Sandra L Maxim-Fenters

I attribute my success to a clear vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to people and purpose. My objective has always been to combine strong insurance fundamentals with innovative strategies while fostering a culture that empowers people to do exceptional work. As a single mother of three, whom I proudly put through college while building my companies, I learned that effective leadership means being the keeper of the culture—creating a collaborative, healthy, and high-performing environment.

This philosophy has guided our growth from Pittsburgh to North Carolina and now to California, where our newest office is led by my daughter, and it has enabled us to support more than 100 companies in forming their own insurance entities

What began as a bold step into the alternative risk space has evolved into a 15-year legacy defined by trusted client relationships, creative and technical excellence, and a deep commitment to paying forward the support that made my journey possible.

The best career advice I ever received was to lead with both vision and discipline. Early in my career, a mentor told me that technical expertise will get you in the room, but culture, strategy, trust, and persistence are what keep you there. I learned quickly that sustainable success isn’t built on singular achievements — it’s built on systems, people, and purpose. That guidance shaped how I built Capterra Risk Solutions and how I show up as a leader today.

In the captive insurance world, where the work is highly specialized, it can be tempting to focus solely on the technical side. However, the advice to pair fundamentals with forward-thinking concepts has made all the difference. It allowed me to grow while staying grounded, to pursue growth without losing sight of compliance and client trust, and to build a company that values relationships as much as results. That balance — between rigor and creativity — continues to guide my decision-making, my leadership philosophy, and the culture I’ve committed to protecting.

An example of this innovation is when I designed, formed, and created a reinsurance captive company to not only support the needs of Capterra’s clients, but also those of others in the captive insurance industry. This reinsurance company, MaximRe, continues to grow and prosper alongside Capterra. 

For young women entering the alternative risk and captive insurance space, the first thing I’d say is: own your seat at the table. This is a niche industry with enormous opportunity, and your perspective is not just valuable — it’s needed. Don’t wait for someone to validate your abilities. Invest in your technical knowledge, ask smart questions, and become fluent in the fundamentals of insurance and finance. Mastery inspires confidence in others, but it also builds confidence in yourself.

I would also encourage women to cultivate strong networks. So much of our industry is driven by trust, reputation, and long-term relationships. Seek mentors, build peer connections, and don’t be afraid to create space for other women as you advance.

Finally, understand that leadership doesn’t require sacrificing authenticity. You can be both strategic and empathetic, both analytical and creative. I am willing to take calculated risks and continue to surround myself with mentors, leaders, and trusted advisors when making decisions – both personally and professionally. I’ve built my career and my company while raising three children, and I’ve seen firsthand that resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to people can carry you far. The industry is evolving — be part of shaping what it becomes.

Captive insurance and alternative risk management are at an inflection point. One of the biggest challenges — and biggest opportunities — is education. Many companies still view captives as complex or inaccessible, when in reality they are incredibly powerful strategic tools for organizations that want to control risk, reduce volatility, and align insurance with their operational realities. The firms who can demystify this space and clearly articulate value will lead the next wave of growth.

Client expectations have also shifted. Technical competence remains essential; however, clients want a partner who understands their business, not just their balance sheet. This opens the door for firms who prioritize long-term relationships, transparency, and a culture of service. For those willing to embrace innovation and education, the future of this field is extremely promising as the alternative risk space in the insurance industry continues to grow and evolve.

The values that guide me are purpose, integrity, resilience, and a commitment to people. In my role as CEO, I believe deeply in being the “keeper of the culture” — setting standards for how we treat clients, how we treat each other, and how we balance accountability with humanity. Technical excellence matters, but culture determines whether people thrive. I want my team to feel supported, challenged, and empowered to grow.

Integrity is non-negotiable in our industry. We operate in a regulated space that involves serious financial trust, and our clients depend on us to safeguard their interests and their reputation. Doing things the right way — even when it’s slower or harder — is foundational.

As a single mother who raised three children while building a company, resilience is also a core value for me. Life rarely moves in a straight line, and persistence often outperforms perfection. Finally, I value relationships with clients, colleagues, and family. At the end of the day, success is measured not only in business milestones, but in the people you’ve supported, mentored, and helped succeed along the way. 

My efforts are always to seek out opportunities to “pay it forward” and to harness opportunities for “teachable moments.” This can be inward reflection as well as outward influence and training opportunities to educate others.

I would not be where I am today without the love, grace, and support of my family, neighbors, colleagues, mentors, centers of influence, and trusted advisors. 

Finally, and most importantly to me, family is everything. Family at home and in the work place. As a first generation Italian-American, I now know firsthand the sacrifices that were made by my Nonna and Nonno to provide for their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many more generations to come. Again, paying it forward is both professionally and profoundly personal.