Tribute to Terri Joyner
Date: 4/12/2006Contact: Joan Barrett/800-690-0070
Tribute to Terri Joyner
It’s hard to think of another person in the claims field that garners as much respect, admiration and affection as Terri Joyner. Terri’s sunny disposition and optimistic viewpoint makes even the stressful atmosphere of claims handling easier somehow for everyone around her. She has a soft center surrounded with a get-it-done attitude that is inspiring. Terri refuses to indulge in self-pity even when world-shattering adversities enter her life.
Terri began her work in claims for GAB where she handled Cal-Vet claims and was soon promoted to field adjuster. This is a position that she still loves, particularly property claims where she has an opportunity to really help people who need it. She became a supervisor of the Cal-Vet claims for GAB and within a remarkably short time for anyone, much less a woman, she was the manager of the GAB Sacramento branch. She also took on the responsibilities of the Stockton and Modesto branches of GAB and was in charge of the Northridge catastrophe claims.
Sequoia Insurance hired Terri for the Modesto office and she has thrived there for seven and a half years, in the field and with supportive associates that she says it is hard to leave. But she will be leaving at the end of May to return to her childhood home of New Glarus, Wisconsin to be near her family. She leaves a large vacancy for Sequoia and for all of us who will miss her dearly.
From Serena Larson in Southern California, now a GA with York Claims Services, regarding her time with Terri at GAB. “Working with Terri was a wonderful experience that prepared me well for my future claims endeavors. Not only was she an inspiration toward continuing my education in claims as she diligently and successfully pursued her CPCU goal; she was also a great confidant and a true leader. There were not many women working in the field when I started and Terri truly blazed the way for all of us that followed in her footsteps.”
Terri’s former administrative assistant Kathleen Shaw, now an office manager for a State Farm agent in Silverdale , WA says “The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Terri as both a friend, boss and mentor is her incredible integrity. Terri has the courage and the integrity to tell her friends when they're wrong and her foes when they're right. There are so many other things I could say but I would be writing the article if I did. Words can never express how grateful I feel to have the gift of Terri's presence in my life. She is my "constant" who is ever present in my heart every moment of every day. She always was / will be my friend.”
Barry Jackier, now with the property claims unit of Farmer’s Insurance had this to say “Terri gave me my start in claims. She put her faith in me, hiring me out of the mail room, and gave me the opportunity to succeed. I appreciate her knowledge and her experience and will forever be grateful to her for the opportunity she gave me.”
George Platt, a marketing representative for GAB for many years, worked with Terri and considers her a good friend who is well-respected in the insurance community. Now that he is marketing for American Technologies, George feels that from a vendor perspective, it is rare to be treated with the respect and cordiality that Terri offered to all of the service providers that came through her office door. Terri wanted the best for the policyholders and was willing to take the time to listen and explore the services offered to get the best quality solution for them.
Gary Taylor of Taylor Renovation and Construction in Modesto weighed in; “Terri was always one of the most efficient and thorough adjusters we worked with. She examined the scope of loss with a critical eye that is the sign of a good adjuster; she wouldn’t have been doing her job without that scrutiny.” Chris Taylor added, “Terri always kept payments current which helps the contractors maintain the crews needed to respond to the policyholders. She had a great deal of self-discipline and a sense of fairness that we appreciate.”
It was Terri’s respect for others and their work that struck Ron Oates of Heritage Company in working for Terri as an independent adjuster and an inventory specialist. “I have enjoyed working with Terri. She provides direction while allowing the independent adjuster the opportunity to adjust the claim. She knows how best to use the experience of her vendors. I will miss our professional relationship.”
Greg Martin of Property General Adjusters in Overland Park, Kansas, was the manager of the Sacramento GAB who first hired Terri as a trainee. He describes Terri as “the kind of employee that employers hope for. She is responsible, eager to learn, capable and kind. There isn’t anything I can think of which is not in her favor.”
Bob Martin was a GA with GAB for many years and recalls working with Terri there “I think the thing that impresses me most is her professionalism and her desire to keep that in our daily work. She went out of her way to organize the claims events to keep claims adjusting as a profession, not just a job, through education and building relationships. I have had the honor of knowing her for around 15 years as a friend, co-worker and boss. She has always maintained the highest standards both professionally and personally. I could go on and talk about her inner strength but I think everyone is well aware of that.”
Debi Collum of Sequoia Insurance notes, “I have worked with Terri for the last 4 + years, she has been such a great friend and mentor. Terri has taught me a great deal about myself and life in general. Terri has also been a mentor to me; she has been teaching me the ropes of insurance claims. Anyone could learn a lot from her, she is patient and kind. I will truly miss her. I really consider her a true friend and a
sister I never had.”
Bon Voyage and best wishes, Terri, from your insurance industry family.