LaSeante Thurman
Dallas,TX
Summary
Highly motivated business development underwriter with strong work ethic, adaptability, and interpersonal skills. Experienced in lead generation and relationship development with clients. Proven track record in coaching teams to achieve sales targets and success. Skilled in insurance underwriting, including risk assessment and premium setting, with strong analytical abilities that minimize financial losses. Experienced in improving underwriting processes for enhanced operational efficiency.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Business Development Underwriter
ICW Group
Dallas, TX
02.2024 - Current
- Develop and execute strategic plans to drive business growth
- Develop key relationships with customers to ensure retention and satisfaction
- Draft proposals for clients outlining services, pricing, terms, and conditions
- Identify opportunities to increase market share through competitive analysis
- Participate in industry conferences to network with potential partners or customers
- Identify business prospects through cold calling, networking, marketing and database leads
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective clients to expand market presence
- Identify opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborations that could enhance brand visibility
- Analyze financial statements and other relevant documents to assess the risk of potential clients
- Provide guidance and support to junior staff members on best practices in underwriting principles
- Engage directly with clients in order to gain a better understanding of their needs and objectives for purchasing insurance coverage
- Conducte accurate and thorough risk selection with proper classification of insureds.
- Negotiate coverage, policy pricing and service delivery during meetings with customers, agents, or brokers
Underwriter Manager
Safehold Special Risk / USI
Dallas, TX
01.2023 - 02.2024
- Successfully oversaw a team of four underwriters in effectively managing a $2M Flood and Quake insurance portfolio.
- Built and nurtured strong connections with brokers, agents, and wholesale partners.
- Created training manual to improve practices
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, regulations and compliance requirements.
- Led team meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions to continuously improve performance.
- Initiated new projects that resulted in increased productivity across all departments.
- Provided leadership during times of organizational change or crisis situations.
- Implemented new technologies to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve customer service.
- Enforced customer service standards and resolved customer problems to uphold quality service.
- Performed periodic reviews of existing accounts to ensure continued compliance with established policies.
- Analyzed risk and adhered to underwriting standards to drive risk selection and profitability.
- Ensured all underwriting activities complied with company policies and external regulations.
- Negotiated coverage, policy pricing and service delivery during meetings with customers, agents, or brokers.
- Created monthly reports for senior management summarizing operational performance metrics.
- Recruited and hired qualified candidates to fill open positions.
- Coordinated cross-departmental projects to ensure timely and successful completion.
Senior Commercial Underwriter
Westfield Insurance
Dallas, TX
04.2021 - 01.2023
- Underwrote, managed and serviced a profitable $25M renewal book and $4M new business book for all types of Commercial Small Business insurance policies
- Delivered successful sales outcomes by devising joint promotional campaigns with the Territory Managers
- Developed and maintained relationships with external partners, including insurance agents and brokers
- Managed team operations in absence of management
- Facilitated the training and mentorship of newly hired underwriters to maintain a superior level of underwriting practices
- Conducted training sessions and provided guidance during office hours to promote teamwork and deepen understanding of underwriting practices
- Gathered and analyzed information to determine risk acceptability
- Underwrote renewals by reviewing premium history, claims history and company financial condition to determine action
- Utilized underwriter authority to correspond with corporate risk appetite and strategy
- Negotiated coverage, policy pricing and service delivery during meetings with customers, agents, or brokers
Commercial Underwriter
Travelers Insurance
Naperville, IL
01.2017 - 04.2021
- Analyzed financial risks for Technology companies and created customized insurance policies for mid- to large-sized businesses
- Successfully handled the management of multiple lines of coverage, which included P&C, Cyber and E&O policies with premiums surpassing $150K
- Cultivated impactful relationships with local brokers and agency clients by executing effective marketing campaigns
