Profile
“No matter how many clients I have, I make sure to call each one personally every quarter. It’s a chance to not only update them on their portfolio, but also check on how they’re doing personally”
Kelvin Rampersad,
Carte Wealth Management
Sharon Novasel is area vice president of marketing and risk services at Risk Placement Services (RPS).
In her role, she oversees the agency distribution networks for eight industry-specific programs and has made adjustments to these networks, allowing flexibility on who can access certain programs and specifically including those retailers who target the smaller to middle market accounts.
Sharon was on the road to excellence from the beginning of her career.
“I was awarded the Distinguished Graduate Award in the Accredited Adviser in Insurance Program for attaining the highest-grade average in the national examinations leading to the AAI designation,” she says.
This watershed moment opened doors that were not normally open to women back in 1991.
Sharon says, “This achievement was a pivotal point in my career and gave me a confidence boost to succeed in the industry during a time when females working in insurance were primarily working back-of-the-house positions.”
Within a few months, she was promoted to create and lead two national MGA programs. Her rise and impressive career since then has led to her being named as one of IBA’s Elite Women 2025.
One of Sharon’s motivations is inspiring other women to envision the potential career paths in insurance, while also working toward closing the gender gap in career development and leadership.
She comments, “I oversee our summer interns and aim to broaden their perspectives on the diverse career opportunities within the insurance industry. As a mentor to many women in entry-level positions, I offer guidance and encourage them to challenge themselves, building their confidence and assertiveness, and fostering an equal playing field for everyone.”
Sharon regards being trustworthy as her strongest quality. This has enabled her to build and maintain long-standing loyal relationships, meaning that colleagues have implicit confidence in her ability to deliver.
Another pillar of her leadership success is appreciating the need to delegate and allowing others to grow.
“I have found that empowering team members to take ownership of their responsibilities and roles has been key to our department’s success in achieving our goals,” Sharon says. “By fostering a collaborative environment where each person is accountable for their contributions, we achieve remarkable results and discover innovative, creative solutions to our tasks.”
Such impressive career longevity and the ability to maintain high standards has been underpinned by Sharon keeping different parts of her life in perspective.
“I’ve served as an example of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s not work if you’re having fun doing it.”
2850 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
866 595 8413
RPS.Marcomm@RPSins.com
linkedin.com/in/sharon-novasel-033399b
RPSins.com
Sharon Novasel
Area Vice President, Marketing and Risk Services
Risk Placement Services
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Profile
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
“I strongly believe in working smarter, not harder. I think it’s one of the keys to living a great life, and I want to share that with as many people as possible”
Kelvin Rampersad,
Carte Wealth Management
1991–1995
2004
2016
2021
2023–present
1991: Distinguished Graduate Award in the Accredited Adviser in Insurance Program
1995: Became Marketing Director at Regency Group Administrators
1991–
1995
Promoted to Vice President of Marketing
2004
Became Area Vice President of Marketing when RPS acquired Regency Group Administrators
2016
Promoted to Area Vice President of Marketing and Risk Services
2021
2023: Appointed Named Fund Administrator with the State of Michigan
2024: RPS Top Performers Club, Top Underwriter Award
2025: IBA Hot 100 honoree
2023–
present
Milestones
Milestones
ELITE WOMEN 2024 JUDGE