August 2021

Meet Rachael Rizzi, Director

Rachael Rizzi is the VP of Risk Management at Branch Benefits Consultants. She has been active in the industry for over 20 years and has been elected to the NIIA Board of Directors. Rachael will serve as Director 2021-2024.

When she is not working or volunteering, she spends her time with her husband, Bill, and will be celebrating 25 years together in August. They have two children; Ryder is 14 and Rylynne is 11. While she would be remiss if I did not include my mom, Kathy Dawson, as she is the reason I am in the industry as a second-generation insurance professional. Rachael is a true desert rat so you will often find her romping through the desert on the weekends with her family. She also loves to scrapbook. 

Rachael has been active in the association for years. This is her second time around on the board after taking a break for a few years. Her past involvement includes chairing IIASN (which was the Southern Nevada chapter of NIIA) as well as the Young Agents committee. She is excited to help the NIIA continue to grow and thrive. 

Rachael encourages others in the industry to get involved. She says, "On the surface it is counterintuitive to “hang out" with your competitors, but what I have experienced by being involved is the opposite. Growing relationships with “competitors" has led to several lucrative and innovative partnerships that not only strengthen each agency individually but also the industry collectively." 

My favorite NIIA event that I have ever participated in was getting to help grant a wish in partnership with the Make-A-Wish foundation. Every year the Emerging Leaders Committee (ELC) finds ways to give back to the community. This is just one of the annual events our members can volunteer and give back. 

Something you may not know about Rachael is that she is a HeartMath Certified Trainer & Mentor. She spends a lot of time teaching and coaching veterans and trauma survivors. ​