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.