ACN’s membership spans the country, and members represent diverse roles and companies, with a shared throughline: their use of Applied Systems. This new spotlight series will showcase the unique roles and perspectives of members like you. Our first installment highlights Amanda Meredith, a self-proclaimed “Jane of all trades” who works as director of operations at Eastern Insurance Group. Read on to learn more about her, and if you know someone who would be a great fit for a spotlight, email our team.

How did you get your start in insurance? How has your role changed over your career?

AM: I began my career in insurance through a business cooperative education program in my junior year of high school where I gained practical work experience in areas that complemented my personal strengths and interests. I worked at a family-run agency in Northwest Florida, organizing and filing documents, and like many of us in insurance, I was hooked from then on. After earning my P&C insurance license and not long after my second year in college, I relocated to Massachusetts seeking new opportunities and a more diverse culture. Here in the Northeast, I had the support of wonderful mentors, met new industry contacts and made professional connections. I gained networking and professional experience while heading up our local BNI chapter. In 2002, I took an opportunity to manage one of Eastern Insurance Groups’ customer service hubs. Over the course of the next 13 years, I consistently delivered excellent work and exceeded expectations while taking on more staff and the responsibility as a technical liaison between the insurance division and our bank parent. In 2019, I was promoted to operations director of Eastern Insurance. 

Over the course of my 20-year tenure working for Eastern, I have had the pleasure of managing a staff of dozens of personal lines service professionals, working with colleagues at our bank parent on a variety of technical projects and supporting our core application systems. This varied experience led me to the operations position I hold today. 

What products or areas of your role are you responsible for? What does a day-to-day snapshot look like?

AM: I am responsible for day-to-day oversight of general services and facilities, including lease negotiations and vendor relationships. I lead the agency’s core acquisitions team who collectively implements and acclimates newly acquired agencies within our Eastern teams. I liaise with business partners to onboard new systems and vendors across all segments of our organization, and I often bridge the gap between the business units and our technical support teams. I also have responsibility to oversee compliance and to support diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

I see myself as a “Jane of all trades.” I pivot and change regularly in a fast-paced environment where the subject matter can change at a drop of a dime. One minute I am negotiating lease terms for office locations, and the next I am managing vendor relationships.

How does your role interface with other parts of the business, and what skills do new leaders need for this type of position?

AM: I work with accounting on vendor payments, relationships and licensing. I also work with commercial and personal lines to streamline processes and create efficiencies. I manage adding carriers and onboarding new initiatives. I have a broad view of the inner workings of the entire agency, and this is why I love my job!

The ideal person for an agency operations position understands the various practices across the organization and how each one contributes collectively to the success of the agency. Strong relationship, collaboration and analytical skills are key to success in this role.

How do you balance work and family life?

AM: Eastern has allowed me the flexibility to work in a hybrid environment. They appreciate and recognize that my role as a parent and as a professional are equally important.

What is your favorite thing about working at Eastern Insurance Group?

AM: The culture at Eastern has always been people first. It sounds cliche, but truly, the secret to my success at this has always been based around the relationships that I have formed with colleagues in different departments and with industry professionals. Building strong relationships and working together for a common goal are at the heart of my personal credo. 

Tags: Commentary , Member Spotlight