About SDS – Meet Carol Williams, SDS Founder & Lead Strategist

Carol’s Expertise:

Developing Custom Tools to Help P&C Insurers Succeed

I help P&C insurers maintain financial solvency during turbulent times and prepare for long-term growth.

Clients Who
Trust Us

A little about me

My P&C career began as an analyst and later financial specialist with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation where I gained in-depth knowledge of how insurance companies are structured and operate during both hard and soft markets.

After half a decade of comprehensive regulator experience, I decided it was time to move to the industry side of the coin. Working at a large insurance carrier provided an even deeper understanding of not just insurance company operations, but executive-level strategy setting, execution, and more.

This experience sparked intense interest and ongoing exploration into how similar companies can equip themselves to better manage potential threats and seize opportunities in an extremely volatile market.

In case you are wondering, I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of West Florida and a Master’s in Risk Management/Insurance from Florida State University. I’m an exercise fanatic, enjoy mystery novels, and relish spending time with my family.

How my experience can help you succeed!

2002

2007

2010

2016

2020

2002

2002 – Started with Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
Analyst and financial specialist roles within Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) supporting company licensing, reinsurance & contract analysis, depopulation of Citizens, and onsite financial exams of Florida P&C insurers. During the hectic ’04-’05 hurricane seasons, I also played a key support role for both Florida hurricane data reporting and assisting the National Association of Insurance Commissioners develop a multi-state reporting system.

This experience now focuses on supporting insurance companies like yours assure regulators your company is being well-managed in the interest of policyholders and other stakeholders.

2007

2007 – Educated in risk management and insurance from top-in-the-nation RMI program

My work with OIR sparked a deep interest in the risk management aspects of insurance company operations, leading me to attain an M.S. Degree in Risk Management/Insurance from Florida State University.

2007

2007 – Joined Citizens Property Insurance Corporation

Carol provides you insights based on her role providing crucial operational data and analyses to executive leaders, legislators, and underwriting and claims personnel for one of Florida’s largest property insurers.

2010

2010 – Built Enterprise Risk Management from Scratch

Manager and subsequent Director-role assisting executives of Citizens develop a customized ERM program to provide a holistic view of threats and opportunities facing the company.

2016

Launched ERM Insights by Carol consulting firm and blog to help risk professionals worldwide across different industries develop practices for identifying, assessing, and managing risk to strategic objectives.

2020

Consulting firm rebranded to Strategic Decision Solutions to better focus on helping property & casualty insurers develop customized tools for addressing challenges and ensuring the company meets or exceeds its goals regardless of the market and operating environment.

What Others Are Saying

“Carol is great at having a productive conversation and keeping it from being overwhelming, focusing us on what we need to do to manage the right risks.” VP of Operations

“As usual, always a pleasure, and very helpful…so much to think about and also validated a lot of things.” Chief Compliance and Risk Officer

“I just want to take a second to thank Kathy and Carol for all of the hard work, late nights, dedication and will power to push our partners along. This is not a job that gets lots of praise and we do not need the praise, but it is a CRITICAL job to the success of this team…” Project Management Director

“Wow…that’s awesome…thanks Kathy and Carol for this help and work!! Humbled by your dedication – we stand on your shoulders to be able to succeed!!” VP

“Carol was able to help us find a starting point based on our needs and available resources. She worked diligently to adapt as the environment changed.” Executive VP

“She is persistent in reinforcing what is needed for the integrity of the process while adapting to what is achievable.” Executive VP

“Provides candid expertise with options, friendly to work with, and remains calm with pending deadlines.” ; “…your friendship is appreciated and gives me comfort that I can reach out and ask the ‘silly’ questions. Thank you!” Senior Director of Risk Management

"The leadership team is more focused and cohesive since we started working with Carol. She has given our company President a different perspective on her role and how to reach our goals." ~ CFO

“We so appreciate having you on our team, Carol. If you hadn’t been here, there is no way we would have been able to get this requirement done in time for this critical initiative.” Program/Project Mgmt Lead