Whether guiding career paths or coaching
on the field, Philadelphia young pro focuses on others’ personal growth
By Christopher W. Cook
In the insurance industry, certain dedicated young professionals stand out among their peers and are members of an elite squad of individuals. These are their stories. “Dun dun.”
We all have specific teachers or coaches from our youth whom we remember. Whether they influenced how we viewed learning in general, guided us in a certain direction in life, were our number-one cheerleader, or instilled a specific skillset into our repertoire, we hold them in a special place for what they did for us.
For this writer, it was Mr. Mark Shoup, my high school yearbook advisor, with whom I spent two years on the staff, one as a section editor. He taught me that “to be a good writer, you have to be a good reader.” While I’m not the fastest when it comes to turning pages, I always have one or two books on my nightstand or digital library app.
And even though I prefer fiction to motivational self-improvement books, my love for reading sparked by my former teacher has helped me develop into the writer and person I am today.
When it comes to educators who made a lasting impression on her life, for Noelle Codispoti, CPCU, ARM, head of The Academy and director of Emerging Talent Programs at The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, it was her high school calculus teacher, Dr. Julianna Csongor.
“My desire was to become a calculus professor, but Dr. Csongor had a different plan for me. She insisted that I would become an actuary instead,” Codispoti says. “During the summer between my junior and senior year, Temple University offered a free Introduction to Actuarial Science class for math-savvy students in the area and Dr. Csongor ensured that I enrolled in it.
“Upon completing the class and earning three college credits, I found myself exclusively applying to colleges with Actuarial Science majors. I opted for Temple; I was drawn by its reputation for shaping future actuaries and the fact that the major was housed within the business school.”
While attending Temple University, Codispoti completed four internships covering diverse areas across the industry. “They ranged from pension benefit consulting (Doyle Consulting Group) to structured finance (Prudential Financial), international finance (ACE Group), and directors and officers liability insurance (ACE Group),” she says.
“During my initial internships, I realized that pursuing a credentialed actuarial career wasn’t my desired path, so while I continued with my Actuarial Science major, I added Risk Management to complement my analytical education.”
Codispoti’s involvement as an undergraduate member in the Sigma Chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS), the International Risk, Insurance, and Actuarial Science collegiate professional society, also played a pivotal role during her college years, providing critical leadership experience. She would go on to graduate from Temple University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Actuarial Science and Risk Management.
After graduation, Codispoti began her professional career as a D&O underwriter at ACE USA in Philadelphia. “I had met John Lupica, the then-president of Diversified Risk at ACE, in 2003; he guided me toward professional liability career paths and offered me an internship in ACE’s New York office in the summer of 2004.
“Although I enjoyed this position for six years, I realized my true calling lay beyond underwriting. Before leaving ACE in December 2010, I had managed its Partnership Liability book, focusing on real estate investment trusts (REITs), oil and gas, private equity, and other partnerships.”
In January 2011, Codispoti became the inaugural national-level employee of Gamma Iota Sigma, serving as executive director and then chief executive officer. “This role allowed me to champion talent and promote careers in the industry,” she says.
“My nearly 10-year tenure at GIS primarily focused on promoting careers to college students, providing unique opportunities to engage with employers, professional associations, and like-minded individuals.”
In 2022, Codispoti joined the team at The National Alliance. “I initially assisted with their high school program’s expansion but, over time, my role expanded to cover all emerging talent programs, supporting individuals in finding and choosing a career in risk and insurance,” she says. “Recently, I assumed the role of head of The National Alliance Research Academy, a division dedicated to advancing the skills, knowledge, and professionalism of risk and insurance professionals.
“The Academy takes a holistic approach, integrating education, talent development, research, advocacy, and collaboration through content creation, scholarships, and support for educational programs at high school and collegiate levels.”
Designations and involvement
Even with heavy workloads in college, Codispoti took the time to study for and work toward earning professional designations. “I achieved the ARM and a significant portion of the CPCU designation during my college years,” she says. “Currently, I am actively pursuing my CISR and CIC designations administered by The National Alliance.
“In my view, the value of designations varies among employers. I often advise my students that these designations serve as a powerful tool, instantly establishing credibility with clients—whether you’re an agent, broker, underwriter, or claims professional. While clients may not be familiar with the specifics of the designation letters, they recognize the extra effort put into earning credentials acknowledged and respected within our industry.”
“Volunteering as a coach is not just about imparting sports skills;
it’s a commitment to shaping the character and personal growth
of young athletes, making it a profoundly meaningful aspect of my life.”
—Noelle Codispoti
Head of The Academy and Director, Emerging Talent Programs
The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research
On top of her educational-driven agendas with The National Alliance, Codispoti supports similar programs through volunteerism. “At the forefront of my professional commitments is the Insurance Careers Movement (insurancecareersmovement.org), an initiative that originated as Insurance Careers Month,” she says. “It’s a grassroots effort, led by Marguerite Tortorello, encouraging individuals to choose insurance as a fulfilling career path.
“The movement remains open for ongoing involvement, inviting people to join and contribute to inspire the next generation of insurance professionals. It’s spearheaded by influential organizations such as The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), Insurity, and The Jacobson Group.”
Motivated by the successful Dive In (diveinfestival.com) initiatives led by Inga Beale in London, Codispoti was also inspired to bring the movement to the United States.
“In 2016, at the Gamma Iota Sigma Annual Conference, I took the lead in launching the inaugural Dive In North America event,” she says. “I served as the co-chair for Dive In North America until 2020. This effort was part of a broader commitment to collaborate initiatives within insurance-related organizations, highlighting the importance of engaging future talent and fostering unity in the industry.
“Additionally, my involvement with RIMS, the risk and insurance management society (RIMS.org), allowed me to play a significant role in the establishment of the standing Student Advisory Council, dedicated to enhancing programming for students within RIMS.”
Outside of the “insurance world,” Codispoti volunteers her time in local sports. “I am actively engaged in local sports organizations, having served as a board member of the Pennsbury Athletic Association, an 800-family organization. I’ve overseen recreational and travel baseball and softball for seven years, becoming the first female commissioner of the league in 2019.
“Over the past decade, I’ve dedicated my time to coaching baseball and softball with Pennsbury, and in the last three years, I expanded my involvement to coaching middle school and high school volleyball.
“Volunteering as a coach is not just about imparting sports skills; it’s a commitment to shaping the character and personal growth of young athletes, making it a profoundly meaningful aspect of my life.”
Gratitude and family
Throughout her collegiate and professional careers, Codispoti has been appreciative of all the people who have helped her along the way. “The list is extensive and, undoubtedly, I may unintentionally omit some important individuals,” she notes.
“Dr. R.B. Drennan, who served as my teacher and the advisor of Temple’s Gamma Iota Sigma Chapter, played a pivotal role in shaping my career. John Lupica was instrumental in introducing me to the realm of professional liability and guiding me on utilizing my skills effectively in my profession. Teresa Black, my first manager, stands as the epitome of a role model.
“Ivy Kusinga has consistently challenged me to embrace my authentic self and pushed me to maximize my potential,” Codispoti adds. “Alan Hoffmann and John Hammond trusted me to lead the growth and strategy for GIS, contributing to its evolution into the organization it is today. Marguerite Tortorello and Dr. Leroy Nunery serve as trusted friends who remind me of my identity and purpose, often seeing in me that which I may overlook myself.
“Sharla Floyd and Tandeka Nomvete redefine the meaning of friendship, offering unconditional love as both colleagues and unexpected friends who entered my life,” she continues. “The collective influence from them has been invaluable in my professional development, each contributing a unique perspective and guidance that has shaped my journey in the insurance industry.”
When it comes to her career journey, Codispoti has been acknowledged in various industry publications—a member of the 2013 Women to Watch and the 2015 Hot 100 and Elite Women lists.
“It wasn’t just about receiving awards; it was the recognition of the vital work dedicated to promoting careers in our industry and addressing the ‘talent gap,’” she says. “I have also received the Merit Society and Service awards from the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies in 2017 and 2021, respectively.”
Codispoti says that her greatest accomplishment has been successfully raising her three children— AJ (17), Julianna (14), and Gabriella (11).
When she isn’t doing “insurance stuff,” her life revolves around “the joy of witnessing my children blossoming before my eyes,” she says. “Our evenings and weekends are often filled with cheering them on at sporting or school events; all three are actively involved in volleyball and my girls participate in competitive cheerleading.
“In addition to our adventures in various events, we bond over binge watching shows like NCIS, House and Monk, playing board games, doing puzzles, and the quest for great places to eat.”
The family’s beloved dog, Recchi, adds to the lively mix in the household. During her downtime from family activities, Codispoti enjoys reading historical fiction and working out.
“My day feels incomplete without a visit to the gym, maintaining a well-rounded balance in my life,” she concludes.
