Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Industry Contributions
Timeline
Generic

Chelsa Materi

Saskatoon,Saskatchewan

Summary

Dynamic insurance professional with extensive leadership experience at Sandbox Mutual Insurance, excelling in business development, strategic planning, and product innovation. Proven track record in enhancing underwriting profitability and implementing digital transformation initiatives. Adept at data-driven decision making, effective team building, and achieving significant growth through innovative pricing strategies and fostering strategic partnerships .

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

AVP, Underwriting

Sandbox Mutual Insurance
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
01.2021 - Current
  • Directed operations of the Underwriting, Loss Control, and Product Development divisions ensuring alignment with corporate strategy. Created effective department plans to focus strategic decisions on long-term objectives.
  • Monitored underwriting profitability by geographical region, line of business, and product. Determined pricing, underwriting guidelines, and effective loss prevention measures to achieve profitability goals.
  • Implemented forward-thinking product strategies to increase revenue and fulfill shifting consumer expectations.
  • Incorporated new technology and automation to enhance departmental efficiency.
  • Established new divisions for product development and loss control to enhance business functions.
  • Actively sought and successfully implemented program opportunities to increase written premium and penetrate new markets. Used proficient resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting, key stakeholder relationships.
  • Contributed to the development of strategic plans for long-term organizational success.
  • Provided expert insights to optimize reinsurance strategies in support of organizational objectives.

Underwriting Manager

Sandbox Mutual Insurance
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
07.2019 - 01.2021
  • Lead the underwriting team and oversaw department operations, coordinating multiple projects to streamline workflows and enhance the customer experience.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations, standards, and changes in laws affecting insurance products.
  • Analyzed data to identify trends in customer risk profiles and recommend appropriate action plans.
  • Collaborated with legal counsel on complex claims or disputes involving coverage or denial of coverage decisions.
  • Designed innovative and upgraded insurance products, drafted specialized policy narrative language, and made wording updates.
  • Tracked key performance indicators related to insurance product profitability and policy retention.

Underwriting Supervisor

Sandbox Mutual Insurance
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
04.2015 - 07.2019
  • Facilitated the development of a cohesive team by overseeing hiring processes, conducting performance assessments, and organizing continuous skill advancement.
  • Monitored the performance of underwriters, providing guidance and support in the risk analysis and decision-making process. Approved higher-level risks.
  • Developed relationships with external stakeholders and resolved any issues that surfaced during the underwriting process.
  • Introduced process improvements to optimize underwriting operations. Authorized modifications to rate manuals and operational systems.

Claims Adjuster

Sandbox Mutual Insurance
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
01.2011 - 04.2015

Commercial/Farm Underwriter III

Sandbox Mutual Insurance
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
01.2007 - 01.2011

Insurance Broker

Affiliated General Insurance
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
07.2001 - 01.2007

Education

FCIP - Fellowship Chartered Insurance Professional - Management

The Insurance Institute of Canada
Toronto, ON
04-2016

BAC - Business Administration Certificate -

University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK
01-2015

CAIB - Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker -

Insurance Brokers Association of Canada
Toronto, ON
01-2006

Skills

  • Leadership and mentoring abilities
  • Driving profitable growth
  • Strategic partnership development
  • Data-driven decision making
  • Digital transformation
  • Pricing strategy
  • Product innovation
  • Corporate strategy planning and alignment

Industry Contributions

  • Insurance Institute of Saskatchewan Board Member (2020-2025) - Currently 1st Vice President
  • FCIP Panel Evaluator (2024-2025)
  • CIP Exam Proctor (2016-2021)

Timeline

AVP, Underwriting

Sandbox Mutual Insurance
01.2021 - Current

Underwriting Manager

Sandbox Mutual Insurance
07.2019 - 01.2021

Underwriting Supervisor

Sandbox Mutual Insurance
04.2015 - 07.2019

Claims Adjuster

Sandbox Mutual Insurance
01.2011 - 04.2015

Commercial/Farm Underwriter III

Sandbox Mutual Insurance
01.2007 - 01.2011

Insurance Broker

Affiliated General Insurance
07.2001 - 01.2007

FCIP - Fellowship Chartered Insurance Professional - Management

The Insurance Institute of Canada

BAC - Business Administration Certificate -

University of Saskatchewan

CAIB - Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker -

Insurance Brokers Association of Canada
Chelsa Materi