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2021 Women to Watch Awards Americas EMEA

Keri Kittmann Chief of staff, vice president-Assigned Risk Solutions

AF Group

Lansing, Michigan

As both the chief of staff at workers compensation and specialty insurer AF Group and the leader of a business unit, it’s almost as if Kerry Kittmann has two jobs.

“Having the dual role certainly gives me insight,” said Ms. Kittmann, a 27-year veteran of the insurance business.

As she leads the Assigned Risk Solutions brand, she also focuses on overall corporate issues — such as process, overall results, governance and communication — in her role as chief of staff.

“I think you put these other hats on as well as you’re heading your operation,” Ms. Kittmann said. She said this gives her a sense of context as to where her business fits into the whole enterprise and increases her situational awareness.

“You know what’s going on in the other segments and where you can leverage other operations for support,” she said.

Ms. Kittmann said her background, primarily in accounting and finance positions, puts her in a good position to lead a brand by showing her the full range of company operations.

She entered the industry in 1994, after majoring in accounting at Michigan State University. She joined AF Group in 2000 and has been chief of staff for the company for the past five years.

The switch to a customer-facing role that came with her being named head of the Assigned Risk Solutions business in the fall of 2018 was a big change for Ms. Kittmann but one she says she has thoroughly enjoyed.

The role, she said, has provided a great opportunity to expand and hear more from customers and external partners. “That’s been one of the best parts of making the move,” she said.

Frank Freund, retired chief financial officer at AF Group, said Ms. Kittmann’s “professionalism, knowledge, teamwork and positive energy made her an extremely valuable member of my team, a strong leader and a joy to work with.”

When the opportunity came for Ms. Kittmann to move more into operations and ultimately a vice president role, “she was courageous in stepping out of her finance comfort zone and did a great job with a new business unit,” he said.