Fall Conference

Registration is now open!

Join your fellow MASI members and friends for a spooktacular time at the annual fall conference, where the sugar-white sands, turquoise waters, and Southern hospitality of Orange Beach, Alabama, set the stage for a hauntingly good experience at the Perdido Beach Resort. This year’s theme, Self-Insurance Spectacular, promises a boo-tiful blend of relaxation and education, offering chilling insights from Mississippi’s self-insurance industry leaders.

Don’t be afraid to take advantage of the many educational sessions and networking opportunities—connect with fellow MASI members from every corner of the self-insurance workers’ compensation and health insurance industry. With a conference agenda packed full of the latest updates on Mississippi’s self-insurance market, this is one event you don’t want to ghost!

• • 8 Hours of Bone-Chilling Continuing Education
  • $1,500 Grand Prize at the Haunted Drawdown Party—A Wickedly Good Win!
  • Autumn Sunrise Devotions

• Spine-Tingling Networking Opportunities
• Ghostly Silent Auction for Kids’ Chance of Mississippi
• Afternoon Breakout Sessions – The Work Comp Witching Hour and the Health Benefits Haunted Track
• Cash Prizes Every Day. Exhibitor Door Prizes —Treats Await!
• Connection. Community. Content. – The Perfect Potion for Success!

 

Who should attend?

Current and prospective self-insured employers, chief executives, financial and operating officers, human resource personnel, risk managers, loss prevention and safety personnel, attorneys, insurance consultants, healthcare providers, vocational rehabilitation professionals, physical therapists, case managers, third party administrators, group fund administrators, group fund trustees, claims administrators, state and local government representatives, legislators and regulators… anyone involved with workers’ compensation and health benefits in Mississippi.

 

Specials Needs and Accommodations

If you require special accommodations, including food allergies, please contact MASI Executive Director Wendy Powell at (601) 749-6274 or wendyp@masiweb.org so that plans can be made accordingly.

Event Cancellation Policy

To adequately prepare for a successful event, please review and understand that cancellations made 30 days or more in advance of the event date will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made within 14 and 29 days in advance of the event date will incur a 50% fee. Cancellations made within 13 days of the event will not receive a refund.

 

Hotel Reservations are Now Available for the MASI 2025 Fall Conference

RESERVATION PROCEDURES

Attendees should identify themselves as participants of MASI 2025 Fall Conference, Booking ID #21177, to receive the special group rate.

Mississippi Association of Self Insurers
MASI 2025 Fall Conference
Booking ID #21177
Call In Reservations: (800) 634-8001

Online Reservations: Hotel Reservations Online. Click Here!

You must click on arrival and departure dates to book the online reservations correctly.

A credit card and first night’s room and tax will be required to guarantee the reservation. Any special requests regarding sleeping rooms are based on availability at the time of arrival.

Please Note: Hotel reservations must be made by Tuesday, September 2, 2025, to receive the Conference Rate. Any reservation made after this time will be priced at the prevailing hotel rates.

 

Lindsey Brennan, RN, BSN, CCM
Genex Certified Catastrophic Case Manager
Genex Critical Response Case Manager
Medical Case Manager

Tricks and Treats from the Field: Chilling Case Studies That Reshaped My Approach
Wednesday, October 1 at 4:00 p.m.

Lindsey Brennan brings 17 years of extensive nursing experience spanning rehabilitation, hospice care, case management, and nursing management. As a Certified Case Manager (CCM), she specializes in catastrophic case management services and serves as a triage professional for the Genex Services National Catastrophic program.

Based on the Mississippi Gulf Coast where she has lived her entire life, Lindsey provides dedicated medical case management services throughout South Mississippi, Southeastern Louisiana, and Southwestern Alabama.

When not serving her clients, Lindsey enjoys spending quality time with her 15-year-old son, particularly boating on coastal waters, and cheering from the sidelines at his football games.

 

Joseph T. Cox, MD
Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists

The Skeletons in the Chart: Diagnosing Injury, Comorbidity, and Change
Wednesday, October 1 at 3:00 p.m.

