Profile
“It’s important for me to always try to lead with empathy and set a good example. I want to put people in a position, atmosphere and environment where they can reach their full potential and achieve their goals”
Wendy Houser, Markel
As managing director within Brown & Brown Risk Solutions’ executive liability practice, Karen Frany is responsible for the strategic design, implementation and execution of directors’ and officers’ liability, employment practices liability, fiduciary liability, miscellaneous professional liability, crime and other related insurance programs. She is the lead broker on a wide range of large, complex and multinational risks spanning various industries. Karen also assists clients with insurance-related contract reviews and provides consultative risk management support.
Internally, Karen spearheads the development, mentorship and training of risk analysts within the executive liability practice. Under her guidance, the risk analysts are uniformly taught the fundamentals of insurance, client advocacy and account management. She also serves as a mentor through Brown & Brown’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Council and is an avid member of the Teammate Engagement Committee.
Karen began her insurance career at AIG in New York City as an executive liability underwriter. After leaving AIG, she further developed her underwriting skills at Berkley Professional Liability and eventually transitioned to a broker role at Brown & Brown Risk Solutions, formerly Beecher Carlson, in 2012.
Karen has a bachelor’s degree, major in business management and finance, from Providence College in Rhode Island.
1500 Broadway, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10036
(646) 476 1159
karen.frany@bbrown.com
linkedin.com/in/karen-frany-a479833
bbrown.com
Karen Frany
Managing Director
Brown & Brown
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Milestones
2020–present
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
Deputy Principal at Australian Christian College - Southlands
Doctor of Education
2020–present
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2021
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Year 7 Community Leader and Leader for Learning Technologies and Platforms at Northern Beaches Christian School
Master of Business Administration, 2017–2019
2021
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2008
2009
2012
2018
Present
Read on
Special Report
Home
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Milestones
Milestones
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
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Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
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Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
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2009
2012
2018
Present
Read on
Special Report
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Bio
Milestones
2022
2018
2012
2009
2008
Present
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
Dual promotion to managing director and risk analyst manager for Brown & Brown Risk Solutions’ executive liability practice
Present
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2018
Human Resources Magazine | key media
Received the Jennifer Jones Service Award for Brokerage Services from Beecher Carlson, which is given to those who “exemplify the pillars of the organization; passion, innovation, and accountability” and are “model teammates who demonstrate that the tenacity for great service is highly impactful”
2018
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2012
Human Resources Magazine | key media
Transitioned into a broker role at Brown & Brown Risk Solutions, formerly Beecher Carlson
2012
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2009
Human Resources Magazine | key media
Joined Berkley Professional as an executive liability underwriter for private and public entities
2009
1997
2008
human resources | key media
Started as a professional associate and executive liability underwriter at AIG with a focus on national accounts
2008
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Milestones
Present
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
2022
Excellence awardee – Independent Mortgage Adviser of the Year category at the New Zealand Mortgage Awards
2022
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2022
2020–present
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
Deputy Principal at Australian Christian College - Southlands
Doctor of Education
2020–present
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2021
Launched his own business,
Ascend Financial Services
2022
2017-present
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
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2021
Launched his own business,
Ascend Financial Services
2022
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
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2008
What advice does she have for others? “Believe in yourself and never stop learning,” she says. “Being in insurance, it’s also important to take risks in your career to grow and advance. It’s also important to network and build relationships, but really place value in those connections. Not only can that help advance your career growth and overall development, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to build long-lasting friendships along the way.”
With almost 25 years of experience in marketing and insurance, Houser was a wholesale broker before joining Markel. She also served as a hospital corpsman in the United States Navy.
Houser earned her bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University. She currently serves on the Wholesale Surplus Insurance Association (WSIA) board and is an instructor for the WSIA Marcus Payne Advanced School. She received the Dana Roehrig Award in 2012 for her contributions to the NAPSLO (WSIA) convention committee. She also received the 2019 Bill Storey Award for the City of Hope and the 2022 IICF Philanthropic Leadership Award. In addition, Houser previously served as the chairwoman of the IICF Texas Southeast Division and the president of the National Insurance Industry Council for the City of Hope.
“I know it sounds cliché, but I am laser-focused on changing the insurance industry for the better,” he says. “We are building technology, processes and products that are meeting the needs of a changing world. It is imperative that the insurance industry keeps up with the fast pace of change, and I want to make sure I do my part.”
Prior to ALKEME, Barton founded Venture Pacific Insurance, a regional brokerage in southern California that was acquired by ALKEME during the merger. Barton also co-founded Brokkrr, a digital lead generation insurtech platform.
Barton received his BA from the University of Arizona. He has been included in IBA’s Hot 100 list four times in a row. He was also recognized in Vertafore’s Top 25 Disruptors in the insurance industry.
“Believe in yourself and never stop learning”
Wendy Houser, Markel
