Woodward on Washington: An Economic, Policy and Political Outlook After the Mid-Term Election

Joan Woodward, Executive Vice President for Public Policy, Travelers

What will the 2026 midterm results mean for Congress and the White House in 2027 and beyond? How might shifting interest rates, inflation pressures, labor market dynamics, and emerging geopolitical risks affect your business strategy in the coming year?

Drawing on her extensive experience as an economist on Capitol Hill and an analyst on Wall Street, Joan Woodward will deliver a data driven, analytical, and nonpartisan outlook, highlighting key economic indicators and examining historical election trends. Woodward, Executive Vice President for Public Policy at Travelers and President of the Travelers Institute, will also highlight the Institute’s latest educational initiatives and programs designed to help business leaders navigate today’s fast moving risk environment.

We’re delighted to announce that Steve Shea, Senior Vice President at Marsh McClennan Agency, has been named the 2026 Ramsden-Sullivan Award recipient. Steve will be recognized at the IIABCal Installation Celebration.

The Ramsden-Sullivan Award is IIABCal’s highest honor, recognizing exceptional service or contributions to IIABCal or the insurance industry as a whole. The award commemorates Perce Ramsden, a founding leader, and Gene Sullivan, the influential Executive Director of the Western Association of Insurance Brokers from 1956 to 1981.

Steve began his career in 1992 with Chubb and joined Barney & Barney, now Marsh McLennan Agency, in 2002. A longtime leader within IIABCal, Steve served as President of the Association in 2012. Today, as Senior Vice President at Marsh McLennan Agency, he brings more than three decades of insurance industry experience to his work with clients and colleagues.

To see a full list of the prominent past Ramsden-Sullivan Award Winners, click here.