Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Contact
Generic
Lynne Kossow

Lynne Kossow

West Bend

Summary

Results-driven executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership and operational excellence. Proven track record in driving growth, optimizing processes, and fostering team collaboration. Exceptional skills in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement. Adaptable and reliable, consistently achieving high-impact results in dynamic environments.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Vice President / Consultant

Marsh
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, United States
11.2024 - Current
  • Responsible for financial and legal claims guidance in the large market arena, on clients such as Walmart, Allied, AT&T and Comcast.
  • Manage files that encompass over 20 jurisdictions.
  • Lead strategic initiatives to meet project-specific goals including closing ratios, reserve management, prompt legal resolve and closure of legacy files.
  • Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders including TPAs, clients, vendors and legal counsel to drive collaboration and support strategic objectives.
  • Identify trends and areas of opportunity for TPA claims staff, to trouble-shoot and create solutions advantageous to our clients.
  • Establishe a culture of continuous improvement, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth across the organization.

Branch Manager

Gallagher Bassett
Milwaukee, WI
12.2018 - 11.2024
  • Monitored Branch performance against key performance indicators, taking corrective actions as needed to ensure objectives were met or exceeded.
  • Improved customer satisfaction ratings by enhancing service quality and resolving client issues promptly.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly through appraisals and feedback sessions to facilitate continuous development of skills and knowledge base within the team.
  • Strengthened relationships with key clients, securing long-term partnerships and driving revenue growth.
  • Collaborated with senior leadership on strategic planning initiatives to align branch objectives with corporate goals.
  • Interviewed and hired talented individuals with top-level strengths, improving organizational talents and skill sets.
  • Engaged employees in business processes with positive motivational techniques.
  • Provided ongoing educational opportunities to assist staff in staying current on jurisdictional, legal and medical trending.

Risk Manager

SEEK Careers & Staffing
Grafton, WI
08.2013 - 01.2017
  • Reconfigured the entire risk and insurance program, starting over from the ground up.
  • Reduced loss ratio from 4.65% of payroll to 0.90% of payroll within 8 months from date of hire.
  • Lowered MOD rate from 1.25 to 0.90, the lowest in the company history.
  • Produced a Workers Compensation premium savings of $777,000 in my first year with the company.
  • Provided oversight and direction on all claims activity, working closely with carrier, TPA and internal staff.
  • Complied with regulatory guidelines and requirements, and manage any Errors & Omissions claims that may arise.
  • Commenced direct chargebacks of claims costs to each of 16 Branches, to elevate ownership and accountability.
  • Developed metrics and monthly reporting - branch-specific and company-wide, to assist in Branch goals and demonstrate areas of opportunity.
  • Kept operations in compliance with OSHA, state and federal regulations through regular safety inspections and hazards management strategies.
  • Developed risk and safety analysis checklists and protocols, for vetting all clients in order to control risk.
  • Trained staff on on new policies and procedures necessary to maintain goals and ensure company-wide consistencies.

Risk Manager

Michels Corporation
Brownsville, WI
03.2007 - 06.2009
  • Developed and implemented standard best practices for all 17 Divisions to provide consistent bids for RFPs, ensure OSHA compliance and meet jurisdictional requirements free of penalties and fines.
  • Kept operations in compliance with OSHA, state and federal regulations through regular safety inspections and hazards management strategies.
  • Worked closely with Chief Legal Officer to minimize risk and ongoing exposures with fleet, maritime, liability, pollution, auto and property risks.
  • Supervised claims staff and oversaw TPA activities, to ensure claims were being handled efficiently and cost-effectively.
  • Reviewed contracts and agreements to identify potential risks and ideal mitigation strategies.
  • Managed Certificates of Insurance required for all bids.
  • Investigated allegations to check validity and recommend action to minimize risk.
  • Trained field staff across the country on how to control risks and mitigate claims on the front line.
  • Produced and filed reports monthly to inform Senior Management of current activities and progress with investigations.

Other Insurance Experience

Multiple
Milwaukee, WI
01.1993 - 02.2007

I have been in the insurance industry for 32 years. I have worked for employers, carriers, TPAs and now a broker. I have managed small, middle and large markets in numerous jurisdictions.

Throughout my career, I have provided guidance and education to colleagues through presentations, file reviews and audits, providing feedback on strategy and mitigation opportunities.

I have a very strong legal background, and have taken over 100 cases to Pre-Hearing in Wisconsin, as acting legal representative, to lower legal costs for my clients. This has resulted in a very good rapport with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

Throughout my tenure, I have held the following positions: Litigation Specialist, Construction Specialist, Senior Resolution Manager, Claims Supervisor, Branch Manager, Vice President and Consultant.

I have held a Health and Life license in WI. I have completed the AIC curriculum, and participate in any learning opportunity that comes my way.

I have been invited to speak at several large engagements, including Women's Alliance, Wisconsin Workers Compensation Forum and Kids Chance of Wisconsin.

Education

BBA - Accounting and Related Services

UW-Whitewater
Whitewater, WI

Skills

  • Risk Management
  • Claims Management
  • Insurance Procurement
  • Metrics Development
  • Marketing / Prospect Calls
  • Public Speaking

Accomplishments

I have received numerous awards and accolades throughout my years in the industry. These include but are not limited to Top 5 Nationwide Claims Manager for Gallagher Bassett and Top Employee for Seek Careers and Staffing.

My Risk Management efforts at Seek Careers and Staffing also resulted in a front page article in the Ozaukee County Business Journal, and being named Top Performing Client by our broker.

Timeline

Vice President / Consultant

Marsh
11.2024 - Current

Branch Manager

Gallagher Bassett
12.2018 - 11.2024

Risk Manager

SEEK Careers & Staffing
08.2013 - 01.2017

Risk Manager

Michels Corporation
03.2007 - 06.2009

Other Insurance Experience

Multiple
01.1993 - 02.2007

BBA - Accounting and Related Services

UW-Whitewater

Contact

  • Lynnekossow@yahoo.com
  • Www.linkedin.com/in/lynne-kossow-b7973313a (LinkedIn)