The New Jersey PIAPAC—the official political action committee of PIANJ—plays a vital role in ensuring that the voices of insurance agents are heard in Trenton. We had the pleasure of interviewing three key members of the New Jersey PIAPAC—New Jersey PIAPAC Chairperson Michael Beckerman, CPCU; Vice Chairperson Christopher J. Powell; and Treasurer Lydia Bashwiner, Esq., CWCP, NJWCP—to explore their beginnings in the insurance industry, their motivations for supporting the New Jersey PIAPAC, and what they see as the most important policy issues today.
Q. What is your insurance origin story?
Beckerman: My dad started Beckerman & Company after leaving another agency he co-founded when I was 6 years old. After getting some experience at another agency following college, I joined him in 2006. We were later acquired by Acrisure.
Powell: I was previously selling title insurance and was I was looking for a change. My uncle was friendly with Rick Hardenbergh, and he introduced me to Rick on a Friday night over pizza. It was a very personable introduction; we met after that, and as they say, the rest is history. I joined what was then Richard Hardenbergh Insurance Agency (now Hardenbergh Insurance Group) in January 1998 and I have been here ever since.
Bashwiner: I started my career in insurance while working as an insurance defense attorney. In 2005, I left the law firm I was with and became general counsel and claims manager for Otterstedt Insurance Agency Inc. That same year, I received my insurance producer license and later earned a designation as a Certified Workers’ Compensation Professional. Our agency joined PIA in 2017, where I now serve on the PIANJ board of directors, the Legislative/Regulatory Committee, and as treasurer of the New Jersey PIAPAC.
Q. What first sparked your interest in supporting the New Jersey PIAPAC and its causes?
Beckerman: Our agency has always been supportive of PIA. My dad served as president from 2004-05, so contributing to New Jersey PIAPAC is a natural extension of that support. It’s a great way to make sure agents have a voice in Trenton and that PIA’s initiatives are heard.
Powell: I have a government background—having served as an elected official myself. I also interned and worked for a U.S. congressman, so naturally, I had an interest in supporting New Jersey PIAPAC. Joining the committee felt like a great way to offer my assistance.
Bashwiner: I was a political science major in college, and one of my first jobs after law school was as a lobbyist for a national trade association. I understand the importance of working with legislators to create change in areas that matter to our industry, and PIAPAC gives me the chance to do just that.
Q. In your opinion, what are the most important issues or policies the New Jersey PIAPAC is helping to support?
Beckerman: I hope we can finally get the legislation to prohibit step-down provisions in most cases across the finish line. It’s been a long time coming.
Powell: Right now, the step-down provision and comparative negligence standard—PIANJ supports legislation that would allow insurance producers to utilize a comparative negligence defense in professional liability cases despite the existence of a special relationship—are the most important issues on the table.
Bashwiner: PIANJ’s Government Affairs Committee monitors legislation that could impact our agencies and clients. We work on initiating legislation that benefits independent agents. Right now, we’re working with legislators to eliminate step-down provisions in personal auto policies, which builds on the work we’ve already done with commercial auto policies. We’re also looking to change the current duty-of-care standard applied to agents, to give us a fairer opportunity to defend ourselves in professional liability suits.
Q. If you could give one piece of advice to potential new donors considering supporting the New Jersey PIAPAC, what would it be?
Beckerman: While the average donation to New Jersey PIAPAC is $347, we encourage everyone to donate whatever they can. Our goal is not only to increase the overall amount we raise, but to increase the number of donors.
Powell: Don’t be bashful—every dollar counts. Every contribution to New Jersey PIAPAC helps support our industry and the causes we’re advocating for.
Bashwiner: Donating is wonderful and always appreciated, but also lets us know what issues are important to you. When you have a stake in the outcome, it keeps everyone—donors and legislators alike—engaged in the process of crafting legislation that benefits us all.
Q. Lastly, can you give readers one book, movie or show recommendation?
Beckerman: Shogun on Hulu is my go-to.
Powell: I recommend Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.
Bashwiner: Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown. It’s a powerful book that maps out the skills and framework for meaningful human connection.
The New Jersey PIAPAC continues to be a strong voice for independent insurance agents in New Jersey. With leaders like Beckerman, Powell and Bashwiner, the coalition is making strides in legislative and regulatory reforms that benefit agents and their clients alike. Through advocacy, persistence and the support of dedicated members, New Jersey PIAPAC is working to ensure that insurance professionals have a seat at the table when it matters most.
To learn more about the New Jersey PIAPAC, or to donate, click here.
Shirley Albright, CPIA, CISR
Shirley Albright, CPIA, CISR, joined PIA in 1983 and has worked in many facets of the association over the years. In 1995, she was an integral part of establishing the Industry Resource Center to include the development of the software system to record and track all incoming and outgoing inquiries. She quickly moved from industry resource representative to assistant director and eventually to her current position as director. Currently, Shirley oversees the daily operations of the Industry Resource Center to include the triage of thousands of incoming member inquiries. Her other accomplishments include obtaining her New York state property/casualty broker’s license, CPIA and CISR designations.
