a Damage Appraiser, Senior Property and Property General Adjuster, Supervisor, and Claim Manager. He received his bachelor's degree in business from Oregon State University.

Mike Tower - Progressive Casualty Insurance Company

Mr. Tower is a Special Investigations Unit manager for Progressive Casualty Insurance Company for Washington, Alaska, Oregon, and Hawaii. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California in political science and international relations, and earned his Fraud Claims Law Associate (FCLA) certification from American Educational Services. Mike is an active member of Puget Sound Special Investigators (PSSI), a local chapter of the International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU), Western States Auto Theft Investigators (WSATI), and the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI).

Gina Kotek - TwinStar Insurance DBA Peak Credit Union

Ms. Kotek is the Property & Casualty Insurance Manager for TwinStar Insurance DBA Peak Credit Union, where she has contributed significantly to the agency's growth and development since 2021. Her journey in the insurance industry began in 2003, where she initially gained valuable experience in service and claims at State Farm, working as a licensed agent and office manager for both State Farm and Allstate. Ms. Kotek's educational background includes a degree in Applied Science from Grays Harbor Community College, along with a Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) designation and CCUFC Credit Counseling Credentials. Gina is also involved in both the Tumwater Chamber and Thurston County Chamber.

Consumers

Sherry Landon - Victim Advocate, Thurston County Prosecutor's Office

Ms. Landon serves as a Victim Advocate on the Special Victim’s Team in the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office. As a long-time Thurston County resident, she was self-employed for 17 years prior to receiving her bachelor’s degree in social work from Saint Martin’s University. She then received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.  While earning her degrees, Sherry interned with the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office as a Victim Advocate working in supporting victims of several types of crimes, including domestic violence and child abuse.

Ms. Landon is a Nationally Accredited Victim Advocate and an Accredited Courthouse Facility Dog Handler, is a part of Thurston County’s Multi-Discipline Team (MDT), and participates in presentations to both community stakeholders and college students.

Sharon Vinyard - Senior Fraud Investigator, WSECU

Ms. Vinyard serves as a Senior Fraud Investigator for Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU) in Olympia, handling cases that impact Washington consumers including scams, identity theft, debit/credit card fraud, synthetic identity fraud, and cyber-related fraud. She is a lifelong Washington resident and has been a Certified Fraud Examiner since 2009 and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist since 2016. She is active in the Northwest Fraud Investigators Association, the Credit Union National Association Fraud Working Group, Operation Shamrock/Financial Group, International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists. 

National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)

Wes Rethwill - NICB

Mr. Rethwill is the Director of Field Operations, Northwest Region for the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). He received a bachelor's degree from Mankato State University in criminal justice and sociology and is also a graduate from the 254th Executive Session of the FBI National Academy. Wes spent 29 years with the Washington State Patrol, retiring as a Captain. He was appointed by Sheriff Rob Snaza to serve as the Undersheriff for the Lewis County Sheriff's Office from 2015-2023.

Law enforcement

Sheriff Ryan Spurling - Mason County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Spurling is the 41st elected Sheriff in the history of the Mason County Sheriff's Office, which started in 1854. He received a bachelor's degree from Liberty University in business management/criminal justice. Before his time in law enforcement, Spurling was a US Marine and later served in the US Army Reserves. For his law enforcement experience, he spent 25 years with the Washington State Patrol, retiring in 2013 as a Corporal/Academy Instructor. Prior to being elected Sheriff, Spurling joined the Mason County Sheriff’s Office as Chief Criminal Deputy of the North Precinct in 2013.

Prosecutor

Jonathan Meyer - Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney

Mr. Meyer has served as the elected Prosecuting Attorney for Lewis County since 2011. He received a bachelor's degree in political science and government from St. Martin's University and law degree from Seattle University School of Law.

Always a great partner and advocate for law enforcement, he previously served as a reserve police officer for the City of Tenino for over a decade.