Legislation that created the Criminal Investigations Unit mandates the insurance commissioner to appoint a 10-member advisory board. 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 (www.nicb.org), the county prosecutor's office and law enforcement.
Insurance industry
Craig Williamson - Farmers Group Insurance
Mr. Williamson manages the Special Investigation Unit for Farmers Group Insurance, Zurich American Life Insurance Company and Universal Underwriters Life Insurance Company. In 2012, he was appointed head of the Fraud Expert Network for Zurich Global Life. He has a bachelor's degree from Washington State University in police science and a master's degree in criminal justice from Pacific Lutheran University. In 2004, he earned his Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential. In 2009, he received 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 for 4 years prior to becoming a Special Investigator in 2008. She has extensive background investigating all types of cases from auto, injury, product liability, homeowners, business lines, and worker's compensation. Currently, she's tasked with investigating the most severe, complex, and high dollar cases. Ms. Wagner has a 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 has a bachelor's degree in business from the Oregon State University.
Patrick M. Guiton - Independent Insurance Consultant
Mr. Guiton is an Independent Consultant, formerly a consultant for Blue Cross Blue Shield Association specializing in fraud detection and investigative services. He previously served as the director of the External Audit and Investigations (EAID) Special Investigations Unit (SIU) at Cambia Health Solution/Regence BlueCross Blue Shield. He has law enforcement experience and earned his bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice administration from East Stroudsburg 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 has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California in political science and international relations. In 1999, he 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 SIU (IASIU), Western States Auto Theft Investigators (WSATI), and the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI).
Consumers
Renee Sunde - Washington Retail Association
Ms. Sunde serves as the President & CEO of the Washington Retail Association. She has over 20 years of experience leading teams. She has had several positions of leadership throughout the Thurston County region. She served on the Thurston County Board of Regents, Thurston County Regional Planning Council's Transportation Policy Board and the Thurston County Economic Development Council. She played a key role in the development and launch of the region's Center for Business Innovation. Prior to joining Washington Retail in 2017, Renee was the Economic Development Director for the City of Olympia.
Edgar Rochelson - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline
Mr. Rochelson has extensive experience in various aspects of consumer and business insurance, including being a insurance and claims manager for a commercial company in the freight transportation industry, and handling both first-party and third-part claims for a marine insurer. Retiring from the insurance industry after 34 years, Edgar now spends time volunteering with the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline to help consumers prevent and recover from fraud. He has a bachelor's degree from Baruch College in business administration, and received his master's degree of business administration, transportation management and international business from University of Maryland.
National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)
Wes Rethwill - NICB
Mr. Rethwill is the Director of Field Operations, Northwest Region for the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Prior to this, he was appointed by Sheriff Rob Snaza to serve as the Undersheriff for the Lewis County Sheriff's Office from 2015-2023. He began his law enforcement career with the Waseca (MN) Police Department, working there through college. In 1986, he joined the Washington State Patrol where he worked for 29 years and retired as a Captain. He holds a bachelor's degree from Mankato State University in criminal justice and sociology, and is also a graduate of the 254th Executive Session of the FBI National Academy.
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 holds 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 graduated from St. Martin's University with a bachelor's degree in political science and government, and also received his J.D. from Seattle University School of Law in 1998.
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.