Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteer Experience
Certifications And Designations
Timeline
Generic

Whitney Gehrls

Marion

Summary

Dynamic Commercial Lines Underwriter with proven expertise at NIP Group in managing risk and negotiating policies to drive business growth. Adept at building strong relationships with agents and brokers, leveraging analytical skills to maintain profitability and achieve production goals. Recognized for leadership in training and mentoring teams to enhance performance.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Commercial Lies Underwriter – Renewals

NIP Group
01.2025 - Current
  • Profitablity underwrite and grow an assigned book of renewal commercial business including both property & casualty lines by utilizing the Company’s underwriting portfolio strategy
  • Develop productive and profitable relationships with assigned agents and brokers through quick problem solving and highly responsive and exceptional service experience
  • Quick prioritize opportunities, evaluate and price risk and offer/negotiate customized coverage, deductible and terms and conditions based on the individual risk characteristics to best meet the insured needs, in compliance with program guidelines and based on rigorous analysis of the application, COPE, loss runs, risk control surveys and the applicant’s financial position
  • Educate agents and brokers on the programs risk appetite and target market, the program product and service differentiations and encourage them to submit their accounts with highly desirable characteristics
  • Work with Program Manager/Director to execute against new business and renewal retention strategies
  • Prepare thorough and succinct referrals to Staff Underwriting and/or Carrier
  • Maintain an established loss ratio and meet assigned production goals

Director of Commercial Lines

Sheets Forrest Draper Insurance
07.2023 - 01.2025
  • Ensure that customers making buying decisions are armed with the right amount of information on new business, change requests and renewals
  • Build sustainable relationships and trust with customer accounts through open and interactive communication
  • Provide accurate, valid, and complete information to companies, clients, producers, etc.
  • Keep records by documenting all conversations in agency management system of customer interactions, process customer accounts, and file documents
  • Handle customer complaints, provide accurate solutions and alternatives within the time limits; follow up to ensure resolution
  • Conduct market research and develop and implement strategies to accelerate agency growth
  • Develop communication procedures, guidelines and policies
  • Lead departmental meetings and trainings
  • Conduct one-on-one and annual performance reviews
  • Responsible for hiring of account managers and disciplinary actions
  • Meet with carriers to review guidelines and agency goals surrounding growth and profitability

Senior Account Manager, Team Lead

Sheets Forrest Draper Insurance
04.2023 - 07.2023
  • Ensure that customers making buying decisions are armed with the right amount of information on new business, change requests and renewals
  • Build sustainable relationships and trust with customer accounts through open and interactive communication
  • Provide accurate, valid, and complete information to companies, clients, producers, etc.
  • Keep records by documenting all conversations in agency management system of customer interactions, process customer accounts, and file documents
  • Handle customer complaints, provide accurate solutions and alternatives within the time limits; follow up to ensure resolution
  • Conduct market research and develop and implement strategies to accelerate agency growth
  • Develop communication procedures, guidelines and policies
  • Lead departmental meetings and trainings
  • Conduct one-on-one and annual performance reviews
  • Responsible for hiring of account managers and disciplinary actions
  • Meet with carriers to review guidelines and agency goals surrounding growth and profitability

Commercial Lines Underwriter – Renewals

NIP Group
01.2023 - 04.2023
  • Underwrite a book of renewal accounts in the TreePro and LandPro programs
  • Evaluate and price risks according to merits of the account
  • Negotiate terms and conditions based on risk characteristics
  • Develop relationships with agents and brokers
  • Educate agents and brokers on the programs risk appetite and target market
  • Maintain established loss ratio

Commercial Lines Underwriter

UFG Insurance
06.2021 - 01.2023
  • Review and evaluate risks and coverages of new and/or existing commercial lines requests
  • Issue policies
  • Communicate with agents concerning the decisions of submissions, the explanation of new and existing products and services
  • Work with agents and CSR's to obtain a saleable program for the agent/insured while avoiding adverse selection against the company
  • Maintain accurate file documentation of decisions made
  • Apply proper judgement in the pricing of products within the predetermined authorization and ensure proper documentations for risks requiring managerial authorizations
  • Assist Marketing Department in achieving and relaying Company goals and new products or procedures internally and by agency visitation
  • Mentor newly onboarded underwriters

