Headquarters:
15505 137th Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5V 1R9
Year founded:
1963
Number of employees:
61
Phone:
1 855 444 2782
Email:
info@arta.net
Website:
arta.net
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/alberta-retired-teachers
“We prioritise embracing cutting-edge technologies, creative problem solving and continuous improvement to enhance our premium funding solutions and provide exceptional value to our clients”
Brett Bastow, IQumulate Premium FundinG
Daniel Mulloy
Chief Executive Officer
Gary Sawatzky
Chief Operating Officer
Amanda Shaw
Chief Information Officer
Leadership
Daniel Mulloy is the CEO of an association that is enjoying steady growth and is striving to achieve its goals in the areas of member services, advocacy, wellness, and organizational excellence.
Mulloy has a Bachelor of Arts degree and a professional background in finance, strategic planning, management, and performance measurement. He has been with ARTA since 2011.
Chief Executive Officer
Daniel Mulloy
After working in group benefits consulting for 20 years, Gary Sawatzky joined ARTA to serve as COO in November 2017. He oversees the marketing and member services teams.
Sawatzky has a Bachelor of Arts degree, major in economics, and has earned his Certified Employee Benefits Specialist designation.
Chief Operating Officer
Gary Sawatzky
Amanda Shaw is the CIO for ARTA, where her role involves connecting processes, systems, and planning across departments. With a commerce degree from the University of Alberta and a CAAP accreditation from the Institute of Communications Agencies, she has worked in a variety of industries, including marketing and operations.
Shaw enjoys analyzing existing processes and identifying opportunities for improvement and efficiency; leading change management initiatives to ensure smooth transitions; overseeing the integration of technology systems and platforms to streamline operations; fostering a culture of continuous improvement; and overseeing all interdepartmental projects and initiatives. She joined ARTA in February 2017.
Chief Information Officer
Amanda Shaw
BRETT BASTOW, IQUMULATE PREMIUM FUNDINGs
Leadership
Leadership
Scott Tywoniuk
Chief Financial Officer
Scott Tywoniuk is a Chartered Professional Accountant and ARTA’s CFO. He has over 20 years of experience in accounting, information technology, and information systems. He joined ARTA in January 2016.
Chief Financial Officer
Scott Tywoniuk
Alexander Nordang
Principal
Alexander Nordang is a principal in CDI Lawyers’ litigation and dispute resolution team, bringing over 12 years of experience in complex, multijurisdictional construction disputes. He has acted for international contractors, state-owned enterprises, and government entities on matters valued up to $1 billion, involving projects across Australia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. In addition to his dispute resolution expertise, Nordang provides strategic advice during pre-contracting and contract administration phases, helping clients build strong contractual foundations. His in-depth understanding of technical construction issues enables him to identify and manage risks early – covering everything from variation claims to site-based correspondence.
Principal
Alexander Nordang
Stevens & Associates Lawyers is a leading and trusted employment law firm based in Sydney known for delivering high-quality legal expertise in the area of employment law and industrial relations across Australia, alongside a proven track record of effectively and swiftly resolving a variety of workplace law issues.
In the past year, the firm’s growth has been notable. It has:
• experienced a 213% growth in the number of client matters, increasing from 149 client matters in the 2022 financial year to 390 client matters in the 2023 financial year
• improved its online visibility, leading to over 50 online enquiries each month and a conversion rate of client leads of up to 40%
• significantly expanded the breadth and type of matters that it advises on day to day, which has increased the firm’s skillsets, diversity and resilience
• expanded its community outreach by collaborating with local Sydney venues for client seminars and continuing active participation in a Sydney small/family business group
Stevens & Associates Lawyers has adapted to digital trends by implementing an effective strategy with SEO and web design, resulting in a structural shift that has seen increased representation of employees where the firm previously mainly advised employers.
The firm’s recognition as a “Fast Firm” attests to its momentum in the employment law space.
