Her Story
About Kelley
Kelley Swift is a seasoned insurance and risk management professional with more than 18 years of experience serving public entities and educational organizations. As Senior Account Manager at Keenan, she specializes in managing Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs), partnering with account executives, and delivering strategic client service to school districts and public entity pools. Her expertise includes board governance, financial and actuarial oversight, claims analysis, loss control, and risk management, enabling clients to navigate complex insurance challenges with confidence and clarity.
Prior to entering the insurance industry, Swift built a successful career in banking and mortgage lending before transitioning to risk management following the 2008 financial crisis. Since then, she has established a reputation for exceptional customer service, trusted client relationships, and operational excellence. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from California Coast University, graduating summa cum laude, and has further distinguished herself through multiple professional designations, including Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Certified School Risk Manager (CSRM), Associate in Insurance Services (AIS), Associate in General Insurance (AINS), and Certified Commercial Lines Insurance (CLIC).
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Swift is an active leader and mentor committed to advancing her profession and supporting her community. She has served as a Service Council Ambassador at Keenan, is a member of Sacramento Women Leaders, and is the founding member and longtime president of Prospect Park Toastmasters Club. Guided by a commitment to integrity, lifelong learning, and relationship building, Swift is passionate about mentoring others, inspiring women in leadership, and helping organizations achieve long-term success through sound risk management and outstanding service.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kelley
01What do you attribute your success to?
I basically just focus on building trust with the clients that I have, and not only them, but internally, externally, it helps me grow professionally. I definitely promote myself to being an exceptional customer service.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Own your mistakes. When the market crashed in 2008, my boss said get out now, you're young enough, and that's when I took that advice and started into the insurance industry.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would recommend going into risk management alone, because that gives us a better platform to lead, and we share opportunities that you're pursuing your own path to success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
This is the hard market that's coming up. And then the social inflation and things of that nature.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Mentorship is a strong point for me. Making an impact on everyday... I always want to give 110% or more... to inspire other women, as well as just holding that confidence. So, I want to command the room, opposed to just being in the room. So, presence.
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