In this spotlight interview, we meet Kate O'Toole, a NetVU member and volunteer-turned-Board member who has been with us since 2003. For insurance professionals wanting to advance in their career, Kate’s advice is to get involved! Even the smallest efforts can one day count toward something bigger. Let's get to know her more!
Kate is currently the operations manager at Starkweather & Shepley Inc. A Pittsburgh native, she grew up 30 minutes north of the city on a horse farm and still goes back to see her family as often as possible. She graduated from Saint Vincent College with a B.S. in Elementary Education in 2010 and then went on to receive an M.B.A from Point Park University in 2013.
After finishing college she worked as an event planner in Pittsburgh and also helped out part time at her family’s insurance agency. But what was meant to be a part time job, soon turned into a full time career. And although she never planned on joining the family business, Kate has now worked in the insurance industry for over a decade.
After working at her family’s agency for some time, she decided to branch out on her own and made the tough decision to leave her family’s agency. With their blessing and support, she found another position in Cape Cod and made the move soon after. Although she still misses home, this was the best thing she could do for her career at the time.
During this period she also became involved with NetVU, first as a volunteer and then as a more active member. It all started after she took a certification course and then came back the next year to teach the course!
Over the years, her involvement with NetVU continued to grow. Throughout the years, she’s worked in task forces, work groups, and was eventually nominated to join the board of directors. This all came to fruition in 2024 when she finally rose to the position of chairman, a role she’s proud to have achieved. What she likes the most about this organization is the incredible people she’s met, as well as the unbelievable amount of support and help it provides to its members. NetVU has also provided her with countless personal and professional opportunities.
Kate’s biggest strength is her knack for learning new systems and creating educational programs. And with her background in education, this made her a perfect fit for NetVU. She also believes in the power of time management and organization. These skills give her the ability to see the whole picture, knowing that one simple change could cause a snowball effect.
Family is the biggest influence in her life, along with friends and colleagues. Each has played a pivotal role in her life, constantly making her re-evaluate the best version of herself. In her spare time she enjoys reading, traveling, and trying new restaurants whenever she can.
If you’d like an advance your career, but not sure where to start, then NetVU can help!