It’s always interesting to see the leadership shuffles that happen at the big brokerage houses. Sometimes it’s a big external hire, and other times, it’s a sign of a really strong internal culture when a company promotes from within.
That’s exactly what we’re seeing over at Heffernan Insurance Brokers. They just announced that they’ve promoted Lacey Garrison Strom to be the new President of Personal Lines.
If you’ve been in the personal lines world for a while, especially in the high-net-worth space, that name probably rings a bell. This isn't just a routine promotion; it feels like a really thoughtful, strategic move. Let's break down what's happening.
A Familiar Face in a Big New Role
So, who is Lacey Garrison Strom? Well, she’s no stranger to Heffernan or the unique challenges of personal insurance. She’s been with the company, previously serving as the Executive Vice President and Director of the Private Client Group.
And she brings some serious experience to the table—we’re talking over 20 years dedicated to personal insurance risk management. Her sweet spot? Working with affluent individuals and family offices.
Think about that for a second. That’s a world away from standard auto and home policies. You’re dealing with complex assets, unique liability exposures, and clients who expect a level of service that's second to none. It’s a consultative, relationship-driven part of our business, and it’s clear Lacey has mastered it.
What This Move Means for Heffernan
In her new role as President, Lacey is set to oversee the entire strategic direction and operations for the personal insurance division. That means she’ll be the driving force behind client and carrier relationships and, of course, pushing for sales growth. It’s a huge responsibility.
But what I find most telling is her own words on the promotion. She said, “I am deeply grateful for Mike Heffernan and Liz Bishop’s confidence and support and am truly grateful for their mentorship throughout my career.”
This isn't just corporate-speak. When a new leader immediately credits their mentors within the company, it says a lot about the culture there. It tells you this is a place that invests in its people for the long haul.
She went on to say, “This next chapter is about building on that foundation, ensuring we stay true to our values while driving growth and delivering exceptional results for those we serve.” It’s that perfect blend of respecting the past while looking squarely at the future. You love to see it.
Not Forgetting Her Roots
Here’s another detail that I think is really smart: Lacey will also continue to oversee the Private Client Group.
Why does that matter? Because she was instrumental in building that group into what it is today. During her time as branch manager for the Family Office Personal Insurance team, she helped transform it into a true industry leader.
By keeping her connected to that group, Heffernan ensures continuity. They’re not losing the magic that made the Private Client Group so successful. Instead, they’re hoping she can sprinkle some of that magic across the entire personal lines division. It’s like asking your star chef to run the whole restaurant group—you know the quality is going to be top-notch everywhere.
It's a big move, for sure, but it feels like a natural next step for both Lacey and for Heffernan. It’s a vote of confidence in a leader who has proven herself time and again. It’ll be exciting to watch where she takes the division from here. A huge congratulations to her on the new role.
