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Who We Are

NSSTA Mission, Vision & Strategy Statement

Mission (Who are we and why are we here): We promote growth, establishment, and preservation of structured settlements in order to provide long-term financial security to personal injury claimants and their families through periodic payments.

Vision (Where are we going): To be the secure, guaranteed financial product of choice for injured parties.

Strategy (How we will collectively get to our vision):

  • We will promote through public advocacy, legislative action and educational programs.
  • We will promote utilization of periodic payment arrangements generally as a tool for resolving claims.
  • We will seek innovative opportunities through public and private forums.

Our Members

Founded in 1985, the National Structured Settlements Trade Association (NSSTA) represents nearly 1,200 licensed consultants, attorneys, insurance companies, and other professionals who work with accident survivors and their dependents. Our members are passionate about the work we do to help injured people. We strive for excellence and help our clients find the right solutions to meet their needs.

Dedicated Staff

Eric Vaughn, Executive Director

Eric Vaughn joined NSSTA as Director of Government Affairs in 2001 and has previously served on the White House Domestic Policy Council and the National Security Council. He also served in senior policy positions with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

A longtime veteran of Capitol Hill, Eric has worked for the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Finance Committee. After his Congressional service, he became president of the Renewable Fuels Association, the national ethanol and bio-fuels industry trade association.

He has a Masters Degree in International Economics from the Maxwell School of Public Policy and International Affairs at Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Sciences Degree from Alfred University.

Michael J. Miller, General Counsel

Mike Miller is a partner at Cozen O’Connor and has been assisting clients (annuity owners, annuity issuers, and producers) with structured settlement issues for over 25 years.  Mike’s structured settlement experience covers a broad range of issues.  Mike has assisted with drafting model structured settlement legislation, with Private Letter Rulings on new structured settlement products, and with counseling clients on developing protocols for responding to the issues raised by structured settlement factoring transactions and the claims that often result from these transactions. Mike has also developed a national reputation for successfully litigating a variety of structured settlement cases, has authored a host of publications focused on the structured settlement industry, and is a regular presenter on topics involving structured settlements.

Mike’s court admissions include the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Susan J. Stauss, General Counsel

Susan is a member at Cozen O’Connor and has been litigating for and counseling her clients in the insurance industry concerning structured settlements and life insurance for twenty years. Susan represents various major insurance and annuity companies in cases involving complex issues presented by structured settlements.

Susan has represented major insurance and annuity companies in the opposition of the transfer of structured settlement payment rights throughout the United States. She has handled cases involving complex issues presented by structured settlements, including the attempted transfer of structured settlement payment rights, disputed claims of entitlement to structured settlement payments, tax issues, beneficiary and estate issues, commutations, transfers of minor’s structured settlement payments, workers’ compensation issues, bankruptcy issues, U.C.C. issues, child support issues, and garnishment orders.

Susan has assisted with drafting model legislation and has counseled insurers on developing protocols for responding to the issues raised by factoring transactions and the claims that often result from these transactions.

Susan’s court admissions include the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court -- Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. District Court -- New Jersey

Debbie Sink, NSSTA Operations & CE Compliance Director

Debbie Sink is The National Structured Settlements Trade Associations Operations and CE Compliance Director. She brings an unparalleled combination of experience, expertise, and professionalism across all facets of the Associations operations and continuing education compliance programs. Debbie was instrumental in developing our association's newest member service, NSSTA University; where members can get presentations approved for adjusters and attorneys credits applicable towards their license compliance. This service provides a way for NSSTA members to utilize education to get in front of the decision makers in our industry. Her depth of experience in the legal and insurance continuing education market positions her perfectly with NSSTA's goal to grow our industry. Debbie's focus as a member of the NSSTA Management Team will be in the day to day operations our Association.

Howard Schweitzer

Howard Schweitzer is a nationally recognized lawyer and lobbyist. He is the CEO of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies and a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Board of Directors. Howard served in high-level executive branch positions in both Democratic and Republican administrations, including under presidents Bush and Obama. In 2008, Howard was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), the initiative tasked with stabilizing the country’s financial system in the wake of the global financial crisis. Before moving to Treasury, Howard was appointed by President George W. Bush as Snr Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, & Chief Ethics Officer at the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

C. Towner French, Managing Director

Towner French joined Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies in 2021 with almost two decades of federal legislative and political experience. He advises a diverse group of clients before Congress and the executive branch across a wide range of industry sectors including tax, health care, financial services, transportation/maritime, defense & aerospace, natural resources, and foreign policy. Considered a legislative and process specialist, Towner spent almost 15 years on Capitol Hill in various roles including deputy staff director of the House of Representatives Committee on Rules and chief of staff for Congressmen Pete Sessions and Lincoln Diaz-Balart. He also served as chief parliamentarian for the US House Committee on Homeland Security. Towner began his service on Capitol Hill as an aide for Congresswoman Judy Biggert.

Jennifer Stinnett

eJenn Solutions, Inc. specializes in creating the online presence of small to medium-sized businesses through a comprehensive suite of digital marketing services. Our expertise encompasses online ads, media buys, podcast production, crafting compelling online written content, developing educational online courses, producing engaging YouTube channel videos, and managing social media marketing efforts. Our strategies are tailored to meet each client's unique needs, ensuring their message resonates with their target audience and amplifies their digital footprint. Understanding the dynamic landscape of digital marketing, eJenn Solutions, Inc. leverages innovative tools and industry insights to keep our clients ahead of the curve. We are committed to delivering measurable results and enhancing the online visibility of businesses in diverse sectors. Our team works closely with attorneys, settlement consultants, and claims professionals, providing the digital marketing solutions needed to connect with their audience effectively and stand out in a competitive digital world.