Heather Skinner
Gaines
Summary
Results-driven Senior Commercial Lines Account Manager with 19 years of experience in commercial insurance. Specializes in new business intake, carrier marketing, and comprehensive account management for diverse commercial risks. Manages complex accounts and negotiates effectively with carriers to deliver tailored insurance solutions, contributing to agency growth through strategic account rounding and staff mentorship.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Commercial Lines Account Manager
Cantor Insurance Group
Southfield
12.2022 - 12.2025
- Managed large real estate, multifamily, and complex commercial accounts exceeding $1M in premium throughout the policy lifecycle.
- Led new business intake from prospect evaluation through submission preparation, carrier marketing, quoting, proposal development, binding, and account onboarding.
- Marketed risks to standard and surplus lines carriers, negotiating pricing, coverage enhancements, and underwriting terms to secure optimal client solutions.
- Conducted comprehensive exposure analyses and coverage reviews to identify risk management opportunities and coverage gaps.
- Prepared detailed new business and renewal proposals, including coverage comparisons, pricing analyses, and client presentations.
- Partnered with producers to support prospect meetings, new business presentations, and renewal strategy discussions.
- Managed renewals, endorsements, audits, billing, and policy changes while maintaining high client retention levels.
- Identified account rounding and cross-selling opportunities, contributing to agency growth and increased premium volume.
- Supported new employee onboarding while providing daily training, mentoring, and technical guidance to ensure long-term success.
Small Commercial Underwriting Technician
The Hanover Insurance Group
Howell
04.2020 - 08.2022
- Supported underwriting teams by reviewing, validating, and preparing commercial business for quoting, pricing, and policy issuance.
- Evaluated risk information and assisted in developing accurate and competitive commercial insurance solutions.
- Collaborated with agency partners to ensure complete submissions and efficient processing of new and renewal business.
- Partnered with agencies during system conversions to ensure accurate data migration and policy integrity.
- Assisted with onboarding, mentoring, and workflow development for new team members, improving operational consistency and efficiency.
Commercial Lines Account Manager
Peabody Insurance
Fenton
04.2014 - 02.2019
- Managed a diverse $1M+ commercial book of business consisting of small, middle-market, and large commercial accounts.
- Led new business intake, risk evaluation, submission preparation, carrier marketing, quoting, proposal development, and binding activities.
- Worked extensively with contractors, real estate portfolios, and multifamily habitational accounts, developing tailored insurance programs to meet client needs.
- Conducted exposure analyses and marketed accounts to optimal carriers, securing competitive pricing and coverage.
- Prepared comprehensive client proposals, coverage comparisons, and renewal presentations.
- Negotiated coverage terms and pricing with carrier partners, ensuring alignment with client needs.
- Managed renewals, endorsements, audits, and billing while delivering exceptional account servicing and fostering strong client relationships.
- Mentored and trained new account managers, accelerating onboarding and reinforcing agency workflows and service standards.
Education
Property & Casualty License
Life & Heath License
Skills
- Commercial Lines Quoting & Binding
- New Business Intake & Qualification
- Carrier Negotiations
- Proposal Development
- Risk Assessment & Coverage Analysis
- Renewal Marketing
- Account Management
- Account Rounding & Cross-Selling
- Client Relationship Management
- Coverage Reviews
- Workflow Development
- Staff Mentorship & Training
- Standard & Surplus Lines Marketing
Timeline
Senior Commercial Lines Account Manager
Cantor Insurance Group
12.2022 - 12.2025
Small Commercial Underwriting Technician
The Hanover Insurance Group
04.2020 - 08.2022
Commercial Lines Account Manager
Peabody Insurance
04.2014 - 02.2019
Property & Casualty License
Life & Heath License