Features Insurance

It’s the most intangible and invaluable asset, corporate culture. Encompassing everything from corporate identity and community reputation to work environment and vendor relationships, company culture is as important as limiting liability, Maryfrances “Fran” Cooper emphasizes. As general counsel and vice president of human resources for Goodville Mutual Casualty Co., she’s responsible for both. Goodville’s distinctive […]

When people encounter an ethical dilemma at work, they don’t always know who to turn to. At Liberty Mutual Insurance, they can bring their concerns to  —employees who have demonstrated a commitment to making ethical decisions. Compliance champions can help resolve issues or bring them to the attention of the compliance department. “We all have […]

Not every law school student would think to hop up on a roof in the wake of a major storm. Then again, heights have not deterred Esther Grossman—especially if she’s hot on the scent of potential fraud. During her tenure as a senior claims representative with State Farm,  and while attending the University of Tulsa […]

Though she’s never wielded a lightsaber, Marilyn McClure-Demers considers herself a Jedi. In her case, though, it’s spelled JDEI—the acronym for justice, diversity, equity and inclusion, which imbues her work in and outside the office. During her career, McClure-Demers has practiced law in private firms and as in-house counsel. Now, she’s vice president and associate […]

In early March 2020, a couple weeks before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, Tennessee residents were dealing with a different type of catastrophe. Between March 2 and 3, tornadoes ravaged the state, leaving 25 people dead, more than 300 injured and more than 70,000 without power. With more than $1.6 billion in damages, it was […]

It’s been a ubiquitous brand image and slogan for more than 70 years—the open palms assuring Allstate customers they’re in good hands. The image and slogan endure, but the company says it’s also embracing a modern approach, expanding its traditional home and auto products to include to electronic devices, roadside repairs and online identity. For […]

So, God works in strange and mysterious ways? David Tschantz is one that believes so. A long-time lawyer in the insurance business, Tschantz was looking for a career shift a couple years ago. Yet, well into the latter half of his professional life, he needed some direction. “I believe God wanted me to do something […]

As an undergrad at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Eric Myers was on the track team, running alongside peers who’d go on to become Olympic medalists and world champions. As an athlete, he cared about his health and welfare and that of his teammates—but he hadn’t found his calling just yet. That […]

When Patrick Wong graduated college and started a career as an accountant, he figured he’d work for a company or an accounting firm, climb the ranks, and ultimately retire after a long and prosperous career. That may still happen, but with him as a lawyer, not an accountant. “I never had an inkling or interest […]

Jeff Burman is helping Fortitude Re build a new business by acquiring other insurers’ old business. Most recently, he’s helped his new company assume insurance business that AIG no longer writes. It just so happened that Burman was already familiar with these portfolios at AIG, where he served as a deputy general counsel for nearly […]