Michelle Rafeld
Michelle Rafeld is a respected insurance professional with a stellar career spanning over three decades. Michelle’s leadership experience and profound commitment to combating insurance fraud are well-known throughout the industry. Michelle held various leadership roles within her distinguished 32-year career with the State of Ohio; she’s most notably known for serving as the agency’s Fraud Director, a position she held from 2007 until she retired from state service in June 2023.
An innovative and proactive problem solver, Michelle has effectively led local, state, and national collaborative efforts, leading to the successful implementation of industry and consumer protection programs. Michelle served as Vice-Chair of the Antifraud Task Force and Title Consumer Shopping Tools Working Group and chaired the Title Insurance Task Force, the Promoting Appropriate Sales Practices In The Sale of Life Insurance & Annuities Working Group, and the Antifraud Task Force Education & Enhancement Working Group.
Furthermore, she represented the NAIC Antifraud Task Force in an advisory capacity on the Healthcare Fraud Prevention Partnership, the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s Law Enforcement Advisory Committee. In 2020, Michelle became the first woman appointed as the Coalition’s Public Interest Co-Chair. On January 1, 2024, she made history again by becoming the first female Executive Director of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud.
202-393-7333 | [email protected]
Brent J. Walker
Brent has close to 30 years of combined experience in law enforcement, insurance fraud investigation, and nonprofit volunteer leadership. He was first introduced to fighting insurance fraud as a young police detective and has since spent the majority of his career in the special investigation units (SIU) with two large insurance carriers. He has held various roles to include major case investigator, regional SIU manager, and anti fraud compliance director. In addition, Brent believes in the value of collaboration in the fight against insurance fraud and has been very active in the larger antifraud community for over two decades. He has had the opportunity to serve on the board of the International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU), lead a local Texas chapter, chair numerous committees, get involved with advocacy in both regulatory and legislative arenas, plan antifraud educational events, manage a global publication, and participate in many other initiatives. Prior to joining the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, Brent co-chaired its Government Affairs Committee. Brent received a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce in organizational leadership and holds the Senior Claim Law Associate designation from the American Educational Institute. He has been married for over 30 years, has three children, and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
301-821-6145 | [email protected]
Joseph Matos
Joseph is a dynamic, multi-award-winning strategic executive who has significantly boosted the bottom line for Fortune 100 companies. With a background in some of the world’s largest ad agencies, Joseph is a pioneer in the multicultural industry, possessing expertise in general and multicultural markets. Beginning his career at the groundbreaking Conill Advertising, Joseph quickly rose to lead strategic efforts across the United States and Latin America, managing multi-billion dollar clients. Later, he was recruited as Chief Creative Director at UniWorld Group; he worked with many top-tier companies, including HBO and Reebok, among other major brands, to elevate their branding efforts. Joseph founded his own agency, securing clients like PepBoys while consulting for agencies worldwide. Transitioning to Washington, DC, in 2002, he served as Chief Creative Officer for various advertising and media firms, directing branding efforts for political campaigns and creating impactful campaigns like “Be A Hero” for Donate Life Maryland. Subsequently, Joseph led marketing and branding for trade organizations and health organizations, elevating messaging and outreach. Once exclusive to global Fortune 100 companies, his expertise is now sought after by Coalition members for branding, communications, DEI, and strategic development. His passion for DEI initiatives and strategic planning has earned him multiple awards throughout his career, making him a trusted resource for organizations seeking innovative solutions to their advertising and branding challenges. Joseph altered his career in law enforcement twice, the latest in 2022 when he was sought after to join the Coalition to elevate the brand across various platforms successfully.
202-250-3250 | [email protected]
MEMBER VALUED TESTIMONIALS
- Thomas Donahue CIFI, FCLS – Vice President, SIU Engagement / Claims Solutions / Chair of the Coalition Public Information Committee
As Chairman of the Public Information Committee, I get to work with Joe Matos a lot throughout the year. Joe is timely, organized, creative and always available to lend a helping hand. He does a great job in collating the fraud convictions throughout the year to be used for our Hall of Shame. In addition, Joe writes the Hall of Shame descriptions, the Hall of Shame articles for multi publications and voices the Hall of Shame video presentation at the annual meeting. The Hall of Shame is our most important publication of the year, but that is not all Joe does. He also collects fraud convictions throughout the year for our Prosecutor of the Year Award, he writes the scripts for our two meetings each year, produces the Fraud News Daily, Fraud News Weekly and JIFA. Joe also organizes the webinars and podcasts the Coalition present throughout the year. In addition to this, Joe produced the psychology of fraud study “Who Me? Who Commits Insurance Fraud and Why?” I only touched base on a few of the things Joe does for the Coalition each year to highlight the great job he does on a consistent basis. As you can see, Joe contributes a tremendous amount to the success of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud. In his short time with the Coalition, Joe has elevated the communications and creative strategies of the Coalition. He has become a trusted resource showing a level of creativity, consistency, support, and an improved engagement with members along with his dedication to the cause of combating insurance fraud. Joe is a pleasure to work with. He’s an MVP and the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud is a better organization because of him!
