About Us

Ray has been involved with Target Markets since attending the first Summit in October 2001. He was hired as the Executive Director of the Association in January 2002. Ray was instrumental in the development and implementation of several Association initiatives including the commercial website, Target Programs, the Program Administrator Best Practice Designation, Target University, TMPAA Charities, and the Program Business Study.

Ray's management experience was gained in the public sector, serving as the administrator of a child abuse investigation unit in SE Pennsylvania for 22 years. He has also worked as an adjunct professor at West Chester University, PA. Ray holds a Masters Degree in Social Work.

Gene Abbey, MSRI, MBA has spent nearly 30 years as a P&C insurance professional with expertise in multi-line commercial coverages and risk management solutions. Additionally, his experience for the last 20 years has been with specialty programs, fronting, captives, and alternative risk solutions. Gene has served in leadership positions for insurance carriers, program administrators, and service providers. During his career, Gene has held roles in a number of industry disciplines including Business Development, Underwriting, Risk Control, Claims, Regulatory Compliance, Technology, Distribution, Operations, and Strategy. Most recently, he earned his Master of Risk and Insurance (MSRI) from Butler University and his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Cleary University. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy & Psychology from Lycoming College.

Sarah oversees Association event management, day-to-day operations, and manages all marketing activities supporting membership, meetings, products, and programs. Sarah joined the Target Markets staff in June 2010. Previously, she was Communications Coordinator for Performance Marketing where she implemented marketing strategies for clients in a wide range of industries. She has a bachelor's degree in Advertising/Public Relations from The Pennsylvania State University.

Prior to joining Target Markets, Susanne worked as an underwriting assistant for the EPLI department of Rockwood Programs. Previous industry experience includes State Farm Insurance Fire and Auto Claims, Marine Midland Bank Commercial Finance Division and AIG's Payroll Marketing Department. Susanne has been the Association Services Coordinator for the TMPAA since January of 2002.

Merrie is responsible for assisting in marketing and membership efforts for the association. Prior to joining TMPAA in 2019, she worked as a private consultant specializing in small businesses. Her work has focused on web design, social media marketing, branding, and eCommerce. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University.

Krista's focus is on membership development, assisting members and prospects with the myriad of TMPAA resources. Previously, she worked in healthcare as a Community Coordinator with a focus in Hospice and Home Care, building relationships within the community to foster a better understanding of what tools and resources are available to people in need. Krista has a Master of Business Administration degree from Strayer University.

Nina is a graduate from Saint Joseph's University (2023) with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in marketing. She joined the TMPAA team in August of 2023 as their Marketing Coordinator and works primarily on the association's digital marketing.