Catherine D. Bennett

New job title: Vp, Hylant Group in Nashville, Tenn.

Start date: April 2

Previous position: President, Cost Control Concepts Inc.

Reason for the change: I have really enjoyed managing my own business for the past 12 years, but Hylant offered me the opportunity to expand and extend my existing business capabilities. I will still utilize my marketing, communications and consulting skills, but with a sharper industry focus. I began my career in the brokerage business over 20 years ago. This new position puts me in the middle of an industry and among people that I respect and enjoy.

Also, it is very exciting to be on the front end of a newly established Nashville office. We have an accomplished management team with whom I have long-term relationships, and I am thrilled to have been invited to be a part of this Nashville venture and the larger Hylant organization.

Vital statistics: MBA from Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management, with concentrations in marketing and human resource management; BA from Vanderbilt with a major in economics and related work in communications.

I was president of Cost Control Concepts Inc.; vp of Johnson & Higgins; and consultant and account manager with Corroon & Black Corp.'s Advanced Risk Management Services division.

Goals for new position: I want to be viewed by the industry and recognized by my clients as a trusted business adviser. There are many opportunities to bring value to a client relationship beyond simply purchasing insurance. My business background is broad and touches many facets of operations, and I want to be able to apply this experience for the benefit of my clients.

First time in the job market: My first paycheck was as a sportswriter for a community newspaper, and my first industry position was as a financial analyst for Corroon & Black.

Top advice: Early on in my career, I was advised to write about risk management and insurance issues that were interesting and important to me. This led to a number of publications and speaking engagements. Writing certainly advanced my career, opened many doors and introduced me to many people in this industry.

Outside the industry, a dream job: I enjoy music of all types, and I believe I would enjoy being a jazz DJ.