“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started”
Wayne Tower,
IQumulate Premium Funding
Steve Tchepak
National Underwriting Manager
Michael Prokopis
Manager – Southern Region
Jeffrey Valdivia
Manager – Commercial Strata
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Steve Tchepak became the national underwriting manager at CHU in June 2019. He has over 13 years of experience in strata management and strata insurance. He has held various positions, including commercial underwriter, team leader and NSW and ACT branch manager.
National Underwriting Manager
Steve Tchepak
Thierry Pascal has over 13 years of experience in business and corporate banking in various financial/credit analytical and relationship management roles with the NAB and CBA.
After a career break to undertake postgraduate studies, he joined GE Capital as a senior risk analyst in premium funding in 2010. Following the divestment of the premium funding business to the Macquarie Group in 2015, he joined Macquarie Premium Funding and was promoted to credit risk manager, where he led the credit underwriting team.
Following the re-branding to IQumulate Premium Funding, Pascal was recently promoted to head of credit and legal, a role that sees him manage the credit underwriting team as well as oversee IQumulate’s in-house legal function.
Pascal holds undergraduate and postgraduate tertiary qualifications in accounting and law.
Head of Credit and Legal
Thierry Pascal
Cemal Akgul sees the head of risk and collections role as pivotal in guiding and influencing business decisions. He has more than 15 years of experience across financial and government services, most recently with the NDIS, where he was the leading consultant driving the Risk Management process’ nationwide. Prior to that, he served various roles at BMW Finance across the United States, Hong Kong, Germany and Australia.
During Akgul’s tenure at BMW Finance, he predominately worked in risk management, guiding the organisation through seismic changes between 2016 and 2018. In his time prior, he was based out of New York, leading BMW Finance’s American subsidiary's market risk and data analytics teams between 2011 and 2016.
Akgul values a balanced approach to business, encourages a positive work culture and is passionate about teaching and guiding the business and individuals at IQumulate.
Head of Risk and Collections
Cemal Akgul
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
One culmination of these efforts has been the real-world, needs-based IQEdge solution. A one-stop online quoting tool designed for both the Australian and New Zealand markets, IQEdge delivers quotes in under 60 seconds. Plus, the solution offers quote comparison and quote versioning capabilities, enabling users to review vital historical and financial data in a single page view.
IQEdge can streamline and automate application processing, underwriting document verification and payment collection, cutting the need for manual labour and minimising processing errors. A digital “self-service” platform, IQEdge, reduces the need for customer and administrative support. Meanwhile, borrowers can access their accounts, make payments and manage their policies independently and through sales and support teams, which are always available for further assistance.
“We’ve created a quality platform that simplifies the quoting process yet amplifies the customer experience,” says Gordon. “It’s a real game changer.” IQumulate offers an online digital quoting tool to clients. The best-in-market solution enables IQumulate to tailor funding offerings to brokers that align with their prefered distribution channel.
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ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION
SPECIAL REPORT
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Brokers’ Pick
Broker's Pick – Personal Accident and Illness Insurance
Turnaround time – claims
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Broker communication, training and development
Overall service level
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BDM support
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Overall service level
Broker communication, training and development
BDM support
Turnaround time – claims
Broker's Pick – Personal Accident and Illness Insurance
Brokers’ Pick
Strata cover
What does IQumulate have in mind for the future?
“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur.
“Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, with the potential to allow IQumulate to capture a larger market share, whilst continuing to deliver service excellence to clients.”
“As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead.
“We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”
What does IQumulate have in mind for the future?
“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur.
“Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, creating a competitive advantage with the potential to allow IQumulate to command premium pricing or capture a larger market share.
“As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead.
“We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”
Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
Claire Watson
Product Manager
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Claire Watson
Product Manager
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
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Ivan Verescuk
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Shaun O’Brien
Head of Underwriting
Emily Walker
Head of Strata and Development
Rex Oakman
Head of Operations and Risk
Sandy Newton
Head of Underwriting
Andrew Mitchell
Manager – NSW
Michael Prokopis
Manager – Southern Region
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Jeffrey Valdivia
Manager – Commercial Strata
Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
The Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA) is a non-profit organization that puts its members first. It is led by retired teachers, governed by members, and built around direct service.
