Alyssa Pierce
33 | Customer Support Supervisor, Union Mutual Insurance
Residence: Washington
Career highlight you are most proud of:
The career highlight I’m most proud of is starting in the insurance industry over 12 years ago with no prior experience and now supervising a team of customer support representatives. My background as a claims adjuster has equipped me to effectively support them in their roles.
Community Involvement:
Throughout the years, I've been actively involved in the community in a variety of ways. I've participated in fundraising and paddling for Dragonheart Vermont at the Dragon Boat Festival, and I've taken the plunge into the icy waters of Lake Champlain to support Special Olympics Vermont.
Additionally, I've helped revitalize hanging flower baskets in Montpelier and gleaned tomatoes for those facing food insecurity. No matter the event, it's such a rewarding moment to be able to give back.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont?
I was born and raised in a small town in Vermont and truly valued how and where I was brought up. I wanted to be able to do the same for my children and have them have a similar upbringing.
Favorite part of your job:
My favorite part of my job is helping my team succeed in their daily roles while also encouraging and supporting their long-term growth.
Working in customer service means assisting not only our external customers but also our internal colleagues. This requires patience, empathy, creativity, and organization—all of which bring me joy and a sense of purpose in my work.
Most inspiring mentor and why:
My most inspiring mentor was a former supervisor who consistently supported and encouraged me, playing a crucial role in my development. He offered diverse perspectives that helped me think creatively as a new leader, enabling me to navigate various challenges effectively.
What is the best career advice you have received?
The best career advice I have received is to focus on continued education and adaptability. Embracing new challenges and being open to changes, these features help you grow and stay relevant and present you with opportunities.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know:
Few people know that I have a real passion for vehicles. Growing up with my father as a mechanic, I developed a love for cars and enjoy learning about new features, technologies, and the changes introduced each year.
What three words best describe you:
Reliable, proactive and dedicated.
Favorite Vermont escape:
My favorite Vermont escape is camping with my family and friends, nothing beats relaxing around a campfire.
Favorite Vermont season:
My favorite Vermont season hands down is fall. The temperatures are a mix of warm and cool, you can put on your jeans and sweatshirt and be cozy. Most importantly, you can beat the beauty of fall foliage.
Favorite downtime activity:
My favorite downtime activity is getting comfy and reading.
Favorite Social Media and why:
My favorite social media is Instagram, I love seeing everyone's pictures and not having all the other clutter of other social media platforms.
What is your favorite smell?
My favorite scent has to be fresh-cut grass. Winters in Vermont are so long that the smell of freshly mowed lawns is incredibly refreshing.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with:
The person I’d most like to share a Vermont beverage with is my grandmother. Since she is no longer with us, I would give anything for that opportunity.
She was a native Vermonter who later moved to Florida after retirement. Having her back in Vermont to share a drink and listen to her wisdom would be the greatest gift.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support:
If I had unlimited access to funds I would support Make-A-Wish, no child should ever have to go through such terrible illness and they deserve to have these wishes granted. As I am an animal lover, I would also contribute funds to various animal shelters.
What one song is on your playlist that are you embarrassed to tell your best friend:
No need to be embarrassed, that's why we are best friends!
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years?
In five years, I see myself in a leadership role where I can further develop my skills and make a significant impact within my organization. I hope to mentor others and contribute to a positive team culture.
What career goal(s) would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years?
My biggest career goal for the next five years is to obtain my CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter) designation. This credential is highly regarded in the insurance industry, and I aspire to join the ranks of those who hold it.