Annetta Crumel
Annetta Crumel is a Senior Licensing Specialist at McGriff Insurance Services based in Wilson, North Carolina, with more than two decades of professional experience spanning banking, insurance compliance, and administrative leadership. She began her career in banking, where she spent over 20 years developing expertise in financial operations, customer service, and regulatory compliance. During her time in the banking industry, she advanced to the role of branch manager, gaining valuable leadership experience and a strong foundation in regulatory requirements and team management.
After many years in a customer-facing banking role, Crumel transitioned into the insurance field to pursue a position that offered greater work–life balance while still allowing her to support customers and colleagues. She joined BB&T—now Truist—where she began working behind the scenes in insurance licensing and compliance. Her background in banking enabled her to quickly adapt to the regulatory aspects of insurance, including agent licensing, continuing education requirements, and Department of Insurance regulations. Over time, her knowledge and ability to train others led to her promotion to Senior Licensing Specialist, where she now oversees licensing renewals, compliance reporting, and onboarding support for agents and team members.
In addition to her corporate career, Crumel is passionate about education and mentorship. She frequently trains colleagues and serves as a liaison between leadership and her team to ensure regulatory processes run smoothly. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Regent University in 2023 and is actively involved in her church community as a minister, Sunday school teacher, and women’s Bible study leader. She is also a commissioned notary and operates a small notary business, reflecting her dedication to service both professionally and within her community.
• Notary Public
• Regent University - B.A.
• National Notary Association
• Church Ministry
• Women's Bible Study Leadership
• Clothing Giveaway Programs
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to taking initiative and standing on my own. I’m fortunate to work in an environment that values my judgment and allows me to make decisions confidently. My team respects that I can provide guidance and know where to find answers when needed.
This mindset carries into my personal life as a minister and Sunday school teacher, where I lead and support others with the same approach. My 13 years as a branch manager taught me to trust my team, adapt to change, and grow through every challenge—lessons that continue to shape my success today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to approach each day as a new day. No matter what happened yesterday—whether it was a success or a setback—each day offers a fresh start. I was told this by a manager years ago, and it has stuck with me ever since. It reminds me to focus on what needs to be done today, rather than dwelling on past wins or mistakes. That mindset helps me take each day step by step and approach my work with clarity and purpose.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is navigating frequent changes from state Departments of Insurance and ongoing system upgrades. Staying current with evolving licensing rules, background and fingerprint requirements, and continuing education obligations is essential to ensure that agents remain fully compliant. At the same time, these changes present an opportunity to strengthen our processes, improve training, and support our team in staying ahead in a constantly evolving regulatory environment.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are balance, presence, and connection. I cherish time spent outdoors, especially by the water—whether it’s relaxing on the beach with a good book or going fishing with my husband. I also deeply value family and enjoy spending quality time with my grandbabies. These experiences remind me to stay grounded, appreciate the moment, and bring the same care and attention to my work as I do to the people I love.