With nearly two decades of experience and an impressive array of qualifications, Precious Norman Walton (pictured), an account executive at EG Bowman Co., is an icon in the insurance industry. As someone who began her career working for a local State Farm agent, she is a firm believer in the power of continuing education to navigate an evolving market landscape.

“I pride myself on being a lifelong learner, which is a perfect fit for the insurance industry as we face ever-evolving risks,” says Norman Walton. International Baccalaureate.

Since starting her career nearly twenty years ago, Norman Walton has seen a significant shift in the types of threats the industry faces – particularly in areas such as cyber risk and operational lines such as employee practices liability.

“As laws and society change, so do litigation procedures, which directly impacts how insurance evolves,” she explained. “This is definitely one of those professions (where) you can write your own adventure. I’ve found it helpful to stack my tools with different disciplines so I can pivot and also get a deeper understanding of all the different moving parts within the industry.”

Community representation

As the Agent Program Director for the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA), Norman Walton is deeply involved in initiatives that support and empower independent agents, particularly within the African American community.

“Our representation in this area is still very weak, especially with independently owned agencies,” she noted.

Although African Americans make up nearly 13% of the U.S. population, they represent only 2-3% of independent agency owners. This disparity is stark, with representation at the top management levels severely underrepresented. To address this, NAAIA provides a suite of tools and programs aimed at helping agents understand evolving risks, retain clients, and manage diverse insurance needs.

“It is important to remind independent agents that they may work for themselves but they do not have to work alone,” said Norman Walton. International Baccalaureate“By putting them in a community and making friends with others who are going through similar issues, it really helps them get crowdfunded — (finding) sympathetic peers who can help them overcome the obstacles they face.”

Global Leadership

Norman Walton’s involvement with the Association of Certified Property and Casualty Underwriters (CPCU) has also shaped her perspective on the challenges and opportunities of the industry. Since receiving her CPCU designation in 2016, she has been active with her local chapter and now serves on the Global Leadership Council.

“Being part of the CPCU Association has been an enlightening resource for my career, exposing me to different aspects of the industry and putting me in a mindset to build a legacy,” she said. Her role has provided her with a global perspective, allowing her to understand the pain points and successes of the industry around the world.

With decades of experience and a diverse skill set, Norman Walton focuses on providing tailored insurance solutions to mid-market and large commercial clients.

“My experience in risk and claims management allows me to offer a comprehensive perspective to our clients,” she explains. She believes this comprehensive approach is particularly appreciated by financial institutions and municipalities, which benefit from the additional risk management services her firm offers.

Finally, Norman Walton highlights the importance of inspiring the next generation and newcomers to the industry. Her commitment to professional growth is evident in her numerous certifications, including CPCU, SHRM-CP, TRIP, AIC, AINS, AIS, and ACS. Each designation requires rigorous study, testing, and adherence to a code of ethics.

“Continuous education and keeping up with changes and challenges is more important now than ever,” Norman Walton stressed.