COSA is an independent body of State Administrators whose job is to represent and protect the interests of Dentists Choice policyholders, prospective policyholders and State Administrators. COSA collaborates with Aspen and the Dentists Choice team, ensuring coverage remains responsive to insured dentists’ needs, rates remain competitive and aligned with market demands. They provide strategic marketing feedback to enhance our positioning by identifying opportunities for growth, support continuous improvement and ensure we meet the evolving needs of dental professionals.
Ed Gerner, Esquire, CLU, CPCU, Executive Chairman of R.K. Tongue Co., is a second generation principal active in the business since 1966 (much longer than he cares to admit). A graduate of Loyola University Maryland and the University of Maryland Carey School of Law, a member of the Maryland Bar and the U.S. Supreme Court Bar, and a former US Army officer, he brings extensive experience, a culture of caring, and the perspectives of both an insurance professional and a lawyer to the business. He is also a licensed Life and Health Insurance Advisor.
Load MoreE. Andrew Gerner, CFP®, is President and equity member of R. K. Tongue Co., Inc. and Principal/Founder of Tongue | GERNER Financial Services, LLC. He is a licensed independent insurance agent and broker specializing in property & casualty, life & health insurance, and a Series 7 and 66 Investment Adviser. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Mr. Gerner focuses on risk management, asset protection, wealth management, retirement, and financial planning for professionals in healthcare and related industries.
Load MoreBrandon is originally from Louisville, Ky, and he attended Western Kentucky University. While there, he was a founding member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Upon graduation, Brandon returned to Louisville where he first worked at a law firm. He then started as an insurance agent and later purchased that insurance agency with the partnership of his cousin. Professionally, Brandon regularly lectures on insurance and risk management, including as an invited guest speaker of the Louisville Dental Society, other area study clubs, and practice management courses at several dental schools; Brandon was elected to this committee in 2024.
Mr. Start is a 1985 graduate of the University of Michigan and earned his Master’s in Business Administration at Wayne State University in 1994. After a nine-year tenure as an agent and sales manager for Prudential Insurance, Craig assumed his current position as president of MDA Insurance & Financial Group in 1994.
Under Craig’s leadership, MDA Insurance & Financial Group has become a leading expert on dental association programs and non-dues revenue. The company has diversified revenue sources to include all types of insurance, as well as several other services for member dentists. Craig currently holds his property/casualty, life/health and surplus lines licensing in several states.
After a diverse background in the insurance industry since 1995, Eric began work with Terry Arp & Associates/Professional Benefits & Insurance in 2013, offering risk management services to dental and oral surgeon practices in Idaho, Utah, and Montana. Eric became the agency owner and manager in 2015 and enjoys being a resource to the dental/oral surgeon communities in the Northwest. Eric is a native Idahoan with a degree in Political Science from the University of Idaho.
Sue McFadden has worked within the dental industry since 1985 is the exclusive state administrator for Iowa. Sue is very active within the Iowa Dental Association and an instrumental part of the Iowa Mission of Mercy, attending all sixteen and putting together the insurance policy that covers the events. Specializing in several lines of business and known for consistently doubling her book of business. Sue has received over a dozen awards with highest achieved being the IDA Presidents Award in 2022.
