TSLA Incoming Executive Director

The search committee has completed their extensive efforts to procure a new Executive Director due to the impending retirement of current Executive Director, Jean Patterson. The Texas Surplus Lines Association is pleased to announce the selection of Manpreet Sandhu as their Incoming Executive Director.

Jean will be retiring at the end of 2026 with more than 45 years of service to TSLA. Jean graciously assisted in the search and will ease the transition of duties to Manpreet. TSLA Past President Kimmi Cantwell led the efforts of the Executive Director Search Committee through the selection process, and after a diligent search, the committee has found Manpreet to be a worthy candidate for this critical role for TSLA.

Manpreet brings more than 15 years of operational and executive governance expertise, backed by a strong track record of leading industry-specific associations. In her most recent role as Director of Education & Industry Affairs with the National Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA), she brought people together—leading conference operations and supporting board and committee governance on key sector issues. A certified PMP who moved from Seattle to Austin in 2019, she blends project management foundations with a relationship-driven approach. Her core strengths include operational & financial oversight, event management, and board governance to support TSLA's next chapter. 

Manpreet will assume the role of Incoming Executive Director effective September 1, 2026, and she will transition to Executive Director upon Jean Patterson’s retirement on December 31, 2026.

Please join me in welcoming Manpreet into her new role, and here is to the future of the Texas Surplus Lines Association.

Thank you,

Terence Babler, President