Honoring a Leader in Insurance Technology
For Joyce Sigler, technology has never been just about systems, integrations, or automation. It has always been about people.
That perspective is part of what made Joyce the recipient of the Insurance Technology Advocate Award in Memory of Wade S. Dunbar Jr., presented during Accelerate 2026 in Las Vegas. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing automation within the insurance industry and who have demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and a passion for helping industry partners succeed.
Joyce, who serves as Vice President of Acquisitions & Technology, Agency Licensing & Compliance at SeibertKeck Insurance Partners in Fairlawn, Ohio, has spent decades helping agencies better understand, adopt, and fully utilize technology. Her work has touched agency operations, system integrations, Vertafore solutions, user group education, and countless peer-to-peer conversations across the independent agency channel.
A Meaningful Surprise
But when Joyce learned she was receiving the award, she was completely surprised.
“This one was just out of the blue,” Joyce said. “While I appreciate it and it’s very humbling to get an award, it’s just what we do. Once we volunteer, we’re kind of sucked in, and it’s just what we do. It’s that passion to help other people.”
That passion has defined Joyce’s involvement with NetVU and the broader insurance technology community. As a past NetVU chair and longtime volunteer, she has been part of the process of celebrating others for their contributions. Receiving this recognition herself felt different, especially because of the meaning behind the award.
“For me, being involved in the industry from an ACT, ACORD, and AUGIE level and thinking about automation today, I think this is one of the richest awards,” Joyce said. “When you think of an automation award, it’s a moving award. It feels wider and broader and maybe a little deeper than some awards.”
Helping Agencies Use Technology Better
Joyce’s perspective on automation has been shaped by more than 30 years in the insurance industry. She has seen agency technology evolve from the early days of simply connecting with carriers, to collecting customer data, to today’s broader focus on communication, connectivity, and using data in more meaningful ways.
As Joyce explained, the role of technology has changed. At one point, the goal was to make work easier by giving people the tools they needed right in front of them. Today, technology has the potential to do something more powerful: support people so they can focus on the work only humans can do.
“Now we want you to do what you do and let data and automation do something different,” Joyce said. “This gives you the ability to let you be the best you.”
An Advocate for People, Not Just Technology
That people-first approach is exactly what Joyce’s peers say sets her apart.
“Joyce embodies what it means to be an advocate—not just for technology, but for people,” said Shyla Lankford. “Her willingness to teach, guide, and lift others up has created a ripple effect across our entire community.”
“Nike has Be Like Mike. NetVU has Be Like Joyce,” said Jon Gorman, NetVU’s Executive Director. “During my more than seven years with NetVU, Joyce has been a constant presence, whether as a volunteer or as a board member, and support to the entire community. She has been a huge source of inspiration for me in my role coming into this industry, always happy to share a story or explain what makes the industry and NetVU community tick. People look up to Joyce, I’d argue many put her up on a pedestal, but she is so down to earth and willing to help any and all who are facing challenges that Joyce has likely already overcome.”
Throughout her years of involvement with NetVU, Joyce has consistently volunteered her time, shared her expertise, and mentored others across the industry. Whether leading education sessions, participating in user group discussions, or helping agencies solve operational challenges, she has become a trusted resource for those looking to better understand and apply technology in real-world agency environments.
“Joyce is the volunteer who never sleeps,” said Cal Durland. “She would respond to a topic or jump into a discussion 24 x 7. Her broad knowledge and day-to-day agency experience provided real-life examples that helped others understand and apply technology more effectively.”
A Career Built on Relationships
Joyce’s career in insurance began, as it does for many, through family and opportunity. When her children were young, she started with part-time work typing fraud investigation paperwork. Around the same time, her sister, who was already working in insurance, invited Joyce to learn the business. From there, Joyce said, she was “sucked in” and never really left.
For Joyce, that makes sense. Insurance, she said, is deeply tied to family and relationships.
“Insurance is super wide and super broad, but in the end, the insurance industry is all about family and relationships,” she said. “The base of family is the base of insurance.”
That belief has carried through her work, her volunteer leadership, and her advocacy. Joyce has built a reputation not only as someone with deep technical expertise, but as someone who is generous with that expertise. She understands agency workflows because she has lived them. She understands system challenges because she has helped solve them. And she understands the importance of bringing people together around shared goals.
A Trusted Teacher and Industry Partner
“It is truly a privilege to see Joyce recognized with this award,” said Janet Tuttle. “Whenever you attend one of Joyce’s classes, you always walk away having learned something valuable. Her ability to share knowledge and inspire others sets her apart.”
Joyce’s long-standing partnership with Vertafore has also helped shape meaningful improvements across the industry. Her real-world insight, agency experience, and willingness to advocate for practical solutions have made her a trusted advisor and a bridge between agencies, technology providers, and industry partners.
“Joyce’s impact on both Vertafore and the NetVU community is the kind that shapes an entire industry,” said Nellie Massoni. “What truly sets Joyce apart is the way she uses her experience—to lift others up, build bridges, and move the entire industry forward.”
Russ Turrentine added, “She advocates for anything we can do technology-wise to make things run smoother in an agency. She’s also got many years of experience with system integrations.”
Keeping People at the Center of Innovation
Even as technology continues to evolve, Joyce believes the industry’s future will depend on remembering the value of people.
“I think our industry is going to learn from the past, meaning everything isn’t technology,” Joyce said. “Technology can do its thing, but it still can’t replicate a human being.”
That is also where Joyce sees NetVU making a meaningful difference. To her, NetVU is not a “shiny object” or a “glaring light.” Instead, it is a steady source of support, built through relationships, peers, and people who are willing to help one another.
“NetVU is there by the support that I’ve come to know from the people that I’ve been associated with,” Joyce said. “I know I can call them for help. And that’s one of the best places.”
Celebrating Joyce’s Impact
Joyce Sigler represents the very best of the NetVU community: collaboration, innovation, practical expertise, and a sincere commitment to helping others succeed. Her contributions have helped move insurance technology forward, but her lasting impact is found in the people she has taught, encouraged, mentored, and supported along the way.
Please join us in congratulating Joyce Sigler on receiving the Insurance Technology Advocate Award in Memory of Wade S. Dunbar Jr. and thanking her for the lasting impact she has made on NetVU members and the insurance industry.