Gracemarie Mende

Gracemarie Mende initially planned to pursue a career in special education; however, after a few years, she embarked on a new adventure: insurance. Today, she still taps into those ever-important teaching skills, inspiring interns, trainees, and mentees through her leadership, training, and mentorship.

Over the last 11 years, Mende has surged through the ranks. By age 27, she became the senior claim manager at Arch Reinsurance, managing the Watford US Claims Department. A short five years later, she was promoted to director of auto claims.

Her nominators praise Mende’s ability to blend the use of metrics and analytics with a deep understanding and grasp of the core skills of claims adjusting. As one nominator said, “Gracemarie embodies the gravitas and wisdom needed in the expert management of complex claims, litigation, and TPA management while applying all the newest evaluation, reporting, and claims management tools needed in 21st century claims adjusting.” Mende prides herself on building a collaborative environment inclusive of all who work with and for her, ensuring that she supports their needs. Through numerous projects, Mende is never afraid of a challenge outside her job expectations, taking the core of insurance principles to build efficiencies and excellence in the new age of the industry.

In her free time, Mende counsels young high school women about the insurance industry, presents at multiple CLM events, and leads educational webinars on hot-button topics.