LEAD stands for Leadership in Equity and Diversity- the LEAD Award inspires a more diverse and inclusive culture in the Insurance Industry by celebrating those who are leading the way.

Email questions to tsnoddy@riseprofessionals.com

2025 LEAD Award Finalists

Caryn Siebert

VP Carrier Practice, Gallagher Bassett

Megan Bell

Creator & Host, InsHER Podcast

Pedro Jermaine Perry

Clerk, Tower Hill Insurance Group

Pete Kidd

VP, Head of Insurance Solutions, Foxen Administration

How are selections made?

  • Significantly promotes diversity, inclusion and cultural competency development and execution in the workplace;
  • Addresses key areas of diversity and inclusion such as recruitment, retention, employee development/mentorship, department/organizational climate, or community outreach;
  • Tracks, monitors, and/or captures outcomes of increased awareness, understanding, or advocacy of DE&I work throughout the workplace;
  • Implements steps toward fostering DE&I in the workplace with programs that maximize the potential of all people;
  • Creates partnerships between managers and employees to resolve DE&I workplace opportunities;
  • Promotes DE&I workplace education and communication ideas; and/or
  • Improves cultural competency through educational initiatives.

Past Winners

Charmaine Rice

SVP, Global Learning, Development, and Diversity at AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

2024

Nic Gaither

Unit Manager - Claims at Amerisure

2023

Past Finalists

Jackie Merkle

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Relations Leader at Grange Insurance

Kaitlyn Dudzinski

Vice President Environmental at Westfield Specialty

ReMeera Marie Green

Manager, People & Administrative Ops at SageSure

Carlton Manor

CEO, AXIS Wholesale at AXIS Capital

Emily Clark

Accountant at Falvey Insurance Group

Kristy Sands

VP, Strategic Communications at Gallagher Bassett