North Carolinian Wins Insurance Customer Service Rep Honor

Kelly S. Whitener, commercial account manager for Senn Dunn Insurance in Greensboro, North Carolina, has won the 2010 National Outstanding Customer Service Representative (CSR) of the Year Award.

The Society of Certified Insurance Service Representatives (CISR) and the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) selected Whitener as the winner from a field of 42 state winners.

Whitener receives a cash award of $2,000, a gold and diamond lapel pin, and her name is inscribed on a sculpture on permanent display at The National Alliance headquarters in Austin, Texas.

A scholarship will be awarded to her employer, Senn Dunn Insurance for participation in any National Alliance program.

In addition to the selection of Whitener as the national award recipient, four national finalists were chosen:

• Kristina E. Donaldson, with Messer Bowers Co. in Enid, Oklahoma
• Barbara J. Golden, with E. K. McConkey & Co. Inc. in York, Pennsylvania
• Tammy K. Harris, with Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Co. in Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Amanda M. Williams, with Maverick Insurance in Richmond, Kentucky

Each finalist receives a special gold and garnet lapel pin and $500 cash award.

After five finalists were chosen from the field of 42 nominees, a panel of five judges evaluated the finalists based on their individual contributions to the insurance community, and the strength of their essays written on the topic: “Many people come to the insurance business by chance and stay by choice. In the first paragraph, briefly describe how you were first employed in the insurance business. Then, given the changes you have observed and anticipate in the future, explain what would be the best title for the CSR of tomorrow and why.”

In her essay, Whitener cited that she became intrigued by the insurance sector while working for the local school system. She said she has learned the value of establishing a bond of trust with each client.