- Dennis Toomey – Global Insurance Fraud Summit – President and Founder / PwC – Director, Fraud and Financial Crimes
Joe’s exceptional work and unwavering commitment to excellence has made a profound impact on the Coalition Against the Insurance Fraud, the Global Insurance Fraud industry and me both professionally and personally. I have witnessed and worked with Joe for the past 5 years and have been inspired and impressed since the first day I met him in Washington, DC. What I have learned about Joe over the years is his passion and creativity know no bounds, and his innovative approach to communication and outreach has set a new standard within the Coalition. His tireless work ethic and member-focused attitude have been instrumental in driving the increased member satisfaction and unprecedented growth in membership. One of the strongest and most commendable attributes is his unending dedication to finding new ways to support all members of the Coalition. He is always reaching out offering to help with creative designs, anti-fraud messaging, encouraging thought leadership through Podcasts, Publications and Press Releases. Joe’s design and creative experience shine through in all aspects of his work. His ability to think outside the box and deliver impactful, engaging materials has greatly enhanced the Coalition’s communication efforts and reinforced the mission. In the very little spare time that he has when others are “clocking out” for the day Joe has generously dedicated his “spare” time to serve as an advisor and designer for the Global Insurance Fraud Summit. His contributions in designing marketing materials and online content have been invaluable, again demonstrating his passion and expertise in driving successful outreach initiatives. I can say wholeheartedly with great confidence Joe Matos is an invaluable asset to the Global fight against insurance fraud. His impactful contributions, coupled with his genuine dedication, have significantly elevated the Anti-fraud Industry. I strongly recommend Joe for any endeavor that values creativity, dedication, and a forward-thinking approach.
- Jay R. Bobrowsky – FCLS, CIFI – Senior Vice President of Special Investigations, State Compensation Insurance Fund
In March 2022, Joe Matos joined the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud (CAIF) as the Director of Communications, and subsequently he was named as the Coalition’s Chief of Communications, Outreach, and Creative Services. I have been extremely impressed by Joe’s work ethic, professional and work product since he joined the Coalition. He works and contributes tirelessly for benefit of the Coalition and its members. Part of the core mission of the Coalition to “get the word out” on insurance fraud and its negative effect & impact to our society. As the Coalition’s Chief Communications, Joe has been innovative in his approaches via various social media platforms and training webinars. He has brought an increased level of professional and sophistication to the Coalition’s infographics and communications. I would like to highlight Joe’s work on, and contributions to the Coalition’s Annual and Mid-Year Membership meetings. It takes months of planning and organization to deliver a seamless and professional meeting experience for the members. As both a presenter and attendee at the Membership meetings, I have been impressed on how smoothly the meetings run, greatly due to Joe’s dedication and commitment to providing the members with the best attendance experience possible. I would also like to acknowledge Joe’s contributions and assistance with designing infographics and communications for the Anti-Fraud Alliance’s (AFA) Annual Training conferences. We have received many compliments and positive feedback on the Annual Anti-Fraud Conference’s professionalism especially relating to our marketing materials. This is a direct impact of Joe’s expertise and contributions to our association, and also an excellent example of the value the Coalition offers its members. Finally, I need to recognize Joe’s well-developed emotional intelligence (EQ) and his ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships & partnerships. We are very fortunate to have Joe Matos at the Coalition as his years of experience, subject matter expertise, and dedication is critical to the Coalition’s long success and impact.
- Matthew J. Smith, Esq. – Retired, Executive Director – The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud
I am often asked what I consider to be the greatest achievements of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud during the decade of my work with this incredible organization. While there are many, there is no doubt in my mind one of our top successes was bringing aboard Joseph Matos to lead the Coalition’s communications and creative services. Joe’s commitment, over-the-top work ethic (and personal morals and ethics as well) along with his incredible creative talents, have helped to broaden and improve the Coalition’s anti-fraud messaging in so very many ways. At our Annual and Midyear Meetings, behind the scenes for every webinar, editing daily, weekly and quarterly newsletters along with JIFA articles, and producing FraudPod; every area of the Coalition benefits from his talents. But talent alone is not the story of Joe. Always there to encourage or help a member, to support others on the staff team, and to assist not only Coalition member organizations, but also groups like the Global Insurance Fraud Summit and IASIU, are the real hallmarks of Joe’s devotion and effort to help and to improve those around him. And along the way, but I don’t really know when or how, we crossed the bridge from being a boss and co-worker to just being friends. And for that as well, Joe has, and continues to, make my life better.
- Celeste Dodson, CPCU, MBA, FCLA – IASIU President – SIU Regional Manager, Enterprise SIU | State Farm Insurance
It is such a pleasure to work with and partner with Joe. I really appreciate all that Joe Matos does, not only for the Coalition, but also members of the Coalition. I have reached out to Joe numerous times asking for his insight and perspective regarding both IASIU and the GIFS’s initiatives. He always has a fresh and innovative perspective, one that I have not found elsewhere. And when I’ve asked Joe for assistance in developing communications and designing publications, his response is always positive with a can-do attitude. I so appreciate the support he has provided, making some of the challenging projects less daunting. I couldn’t ask for a better business partner and appreciate the Coalition’s willingness to share Joe’s expertise.
