Meagan E. Iafrate
Senior account manager
Global Captive Practice, WTW
Personal bio: With over four years of dedicated experience in the captive insurance industry, Meagan Iafrate has swiftly progressed from an administrative assistant at Elevate Risk Solutions to her current position as senior account manager at WTW.
Her career began at Elevate, where she developed her expertise in operational management, governance, and the complexities of various domiciles.
Recognised for her ability to streamline processes and improve efficiencies, she was promoted to operations manager — a role she held until January 2025.
Now at WTW, Meagan draws on her experience to manage complex accounts, nurturing strong relationships with captive owners, service providers, and regulators.
As a rising talent in the field, she is dedicated to driving innovation and supporting the growth of the captive insurance sector through robust governance and strategic collaboration.
Meagan works remotely from Granbury, Texas, where she lives with her husband, two dogs, and a flock of backyard chickens.
Her remote working arrangement enables her to maintain a balance between professional achievement and personal fulfilment, making her a dynamic presence in the captive insurance industry. She holds the ACI designation and a degree in risk management from the University of Oklahoma.
Could you share any insights or experiences you have had in the captive insurance industry?
In my role within the captive insurance industry, I have developed a strong focus on operations management. One of my key responsibilities at Elevate was designing and implementing project management systems to ensure every aspect of captive formation and administration was thoroughly tracked and managed. This structured approach guarantees that all regulatory requirements are fulfilled, financial reports are delivered accurately and on time, and any potential issues are swiftly identified and resolved.
My operations management expertise has been instrumental in streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and enhancing the overall quality of our captive insurance solutions. This methodical approach not only supports ongoing compliance but also instils confidence in clients regarding the strength and reliability of their captive programmes.
How has your previous experience prepared you for your current role?
My previous experience has been instrumental in preparing me for my current role. Entering the industry with a degree in risk management and an internship at an insurance company gave me a strong foundation. However, it was my time at Elevate that truly equipped me for success at WTW.
At Elevate, I had the opportunity to earn my Associate in Captive Insurance (ACI) designation, which greatly deepened my knowledge of captives. The team there guided me through the intricacies of captive formation and management, offering hands-on experience and valuable insights. Their comprehensive training and support were key in developing my expertise and confidence in the field.
Based on your experience, what would you say are the key benefits of working in this industry?
Working in the captive insurance industry offers a number of advantages. One of the most valuable is the sector’s strong emphasis on continuous learning, which ensures professionals remain current with the latest trends and best practices. It is a dynamic and expanding field, presenting a wide range of career opportunities in areas such as risk management, underwriting, and regulatory compliance.
Collaboration is another key benefit, as the role often involves working with a diverse group of professionals, encouraging innovation and the sharing of valuable insights. The industry also provides opportunities to engage with clients and colleagues around the world, offering a broader perspective and insight into various regulatory environments and market dynamics.
The flexibility to work remotely is another notable advantage, supporting a healthier work-life balance and enabling professionals to work from virtually anywhere.
What types of companies have you assisted in captive formation, and what specific risks were they aiming to protect against?
I have worked with companies across a wide range of industries to address various risks, including liability, workers’ compensation, cyber threats, and business interruption.
Each project is tailored to the specific needs and objectives of the company, ensuring they have robust risk management solutions in place.
These companies span sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics, healthcare, and care homes. In addition, I have contributed to a renter deposit alternative programme, which utilises a contractual liability insurance policy (CLIP) for property management firms that own and manage extensive portfolios of apartment buildings.
This programme provides a financial safety net for property owners in the event of tenant defaults or damages, serving as an alternative to traditional rental deposits.
I have also worked on a tenant legal liability (TLL) programme, which helps protect property owners from damage caused by tenants. This type of cover is typically used to mitigate risks such as fire, smoke, or other incidents caused by tenants.
Can you name your main influences in the industry?
My main influences in the industry originate from my time at Elevate. Jerry Messick and Serena Lintker were instrumental in my development, offering me a deep well of knowledge in captive management. Their support has been invaluable, particularly when they took a chance on me as an inexperienced recent graduate.
What are your aspirations for your future career in the industry?
My ultimate aspirations in the captive insurance industry revolve around leadership and education. I aim to step into leadership roles where I can guide and mentor others, sharing the knowledge and experience I have gained — and will continue to gain — over the years.
By educating and training the next generation of captive insurance professionals, I hope to support the growth and advancement of the industry.
I am also enthusiastic about the global opportunities within captive insurance. I plan to broaden my expertise by deepening my understanding of regulatory frameworks, market dynamics, and best practices across various domiciles, both in the US and internationally. This global perspective will not only sharpen my professional capabilities but also expand my network and create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
What advice do you have for someone considering a role in captive insurance?
If you are considering a role in captive insurance, my advice would be to immerse yourself in learning as much as you can. Captive insurance is a specialised field that presents both unique opportunities and challenges, so establishing a strong foundation is essential.
Begin by taking courses offered by the International Center for Captive Insurance Education (ICCIE). They provide excellent resources to help you build your knowledge and connect with professionals across all areas of the industry.
These courses will deepen your understanding of the complexities of captive insurance, from regulatory requirements to risk management strategies.
It is also beneficial to seek out mentors and experienced industry professionals who can share guidance and insights from their own careers.
Networking is vital — attend industry conferences, join professional associations, and take part in webinars to keep up with the latest trends and developments.
Jennifer Pettengill, account executive, WTW “We’re happy to have Meagan on the WTW team. She brings years of industry knowledge and experience, and her willingness to dive in and take on any task has made her transition seamless. She is a true asset to the team.”