Associate Commercial Lines Underwriter

UFG Insurance
10.2018 - 06.2021
  • Review and evaluate risks and coverages of new and/or existing commercial lines requests
  • Issue policies
  • Communicate with agents concerning the decisions of submissions, the explanation of new and existing products and services
  • Work with agents and CSR's to obtain a saleable program for the agent/insured while avoiding adverse selection against the company
  • Maintain accurate file documentation of decisions made
  • Apply proper judgement in the pricing of products within the predetermined authorization and ensure proper documentations for risks requiring managerial authorizations
  • Assist Marketing Department in achieving and relaying Company goals and new products or procedures internally and by agency visitation
  • Mentor newly onboarded underwriters

Account Manager

TrueNorth Insurance & Financial Strategies
04.2014 - 10.2018
  • Work with Producers to provide quality proposals and presentations for prospects/clients, including requesting materials from outside parties
  • Maintain quality customer service with clients on a daily basis by providing consistent, timely and accurate service
  • Assist clients in establishing enrollment and transition process with broker dealer in a timely manor
  • Introduce life products and investment concepts to clients and present information in small and large group presentations
  • Educate clients or prospective clients regarding producers plan and recommendations
  • Increase industry job knowledge by continuing education, attaining or updating designations and participation in other agency training

Senior Member Service Representative

General Mills Federal Credit Union
05.2012 - 04.2014
  • Display and promote excellent customer service skills, confidentiality, and a professional image
  • Open new accounts, and service existing accounts. Set up new account files, and provide members with all necessary information for membership
  • Promote and cross-sell credit union products and services; make appropriate recommendations based on members needs
  • Maintain an up-to-date and comprehensive knowledge on all credit union products, services, policies and procedures
  • Serve as a resource person on all IRA, Trust, and Specialty accounts. Responsible for determining contribution and distribution codes and calculating RMD’s
  • Assist members with loans. Conduct loan interview on all consumer loan products, determine collateral value, pull and analyze credit report, verify debts, estimate monthly payments for outstanding debts, calculate debt-to-income ratio, and how much secured and unsecured debt
  • Serve as a point of contact in a centralized lending environment, including making outbound calls to members as appropriate
  • Assume responsibilities for the branch operation and duties in the absence of the branch manager
  • In charge of business development/marketing strategies for the office
  • Conduct new hire orientations and financial seminars

Education

High School -

Anamosa High School
Anamosa, IA

Business Management -

Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA

Skills

  • Leadership
  • Managing risk
  • Policy negotiations
  • Influencing business growth
  • Team collaboration
  • Property and casualty products
  • Solution-oriented
  • Training and mentoring
  • Time management skills
  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Analytical skills and attention to detail
  • Quoting and pricing policies
  • Renewal retention
  • Agent relationship management

Volunteer Experience

  • Miss Iowa USA Pageant, 2014 and 2015, Suicide Prevention
  • Miss Cedar Valley Pageant, Pageant Judge
  • Cedar Hills Community Church, Wedding Coordinator
  • Cedar Valley Humane Society
  • German Shepherd Rescue of Iowa
  • Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
  • United Way
  • Kirkwood Community College Financial Literacy Fair
  • Foundation2 Board, 07/01/23-Present
  • Marion Leadership in Action, Class of 2023-2024

Certifications And Designations

  • Notary Public, Iowa, Iowa State Department of State, 02/01/20, 02/01/24
  • AINS, Associate in Insurance, The Institutes Knowledge Group, 08/01/22
  • AU, Associate in Underwriting, The Institutes Knowledge Group, 08/01/23
  • CPCU, Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, The Institutes Knowledge Group, 06/01/24
  • ARM, Associate in Risk Management, The Institutes Knowledge Group, 10/01/24
  • AU-M, Associate in Commercial Underwriter – Management, The Institutes Knowledge Group, 10/01/24

Timeline

Commercial Lies Underwriter – Renewals

NIP Group
01.2025 - Current

Director of Commercial Lines

Sheets Forrest Draper Insurance
07.2023 - 01.2025

Senior Account Manager, Team Lead

Sheets Forrest Draper Insurance
04.2023 - 07.2023

Commercial Lines Underwriter – Renewals

NIP Group
01.2023 - 04.2023

Commercial Lines Underwriter

UFG Insurance
06.2021 - 01.2023

Associate Commercial Lines Underwriter

UFG Insurance
10.2018 - 06.2021

Account Manager

TrueNorth Insurance & Financial Strategies
04.2014 - 10.2018

Senior Member Service Representative

General Mills Federal Credit Union
05.2012 - 04.2014

High School -

Anamosa High School

Business Management -

Kirkwood Community College

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