- Frank Sztuk, Senior Vice President, Investigative Services | Delta Group | Coalition Executive Committee Advisor
I have had the good fortune of being a member of the Coalition for over 25 years. During that time, I have served as a director, co-chair of the organization and chair of the Public Information Committee. In my role as the chair of the PIC, I worked closely with the Chief of Communications in all of the elements of our public outreach efforts. The former Chair was a leader in his field, bringing the level of visibility and recognition for the organization to a high level. Joe Matos has expanded on the professionalism and visibility of the Coalition to a much greater level than we have ever experienced. His abilities as a writer, organizer, creator, media professional are without match. I have worked closely with him as the moderator for a number of industry webinars. The planning, execution and outreach concerning the informational quality of the fraud webinar programs are totally tied to the direction and expertise of Joe Matos. I look forward to working with him for many years to come in my role as a member of the Coalition Executive Committee and a member of the Public Information Committee.
Kendra Smith
The Coalition’s internal and member operations are overseen by Kendra Smith. Her remarkable organizing skills help make our member and committee/task force meetings run smoothly and make sure our databases are kept current. Kendra is there to make sure Coalition members get fast and accurate answers to questions.
Before joining the Coalition in 2007, Kendra supported the President & CEO and senior staff at the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, including being a liaison to the Mayor of D.C. and city council member assistants.
While at Suited for Change, Kendra coordinated more than 100 job-training programs for low-income women. She also trained volunteers, provided coaching, and skills training to women in need who are seeking employment.
At the Sanz School, Kendra organized career fairs, seminars, assisted students land internships and quality jobs.
Kendra received her BA in Business Administration and AA in Criminal Justice, both from American InterContinental University in 2008.
202-393-7330 | [email protected]
Brady Bell
Brady is a political theorist and journalist, who has focused on political and marketing in campaigns. He is most passionate about the understanding of the political world and how it impacts everyday Americans.
Brady’s interest in politics began in his early high school years which led to volunteering in local elections. That grew to working and being on staff for local, state and national campaigns in the State of Oklahoma, he has served as a field organizer, strategist, and campaign manager. He learned how to manage local campaigns and use social media to spread their message. He is an advocate of how important the impact of local elections are to all communities. He has also worked as a journalist, during the 2020 primary election he was on a University of Oklahoma team who covered the Iowa Caucuses and interned for the local NPR station KGOU in Norman, Oklahoma.
Starting in 2023, Brady is now working as the Communications Associate for the Coalition.
He holds bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science, with a minor in History from The University of Oklahoma.
Brady is currently completing his Masters in Political Theory from The University of Toronto.
202-393-7330 | [email protected]
Dominic Dugo
Dominic is a retired Chief Deputy District Attorney from San Diego, California, is now an Outreach Coordinator for the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud. He is also a co-chair for the Coalition’s Workers Compensation Fraud committee.
In addition to his role with the Coalition, He is currently the Vice-President, Fraud Division for the Delta Group and the National Prosecution Coordinator for the American Policyholder Association.
Dominic spent 33 years as a prosecutor in San Diego with 27 years prosecuting and then supervising the insurance fraud program. Under his leadership, San Diego has been recognized as having one of the best insurance fraud prosecutorial offices in the country.
After graduating in the top 5% of his law school class at DePaul University in Chicago, Dominic moved to California. He worked 2 years as an attorney for Justice Charles Hamlin of the California Court of Appeal. Thereafter, he joined the District Attorney’s Office.
Dominic established San Diego’s Workers’ Compensation Premium Fraud (1996) and Medical and Legal Insurance Fraud (2005) Task Forces. Both of these were the first of their kind. He also authored several articles on insurance fraud including premium fraud.
Dominic’s success resulted in several awards. In 2016, he received the “Edwin L. Miller Lifetime Achievement Award” from the San Diego District Attorney’s Association. In 2010, Llorente Investigations named him their Nationwide Insurance Fraud Prosecutor of the Year. Previously, in 1999, he was named Insurance Fraud Prosecutor of the Year by the International Association of Special Investigation Units for Southern California. Dominic also was awarded a Certificate of Recognition from the FBI and a Commanding Officer’s Citation from the San Diego Police Department.
Dominic has taught numerous classes throughout the country on how to investigate and prosecute insurance fraud including premium fraud. He also spearheaded and designed in San Diego one of the most successful anti-insurance fraud outreach programs in the country. This high-profile public campaign to deter insurance fraud included Public Service Announcements on Television, Billboards on Freeways, Anti-Fraud Posters for employers, and Ads in dozens of publications in numerous languages.
Prior to retiring from the DA’s Office in September 2019, Dominic served as Co-Chair of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud out of Washington, D.C. for 3 years.