Risk Ready 2026:

Josh Rydberg, Senior Vice President of Underwriting Services at Brown & Brown

As Senior Vice President of Underwriting Services, Josh’s primary role is to design and implement financial management strategies for clients across the country. He also develops, maintains and delivers financial tools and methodologies that assist in the effective management of employer-sponsored health plans.

Josh routinely provides internal and external education regarding unique opportunities for groups to improve health plan structure. By leveraging a distinctive presentation style, he illustrates the impact of pricing and consumer purchasing behavior on both employers and members. This simplification of complex theories creates actionable results that are often contrary to current trends.

A broad insurance background – which includes pricing for workers’ compensation, automobile, homeowners and various other property and casualty coverages in addition to group benefits – allows Josh an objective perspective when devising and communicating winning medical plan strategies. It also provides him the ability to engage with clients that are interested in evaluating enterprise risk and cost.

Jennifer Smith, Vice President of Advanced Contracting Services at Brown & Brown

Jenn leads the Advanced Contracting Services (ACS) team at Brown & Brown, which supports customers and prospects with a focus on data-driven insights and experience. She has extensive experience in health plan consulting and provider contracting, making her a trusted leader in the field. The ACS team excels in all aspects of onsite clinic evaluation, vendor procurement and program management. In her role, Jenn monitors emerging healthcare strategies, innovative vendors and disruptive trends across the country. She regularly meets with cutting-edge solution providers, bringing back innovative products, strategies and approaches to benefit both the internal teams and customers.