Profile
“We keep evolving the brand as we grow and expand, which is equally rewarding and satisfying”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
As an experienced property and casualty insurance professional with knowledge in sales leadership, operations, and agency management, Kerry Nafzger is a proven leader.
“I value building strong relationships with my colleagues and understanding their perspectives. I strive to be a leader who can inspire and support my team, while being accountable for my actions and commitments.”
Specializing in standard lines, as sales director at Risk Placement Services, Nafzger is driven to be the best she can be. Reflecting on the proudest moment of her career, Nafzger recalls winning a sales incentive and taking her daughter to Madrid, Spain.
“It was the first time I was really able to show her how well I was doing in my career,” she says. “I didn’t know I would end up in insurance, but I always knew I would end up in sales. I was always good at talking to people and I always wanted to be #1 at whatever I did.”
For Nafzger, success isn’t just about hitting a sales figure, but also about communicating and collaborating with team members.
“I believe my strongest quality professionally is my ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Whether I’m engaging with top executives or collaborating with team members, I strive to find common ground and convey information in a way that resonates with everyone.”
As a woman in a historically male-dominated field, Nafzger admits she has often had to work harder to be listened to.
“Sometimes you are the only female in room or at the table, but it’s all about perspective. I know what I have to contribute is as equally as important.”
Accordingly, Nafzger feels it is important to lead by example and mentor young women in insurance.
“Being that there are so few women in the industry, it is our duty to mentor and guide those who follow in our footsteps,” says Nafzger. “I have been surrounded by female leaders who have mentored me throughout my career. My goal is to carry on that tradition and hope others do the same.”
50 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Suite 602, Uniondale, NY 11553
800 749 7326
ContactRPS@RPSins.com
linkedin.com/in/kerry-nafzger-37668b76
RPSins.com
Kerry Nafzger
Sales Director
Risk Placement Services
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Bio
Milestones
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
2009
2010
2014–2018
2018–2020
2020–present
Obtained P&C License and Life and Health License
2009
Started at AAA as an Independent Agent
2010
Manager of Personal Lines at Nationwide Brokerage Solutions
2014–
2018
Director of Eastern Zone at Nationwide Private Client
2018–
2020
2020–present: Director of Sales at RPS
2021 and 2023: RPS Top Performers Club
2020–
present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
• Gold award for Magazine or Newspaper Advertisement
• Silver award for Promotional Email
• Silver award for Most Out-of-the-Box Idea
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
“We keep evolving the brand as we grow and expand, which is equally rewarding and satisfying,” adds Phillips Topping.
“Marketing is a very busy space. The challenge is to keep it fresh and keep it new. There’s so much out there. You have to think about how to break through.”
Since joining the firm in 2015, Ryan Specialty has:
• completed 28 acquisitions
• launched 10 companies
“With each acquisition and de novo formation, a large branding component is involved,” says Phillips Topping.
Speaking on the importance of spotlighting marketing professionals, Phillips Topping says, “It’s imperative to shine a light on those who aren’t necessarily brokers or underwriters. There are so many different aspects of the industry. It’s nice to show all the great work that’s being done behind the scenes.”
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