Profile
“Being true to who we are is key; we are purely a referral-based business. There is zero marketing or advertising”
Adam Rakowski,
Ortus Financial
As one of the leading executives in the United States surety and construction insurance industry, Michael Cusack has 33 years of experience, including an extensive background in underwriting, account leadership, and brokering of some of the largest and most complex surety programs in the nation.
Cusack played a pivotal role in the formation of construction operations for Alliant Insurance Services. Joining the firm in 2011, he helped create what is now the largest construction brokerage organization in the country.
With his track record of attracting and developing industry-leading broker talent, Cusack serves as executive vice president and senior managing director of Alliant Specialty, the firm’s nationwide specialty platform built on differentiation through specialization.
In this role, he is responsible for expanding Alliant’s $1.25 billion specialty business across the country.
He views his role as supporting his colleagues to become the best professionals they can be. By hiring business leaders who are experts in their fields, he works with them to develop a vision for what their businesses can achieve in terms of performance over time. Supporting the investments that help leaders achieve their growth targets creates a collaborative environment that drives more growth at Alliant.
Cusack believes that Alliant’s ability to demonstrate differentiation and drive industry-leading growth has received the attention of competitors and stakeholders in the insurance marketplace. However, the intense competition to hire broker talent continues to be a major challenge.
“To attract the best, you must be the best, and brokers across the market are choosing to continue their careers at Alliant. Our industry-leading investment and growth strategy, coupled with the opportunity to become an employee shareholder, will continue to make us an employer of choice in the long term.”
Prior to joining Alliant, Cusack was a managing director, contract surety practice leader, and executive committee member within Aon Risk Services’ construction unit. Before this, Cusack worked with Willis as a surety broker and initiated his career as a contract surety underwriter with Seaboard Surety.
“I've been blessed and fortunate to get to know some amazing people that have become business partners and friends, and collectively we have been able to reach remarkable, industry-leading achievements,” says Cusack.
His longevity has been hugely impressive, maintaining relationships with customers and colleagues, in some cases, for almost 35 years.
“It’s been a major success story and achievement for me to maintain these relationships for that long tenure. Seeing those relationships continue going forward is incredibly gratifying,” he says.
Cusack’s devotion to the industry has allowed him to achieve success over the past three decades.
“If you’re passionate about the business you’re involved in, and you’re competitive, you will work harder to achieve goals and good things will happen,” he explains. “Everyone here [at Alliant] is pulling in the same direction. Our culture helps drive the growth and success that we continue to experience. Being competitive and having alignment and a focus around industry differentiation has been the difference for our organization for the last 20 years and certainly will be a big asset for us going forward.”
125 High Street, 22nd Floor, Boston, MA 02110
617 535 7272
mcusack@alliant.com
linkedin.com/in/michael-cusack-733a629a
alliant.com
Michael Cusack
Executive Vice President, Senior Managing Director, Alliant Specialty
Alliant Insurance Services
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Profile
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
“You can’t control the outcome, but you can always control what version of you turns up every day”
Adam Rakowski,
Ortus Financial
2011–present
2005
2007
2010
2022
Managing Director at Alliant Construction Services
2011–
present
Joined Brown & Riding as Chief Operating Officer
2005
Named President of Brown & Riding
2007
Named Chief Executive Officer of Brown & Riding
2010
Spearheaded initiative to launch The Center for Insurance Transformation
2022
Milestones
Milestones
ELITE WOMEN 2024 JUDGE
overseeing and managing relationships with retail brokers
developing and implementing strategies to optimize broker operations
collaborating with internal teams to streamline processes and improve service delivery to brokers
analyzing market trends to identify opportunities for growth and improvement
monitoring performance metrics to track the success of broker operations
One of the biggest challenges she faces is balancing the need to grow and optimize broker relationships with the often-complex demands of the construction insurance industry. Brokers can have varying levels of familiarity with Astrus’s offerings, and it can be challenging to bring them up to speed while meeting their unique needs. To address this, Beck focuses on proactive communication and continuous education.
“I collaborate closely with internal Astrus teams to create streamlined, transparent processes that reduce friction in broker interactions,” she says. “I regularly review performance metrics and market trends to adapt strategies in real time, ensuring that brokers have the most relevant tools and information at their disposal.”
This approach not only strengthens broker relationships but also positions Astrus to capture growth opportunities efficiently.
A proud alumna of the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Terry College of Business with a degree in Risk Management, Beck brings 30 years of experience to her career. She began her journey with Sedgwick James after graduating from UGA, then advanced through roles at Aon and Marsh before joining USI Insurance Services in 2018. In 2024, she transitioned from USI to her current role at Astrus.
Her biggest professional achievement has been establishing herself as a female leader in the male-dominated insurance industry.
“Over the years, I’ve been honored to receive recognition from several respected organizations for my commitment to mentoring young professionals, particularly women, who aspire to enter this field,” she reveals. “This is especially meaningful to me because supporting the next generation, by helping them navigate challenges and fostering their confidence, aligns deeply with my passion for creating spaces for them.”
Over the past 12 months, the insurance industry has been characterized by a need for agility and innovation to address economic pressures, evolving risks and changing customer expectations. Insurers are adapting by embracing technology and focusing on customer-centric solutions to navigate these complexities.
“With the industry facing unprecedented challenges, I’ve made it a priority to foster collaboration and openness to innovative solutions. I’ve worked to encourage transparency and proactive communication with brokers and clients alike, ensuring they feel equipped to tackle emerging risks ensuring I help shape a more resilient, responsive industry. I remain committed to leaving a positive, lasting impact on those I work with and the industry,” she says.
This motivation comes from Beck’s deep love for the work she does every day with a commitment to modeling the qualities of a true servant leader.
She explains, “I believe in showing up each day, striving to be even one percent better than the day before. I’m mindful that others are watching, and I want to set an example by being the best version of myself, not only for my family but also for my colleagues and business partners. This mindset drives me to maintain high standards and bring genuine dedication to everything I do.”
Outside of insurance, Beck is a board member of the Los Angeles Blind Children’s Center, Peloton for Business Advisory Board, Delta Gamma, and her alma mater’s Terry Dean’s Advisory Council and The Terry College Emeritus Alumni Board.