ACSR Spotlight - Carol Barnette

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Carol Barnette of S.L. Nusbaum Insurance Agency in Norfolk, Virginia, began her career in insurance at an early age. A family friend, Fred Martin, owned an insurance agency, and one summer Carol’s Dad suggested that she apply for a job there. So Carol applied and started working at Fred Martin’s Insurance Agency when she turned 17. After graduating from Oscar Smith High School, Carol began working at the agency full-time. She worked with the policies, did bookkeeping, typing and whatever else needed to be done around the office. Carol has worked in the insurance industry for 35 years, and S.L. Nusbaum is where she calls home now. For the past 12 years, Carol has worked at S.L. Nusbaum as a commercial lines account manager. Her favorite part about working in the insurance industry is her clients. She enjoys the personal contact and the ability to make her clients’ world a little easier, which has helped develop lasting and close relationships.

In 1979, Carol became licensed in property & casualty. Her thirst for knowledge continued from there. During the 1970’s and 80’s, Carol was active in her local chapter of NAIW. Through this organization, she earned her CPIW. She also developed a great social network that allowed her to interact with other insurance professionals and get ideas on how to be a better person professionally. Carol is a firm believer in continuing education. "The more you know, the better you are at everything," she says. In 2006, she completed the AIAM program, and just recently in 2010, earned her ACSR designation in commercial lines. Both of these programs have allowed Carol to grow professionally and to expand her insurance knowledge base.

When she’s not busy at work, Carol enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She has three children and one grandson that live in the area. In her spare time, she crochets, reads and takes care of her pets. Carol loves animals which explains why she has cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and a possum that call her house a home!


Is there an ACSR in your office who goes above and beyond in the insurance industry or in the community? If so, let IIAV know. Send your nominations to Kristina (kpreisner@iiav.com) at 1-800-288-4428. Nominations must be submitted by an agency principal, manager or supervisor working at the employee’s agency/company.