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. Joseph Cox attended Birmingham-Southern College where he majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry. After graduating Cum Laude with Honors with a Bachelor of Science, he went on to attend medical school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham followed by an Orthopaedic Residency at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. During his residency, he also did a year of research where he worked on both basic science and clinical orthopaedic studies. He completed a fellowship at the Texas Back Institute in Dallas, Texas, where he gained specialized training in the treatment of complex spinal pathology, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and total disc replacement. Dr. Cox has published several peer reviewed scientific articles on various orthopaedic topics, as well as a book chapter on Cervical Disc Arthroplasty. Additionally, he has spoken at national and international conferences on topics including sacroiliac joint pathology, cervical myelopathy, and the psychology of spine surgery.

Outside of work, Dr. Cox loves spending time with his family. He is married with two young children and loves southern food and culture and being outside in the sun and water! With the recent move to the coast, Dr. Cox plans to improve his basic sailing skills that he picked up in college. He also enjoys playing the guitar, golfing, and fishing in his free time.

 

Derek Easley
President and CEO
BIPEC

A Capitol of Horrors: How the Business Community Battled the PBM Boogeymen
Thursday, October 2 at 9 a.m.

Derek Easley serves as President and CEO of the Business and Industry Political Education Committee (BIPEC), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that unites individuals, companies, and more than 30 trade and professional associations to protect and advance free enterprise in Mississippi. Since its founding over 40 years ago, BIPEC has played a critical role in evaluating and informing the business community about the performance of elected officials on issues that impact the state’s economic growth.

Under Easley’s leadership, BIPEC produces one of the most respected legislative scorecards in Mississippi politics. Its annual ratings of legislators’ voting records on pro-business issues are highly regarded, and the designation of “BIPEC Recommended” has become a sought-after distinction for candidates seeking to demonstrate their support for business-friendly policies.
Easley also oversees BIPEC’s political action arm, the Improve Mississippi Political Action Committee (IMPAC), which is actively involved in fundraising, candidate recruitment, campaign consulting, and research. IMPAC supports candidates for Statewide Office, the Legislature, and the Mississippi appellate courts.

Before taking the helm at BIPEC in 2016, Easley served as Governmental Affairs Director for the Mississippi Association of Realtors and as Director of Environmental and Taxation Affairs at the Mississippi Manufacturers Association. His career reflects a deep commitment to advancing policies that support economic development and a strong business climate in Mississippi.

 

Drew Maddox
Principal
Cornerstone Government Affairs

A Capitol of Horrors: How the Business Community Battled the PBM Boogeymen
Thursday, October 2 at 9 a.m.

Drew Maddox joined the Cornerstone Mississippi team in February 2020 with more than 10 years of experience in finance and education policy. Previously, Drew served as the chief financial officer of the Mississippi Department of Revenue, where he oversaw all administrative divisions of the department, including accounting, communications, processing, information technologies and logistics. As CFO, Drew also worked closely with state legislators and statewide elected officials to guide tax policy decisions, liquor laws, and revenue-generating activities.

Prior to his time at the Department of Revenue, Drew also worked as director of state engagement at EdBuild, where he used his knowledge of political and governmental structures to strategically place educational reform proposals in the best positions for success in state legislatures across the country. Drew has also worked at the Mississippi Legislative Budget Office as the Senate budget officer, where he worked closely with leadership to craft and pass balanced budgets.

Drew received his Bachelor of Arts in English literature and his Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. Drew enjoys spending time with his wife and two children (Sam and Bee), baseball, and gardening.

 

John McKay
President and CEO
Mississippi Manufacturers Association

A Capitol of Horrors: How the Business Community Battled the PBM Boogeymen
Thursday, October 2 at 9 a.m.

John McKay is the President and CEO of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA), the largest and most influential voice for Mississippi manufacturers and related businesses across the state. Over more than a decade with MMA, John has led the fight to reduce or eliminate burdensome taxes and regulations, develop and pass sweeping workforce development initiatives, support increased funding for critical infrastructure, and advocate for economic development incentives to grow jobs in our state.

John is also actively involved in numerous professional associations and related organizations. Appointed by Governor Tate Reeves, John serves Vice Chairman of the State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB). He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Business & Industry Political Education Committee (BIPEC), the Nature Conservancy Mississippi Chapter, and the Haley Barbour Center for Manufacturing Excellence at The University of Mississippi. John is a member of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), and the Council of State Manufacturing Associations (COSMA).

John holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi with a double major in Political Science and English, and he has a Master of Public Administration degree from the College of Charleston. John is also a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute in Norman, Oklahoma. 

 

Kollin Napier, PhD
Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network

The Future is Now: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Workforce
Development to Train Smarter, Not Scarier
Friday, October 3 at 9:15 a.m

Dr. Kollin Napier, an employee of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC), serves as the Director of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN), the nation’s first and only statewide artificial intelligence (AI) initiative. In this pioneering role, Dr. Napier engages with state government, community colleges, universities, K-12 schools, and industry partners to advance AI literacy, strengthen workforce development, drive innovation, and promote economic development.

Under his leadership, MAIN has become a driving force for statewide economic growth by providing free, cutting-edge AI training to thousands across education and industry, empowering individuals and businesses to compete in the evolving digital economy. To date, MAIN has delivered over 20,000 cumulative hours of AI awareness, education, and training and established MAIN AI Labs across higher education institutions, equipping communities across Mississippi with the skills and resources to thrive in a technology-driven future.

Dr. Napier’s leadership in artificial intelligence, technology, and workforce development has earned him multiple prestigious honors. He was named 2024 Mississippian of the Year by Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) for driving AI innovation, strengthening industry-education partnerships, and fostering statewide collaboration. In 2025, he received national recognition from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) as the Rising Star Manager Award recipient. He was also recognized as a Reveille 25 honoree by Mississippi State University for his transformative impact on education, workforce development, and economic growth. Additionally, he received the Hugh I. Peck Research Award from the Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools (PREPS) for advancing AI education and research, enhancing learning outcomes, and shaping the future of technology-driven education.

Dr. Napier holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Mississippi State University (MSU), where his research focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software engineering. He has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and conferences and holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree from MSU, along with an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology from Jones College.

Before assuming his current role, Dr. Napier worked as a software applications developer and later as a software architect for the MSU Extension Service. With a unique blend of academic expertise and industry experience, he is a driving force behind advancing computer science education, applied research, and workforce innovation in Mississippi. Through MAIN, Dr. Napier is shaping a technology-driven future—empowering communities across the state and fostering a national dialogue on the transformative potential of AI.

 

Wendy Powell
Executive Director
Mississippi Association of Self-Insurers

A Capitol of Horrors: How the Business Community Battled the PBM Boogeymen
Thursday, October 2 at 9 a.m.

Since August 2020, Wendy Powell has served as the Executive Director of the Mississippi Association of Self Insurers – her first venture into the world of association management. Prior to coming to MASI, Ms. Powell was the Director of Marketing for a medical malpractice insurance company in Mississippi. She has over 30 years of experience in marketing and communications, including governmental affairs, business development, and special events management.

Ms. Powell serves as President of the Board of Directors for Kids’ Chance of Mississippi and is a member of the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council. She was the recipient of the 2024 Sam Cox Spirit Award, given in recognition in service to the Mississippi workers’ compensation industry. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Society of Association Executives.

Ms. Powell is a member of the Public Relations Association of Mississippi and the Southern Public Relations Federation. In addition, she holds a Mississippi P&C Insurance License.

Despite being a graduate of Mississippi State University, she has converted for the next four years to follow the Ole Miss Rebels while watching her freshman son play in the Pride of the South band.

 

Michael Todaro, PharmD
Chief Operating Officer
Magnolia Health

A Capitol of Horrors: How the Business Community Battled the PBM Boogeymen
Thursday, October 2 at 9 a.m.

Dr. Michael Todaro currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at Magnolia Health, the Centene Health plan in Jackson, Mississippi. His responsibilities are to plan and direct all aspects of the Business Unit’s operations and maintain oversight for the short- and long-term profitability and growth of the health plan across all lines of business. Additional responsibilities include product development related to health and wellness ensuring alignment with company goals and strategy, the development of new product innovations and initiatives including defining data elements for reporting, system requirements, identifying educational materials, operations and workflow, and development of health product descriptions. He works to facilitate operational oversight for product and program functions, identifying opportunities for improving care, quality, efficiency, and cost reduction. Dr. Todaro strives to ensure compliance with the contractual guidelines of the corporation and health plans impacted by numerous regulatory agencies with complex and often conflicting requirements. He also participates in internal and external accreditation initiatives, relevant boards, task forces, committees, meetings, and other activities.

