Underwriter, Marketer, Product Developer
Content
CATERINA “CATHY†LAURI 5423 Porterstown Road, Keedysville, Maryland 21756 301.416.2884 [email protected]
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE Highly motivated, analytical, tenacious, and results-driven insurance executive equipped with broad-based experience in underwriting, marketing, product develop ment, training, and project management for management liability, crime, technolo gy, surety, and other specialty insurance products. Possesses equally strong qua lifications in implementing effective programs to effect dramatic improvements i n efficiency, profitability, and processes. Proactive, creative thinker and inna te manager, proficient in leading, training, and coordinating teams toward fulfi llment of corporate visions. Adept in building long-term quality relationships a nd fostering mutual respect with diverse individuals. Recognized for “sense of urgen cy†, keen eye for detail, and exceeding expectations in fiercely competitive, fast-p aced changing environment. Versatile with experience in start up organizations and newly created positions.
CORE STRENGTHS Underwriting and Risk Management Project and Program Management Marketing and Product Development Database Management and Implementation Leadership, Coaching, Training, and Team Building Financial Analysis and Auditing Problem Resolution and Decision Making Outstanding Client and Producer Service Relations Excellent Negotiation and Analytical Abilities Time Management and Deadline-Sensitive Articulate Oral and Written Communication Superior Interpersonal and Strong Presentation Skills
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY RISKS, LTD. ~ KEEDYSVILLE, MD AND VIRTUAL Chief Consulting Officer 2008–Present Capitalizes on broad range of skills to provide competitive and effective underw riting, product development, research, and risk management consulting services t o insurance carriers in the areas of crime and management liability lines. Netwo rks and collaborates with other consultants to develop optimum client programs. Notable Achievements: Created competitive target market management liability program including coverage, proposal, underwriting, and rating for a Fortune 500 insurer Researched and drafted management liability state amendatory endorsement s for successful nationwide filing Conducted comprehensive research and designed target market specific bon d forms and rates for a carrier’s entry into a new market
CREDIT UNION NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (CUNA) ~ MADISON, WI AND VIRTUAL Underwriter, Product Development Manager, Management Liability Subject Matter Ex pert 2006–2008 Masterfully led and served as product specialist on the largest rewrite of crime and management liability forms in the organization’s history. Completed the project within time and budget constraints despite critical human resource shortage. Sp earheaded, mentored, and supervised a team to develop their competencies and ach ieve maximum level of performance. Notable Achievements: Evaluated and underwrote financially distressed accounts Functioned as principal contract architect of Plastic Card Policy rewrit e Served as an integral part of the Project Lens and Deep Dive Team, a tac tical and strategic planning activity ZURICH NORTH AMERICA ~ BALTIMORE, MD AND VIRTUAL Program Opportunity Manager, (Programs Business) 2004–2006
Directed and coordinated daily operational aspects of a call center and oversaw database dedicated to placement of new program opportunities while serving as th e principal triage underwriter. Monitored program business in various stages of due diligence. Created a favorable public image and increased Zurich brand visib ility by organizing activities at industry and business unit sponsored conferenc es.
Notable Achievements: Honored with Zurich’s 2nd highest “Employee Performance Award†by demonstrating plary project management and event planning skills in the Program Administrator' s Conference Planned and facilitated a producer focus group at an industry function, providing insight on selected topics upon which senior management made organizat ional changes Implemented, developed, and created management reports from a new busine ss unit relational database in conjunction with IT, increasing effectiveness and efficiency in the underwriting process Assistant Vice President, Specialty Solutions Underwriting (Financial Enterprise s) 2002–2004 Managed special projects designed to increase profitability and/or reduce leakag e for Financial Enterprises division of business unit with a multimillion-dollar impact. Regularly interfaced internationally with producers and brokers to shar e marketing insight and technical expertise designed to create new business and product development opportunities. Built and cultivated long-term quality relati onships with clients, producers, and reinsurers by providing superior service. Notable Achievements: Expertly managed the Financial Enterprises interface to design and popul ate a global underwriting resource intranet database Commended for writing underwriting guidelines and training materials for the intranet toward fulfillment of corporate goals and objectives Captured significant leakage by conducting an operational audit, which i dentified and resolved severe under billing situation Initiated the development of processes and procedures to standardize wor kflow that optimized efficiency and increased productivity Appointed as division’s Change Management / Organizational Efficiency Networ k Representative, working with other executives to achieve operational objectiv es outside formal reporting relationships and utilizing breakthrough methodolog
y Director, New Markets (Z-Firms) 1998–2002 Product Development Manager 1996–1998 Line of Business Manager 1994–1996 Drove efforts in marketing, underwriting, and new product development to generat e profitable business for Financial Enterprises and Z-FIRMS, a start-up operatio n focusing on large account P&C, crime, and blended programs. Served as a cataly st to consistently surpass Z-FIRMS goals. Notable Achievements: Collaborative team member in developing “E-Risk,†a technology product specifica lly designed to address operational risk in electronic commerce Highly praised for technical expertise in underwriting large internation al blended programs Displayed unsurpassed leadership and expertise in the product developmen t of Executive Supplemental Protection (ESP), including hiring and training staf f Instrumental in influencing, consulting, and providing financial analysi s support to ESP marketing team, which served as a channel in exceeding goals Promulgated policy wording, underwriting criteria, rates, applications, marketing materials/plans, reinsurance presentations, and conducted training for : D&O, Blended Programs, Insurance Company D&O/E&O, Trust E&O, Lenders’ Liability, S ecurities Entity, EPL, and Credit Union Bond and D&O
PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE DIRECTOR, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, FIDELITY, AND FIDUCIARY ~ The Aetna Casualty and Surety Company, Hartford, CT and Virtual 1991–1994 PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY UNDERWRITER AND PRODUCT DEVELOPER ~ Executive Risk Manage ment Associates, Simsbury, CT 1987–1991 FIDELITY AND SURETY BOND MANAGER ~ The Aetna Casualty and Surety Company, Jackso n, MS 1985–1987
EDUCATION STUDIES IN MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ~ University of Connecticut, Hartfo rd, CT STUDIES IN MASTER OF ARTS IN FRENCH ~ University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI BACHELOR OF ARTS, Majors in French, History, and Education ~ Western Michigan Un iversity, Kalamazoo, MI
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING Breakthrough Methodology Training, Change Management Boot Camp, and Building Hig hly Effective Teams
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Member, Professional Liability Underwriting Society: 1994–Present Fidelity Advisory Counsel Member, The Surety and Fidelity Association of America : 1978–2008 Member, American Bankers Association: 1978–2004
WEBINARS Funds Transfer Regulation, Risk Management, and Coverage (external audience), CU NA Callback Procedures and Risk Management (external audience), CUNA Plastic Card Rewrite Kickoff (internal audience), CUNA
PRESENTATIONS Electronic Funds Transfer, Risk Management, and Insurance, FDIC Program Revival, Target Market Program Administrators Association Fiduciary Liability Risk Assessment, American Hospital Association Blended Programs, Potential Reinsurers
PUBLICATIONS Various white papers, underwriting manuals, treatises, reinsurance manuals, and marketing manuals of the following topics: FI Management Liability Lender Liability Program Administration Kidnap, Ransom, and Extortion Excess SIPC D&O Legal Basis Computer Crime Executive Supplemental Protection Unauthorized Trading in Energy Companies Marketing and Insurance Company D&O/E&O Bond and Commercial Crime Compliance “AFSB Crime Book,†Editor
TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY g latory, Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and e-mailin Extensive experience with Internet researching such as statistical, regu and genealogy databases Underwriting and financial analysis software
FOREIGN LANGUAGES Reads and converses in French Knowledgeable in Italian for traveling
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE Highly motivated, analytical, tenacious, and results-driven insurance executive equipped with broad-based experience in underwriting, marketing, product develop ment, training, and project management for management liability, crime, technolo gy, surety, and other specialty insurance products. Possesses equally strong qua lifications in implementing effective programs to effect dramatic improvements i n efficiency, profitability, and processes. Proactive, creative thinker and inna te manager, proficient in leading, training, and coordinating teams toward fulfi llment of corporate visions. Adept in building long-term quality relationships a nd fostering mutual respect with diverse individuals. Recognized for “sense of urgen cy†, keen eye for detail, and exceeding expectations in fiercely competitive, fast-p aced changing environment. Versatile with experience in start up organizations and newly created positions.
CORE STRENGTHS Underwriting and Risk Management Project and Program Management Marketing and Product Development Database Management and Implementation Leadership, Coaching, Training, and Team Building Financial Analysis and Auditing Problem Resolution and Decision Making Outstanding Client and Producer Service Relations Excellent Negotiation and Analytical Abilities Time Management and Deadline-Sensitive Articulate Oral and Written Communication Superior Interpersonal and Strong Presentation Skills
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY RISKS, LTD. ~ KEEDYSVILLE, MD AND VIRTUAL Chief Consulting Officer 2008–Present Capitalizes on broad range of skills to provide competitive and effective underw riting, product development, research, and risk management consulting services t o insurance carriers in the areas of crime and management liability lines. Netwo rks and collaborates with other consultants to develop optimum client programs. Notable Achievements: Created competitive target market management liability program including coverage, proposal, underwriting, and rating for a Fortune 500 insurer Researched and drafted management liability state amendatory endorsement s for successful nationwide filing Conducted comprehensive research and designed target market specific bon d forms and rates for a carrier’s entry into a new market
CREDIT UNION NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (CUNA) ~ MADISON, WI AND VIRTUAL Underwriter, Product Development Manager, Management Liability Subject Matter Ex pert 2006–2008 Masterfully led and served as product specialist on the largest rewrite of crime and management liability forms in the organization’s history. Completed the project within time and budget constraints despite critical human resource shortage. Sp earheaded, mentored, and supervised a team to develop their competencies and ach ieve maximum level of performance. Notable Achievements: Evaluated and underwrote financially distressed accounts Functioned as principal contract architect of Plastic Card Policy rewrit e Served as an integral part of the Project Lens and Deep Dive Team, a tac tical and strategic planning activity ZURICH NORTH AMERICA ~ BALTIMORE, MD AND VIRTUAL Program Opportunity Manager, (Programs Business) 2004–2006
Directed and coordinated daily operational aspects of a call center and oversaw database dedicated to placement of new program opportunities while serving as th e principal triage underwriter. Monitored program business in various stages of due diligence. Created a favorable public image and increased Zurich brand visib ility by organizing activities at industry and business unit sponsored conferenc es.
