As we begin a new year, I am truly honored to serve as your 2026 HUG President. This community means a great deal to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to a group that consistently shows up to support, educate, and encourage one another.
Like many of you, I juggle the day-to-day realities of agency life, and I know how valuable it is to have a place where you can learn from peers who genuinely understand the challenges (and opportunities) we face. That sense of connection is what makes HUG so special.
At the heart of everything we do are our three pillars: Education, Community, and Innovation. Education means helping each other grow, through shared knowledge, practical training, and the real-world experiences that make us better professionals and stronger agencies. Community is the heart of HUG and HawkSoft and reminds us that we’re not navigating this alone. And innovation encourages us to embrace change, share best practices, and move forward together, at a pace that works for each agency.
As HawkSoft continues to evolve, HUG remains committed to helping members feel supported and informed along the way. No matter where you are in your journey, this group is here to help! 2026 will bring continued opportunities to connect through events, webinars, blogs, and committee involvement. Whether you’re actively participating or quietly learning from others, your presence matters and contributes to the strength of this community.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for being part of HUG. I’m excited for the year ahead and confident that, together, we’ll continue building a user group that educates, connects, and inspires.
Here’s to a successful and collaborative 2026!
Malena Farrell, COO
Cedar Risk Management
New Jersey