Prior to joining Magnolia Health, Dr. Todaro served as Administrator of Clinical Support Services, Director of Pharmacy and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. In this role, Dr. Todaro provided leadership, direction, and management for the Department of Pharmacy services, Radiation Oncology services, Department of Bone Marrow Transplant, Cancer Institute infusion services as well as Outpatient infusion therapy centers. He had oversight of the management of financial and quality standards affecting improvement plans and initiatives. Monitoring clinical and operational effectiveness, Dr. Todaro worked with the management team and medical center leadership to attain quality goals and objectives while establishing and implementing short- and long-range organization goals, strategic plans, policies and operating procedures implementing changes as necessary.

Dr. Todaro is a graduate of the University of Mississippi, where he attended pharmacy school and obtained his Doctorate of Pharmacy in 1999.

 

Scott Waller
President and CEO
Mississippi Economic Council

A Capitol of Horrors: How the Business Community Battled the PBM Boogeymen
Thursday, October 2 at 9 a.m.

Scott Waller, President and CEO of the Mississippi Economic Council – the State Chamber of Commerce, is pivotal in providing background and support for major legislative initiatives on behalf of MEC members throughout the state. MEC has galvanized the business community through numerous initiatives, including successful legislation changing Mississippi’s state flag and expanding career pathways for Mississippians.

The National Association of State Chambers named MEC as the State Chamber of the Year in 2022, making it the nation’s top state chamber. In 2025, MEC received the Accredited State Chamber distinction from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, making it one of only seven Accredited State Chambers in the nation.

Scott serves on various state and national boards focusing on transportation infrastructure, workforce development, education, and economic growth. He was named one of Mississippi’s 50 Most Influential leaders in Mississippi in 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2025.

He and his wife, Kim, live in Gluckstadt and are founding members of Wellspring Church. They have a son, Shane, who lives in Washington D.C.

 

Speaker Jason White
Mississippi House of Representatives

Spooky Sharp Insights: A Legislative Review and Forecast
Thursday, October 2 at 8:30 a.m.

Jason White was born and raised in Kosciusko, Mississippi. He received his Undergraduate and Law Degrees from Mississippi College. He graduated from Law School in 1998 and has practiced law in his hometown of Kosciusko, Mississippi his entire career.

In August of 2011, he was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives, District 48, which consists of portions of Attala, Carroll, Holmes, and Leake counties. After re-election in 2016, he was named Rules Chairman and elected Republican Floor Leader by the Republican Caucus. In 2020, his Mississippi House colleagues elected him Speaker Pro Tempore and his fellow Republicans elected him Republican Caucus Chairman. In January of 2024, Jason was unanimously elected as Mississippi’s 62nd Speaker of the House.

During his time in the Legislature, Jason has been involved in several pieces of key legislation, including changing of the State Flag, the Mississippi Infrastructure Modernization Act, and the largest tax cut in state history at that time, the Mississippi Tax Freedom Act, while also seeing the implementation of historic accountability measures and investments in both Education and Workforce Development. Since being named Speaker, he led the charge on the historic K-12 public school funding formula rewrite, which further led to the greatest investment in Mississippi’s education. He is a champion for healthcare, specifically in rural Mississippi, and is proven to be the driver of conversations that lead to meaningful policy at the Capitol. In the most recent 2025 Legislative Session, Jason spearheaded HB 1, the Build Up Mississippi Act, a landmark legislation that delivers a $1.9 billion net tax cut, eliminating the state income tax and significantly reducing the sales tax on groceries, while funding our core government and infrastructure needs.

He is the City Attorney for Kosciusko and the attorney for several government entities, utility boards, and providers. He is a former Municipal Court Judge, Youth Court Judge, and Alderman. He is involved in a number of civic duties which include currently serving as President of the Attala County Bar Association as well as President of the West Historical and Preservation Society. Jason lives in the town of West, Mississippi with his wife, Jolynn, and their three children, Sara Burden, John, and Carlyn. They are members of West Baptist Church where Jason currently serves as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher.

 

Keven Wilberding
Ambassador Service Group

Cultural Diversity: Unmasking Perspectives
Friday, October 3 at 8:15 a.m.

