From Claims Assistant to Assistant Vice President: Why Growth Never Stops at Gallagher Bassett

When I look back on my career, it's amazing to see how far the journey has taken me.

Seventeen years ago, I entered the claims industry as a claims assistant. At the time, I was processing mail, learning how claims worked, and getting my first glimpse into a field that would ultimately become my career. What started as an opportunity quickly became a passion, and over the years I progressed through a variety of roles, building experience, developing new skills, and discovering what great leadership looks like.

Today, I'm proud to serve as Assistant Vice President of Claims overseeing our Mid-Atlantic branch at Gallagher Bassett, supporting operations across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, DC, and Virginia.

A Career Built on Growth

Like many people in our industry, I found my path unexpectedly. My aunt, who has spent more than four decades in the industry, told me about an opening for a claims assistant position and encouraged me to apply. That opportunity changed everything.

Over the years, I progressed from claims assistant to medical-only adjuster, then to lost-time adjuster. Later, I moved into supervisory and management positions, eventually overseeing an entire Mid-Atlantic region before joining Gallagher Bassett.

I chose Gallagher because of the growth opportunities. I feel as though they're endless here. The industry continues to evolve every day, and I wanted to be part of an organization that evolves alongside it. Gallagher Bassett offered exactly that.”

Learning That Leadership Is About People

One of the biggest transitions in my career was moving from managing claims to managing people. As a resolution manager, you're responsible for your own work. As a leader, you're responsible for helping an entire team succeed. For me, the key was learning people first.

I learned my people, what made them tick, where they needed assistance. I wanted them to know that I'm here to help them. I want to make your job easier. I want to help you be successful because when you're successful, we're all successful.

I believe the best leaders understand the work their teams do because they've done it themselves. That experience builds trust and credibility. It allows you to work together to find the best path forward.

Leadership isn't about telling people what to do. It's about supporting them, listening to them, and helping them become the best version of themselves.

Seeing Others Succeed Is the Most Rewarding Part

One of the things I enjoy most about leadership is watching people grow. Many professionals experience moments of self-doubt. Sometimes they already know the answer; they simply need someone to reassure them and remind them they're capable.

Anybody can do anything. Anybody can become unstoppable. They just have to sometimes have that little push or that little pat on the back, like, you've got this. Helping someone gain confidence, develop new skills, and realize their potential is incredibly rewarding. Those moments remind me why I love what I do.

Why Gallagher Bassett Stands Apart

What truly sets Gallagher Bassett apart is the span of opportunity available across the organization.

The company is large, diverse, and constantly evolving. Employees aren't confined to one path. Whether your interests lie in claims, client services, sales, risk management, or another area of the business, there are opportunities to explore new directions and continue growing.

The possibilities are endless here. That mindset is encouraged here. Gallagher Bassett supports career mobility and development, helping employees find the path that best aligns with their goals.

Building the Future Together

There is so much happening at Gallagher Bassett that excites me about the future. From advancements in technology and claims systems to innovations that make life easier for resolution managers, the company is continuously investing in better ways of working.

For candidates considering a career here, my advice is simple: don't be afraid to ask questions, lean on your team, and embrace the opportunity to learn. We move quickly, solve complex challenges, support one another. Most importantly, we're a team.

We're going to help you. We're going to help you get through things. We're going to be there to watch you succeed, because at the end of the day, we all want you to succeed. At Gallagher Bassett, growth isn't just possible. It's encouraged. And that's what makes it such an exciting place to build a career.