Notable Achievements: Honored with Zurich’s 2nd highest “Employee Performance Award†by demonstrating plary project management and event planning skills in the Program Administrator' s Conference Planned and facilitated a producer focus group at an industry function, providing insight on selected topics upon which senior management made organizat ional changes Implemented, developed, and created management reports from a new busine ss unit relational database in conjunction with IT, increasing effectiveness and efficiency in the underwriting process Assistant Vice President, Specialty Solutions Underwriting (Financial Enterprise s) 2002–2004 Managed special projects designed to increase profitability and/or reduce leakag e for Financial Enterprises division of business unit with a multimillion-dollar impact. Regularly interfaced internationally with producers and brokers to shar e marketing insight and technical expertise designed to create new business and product development opportunities. Built and cultivated long-term quality relati onships with clients, producers, and reinsurers by providing superior service. Notable Achievements: Expertly managed the Financial Enterprises interface to design and popul ate a global underwriting resource intranet database Commended for writing underwriting guidelines and training materials for the intranet toward fulfillment of corporate goals and objectives Captured significant leakage by conducting an operational audit, which i dentified and resolved severe under billing situation Initiated the development of processes and procedures to standardize wor kflow that optimized efficiency and increased productivity Appointed as division’s Change Management / Organizational Efficiency Networ k Representative, working with other executives to achieve operational objectiv es outside formal reporting relationships and utilizing breakthrough methodolog
y Director, New Markets (Z-Firms) 1998–2002 Product Development Manager 1996–1998 Line of Business Manager 1994–1996 Drove efforts in marketing, underwriting, and new product development to generat e profitable business for Financial Enterprises and Z-FIRMS, a start-up operatio n focusing on large account P&C, crime, and blended programs. Served as a cataly st to consistently surpass Z-FIRMS goals. Notable Achievements: Collaborative team member in developing “E-Risk,†a technology product specifica lly designed to address operational risk in electronic commerce Highly praised for technical expertise in underwriting large internation al blended programs Displayed unsurpassed leadership and expertise in the product developmen t of Executive Supplemental Protection (ESP), including hiring and training staf f Instrumental in influencing, consulting, and providing financial analysi s support to ESP marketing team, which served as a channel in exceeding goals Promulgated policy wording, underwriting criteria, rates, applications, marketing materials/plans, reinsurance presentations, and conducted training for : D&O, Blended Programs, Insurance Company D&O/E&O, Trust E&O, Lenders’ Liability, S ecurities Entity, EPL, and Credit Union Bond and D&O
PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE DIRECTOR, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, FIDELITY, AND FIDUCIARY ~ The Aetna Casualty and Surety Company, Hartford, CT and Virtual 1991–1994 PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY UNDERWRITER AND PRODUCT DEVELOPER ~ Executive Risk Manage ment Associates, Simsbury, CT 1987–1991 FIDELITY AND SURETY BOND MANAGER ~ The Aetna Casualty and Surety Company, Jackso n, MS 1985–1987
EDUCATION STUDIES IN MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ~ University of Connecticut, Hartfo rd, CT STUDIES IN MASTER OF ARTS IN FRENCH ~ University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI BACHELOR OF ARTS, Majors in French, History, and Education ~ Western Michigan Un iversity, Kalamazoo, MI
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING Breakthrough Methodology Training, Change Management Boot Camp, and Building Hig hly Effective Teams
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Member, Professional Liability Underwriting Society: 1994–Present Fidelity Advisory Counsel Member, The Surety and Fidelity Association of America : 1978–2008 Member, American Bankers Association: 1978–2004
WEBINARS Funds Transfer Regulation, Risk Management, and Coverage (external audience), CU NA Callback Procedures and Risk Management (external audience), CUNA Plastic Card Rewrite Kickoff (internal audience), CUNA
PRESENTATIONS Electronic Funds Transfer, Risk Management, and Insurance, FDIC Program Revival, Target Market Program Administrators Association Fiduciary Liability Risk Assessment, American Hospital Association Blended Programs, Potential Reinsurers
PUBLICATIONS Various white papers, underwriting manuals, treatises, reinsurance manuals, and marketing manuals of the following topics: FI Management Liability Lender Liability Program Administration Kidnap, Ransom, and Extortion Excess SIPC D&O Legal Basis Computer Crime Executive Supplemental Protection Unauthorized Trading in Energy Companies Marketing and Insurance Company D&O/E&O Bond and Commercial Crime Compliance “AFSB Crime Book,†Editor
TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY g latory, Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and e-mailin Extensive experience with Internet researching such as statistical, regu and genealogy databases Underwriting and financial analysis software
FOREIGN LANGUAGES Reads and converses in French Knowledgeable in Italian for traveling
