About Us

The Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) is an organization dedicated to the unique challenges of Program Administrators. The TMPAA defines Program Business as insurance products targeted to a niche market or class, generally representing a book of similar risks placed with one carrier. Administration is done through specialists who have developed an expertise in that market or class. Administrative responsibilities are negotiated between the specialist and carrier, but would include underwriting selection, binding, issuing, billing, and often times marketing, premium collections, data gathering, claims management/loss control and possibly risk sharing. Program Administrators typically target their niches through differentiation either in product, risk management services, delivery mechanism or price. Access to programs can be on a retail, wholesale, or direct basis.

History & Growth

Conceived by Glenn Clark of Rockwood Programs, Target Markets began as a concept at the First Annual Summit in Tempe, AZ (October 16-18, 2001), with a business plan to align only with specialists in programs. The goal was to provide more efficient access to decision-makers in programs and the resources required to run a successful program operation. After receiving the enthusiastic support of those attendees, Clark implemented a plan to build this new association and hired an executive director in January 2002. After three successful annual summits, the association added a mid-year event in 2004. TMPAA meetings now attract nearly 2,000 attendees, uniting program administrators, carriers, and service providers under one roof, demonstrating why Target Markets is Where Program Business Gets Done. Today, the TMPAA operates as a wholly owned entity of its ultimate parent, WR Berkley Corporation.

Initiatives

Target University 

Target University was established in 2012 to promote Best Practices in program administration, enhance the status of Program Business in the insurance industry and recognize the specialized skill sets of Program Administrators. The University was developed through the efforts of the TMPAA Board and a Committee of TMPAA members who served as advisors on course development. Since it's inception, more than 200 CPL designations were awarded. In 2024, TMPAA discontinued the CPL designation and partnered with The Institutes to continue the original mission of Target University and enhance the Program Education offerings for members with the Program Business Professional (PBP) designation.

The PBP curriculum encompasses program-specific content and incorporates courses from the CPCU® designation. This comprehensive approach ensures a dynamic learning experience for professionals seeking advancement in Program Business, while also earning credit towards additional Institutes Designations.

TMPAA Charities

Founded in 2006 by the Target Markets, TMPAA Charities Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to supporting active duty military and funding scholarships for students in Risk Management and Insurance programs. Funds are raised through individual contributions, a donation from a portion of meeting registration fees, contributions to the permanent endowment fund, and the annual TMPAA Charities Networking Golf Tournament.

Program Business Study

As the only Association focused on program business, the TMPAA has conducted seven State of Program Business studies since 2011 to track the size and scope of this industry segment. The study is frequently quoted in publications discussing programs and has solidified the group's premiere status in the industry. The 2023 study pegged the size of program business at $79 billion. The next study will be conducted in 2025 and released at the 25th Annual Summit. 

With the assistance of the working committees, board members and individual contributions of Association members, Target Markets will continue to develop new and innovative solutions to address the challenges of program administration and provide tangible assistance for those who make their living in Program Business.

View the Bylaws of the TMPAA.