Risk Strategies appoints Melissa Lewis as COO, commercial lines
Risk Strategies announced Melissa Lewis has been appointed to succeed Drew Carnase as Chief Operating Officer, Commercial Lines. Carnase is retiring after over 30 years in the industry.
Lewis came to Risk Strategies in 2023, developing a unification strategy for assimilating acquisitions and spearheading the creation of the firm’s Integration Management Office. She then built a Business Operations team designed to help leaders implement corporate initiatives, maximize time spent supporting teams and clients, and drive growth.
“Melissa is a transformational leader who has made us better with everything she’s touched,” said John Scroope, National Director of Retail Operations, Risk Strategies. “She is absolutely the right person to succeed Drew and push the Commercial Lines operations to the next level in terms of innovation, support, and growth.”
In her new role as Chief Operating officer, Commercial Lines, Lewis will focus on:
- Generating profitable growth while expanding market share for the firm
- Building out effective support systems for sales and service teams
- Ensuring consistent delivery of a market-leading client experience
- Inspiring an energized commitment to focus, ownership, and accountability
“I am excited to take on this new challenge,” said Lewis. “I feel confident that my industry experience, the groundwork Drew has laid, and the firm’s culture of collaboration and entrepreneurship will ensure success in both the near and long term.”
Prior to Risk Strategies, Lewis held increasingly responsible positions over the course of more than 30 years, including serving as Regional Operating Officer and Head of Client Service, North America for a top five broker. Based in Overland Park, Kansas, she is a native of the state and holds an associate degree in paralegal studies from Brown Mackie College.
