By Loretta Worters, Vice President – Media Relations, Triple-I
During Women’s History Month, the insurance industry celebrates leaders who are shaping its future. One such leader is Kristen Martin, President and CEO of Utica National Insurance Group, whose path to the top reflects both determination and the power of community support.
Martin became CEO in 2024, following the retirement of Richard Creedon. For her, the role is deeply personal. Growing up near Utica National’s headquarters, she passed it almost every day and even visited as a middle schooler for a Legal Eagles program.
“Leading the organization today feels surreal,” Martin said. “It’s a full-circle moment that underscores my connection to Central New York and the people who have helped shape my career.”
She credits mentors, colleagues, family – including her husband, sister, and sister-in-law – and close friends, for supporting her ambitions while raising a family. Raising two sons with a partner who shares responsibilities has given them a healthy view of teamwork and respect. Martin hopes they continue to embody values she sees in them already: kindness, responsibility, and the importance of showing up for others.
“You can be a dedicated parent, partner, and professional simultaneously,” she said. “Leading Utica National shows the power of support, representation, and community, and motivates me to help others feel the same sense of possibility.”
Martin’s career began at Utica National in 2001 as an examiner after working as a trial attorney. Claims work, she explains, is one of the best ways to understand the insurance business, offering insight into distribution, underwriting, risk management, and customer impact. Those early experiences shaped her leadership philosophy: ask thoughtful questions, stay curious, and consider the real-world consequences of every decision.
Over the years, Martin held roles across underwriting operations, governance, and executive leadership. Serving as President and COO starting in 2019 provided valuable preparation for the CEO role. Positions such as Corporate Secretary to the Board and General Auditor broadened her understanding of governance, risk, and operational mechanics. Combined with her legal training at Albany Law School, Martin developed a disciplined approach to decision-making, emphasizing clarity, scenario planning, and evaluating impact.
Despite progress, women currently hold only about 22 percent of C-suite positions in insurance. Martin believes progress requires three key shifts: openly discussing resilience, letting go of perfectionism, and being clear about career goals.
“Build a support system, take care of yourself, and ask for what you want,” she said. “None of us succeeds by ourselves.”
Addressing the industry’s talent gap is another priority. Martin emphasizes early exposure through internships, which allow early-career workers to connect with industry professionals and explore multiple career paths. “Leadership isn’t the only path to a meaningful career. Individual contributor roles are equally valuable. Mentorship is also critical, helping young professionals grow while staying authentic.”
For young women considering insurance, Martin advises them to “surround yourself with diverse perspectives, step outside your comfort zone, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Persistence and authenticity are essential.”
Martin is optimistic about the next generation. Through internships, she sees young women arriving confident, curious, and eager to learn about leadership and career paths.
“As I meet our interns and see the confidence and curiosity they bring, it makes me incredibly positive about the future,” she said. “When I think about where they’ll be in 15 or 20 years, I see a generation of women who will continue to expand opportunities and shape the future of this industry.”