OBJECTIVE
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
LANGUAGES
Timeline

JESSICA BEHN

Avla Insurance Agency
Houston,TX
1
Language
13
years of professional experience

Results-oriented Surety Underwriter with 10+ years of experience in financial planning and analysis, seeking a leadership position to leverage expertise in financial modeling, budget management, and strategic forecasting. Proven ability to optimize financial performance, manage complex projects, and guide financial decision-making. Passionate about driving profitability and building high-performing teams.

Contract underwriting professional with extensive knowledge of risk assessment and compliance. Adept at providing reliable and thorough contract evaluations, collaborating with teams to achieve seamless operations. Known for adaptability and results-driven approach in dynamic environments.

Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.

Work History

Surety Contract Underwriter

5 Months
Avla Insurance Agency | 05.2026 - Current
  • Evaluated contract submissions, assessing risk exposure and coverage alignment with underwriting guidelines.
  • Analyzed policy terms, endorsements, and supporting documentation to ensure accurate contract decisions.
  • Prepared underwriting recommendations for complex accounts, balancing profitability with acceptable risk.
  • Coordinated with brokers and internal teams to resolve submission issues and clarify coverage requirements.
  • Reviewed renewal files, identifying exposure changes and updating terms to maintain portfolio quality.
  • Developed a strong understanding of various industries served by the company, allowing for enhanced risk assessment and customized underwriting solutions.

SURETY UNDERWRITER

1 Year 2 Months
Fire Group | 03.2024 - 05.2025
  • Conduct thorough analysis of surety bond applications, considering factors like applicant financial strength, project scope, and industry-specific risks. Evaluate the validity and adequacy of supporting documentation, including contracts, financial statements, and project budgets. Adhere to company policies and procedures, industry standards, and regulatory requirements for surety bond issuance. Ensure adherence to relevant laws and regulations, including those related to fair lending, anti-fraud, and financial reporting. Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents, and clients to understand their needs and provide expert guidance. Manage a portfolio of surety bonds, monitor performance, and identify opportunities for growth. Implement strategies to mitigate potential losses and ensure the financial stability of the surety bond portfolio.

SR LOAN ORIGINATOR

3 Years 8 Months
Galveston Area Council | 07.2020 - 03.2024
  • Demonstrated experience in evaluating loan applications, assessing creditworthiness, and ensuring compliance with lending regulations and guidelines. Expertise in various loan types, including but not limited to FHA, VA, and conventional loans, as well as commercial/business loans. A history of generating new business, building strong relationships with clients, and achieving sales goals. Proficiency in analyzing financial statements and assessing risk, and making sound lending decisions. Strong ability to communicate with borrowers, loan agents, and other stakeholders, providing clear explanations and addressing concerns. Competency in using banking software, loan servicing platforms, and other relevant tools. Auto Finance

7 Years 2 Months
JP Morgan Chase | 05.2013 - 07.2020
  • Coordinated with underwriters, lenders, loan managers and securitization teams to manage portfolios. Audited internal financial processes on a quarterly basis. Facilitated month-end close processes, invoicing, journal entries and account reconciliations. Supported the accounting department during monthly closings. Developed financial analysis reports and presentations by applying acquired financial principles.

Education

BA - Business Management

University of Houston-Downtown | 01.2015

Avalon Medical Center | 01.2012

Skills

Underwriting Expertise :
Proficient in evaluating surety bond applications
assessing risk
and developing underwriting guidelines.
Risk Management :
Ability to identify
assess
and mitigate potential risks associated with surety bonds.
Financial Analysis :
Compliance :
Knowledge of relevant laws
regulations
and industry standards for surety bonds.
Ability to effectively communicate with brokers
clients
and internal stakeholders.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills :
Ability to analyze data
identify issues
and develop solutions.
Relationship Management :
Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with brokers and clients.

LANGUAGES

French | Advanced

Timeline

Surety Contract Underwriter

Avla Insurance Agency
05.2026 - CurrentRead More

SURETY UNDERWRITER

Fire Group
03.2024 - 05.2025Read More

SR LOAN ORIGINATOR

Galveston Area Council
07.2020 - 03.2024Read More

JP Morgan Chase
05.2013 - 07.2020Read More

Avalon Medical Center

Read More

University of Houston-Downtown

BA from Business Management
Read More
JESSICA BEHN