On June 13, 2025, I had the honor of being elected President of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) — during the association’s milestone 75th anniversary celebration.

For me, this isn’t just a title — it’s a responsibility. Public adjusting has been my life’s work, and now, I’ve been entrusted to help lead our industry into its next era.

But here’s the thing: our profession is at a crossroads. And the path we choose next will determine how we’re seen — not just by insurance carriers, but by lawmakers, regulators, and the very policyholders we serve.
What comes next for NAPIA — and for all of us — depends on three bold commitments:

Visibility. Education. Leadership.

The Road Ahead

This presidency is not about looking back — it’s about moving our profession forward.

For too long, public adjusters have operated behind the scenes, delivering powerful results for policyholders without ever seeking credit. Unfortunately, it’s the outlier complaints that get attention, not the everyday victories we help achieve. That’s going to change.

It’s time we bring our profession into the spotlight and lead with transparency, strength, and purpose. My vision for the future of NAPIA rests on three pillars:
Visibility. Education. Leadership.

Visibility. Education. Leadership.

Visibility

We’re not just here to adjust claims. We’re here to advocate for policyholders, especially when they don’t even know we’re fighting for them.

NAPIA is working closely with state and regional associations across the country to protect our licensing rights, preserve our ability to advocate for consumers, and directly combat harmful policy endorsements that limit coverage and confuse policyholders.

Too often, consumers don’t even realize their rights are being stripped until it’s too late — we’re working to change that. Whether we’re in a statehouse, a courtroom, or a boardroom, we must be present and vocal in defense of the people we serve.

We need the public to understand that when a disaster hits, their best advocate isn’t their insurance company — it’s a trained, ethical, and experienced public adjuster.

2. Relentless Commitment to Education

The claims environment is constantly evolving — changing laws, new technologies, complex software systems. If you’re not committed to continuing education, you will fall behind.

In my own career, I’ve pursued designations like the SPPA (Senior Professional Public Adjuster) sponsored by NAPIA, and the AIC (Associate in Claims), which offers deep insight into how claims are handled from the carrier’s side. I’ve also completed multiple construction and restoration certifications. These credentials didn’t just pad my résumé — they sharpened my skills, helped me advocate more effectively, and gave me confidence in the field.

3. Surrounding Yourself with the Best

You can’t grow in isolation. Being part of NAPIA has been one of the most meaningful decisions of my professional life. The relationships, mentorships, and friendships I’ve formed in this association have helped me become the public adjuster I am today.

Whether it was learning from industry veterans, leaning on colleagues during tough claims, or laughing with lifelong friends over dinner after a long conference day — this community has made me better. I’ve never forgotten that, and I never will.

A Moment of Gratitude

As I step into this new role, I’m also incredibly proud to represent something larger than myself — I’ll be the first Arizona public adjuster to serve as president of NAPIA. That honor carries weight, and I don’t take it lightly.

If this blog post sounds like the beginning of a speech — that’s because it is. But it’s also a thank you. To every public adjuster who’s come before me, and to every one of you continuing the fight today: keep showing up, keep learning, and keep standing up for those who need us most.

The best is yet to come.

– Justin Skipton
Vice President, Skipton & Associates
Slated President, NAPIA (2025–2026