NAME: Tami E. Stevenson
NEW JOB TITLE: Atlanta-based general counsel, Crawford & Co.
PREVIOUS POSITION: Atlanta-based deputy general counsel, Crawford & Co.
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: COVID-19 has changed our industry significantly. Like many other companies, Crawford has had to move toward more remote work. Weve also been able to introduce new technologies to our clients that are helping them continue to handle claims during this crisis. Because the situation is still evolving, it is difficult to predict what the outlook is for the industry long-term.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: Since I have been in the Crawford legal department for several years, I have the advantage of well-developed relationships with my clients and stakeholders. I have also been involved in the execution of changes that made the department successful before I was named general counsel, so my goals are aligned with the existing strategy for the department. But an immediate goal is to ensure our continued commitment to providing outstanding customer service to our internal and external clients.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: Beyond COVID-19, we need to be focused on digital transformation, the aging workforce, and staying ahead of cyber risk.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: I was in-house counsel for a small workers compensation group self-insurance plan.
ADVICE: In my first job, my office was on the floor with the adjusters and I was embedded in their day-to-day work. I learned so much from them and was able to provide better legal advice to the business because I understood both their responsibilities and their pain points. So my advice would be to immerse yourself in the business not just the department you work in as quickly as you can to develop a deep understanding of how all facets of the business function.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: I would love to own an Ace Hardware store.
COLLEGE MAJOR: English
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Continuing to serve our amazing, talented and hard-working employees.
FAVOURITE MEAL: Anything other than seafood.
BOOK: I dont have just one favorite. Anything written by Alexander McCall Smith or mystery novels from writers all over the world.
HOBBIES: I enjoy building things, hiking, people watching
TV SHOW: I like watching oldies, so Hill Street Blues is currently on the binge-watch list.
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Saturday afternoon is usually recovery time to just relax after whatever project I was working on Saturday morning. So usually a cold beer, deck sitting and listening to music.
