2019 Break Out Awards, South: Starr Taybron
Posted On: Jun. 1, 2019 12:00 AM CST
STARR TAYBRON
Assistant vice president, special investigations unit
IAT Insurance Group Inc.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Age: 38
Starr Taybron began her career in law enforcement with the U.S. Marshals Service and ended her public sector work as a chief probation parole officer and the youngest chief in North Carolina, then moved into the world of insurance. She started out as an investigator with IAT Insurance Group Inc. and over the past seven years has worked her way up to her current leadership position in the company’s special investigations unit.
What is the No. 1 concern in your specialty?
Technology. Making sure we’re staying ahead of the game is probably the biggest challenge, especially as it relates to fraud insurance. We are starting to use a lot of predictive modeling and utilizing technology platforms that haven’t been there before.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the business?
This is a stable, rewarding and limitless job. I think insurance is a great place to be, and it’s more dynamic than ever because there are different customer interactions happening at all levels. For younger people as they come into the industry … there are so many opportunities. If you have a strong work ethic, you can do so many different things.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’ve rescued three people from drowning in three different incidents. The first one was actually my brother in Mexico. The second one was a surfer in Oceanside, California. The third was at a Memorial Day pool party. I saw a 6-year-old at the bottom and jumped in (fully clothed).
What is your favorite app or gadget?
Everything Apple. Probably my iPhone. I have the XS Max.
What would you/do you binge watch?
I could watch “The Office” any day of the week, any time. I also like shows like “Law & Order” and “Homeland.”