Union Mutual’s Lisa Keysar Honored with ATHENA Leadership Award

MONTPELIER – Union Mutual is pleased to announce the Company’s President & CEO, Lisa Keysar, was honored by the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce with the ATHENA Leadership Award in recognition of her guidance, achievement, and community spirit.

The ATHENA Leadership Award, named for the Greek goddess known for her strength, wisdom, courage and enlightenment, honors those whose mentorship has inspired others – particularly women – to realize their full leadership potential.

“Union Mutual has a proud tradition of embracing diversity across all levels of the Company, and we strive to identify and develop the next generation by leading by example,” Keysar said. “I am flattered to receive this honor from the Chamber. I was born and raised in Central Vermont, and as the first second-generation President & CEO of Union Mutual, I have always understood the importance of local business to this community.”

Keysar, who is also the Company’s first female President & CEO, encourages diversity in the workplace and focuses on employee engagement and development.  Under her leadership, the Company has made significant strides in attracting a new generation to the insurance industry. Through her vision and inspiration, the Company continues to be recognized with several prestigious awards, including a “Best Place to Work” in VT for 8 consecutive years, and a two-time finalist for the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Business Award. During her tenure the Company has grown policyholder surplus to achieve a new Company record at year-end 2020 and received an upgraded accreditation from AM Best (a top insurance rating bureau) as an “A” rated Company in 2021.

“Union Mutual is proud of the number of women in positions of leadership within our Company,” Union Mutual Vice President & General Counsel Sarah Jarvis said. “Women hold almost half of the seats on the Board of Directors and comprise more than half of the C-Suite and middle management of the Company. The Chair of the Board and the President & CEO are both women – marking the first time in the Company’s nearly 150-year history that either of these positions have been held by a woman.”

The ATHENA Leadership Award® was inspired by the goddess of Greek mythology known for her strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment—qualities embodied in the ATHENA Model. The Award is unique in both scope—local, national and international—and the ATHENA mission upon which it is based. The ATHENA Leadership Award® is a nationwide program designed to honor those who are mentoring women in business and helping them strive to attain their highest level of accomplishment and leadership.

Union Mutual of Vermont Companies, founded in 1874, is a property casualty insurance group consisting of Union Mutual Fire Insurance and New England Guaranty Insurance Company Inc., both based in Montpelier, Vermontand Community Mutual Insurance Company, based in Latham, New York. The three companies write a total of $186 million in direct premium annually through independent agents throughout New England and New York and are all rated A (Excellent) with a Stable Outlook by AM Best.