By Elise Linscott
Katherine Pettibone wears many hats. She formerly led legislative efforts for the Civil Justice Association of California (CJAC). This week, she was in an Olympic campaign in the sailboat Nacra 17, trying to represent USA for the Rio 2016 Olympics. And as of Oct. 1, she’ll assume the position of Western Region vice president for state affairs for the American Insurance Association.
“My greatest strengths are building coalitions and relationships across various industries to achieve solutions that work,” she said this week. “I will use these skills to further AIA's position as an industry leader on evolving issues facing the insurance marketplace.”
But what does she think is the greatest problem facing the insurance industry today?
“It's important for people to understand the important role that insurance plays in providing financial security for consumers and businesses. I am eager to work with AIA's members and policymakers to achieve sound public policy outcomes that will improve the marketplace,” she said.
But changing people’s views on insurance isn’t her only goal as she undertakes this new leadership role with the organization.
“As the world's dependence on and use of technology continues to change old paradigms, I would like to see AIA be a thought leader on the developments on handling or protecting risks,” she said.
Pettibone will be based in the association’s Sacramento, CA office. The Western region includes the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
Pettibone has served as CJAC’s legislative director since 2010. She previously served as a senior legislative analyst in the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. She is a 2006 graduate of the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, and earned her undergraduate degree in 1996 from the University of Miami. An avid sailor, Pettibone competed in the 1995 America’s Cup as a member of its first all-women’s racing team as well as multiple races around the world.
The American Insurance Association (AIA) is the leading property-casualty insurance trade organization, representing approximately 325 insurers that write more than $127 billion in premiums each year.
