By Scot Kersgaard
From a field of thousands, about 400 customer service representatives were nominated for the 2015 CSR of the year award, given annually since 1991 by The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors and the Society of Certified Insurance Service Representatives.
Out of that field, 36 state winners were named, then five finalists. Finally, Erin N. Woodard was named this year’s winner. Woodard is a commercial marketing/service executive at Austin-based William Gammon Insurance.
Nominees must submit letters of recommendation and also write an essay, the subject of changes each year. One of Woodard’s letters of recommendation said she has an “instinct” for what her clients need and that her designations give her the confidence to offer her advice to others.
This year’s essay had to do with the changing terminology of the insurance business, especially as it relates to job titles, with some agencies replacing the title “customer service representative” with titles such as “account manager” or “client service advsior.” Nominees were asked to write about whether the job title makes a difference to them or their clients.
She wrote that a job title made no difference to her or her clients. “The success and/or failure are left entirely to me as my responsibility and a direct result of my commitment and dedication. I hope my clients soon grow to realize that no matter what my title, I will always put forth my absolute best to make sure their needs are met.”
Woodard received a cash award of $2,000 and her employer, William Gammon Insurance, received a scholarship good for participation in any National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research program.
Woodard was not available for comment, but Skyla Badger, marketing director at the National Alliance, said past winners have noted that winning the award has often led to additional career enhancements for them.
