MINNEAPOLIS -- Cathyrn P. Sussman, with 22 years' experience in reinsurance and group life, health and disability insurance, has joined the staff of Collins, the nation's fastest growing reinsurance broker, "as we continue our efforts to build a significant presence in the life and accident & health reinsurance marketplace," Charles (Chip) Ott, executive vice president, announced today.

In her new position as vice president, Sussman will provide reinsurance brokerage services for medical plans, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), life and health insurance companies.

"Life and health insurers today confront mounting challenges, particularly as the costs of medical care continue to increase," Ott said. "At the same time, emerging new issues -- including the prospects of a bird flu pandemic -- are bringing additional uncertainties.

"As reinsurance intermediaries, we work with our clients to assess and plan for such challenges and uncertainties," Ott said. "Cathy Sussman brings broad experience and deep knowledge of this field to our accident and health brokerage staff."

For the past 10 years, Sussman worked at Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. She led the Allianz Life Health Products division from 2002 to 2005 and, most recently, was sales vice president at the firm.

Her experience includes positions in underwriting of group life, health and disability, as well as in the sales and service of fully insured, self-funded employer groups, life insurance, disability products and reinsurance for HMOs.

Prior to Allianz, she was an underwriter at ReliaStar Life Insurance Company. Her career also includes posts with HealthPartners, a Minnesota-based nonprofit HMO, and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. She holds a bachelor's degree from the College of St. Thomas (now the University of St. Thomas), Saint Paul, Minn.