Her Story
About Karri
Karri Murphy is a Senior Commercial Surety Underwriter at Crum & Forster with more than 30 years of combined experience in financial services and underwriting. Based in Iowa, she entered the surety industry in 2018 after building a substantial career in banking and mortgage management. She began her professional journey in banking and advanced through positions of increasing responsibility, including branch management and mortgage management, before transitioning into surety underwriting with UFG Insurance. There, she progressed from an underwriting trainee to Associate Commercial Surety Underwriter and Commercial Surety Underwriter. In August 2026, she joined Crum & Forster as a Senior Commercial Surety Underwriter, bringing extensive financial experience, a customer-focused mindset, and a commitment to sound underwriting practices.
In her current role, Karri works with agents and industry partners to underwrite commercial surety bonds for clients nationwide. Her areas of expertise include license and permit bonds, court and judicial bonds, probate and fiduciary bonds, public official bonds, service and commercial contract bonds, and business services bonds. Her background in banking and mortgage management has strengthened her financial judgment, operational discipline, and dedication to customer service. A graduate of Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business, Karri values professional development and the importance of building strong relationships throughout the surety industry. She is also affiliated with professional groups focused on surety bond production and the advancement of women in surety.
Karri attributes her professional success to her faith in God, the strong work ethic instilled by her parents, and her resilience in navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry. She believes that confidence, persistence, and a willingness to pursue opportunities are essential to career growth. Honesty, loyalty, trust, and transparency guide her approach to both professional and personal relationships. Beyond her underwriting career, Karri contributes to her community through volunteer mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters, where she has supported a young person for nearly two years, and through her role as treasurer of the Legion Post 434 Women's Auxiliary. Through her work and community involvement, she demonstrates a commitment to responsible professional practice, meaningful relationships, and continued personal growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karri
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God, the strong work ethic instilled in me by my parents, and my resilience. Working in a traditionally male-dominated industry has required confidence, persistence, and a willingness to push through challenges. I have learned to believe in my abilities, remain committed to my goals, and continue moving forward even when the path is difficult.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is, "If you don't apply, you'll never know." An opportunity may lead to a closed door, but it may also open the door to something unexpected. You will never know what is possible unless you are willing to take the chance and put yourself forward. I believe it is important to pursue opportunities rather than disqualify yourself before someone else has the chance to consider you.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in yourself, even when you enter a male-dominated industry. Be confident in your abilities, take ownership of your work, and be willing to push through challenges rather than allowing them to discourage you. Education is also important, and I strongly recommend earning a college degree. A background in finance can be particularly beneficial for those interested in surety underwriting and related financial services careers.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, loyalty, and trust are the values that matter most to me. I believe in being completely transparent in my interactions and maintaining open, honest communication. Building trust requires consistency, integrity, and accountability, and I strive to bring those qualities to my professional relationships and personal life.
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