NABIP - Northern Nevada Membership Luncheon

Join us for a candid conversation with leading carriers as we dig into the forces shaping Nevada’s group market. This panel will explore what’s driving premium increases, how renewals are built, where plan design is evolving, and what brokers can do to bring greater clarity and transparency to employers.

We’ll look at specialty drug costs, network strategies, level‑funded options, and the carrier–broker partnership that ultimately determines how well employers are supported.

About our Speakers:

Art Vasquez - Strategic Sales and Account Advisor, Anthem Nevada. 

He began his insurance career in the life and supplemental health segment and transitioned to Individual and Small Group Health Insurance in 2013 when he joined Anthem BCBS. During his tenure with Anthem, he has held multiple roles including Individual Telesales, Individual Retention and Small Group Sales. Art’s experience lies in broker relations, benefits consulting and access to care problem solving. In his free time Art enjoys exercising, adventure seeking, Padel and international travel.

Brenda Grace-Smith – Manager of Sales & Retention, Hometown Health

Brenda Grace-Smith is the Manager of Sales & Retention for Hometown Health, a not-for-profit health insurance organization based in Reno, Nevada. She leads a team focused on new business development and client retention, driving growth and building strong relationships. 

Brenda joined Hometown Health in 2013 as Supervisor of Sales & Marketing and assumed her current role in 2017. Her career spans nearly three decades of leadership, including prior experience as General Manager for Visionworks in Pennsylvania, where she oversaw operations for multiple retail optical locations. Brenda is passionate about inspiring her team to achieve both professional and personal goals.

Her leadership extends beyond the workplace. Brenda chairs Hometown Health’s Partner in Education program with Libby Booth Elementary School, providing volunteer and financial support to local students since 2013. She also leads organizational community sponsorship initiatives and supports key partnerships with the Builders Association of Northern Nevada and the Carson City Chamber of Commerce.

Brenda is a graduate of the Reno/Sparks Chamber Leadership Program (2018) and Carson City Chamber Leadership Program (2025) and the Renown Health High Potential Leadership Program. She actively volunteers with Lead With Horses, RennerVation Foundation, and Nevada Humane Society. She previously served on the board of the Northern Nevada Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 1991, Brenda is a passionate advocate for diabetes awareness and research.

She resides in Sparks with her three adopted dogs—Mia, Arthur, and Roscoe—and supports animal welfare, community service, and enjoys the vibrant Reno-Tahoe lifestyle.

Gabrielle Sansone - Vice President of Commercial Sales, Prominence Health Plan

Gabrielle Sansone is currently serving as the Vice President of Commercial Sales for Prominence Health Plan and is responsible for growth retention of the Commercial Book of business. She oversees all new commercial business development activity, retention activity and manages all support staff. Responsibilities include market segments for both small, large group and self-funded development utilizing the TPA services. 

Prior to joining Prominence Health Plan, Gabrielle held a sales leadership position for Anthem BlueCross BlueShield of Nevada managing both the sales and account management teams, responsible for growth of the health plan. Prior to that, Gabrielle worked for a third party administrator working with small and large employer groups in Nevada to create and manage their health care programs.

Gabrielle Sansone is a native of Las Vegas, Nevada and received her BS in Business Administration from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Gabrielle enjoys traveling with her husband to California to visit the beaches.

Carolyn Murray - Vice President of Small Group Sales and Accounts, UHC

Carolyn Murray is the Vice President of Small Group Sales and Accounts, bringing more than 35 years of extensive industry expertise to her role. She is known for her strong leadership, strategic insight, and deep commitment to advancing the small business market.

In her position, Carolyn oversees sales and account management for small business groups ranging from 2–99 employees, as well as association health plans. Her broad understanding of diverse funding arrangements and her focus on operational excellence enable her to deliver high‑value solutions that meet the evolving needs of employers, brokers, and members.

Throughout her career, Carolyn has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to improving the member experience and supporting the long‑term success of small businesses. Her ability to build trusted relationships and drive results has established her as a respected and influential leader in the industry.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Carolyn is devoted to her family. She is married to her husband, Darrin, and enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. She is also an avid traveler with a passion for exploring new destinations.

Walk-ins welcome with $8 upcharge. Registration closes at 5pm the Sunday prior to the meeting.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!