Features Insurance

Benajmin Franklin may have started the insurance industry in the U.S. in 1752, but Gerard Gregoire has been helping Allstate replace outdated traditions for over two decades. His method? Partnering with his teams for input, using more technology, cutting back on office space and incorporating artificial intelligence and automation. “I’ve invested 23 years of my […]

Andrea Palmer admits she didn’t fully understand the insurance business when she joined Higginbotham Insurance Agency Inc. in April 2018. But she’s a quick study, and as she learned the intricacies of insurance law, regulations and licensing at the brokerage based in Fort Worth, Texas, she also found ways to improve legal operations. Now the […]

Tyler Brody thought he understood health insurance and its nuances when he joined the Cigna legal department in January 2014. But it literally hit home the following August when his 13-month-old son was diagnosed with a rare and incurable leukemia that left him with just four months to live. Not that it eased the young […]

It could be identifying how to improve cybersecurity compliance, increasing access to attorneys for low socioeconomic families, responding to regulatory inquiries, or volunteering for special education and math literacy in her town. It could even be standing up for employees who are new mothers, so they have lactation areas that are more private, sanitary and […]

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 […]