Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Personal Information
Timeline
Generic

Kelly Vest

Altoona,IA

Summary

Detail-oriented underwriting specialist professional offering 20+ years of experience leading key growth initiatives in the insurance industry. Known as an expert in utilizing technical knowledge to deliver innovative, high-quality, cost-effective solutions and customer-focused strategies that increase revenue and improve efficiency in a fast-paced environment. Analytical, competitive, and committed with a proven progressive career reflecting strong leadership experience that builds and collaborates with highly motivated teams. Highly praised for work ethic, ability to prioritize and multitask, problem-solving and written communication skills, and successful delivery of work.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Team Leader

AMBA
04.2025 - 10.2025

Analyzed workflow patterns, identified bottlenecks and recommended strategic solutions

  • Developed team member skills for 21 underwriters through targeted coaching sessions which resulted in improved individual performances
  • Increased customer satisfaction rating s by closely monitoring service quality standards and promptly addressing any issues
  • Evaluated team member performances during regular reviews, offered praise for achievements, and identified areas requiring further development

Home Office Training Coordinator

Auto-Owners Insurance
02.2023 - 03.2024
  • Prepared training materials and handled training of 12 new associates on all lines of commercial insurance
  • Set up training schedules for online training through Webex for several states
  • Reviewed work of new associates for accuracy

Commercial Underwriting Supervisor

Auto-Owners Insurance
08.2019 - 02.2023
  • Prepared performance reviews and monthly production reports for 9 associates
  • Worked to resolve billing issues and questions from policyholders and agents
  • Coordinated underwriter responsibilities and monitored progress
  • Conducted monthly meetings with underwriters and marketing representatives

Branch Training Coordinator

Auto-Owners Insurance
05.2018 - 08.2019
  • Prepared daily materials for use in training new underwriters
  • Set up the training schedules for each underwriter
  • Reviewed work of associates for accuracy

Commercial Underwriting

Auto-Owners Insurance
06.2008 - 05.2018
  • Implemented underwriting decisions based on company philosophy and guidelines
  • Effectively communicated with clients and agencies while building relationships
  • Received Underwriting Specialist promotion June 2011

Personal Lines Underwrier

Auto-Owners Insurance
08.2001 - 06.2008

Managed day-to-day operations including 20+ daily phone calls, personal lines coverage evaluation, and issuing policies.

Commercial Lines Processor

Auto-Owners Insurance
06.1997 - 08.2001
  • Coordinated and processed ratings for PCs, scheduling repairs and maintenance with the IT team.
  • Installed software across 20 computers, ensuring up-to-date rating system software.
  • Completing endorsements both electronically and manually.
  • Processed rating on endorsements, renewals, new business, and billing daily.
  • Customer service phones.

Education

Associate in General Insurance -

01.2001

Skills

  • Rating System Testing & Quality Assurance
  • Customer Service & Satisfaction
  • Underwriting Report Generation & Documenting
  • Team Training & Mentoring
  • Workflow Strategy & Process Improvement
  • Sales Strategy & Reporting
  • Research & Business Development
  • Product Knowledge & Retirement Plans
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Replacement Cost Estimating
  • Slack/Jabber
  • NCCI
  • ISO/Verisk
  • Marshall and Swift
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to detail

Certification

Associate in General Insurance (AINS) Certification, 2001

Personal Information

Title: Underwriting Specialist

Timeline

Team Leader

AMBA
04.2025 - 10.2025

Home Office Training Coordinator

Auto-Owners Insurance
02.2023 - 03.2024

Commercial Underwriting Supervisor

Auto-Owners Insurance
08.2019 - 02.2023

Branch Training Coordinator

Auto-Owners Insurance
05.2018 - 08.2019

Commercial Underwriting

Auto-Owners Insurance
06.2008 - 05.2018

Personal Lines Underwrier

Auto-Owners Insurance
08.2001 - 06.2008

Commercial Lines Processor

Auto-Owners Insurance
06.1997 - 08.2001

Associate in General Insurance -