Every part of ARTA’s work reflects its purpose to support vibrant, engaged retirees through member-centered services, wellness, advocacy, and organizational excellence. That structure has shaped how the organization operates and why it earned a 2025 BPM Top Employers Award.
“Our member services staff members aren’t just voices on the other end of a phone,” Daniel Mulloy, Chief Executive Officer, explains. “We regularly invite all staff to participate in member engagement events, to get to know the people they serve, and to witness the active and engaged lifestyles their work helps to facilitate.”
When members raise concerns, staff work closely with them, sometimes involving leadership directly, to ensure they’re resolved quickly and personally.
In addition to its elected board of directors, ARTA’s leadership team includes Mulloy, its first full-time employee who has served for 14 years, CIO Amanda Shaw, COO Gary Sawatzky, and CFO Scott Tywoniuk.
The team has expanded ARTA’s reach and modernized how it delivers services. A milestone came in 2021, when ARTA took over administration of its own benefit plans. That move brought membership and claims under one roof, removed reliance on third-party providers, and gave the organization more control. Staff headcount grew from 10 to 60. An online claims system and member app were introduced.
Over four years, the changes saved $5.8 million, money that was reinvested directly into the plans. In 2023, ARTA launched ARTARx, one of the first benefit plan-sponsored pharmacies in Canada designed to serve members directly while improving the plan’s sustainability.
The pharmacy also offers competitive pricing on health products and services. ARTARx’s pharmacists provide medication assessments, chronic condition support, and care planning.
ARTA is structured to support learning, wellness, and organizational excellence. Every employee receives an education and training allowance. Staff members are encouraged to grow into new responsibilities, and many have advanced within the organization.
“Staff know that if they are willing to do the work, ARTA is an employer that will support their growth,” Mulloy says.
ARTA offers pay that reflects industry standards and backs it with strong benefits and time-off programs. Staff performance is reviewed every year, but feedback isn’t limited to formal check-ins.
Conversations happen often, and anonymous surveys give employees space to be candid. Leadership keeps its doors open so concerns can be raised and dealt with early. When staff flagged sabbatical leave as a priority in the BPM engagement survey, ARTA acted. The new policy will be rolled into the HR manual this fall.
At ARTA, the hiring process is skills-based, prioritizing objectivity and the right fit. The staff is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of experiences, perspectives, and talents to the team. This diversity is key to fostering an inclusive and dynamic workplace where everyone can thrive.
Planning decisions are shaped by four organizational goals that focus on wellness, organizational excellence, delivery of quality services to members, and advocacy. Every initiative is checked against those goals to keep the work on course and the outcomes relevant.
The result is a workplace that supports retired educators and like-minded professionals while also giving employees the opportunity to build lasting careers instead of moving on to the next role.
“This ‘boots on the ground’ approach has seen lawyers from CDI working directly with clients in their offices or on the project site for several different projects,” says XXX.
Equally notable is the firm’s internal culture, as of CDI’s five principals, three – Christopher Rowden, Jason Pungsornruk and Jay Hatten – began as clerks under Pyman. Their shared history has fostered a continuity of vision, ensuring that CDI’s service-first philosophy remains deeply embedded. Junior lawyers are trusted to contribute meaningfully, provided they demonstrate discipline and aptitude.
CDI also invests heavily in education-based marketing. From onsite seminars to thought leadership in legal journals, the firm seeks to upskill project teams and deepen client relationships. Its visibility across the legal landscape is reflected in its sponsorship and participation in key industry events – such as the ICC Arbitration Day in Tokyo and the SOCLA national conference – as well as its publishing credentials, including the widely used annotated guide to Queensland adjudication law.
“We consider that success is only achieved when our clients feel they have received the most outstanding legal service experience they have ever received from a law firm,” says XXX. “Of course, results are important, but results can be unpredictable. What can be predicted and controlled is the commitment to adding value to our clients’ businesses.”
IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company.
“We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.”
Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate.
“Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”