Geraldine Henley
NEW JOB TITLE: Vp/director of claims, Commerce Insurance Services Inc., in Cherry Hill,
N.J.
START DATE: Feb. 11
PREVIOUS POSITION: I was the senior claim consultant and member of the leadership group at the
Graham Co.
REASON FOR THE SWITCH: This opportunity was too good for me to pass up. I was offered the chance to manage
Commerce's claims department and help take it to the next level. It's been wonderful to join such a high-caliber team and
work with many great clients.
VITAL STATISTICS: I attended Philadelphia University and earned an Associate in Claims and
Associate in Risk Management. Prior to Graham, I worked at St. Paul Insurance Co. as a workers compensation claims
supervisor.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION:
Two areas I'd like to focus on are: making life easier for our clients and being even
more proactive in our approach. By simplifying the claims process, we can lift a huge burden off our clients' shoulders and
allow them to focus on their business. And as proactive leaders, we're able to avoid more claims and be better prepared when
they do occur. For example, we help our clients develop relationships with industry claims experts, defense attorneys and
physicians so if a loss happens, we're ready with a full team to handle the situation.
FIRST TIME IN THE JOB MARKET: In
1978, I took a job as a customer service representative at Colonial Penn Insurance Co. This experience early on truly shaped
my career. It taught me how to listen and how to deliver results. Thirty years later, I'm doing the same thing.
TOP ADVICE: A good friend once told me, "Reach for your professional goals, but never at the expense of your personal life." It's a motto that I stand by firmly.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: I've always deeply admired physicians. They are
true difference-makers in all of our lives and I'd love to be one.