Profile
Yana Connors is the CEO of Ck Specialty Insurance Associates and a nationally recognized leader in the insurance industry. She began her career in 2004 with no formal insurance background, starting in surplus lines filings and learning the business from the ground up. Over time, she built deep expertise across operations, brokering, and leadership, ultimately becoming the firm’s top-producing broker before moving into ownership.
3000 K St NW, Suite 236, Washington DC 20007
832 499 6597
yana@ckspecialty.com
linkedin.com/in/yana-connors
ckspecialty.com
Yana Connors
Chief Executive Officer
Ck Specialty Insurance Associates
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Bio
Milestones
2004
2010
2016
2021
2025
Entered the insurance industry at Ck Specialty, starting in surplus lines filings and policy issuance with no prior insurance background
2004
Transitioned into a brokering role, expanding her expertise across underwriting, claims, endorsements, and client relationships
2010
Became Ck Specialty’s top-producing broker, a position she continues to hold while serving in executive leadership
2016
Acquired full ownership of Ck Specialty alongside her husband and assumed the role of CEO, leading the firm through significant growth
2021
Named the second female president of the California Insurance Wholesalers Association (CIWA) and founded the CIWA Women initiative
2025
Milestones
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
In 2021, Connors and her husband acquired full ownership of Ck Specialty. Under her leadership, the firm has doubled in size, driven by a focus on disciplined growth, strong carrier relationships, and a culture of accountability and support. She currently serves as only the second female president of the California Insurance Wholesalers Association (CIWA) in its 35-year history and is the founder of CIWA Women, an initiative dedicated to creating supportive, inclusive spaces for women in insurance.
An immigrant from Russia, Connors is known for her commitment to authentic, merit-based leadership and equal pay. She is passionate about expanding access to leadership opportunities, encouraging ambition at every career stage, and proving that success doesn’t require shrinking to fit traditional molds.
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Yana Connors,
Ck Specialty Insurance Associates
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Yana Connors,
Ck Specialty Insurance Associates