Her Story
About Alison
Alison Norris, CLCS is an Associate Underwriter on the Small Commercial team at Berkley Mid-Atlantic Insurance Group in Richmond, Virginia. She has worked in the insurance industry since 2018, building a career rooted in sales, account management, and commercial lines expertise. Her early experience began as a licensed agent in Monroe, Louisiana, where she developed a strong foundation in customer service and policy handling before advancing into more complex commercial insurance roles.
Throughout her career, Alison has held positions as a commercial account executive and senior account manager, including her time with GEICO Commercial Agency and Sutherland. In 2023, she transitioned into commercial lines full-time and later moved into underwriting, where she now focuses on small commercial risks. She earned her Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) designation in 2025, reflecting her continued commitment to technical development and industry knowledge.
Alison is also actively engaged in professional development and mentorship within the insurance community, serving as a mentor for the Spring 2026 cohort of the RISE program. She is known for her dedication to continuous improvement, her interest in mentally stimulating work, and her belief in inclusive growth within the insurance industry. She attributes her success to motivation, grit, and perseverance, and remains focused on expanding her impact in underwriting and beyond.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alison
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to motivation, grit, and a refusal to settle for mediocrity. I’ve always sought mentally challenging work and continued to push myself beyond customer service roles that didn’t fulfill me. Despite facing barriers due to not having a college degree, I consistently proved my work ethic and ability through persistence and performance.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to take time to truly learn who you are and what you stand for. When you have a strong sense of identity, you make clearer decisions and stay grounded even in challenging environments. At the same time, focus on building both personal and professional strength—confidence, resilience, and skill development will carry you further than anything else.
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