Keven Wilberding is currently the Vice President of Ambassador Service Group, a full-service provider of interpretation, translation, and non-emergency transportation based in Raleigh, North Carolina. As Vice President, Keven is responsible for business development and operational oversight of Ambassador’s growing network of service providers. Keven’s diverse background and experience allow him to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life. He has the ability to bridge the gap between individuals and cultures. He is just as at home talking to the person cleaning the building as he is talking with the one who owns the building. Keven sees the value of service and works diligently to ensure the team at Ambassador Service Group adds value while servicing their customers in an exceptional manner.

Keven is a gifted teacher and communicator who has spoken to groups from around the globe. He has traveled in various capacities throughout the world observing cultures firsthand. Keven has been an instructor at Living Word Ministry University. As the assistant to the Director of an English as Second Language program Keven has gained great insight into the challenges of cultural diversity and the vital role language plays in our lives.

Coming soon.

 

Attendee Registration

Attendee Online Payment / Attendee Forms to Pay with a Check

 

 

Cornhole Tournament Registration

Cornhole Online Payment / Cornhole Form to Pay with a Check

Bags, Beverages & Bragging Rights!

Join Us for “Trick-or-Toss Cornhole Clash” at the Fall Conference!

Ready to toss some bags, soak up the sun, and sip a cocktail or two? Don’t miss the Trick-or-Toss Cornhole Clash happening outside on the pool deck during this year’s MASI Fall Conference – Self-Insurance Spooktacular!

Thursday, October 2 | 2–4 PM | Perdido Beach Resort Beach Deck at Paradise Point

Cash Prizes:
1st Place – $100 per player
2nd Place – $75 per player
3rd Place – $50 per player

Outdoor vibes, great company, and a full-service bar to keep the refreshments flowing.

Registration:
$100 per two-person team
$50 solo entry — we’ll pair you up!

Whether you’re a seasoned cornhole champ or just in it for the laughs, grab a partner and sign up to play! Prizes, bragging rights, and a spook-tacular good time await. Costumes and team spirit encouraged—but not required!

Spots are limited, so register early!

 

Cornhole Tournament Registration

Cornhole Online Payment / Cornhole Form to Pay with a Check

 

The BOO-th Hall at MASI Manor

Don’t miss your chance to visit the BOO-th Hall at MASI Manor! Our early exhibitors are lined up and ready to connect with you in a fun, Halloween-atmosphere filled with treats, conversation, and valuable networking. Come see who’s haunting the hall—you won’t want to miss it!

Exhibitor Online Payment / Exhibitor Forms to Pay with a Check

 

Exhibitors as of July 16, 2025

AFC Urgent Care

Allegiant Managed Care

Allied Universal Compliance & Investigations

Ambassador Service Group

Ambetter from Magnolia Health

Ametros

Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists

Capital Ortho

Carlisle Medical

Combined, A Chubb Company

CorVel

DigiStream Investigations Inc.

Direct PT/DX

DocRx

Encore Rehabilitation

Ethos Risk Services

ExamWorks Compliance Solutions

First Choice Health Plan of Mississippi

FMOLHS – St Dominic Jackson Memorial Hospital

Genesis Information Services, Inc.

Genex Services, Inc.

HUB International / Fox Everett

JMS Consulting

Leadway Rx

Magnolia Compcare

Methodist Rehabilitation Center

Midwest Employers Casualty

Mississippi Association of Health Plans

Mississippi Physician Care Network

Mississippi Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center

NewSouth NeuroSpine

NRC TASS

Priority Transportation and Language Services

PT Solutions

Ridge Auditing and Consulting

RS Medical

TASS Stroke Brain Injury Rehabilitation

The Orthopaedic Group, P.C.

Transcom Solutions

Vivid Clear Rx

Vona Case Management

WAM

 

Sponsorships

Sponsorships help fund the programs and activities of the conference and are a great way to stand out from the crowd, generate visibility, and show support of MASI to meeting attendees. Sponsor participation keeps registrations prices affordable so any self-insured company, large or small, can send representatives to the conference. Reservations are now open for the following sponsorship opportunities.

Sponsor Online Payment / Sponsor Forms to Pay with a Check