Her Story
About RyAnn
Ryann Rivera, COC, CPC, CPMA, is a highly experienced insurance professional with more than 22 years in the industry. She serves as an Underwriting and New Business Manager, specializing in impaired risk, premium finance, complex case management, and field underwriting. In this role, she oversees new business operations and works closely with advisors, carriers, and clients to navigate complex cases, identify solutions, and ensure each file is managed with precision and efficiency. Ryann attributes her success to her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Over the course of her career, she helped guide Optima's growth from a small boutique firm into an organization with approximately 15 to 20 employees handling between 500 and 750 cases, a result of strong leadership, deep relationships, and the collective effort of the people around her.. She credits early mentors Tracy Pica and Maggie Nygaard, with helping shape her professional approach and values. Ryann places a strong emphasis on building genuine personal relationships, believing that meaningful human interaction remains essential even in an increasingly digital business environment. She also believes that respect and communication are fundamental to effective leadership and strong professional relationships. Ryann holds an associate degree and has completed professional training and certifications in billing and coding, as well as certificates through NALBA and LOMA. She previously held the CLU designation and remains actively involved with NAILBA, LOMA, and Relay for Life. Her career reflects a commitment to learning, relationship building, leadership, and excellence in complex insurance operations. Through her expertise and experience, Ryann continues to serve as a trusted resource in underwriting and new business, helping professionals navigate challenging cases and achieve successful outcomes.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with RyAnn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying a student of the business, no matter how many years I've put in. The moment you think you've learned it all is the moment you stop being useful to the people who need you. Staying curious has let me adapt when the industry shifts, keep sharpening my skills, and keep growing — professionally and personally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to never underestimate the value of genuine relationships. In an industry that's gotten more digital and transactional by the year, the people who still pick up the phone, remember the details, and treat everyone — regardless of title — with respect are the ones colleagues actually want to work with. That's what builds trust and keeps doors open long after a single deal or case closes.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't let a male-dominated industry intimidate you into playing small. Be proactive, be confident, and make your voice heard, even when you're the only woman in the room. Don't be afraid to start in the less glamorous corners of this business either. That's where you learn the most, and it's where I built the foundation for everything that came after. Build real relationships, protect your network, and once you've climbed, reach back and pull someone else up with you. Success isn't just about how far you get. It's about who you help get there too.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge right now is also the biggest opportunity: the talent shortage. This industry is losing experienced people faster than it's replacing them, and a lot of the institutional knowledge that used to get passed down through mentorship is leaving with them. For anyone willing to learn and put in the work, that gap is wide open. Networking matters more than ever here. The people who take time to build real relationships with experienced professionals are the ones who get the mentorship, the insight, and the opportunities that don't show up in a job posting.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect and communication, full stop. In work and in life, I believe in treating people with kindness and professionalism, and being honest even when it's not the easy thing to say. Those two things build trust, and trust is what makes people feel heard and valued, whether it's a colleague, a client, or someone at home.
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