Who We Are

Innovative Program Solutions (IPS) is a Program Administrator (MGA) that designs specialized insurance programs across various industries with the objective of driving down total cost of risk while delivering target expense and loss ratios with custom solutions. Businesses, brokers, and carriers all face challenges finding compelling insurance pricing, product, and service combinations, particularly in specialty industries that may be underserved and misunderstood by the traditional insurance marketplace. IPS bridges this gap by leveraging deep industry expertise, data-driven insights, and tailored solutions to create sustainable and profitable insurance programs.

Meet the IPS Team

Meet the team of Program professionals that collaborate with experts in all industries to understand the nuances and unique risks faced by specific classes and lines of business to provide the solution companies need.

  • Tim Anders
    Tim Anders
    President
    Tim Anders
    President
    For over 35 years, Tim has spent time in roles centered around insurance underwriting and operations, with most of that time spent being devoted to Programs business. As an industry veteran and expert in programs, Tim understands that sustainable growth and partnership can only be achieved when a “win” result is created for all stakeholders. Tim is responsible for formalizing existing programs and generating new opportunities for IPS.
    Education/Work History Highlights
    • Bluefield University, Bachelor’s in English & History / Virginia Tech, Master of Business Administration
    • Certified Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)
  • Kyle Coughlin
    Kyle Coughlin
    Associate Vice President
    Kyle Coughlin
    Associate Vice President
    Kyle is a seasoned insurance professional with over 25 years of industry experience. Specializing in program development for both homogenous Programs and varied lines of business, he plays a key role in managing, growing, and profitably underwriting program business on behalf of our carrier partners. His expertise spans transportation, construction, and agribusiness, as well as the development and management of program business.
    Education/Work History Highlights
    • Briar Cliff University, Bachelor’s in Business Administration
    • Certified Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)
  • Justin Scharf
    Justin Scharf
    Associate Vice President
    Justin Scharf
    Associate Vice President
    Justin is no stranger to the industry, coming to IPS with over a decade of experience after working for major insurance carriers. He plays a key role in strategic planning to drive program growth and profitability, while focusing on building and strengthening relationships with both carrier and agency partners to support the development of new programs.
    Education/Work History Highlights
    • University of Iowa, Bachelor’s in Finance and Management
    • Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in Risk Management (ARM), and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS)
  • Joe Wegelin
    Joe Wegelin
    Program Underwriting Director
    Joe Wegelin
    Program Underwriting Director
    Joe leads efforts in risk evaluation, quoting, pricing, and underwriting compliance, playing a key role in shaping strategies that support program growth. With extensive experience in commercial underwriting, field operations, and frontline selling, he brings a well-rounded perspective to IPS clients that helps drive strong program performance and profitability.
    Education/Work History Highlights
    • Iowa State University, Bachelor’s in Finance
    • Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU), Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI), Associate in Insurance (AINS), Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS), and Management Liability Insurance Specialist (MLIS)
  • Helen Gould
    Helen Gould
    Associate Underwriter
    Helen Gould
    Associate Underwriter
    Helen is an Associate Underwriter specializing in risk analysis, policy issuance, and coverage evaluation. With an eye for process improvement, she is passionate about leveraging technology to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency. Helen thrives in collaborative environments, working across teams to optimize underwriting systems and drive program business success.
    Education/Work History Highlights
    • University of South Dakota, Bachelor’s in Sports Management & Master of Business Administration
    • Designated Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS)
  • Bailey Lamm
    Bailey Lamm
    Associate Underwriter
    Bailey Lamm
    Associate Underwriter
    Bailey comes to the team with a background in Business Development and plays a vital role in supporting the underwriting process. She assists with new business and renewal reviews, account servicing, and develops initial pricing, coverage structure, and preliminary risk quotations. With a keen attention to detail, she also pre-underwrites accounts, evaluates risk, and ensures underwriting packages are complete for final review.
    Education/Work History Highlights
    • University of Iowa, Bachelor’s in Finance, Business Analytics, and Information Systems
    • certificate in Risk Management and Insurance
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