Annie Hanna Engel

WOMAN LEADER:

ANNIE HANNA ENGEL, JD; LL.M. INSURANCE LAW

Agency: Howard Hanna Insurance Services

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Job title: President and COO

Years in the industry: 21

How would you describe your leadership style?

Being a communicative, motivational, and vision-driven leader is what I hope to achieve – but any leader has many characteristics if they are going to be agile in a marketplace and workplace. While enterprise strategy is key, a team needs to understand the vision, goals, and paths to reach this. I believe that leadership needs to occur at every level: if a team member knows and carries the message (the mission and understanding of what is to be achieved), a hybrid group of company leaders will exist.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am always proud of agency recognitions for both professional and community service accomplishments. This shows the continuity and strength of purpose – and that we are indeed working toward a common goal.

What words of wisdom would you offer young women just beginning their insurance career?

Really evaluate every opportunity offered to you – and take them. Your career will not be a straight path, and challenges and opportunities will enrich who you are. If you are offered a carrier advisory panel role, take it. Engage in your local and national organizations, continue with designations, ask questions, find a mentor, be a mentor. This will all enrich your career.

I never expected that working for a Senator on healthcare in 1993 would provide me with a reference point 30 years later – and I certainly didn’t expect that working at a law school and teaching insurance law would lead me to where I am now – and yet every opportunity has created the next.