Sarah Noonan
Liberty Township,OH
Summary
Dynamic Director of Underwriting with more than 15 years of industry experience and a proven track record of developing sound underwriting standards, strengthening operational efficiency, and driving profitable business outcomes. Expertise in complex and high-value case assessment, underwriting risk management, team leadership, and process optimization. Recognized for balancing growth and profitability while maintaining disciplined risk selection, favorable mortality results, regulatory compliance, and strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Underwriting
Augustar Financial
Cincinnati, OH
02.2026 - Current
- Manage a team of Senior and Jet underwriters to ensure accurate and timely processing of applications.
- Develop underwriting standards and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
- Partner with leadership, legal, distribution, technology, and operations to implement strategic initiatives that enhance underwriting effectiveness and customer experience.
- Develop strategies to enhance profitability while upholding risk management standards.
- Underwriting system implementation projects.
- Collaborate with legal counsel on complex claims or disputes involving coverage or denial of coverage decisions.
- Maintain reinsurance partnerships.
- Participate in industry trade shows to promote company services.
Manager of Underwriting
Augustar Financial
Cincinnati, OH
01.2022 - Current
- Review large/complex cases and provided expert recommendations for approvals and declinations.
- Oversight of Accelerated Underwriting program.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline underwriting processes.
- Mentor junior underwriters on risk assessment and decision-making strategies.
- Manage Jet Underwriting Team overseeing underwriting production, quality assurance, workflow management, coaching, and employee development.
- Participate in technology modernization initiatives that improved underwriting workflows and operational efficiency.
- Deliver educational presentations on underwriting philosophy, risk assessment, and case optimization to distribution partners.
- Attend seminars in the industry including reinsurance summits and AHOU conference.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH06-2011
Skills
- Underwriting standards
- Risk assessment
- Regulatory compliance
- Large/complex case reviews
- Process optimization
- Training and mentoring
- Team leadership experience
- Effective communication
Certification
- FLMI, FALU, ACS
Organization
- Past President of Ohio Home Office Life and Health Underwriters Association (OHOLHUA).
Timeline
Director of Underwriting
Augustar Financial
02.2026 - Current
Manager of Underwriting
Augustar Financial
01.2022 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Cincinnati