Profile
In an ever-evolving global insurance landscape, Danielle Harrison, SVP, FM Affiliated division manager at FM, emphasizes one word that shapes her and FM’s strategic mindset: resilience.
“Resilience, resilience, resilience. We strive to help our clients protect their facilities so they can be open the day after a loss,” she says. “We can protect from wildfires, floods, fire, and so many other climate risks. Our data analytics are key differentiators to our clients’ resilience.”
Unlike many of her peers, Harrison paved her career path starting in university, holding an insurance degree from The Pennsylvania State University. Her remarkable tenure spanning over two decades at FM has seen her engage in a number of client-facing roles, with the IBA Hot 100 member excelling at each position to propel her forward.
“Focus on your current role – be amazing at it, improve it, innovate it. Think about your future, but the ticket to get you to the next role is knock your current role out of the park.”
To achieve consistent results, Harrison focuses on taking the time to understand her clients’ long-term goals. She has also focused much of her efforts throughout her career on improving her listening skills, a trait she believes is easier said than done.
“Being curious and doing your homework are important. The same goes for individuals. We are all trying to accomplish something in our business relationships; knowing your audience and what is important to them is critical.”
She adds, “Another key to my success is listening. It sounds simple, but it’s hard for many of us to put into practice. Listening is so valuable both for you and the individual with whom you are speaking. They feel heard and you learn – and a relationship builds.”
High-quality data analytics and a deep understanding of the increasingly complex risks from climate catastrophes have allowed FM to provide pertinent solutions to its clients in an evolving risk landscape. Harrison points to floods in the Middle East as a sign that insurance professionals must be prepared for natural disasters, regardless of their geographic location.
“There is a significant focus on climate risks – convective storms, wildfires, hailstorms,” she says. “These events are happening more frequently and severely, especially over the past five years. There is no such thing as tornado alley or hail zones anymore, as these climate risks affect us everywhere.”
Reflecting on the successes she has achieved at FM, Harrison emphasizes the immense impact her fellow colleagues have had on her, with particular gratitude for the female leaders who have guided her over the years.
“I stay connected with my retiree mentors often – dinners, phone calls, and celebrations. They are family. I consider many of our clients and broker partners friends and family, as so many have helped me and supported me throughout my career.”
She adds, “I hope they would say I did the same. These relationships helped me learn, grow, and understand what is important to others.”
270 Central Avenue, P.O. Box 7500, Johnston, RI 02919-4923
(415) 806 5120
robert.julavits@fm.com
linkedin.com/company/fm
FM.com
Danielle Harrison
Senior Vice President, Division Manager FM Affiliated
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2001–2014
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2025–Present
2023–2024
2001–2004: Underwriter
2004–2014: Account Manager
2013–2014: Senior Account Manager
2001–2014
2014–2018: Operations Vice President, Assistant Client Service Manager
2018–2020: Vice President, Area Manager
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2020–2025
Senior Vice President, Division Manager at FM Affiliated
2025–Present
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