What lies ahead for the surety industry as it enters what could be one of the most transformative periods in its history? In this episode, hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum engage industry leaders, Stephen Haney, President and Chief Underwriting Officer, Global Surety at CHUBB, Nathan Zangerle, President of Global Surety at Liberty Mutual Surety, and Chris Tata, Vice President, Commercial Surety in Bond & Specialty at Travelers, to explore the evolving landscape of surety amidst the booming demand for data centers and large-scale projects. They discuss the impact of labor shortages, risk management, and financial guarantees while emphasizing the importance of thoughtful underwriting and collaboration to navigate this generational moment. Tune in to gain valuable insights into market trends, emerging risks, and collaborative strategies that will help define the surety industry's path through 2026 and beyond.

With special guests:

• Stephen Haney, President and Chief Underwriting Officer, Global Surety, Chubb
• Nathan Zangerle, President of Global Surety, Liberty Mutual Surety
• Chris Tata, Vice President, Commercial Surety in Bond & Specialty at Travelers

Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored By Applied Surety Underwriters

How can subcontractors thrive in today's complex landscape? In this episode, join Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum as they explore the essential topic of bonding subcontractors with Ryan Springer and Rocky Pofahl from EMC Bond. They discuss the challenges and strategies for subcontractors in a fluctuating economy, the importance of understanding contract terms, and how to leverage relationships with general contractors. Discover insights on navigating high-stakes projects like data centers and ensuring financial stability and bondability while maximizing opportunities. Check out these previous episodes with Rocky and Ryan as well, #154 Bridges of Trust: Unraveling the People Power in Surety Success and #117 The Corner Office: A Conversation With EMC Bond's Ryan Springer.

Watch the full video episode on YouTube! With special guests: Ryan Springer, Vice President/Bond, EMC Bond and Rocky Pofahl, Assistant Vice President-Bond Underwriting Superintendent, EMC

Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!

What role does data play in shaping the future of the surety industry? In this episode, Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum welcome back Ryan Work, President & CEO of the Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA), to discuss the industry's growth, the importance of advocacy, and the recent data trends. They explore how effective collaboration and informed storytelling can influence policymakers, especially with significant funding initiatives on the horizon. Tune in for an inside look at the numbers behind the industry and the impact they're making beyond them. Find out more about the previous EY study mentioned during this episode.

With special guest: Ryan Work, President & CEO, The Surety & Fidelity Association of America Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!

What happens when a banker discovers a calling to enter the surety industry? Join us as Monica Donatelli shares her unexpected journey from banking to becoming the Vice President, Surety Department Manager at IMA and NASBP's President. This episode dives into her transformative experiences from her involvement with the NASBP 5-15 Leadership Committee, advocacy efforts, and leadership development in the surety space and how these have shaped her Presidential term's theme, Stability Through Purpose. Discover how Monica turned challenges into opportunities and why she believes that advocating for surety at the local level is crucial for the industry's future. Tune in for inspiration and insights! With special guest: Monica Donatelli, Vice President, Surety Department Manager, IMA, Inc. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!

How vital is cash flow to the construction industry? In this episode, Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum engage with CPA Brad Robinson of Ward & Robinson, who unravels the intricacies of cash flow management for contractors. They discuss essential strategies to enhance cash flow, including billing techniques and the significance of understanding contract terms. Highlighting the unique challenges construction professionals face, this conversation is packed with practical insights that can help ensure profitability and sustainability in construction projects. Tune in for valuable guidance!

With special guest: Brad Robinson, Partner, Ward & Robinson LLC Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!

In this episode, Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum are joined by Ken Cobleigh of AIA Contract Documents to explore the evolution of design-build and progressive design-build project delivery. Together they unpack how AIA contract documents are structured to support these models. The discussion highlights key differences between traditional and progressive design-build, including contract structure, timing of pricing, and the shift toward iterative design and early stakeholder collaboration. With insights into industry trends and a look ahead to upcoming document developments, this episode explains why understanding these frameworks is essential for contractors, producers, and surety professionals. Learn more about AIA Contract Documents and explore NASBP equivalent bond forms mentioned during this episode.

With special guest: Kenneth Cobleigh Esq., Senior Vice President & Counsel, AIA Contract Documents Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!

Tariffs are back in the spotlight—and the stakes just changed. What does the Supreme Court's latest ruling on presidential tariff authority mean for government contractors—and for the surety professionals who support them? In this episode, Government Contract Attorneys Jacqueline Unger and Ryan Boonstra of PilieroMazza dive into the implications of a recent ruling that struck down certain tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Listeners will discover how contractors can navigate the changing landscape of tariffs, the potential for future impositions, and critical steps to safeguard their rights and contracts. Don't miss these essential strategies for success! Read more on this topic in their recent blog post, "SCOTUS Limits Presidential Tariff Powers: Key Takeaways for Government Contractors." With special guests: Jacqueline Unger, Partner, PilieroMazza and Ryan Boonstra, Associate, PilieroMazza

Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by EMC Bond!

What are the hidden and sometimes not-so-hidden forces shaping the economy and, in turn, the construction industry today? In this episode, Kat Shamapande and co-host Mark McCallum delve into current economic factors impacting construction, featuring insights from economic experts Eric Gaus and Sarah Martin of Dodge Construction Network. They explore the effects of inflation, labor shortages, the Iran conflict, and political pressures on economic activities, including construction trends like the proliferation of megaprojects. Learn how these forces could redefine the construction industry's near future and what strategic opportunities may lie ahead for construction companies amid uncertainties. For more information on these and other points, check out the NASBP blog posts authored by our guests, "The Megaproject Boom," "Federal Reserve Under Pressure," and "Prolonged Middle East Turmoil Will Slow Down Construction." With special guests: Eric Gaus, Chief Economist, Dodge Construction Network and Sarah Martin, Associate Director of Forecasting, Dodge Construction Network

Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Is the U.S. economy headed for a recession in 2026? Moody's Analytics Director Chris Lafakis joins Kat Shamapande to break down the latest outlook, from sluggish job growth and AI-driven disruption to shifting trade policy and falling mortgage rates. He explains why 2026 looks stable, what could derail expansion, and how construction, housing, and global markets factor in. Hear the risks, opportunities, and what 2027 may bring.

With special guest: Chris Lafakis, Director, Moody's Analytics Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP

How do strong relationships within underwriting teams and between underwriters and producers shape the surety business? In this episode, we sit down with Bob Bowman of Holmes Murphy, Justin Tomlin of FNIC Group, and Rocky Pofahl and Cory Hamling of EMC to explore the vital collaboration between home office, field underwriters, and producers — and why trust, clarity, and communication drive success. Don't miss this look at the people and relationships inside the business of surety!

With special guests:

• Bob Bowman, Surety Underwriting Manager, Holmes Murphy
• Justin Tomlin, Senior Vice President – Surety Manager, FNIC Group
• Rocky Pofahl, Assistant Vice President-Bond Underwriting Superintendent, EMC
• Cory Hamling, Bond Director, EMC

Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP