TMPAA expands resources for a
growing program business marketplace
By Sarah Ayars and Ray Scotto
Few segments of the property and casualty insurance industry continue to evolve as rapidly—or create as much opportunity—as program business. As specialized expertise, data-driven underwriting, and distribution innovation reshape the marketplace, the Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) continues to grow alongside the industry it represents, while providing the resources and connections members need to succeed.
TMPAA’s research continues to document that momentum. The association will conduct its next biennial State of Program Business Study in 2027, following the most recent study, which reported program business premium volume of $110.8 billion in 2024, up from $79 billion just two years earlier. The findings underscore a sector that continues to outpace the broader commercial insurance market.
That same momentum is reflected in TMPAA’s membership and event participation. TMPAA membership has reached 838 organizations, including 440 program administrators, 105 carriers, and 293 service providers. Attendance at TMPAA’s events has increased by nearly 10% year over year, with approximately 2,500 attendees expected in Scottsdale for the 26th Annual Summit. These numbers demonstrate not only the continued expansion of the program business marketplace but also the association’s commitment to collaboration, professional development, and business partnerships.
As the association continues to grow, so do the resources available to its members.
One of the newest additions is the Target Topics podcast with host John Willemsen, featuring conversations with respected leaders throughout the program business community. Designed to address emerging issues affecting program professionals, the series explores topics ranging from underwriting and operational strategy to technology, leadership, talent, and trends. Each discussion offers valuable industry perspective, practical takeaways, or solutions that members can consider within their own organizations while fostering broader conversations across the industry.
TMPAA is also entering an important leadership transition following more than 25 years of growth under Ray Scotto’s direction. Since the association’s early years, Ray has guided TMPAA from a developing industry organization into the leading association for program business, expanding its membership, strengthening its meetings, and building the education, resources, and business development opportunities members value today. Sarah Ayars stepped into the role of executive director at the end of 2025 and continues to carry forward TMPAA’s mission with a deep understanding of the foundation Ray helped establish.
While the association continues to expand its educational offerings and member services, perhaps its most significant initiative is one focused squarely on the future of the industry itself. Like many sectors of insurance, program business faces the challenge of attracting and developing the next generation of talent. TMPAA has responded by making workforce development a strategic priority through the TMPAA Charities Endowment Fund. The response from the industry has been extraordinary.
Thanks to the generosity of member companies and individual contributors, the Endowment Fund has grown to more than $1.4 million, placing the association well on its way toward its $2 million goal. Those funds provide a permanent source of support for scholarships, educational initiatives, and career awareness programs designed to introduce outstanding students to careers in program business.
Working in partnership with the Spencer Educational Foundation, TMPAA now provides a dozen scholarships annually for students pursuing risk and insurance management degrees and invites students to engage directly with program business professionals at TMPAA meetings. These experiences expose students to one of the most entrepreneurial and innovative segments of the insurance industry while allowing member companies to connect with potential future employees.
TMPAA also participated in Spencer’s Virtual Campus series, sharing insights about program business with their robust network of students and reinforcing the association’s commitment to making this outreach an annual part of its talent development efforts.
The continued growth of TMPAA reflects more than increasing membership or larger meetings. It represents an industry committed to innovation, collaboration, and investing in its future. As program business continues to expand, TMPAA remains focused on providing the resources, connections, and leadership that help its members succeed while ensuring the next generation of professionals is prepared to carry the industry forward.
The future of program business has never been brighter—and TMPAA is proud to help lead the way.
The authors
Sarah Ayars is executive director of the Target Markets Program Administrators Association and Ray Scotto is past executive director and current senior executive of the association.