- Maintained current knowledge of economic trends, industry developments and regulatory changes that may impact the organization's underwriting process
- Managed multiple portfolios while ensuring quality control standards were met
- Negotiated coverage, policy pricing and service delivery during meetings with customers, agents, or brokers
- Determined level of acceptable risk by reviewing applications for coverage and loss control reports
Diverse Talent Acquisition Team Chair
Travelers Insurance
Naperville, IL
01.2017 - 06.2020
- Spearheaded efforts to increase diversity in recruitment by establishing collaborations with relevant educational institutions and organizations
- Successfully coordinated dynamic summer initiatives for students in marginalized communities, while actively guiding individuals through multiple scholarship programs
- Facilitated discussions between board members on issues of importance and relevance
- Provided leadership guidance to ensure that strategic objectives were met in a timely fashion
- Assisted in recruiting new members for the board as needed
- Appointed committees as appropriate and monitored their performance
- Acted as a representative for the organization at public events or fundraisers
- Provided organizational leadership and collaborated with executive partners to establish long-term goals, strategies and company policies
- Drove revenue by cultivating successful client relations
Inland Marine Claim Professional
Travelers Insurance
Naperville, IL
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Demonstrated dedication as a Claim Professional for maintaining high-quality standards of services
- Effectively coordinated with customers, agents, and underwriting teams to conduct thorough analysis of complex motor truck cargo, heavy equipment and builder's risk claims
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met
Human Resources Contributions
Travelers Insurance
Naperville, IL
01.2009 - 01.2017
- Chaired the College Recruitment Team, optimizing the recruitment process, and enhancing diversity initiatives
- Designed and executed training curriculums, fostering an environment of perpetual development
- Organized recruitment events such as career fairs and open houses
- Assisted with recruitment initiatives by interviewing and talent sourcing
Auto Claim Professional
Travelers Insurance
Naperville, IL
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Trained team members in claims processing, liability, and coverage analysis
- Contributed to the selection and onboarding of top talent through active participation in college recruitment
- Directed investigation and negotiation of claims for optimal outcomes and enhanced customer experience
- Maintained detailed records of all claims activities and documentation for auditing purposes
- Calculated loss reserves based on estimated costs for future payments associated with a claim
- Identified fraudulent activity related to auto insurance claims through review of data points such as statement discrepancies or suspicious claim history
- Communicated effectively with policyholders, explaining claim processes and decisions clearly
- Interpreted policy language to apply appropriate coverages and exclusions in claim decisions
- Participated in claims review meetings, presenting cases and justifying decisions
- Coordinated with body shops and repair professionals to validate repair costs and methods
- Identified and pursued subrogation opportunities to recover claim costs
Education
M.B.A. - Finance
Keller Graduate School of Management
Oak Brook, IL06.2009
Master of Human Resources Management -
Keller Graduate School of Management
Oak Brook, IL04.2008
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL05.2004
Skills
- Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Proficient Communication Skills
- Integrated Sales and Marketing Planning
- Negotiation proficiency
- Quoting and pricing policies
- Influencing business growth
- Risk Assessment
- Client Relationship Building
- Portfolio Management
- Business Development
- Insurance knowledge
Affiliations
- National African American Insurance Association - Dallas Fort-Worth Vice President
Certification
- TX All-lines Adjuster License
- TX P&C License
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Business Development Underwriter
ICW Group
02.2024 - Current
Underwriter Manager
Safehold Special Risk / USI
01.2023 - 02.2024
Senior Commercial Underwriter
Westfield Insurance
04.2021 - 01.2023
Commercial Underwriter
Travelers Insurance
01.2017 - 04.2021
Diverse Talent Acquisition Team Chair
Travelers Insurance
01.2017 - 06.2020
Inland Marine Claim Professional
Travelers Insurance
01.2011 - 01.2017
Human Resources Contributions
Travelers Insurance
01.2009 - 01.2017
Auto Claim Professional
Travelers Insurance
01.2009 - 01.2011
M.B.A. - Finance
Keller Graduate School of Management
Master of Human Resources Management -
Keller Graduate School of Management
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Northern Illinois University
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