Utica National names its first woman CEO

Utica National Insurance Group, which has an office in Woodbury, has named Kristen Martin as CEO. Effective July 1, Martin is the first woman to lead the company. She succeeds Richard Creedon, who, after a 26-year career with the firm, has retired from his role as CEO, but will remain as chairman of the board.

Martin most recently served as the firm’s president and chief operating officer, having been named to the position in 2019. She joined Utica National as an examiner in 2001 and, following several promotions, was named corporate secretary and executive vice president in 2013, and director of underwriting operations in 2014. She was named executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2016.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead an amazing team and work closely with the independent agents who represent our company toward one goal to help our insureds protect what’s important to them,” Martin said in a written statement. “At the same time, I’m excited about helping our company continue to grow, be successful, and contribute to the wellbeing of the communities where we live and work.”

Under Martin’s leadership, Utica National Group Foundation will continue to support such events as the Utica National Kids Run and Boilermaker 5K in Utica, as well as the work of nonprofit organizations helping children, adults and families through grants and the volunteer efforts of the firm’s teams.

Martin holds a juris doctorate from Albany Law School, a bachelor’s degree in economics and government from St. Lawrence University, and the associate in claims professional designation. She has been active with the United Way and held various positions with the Clinton Central School District Parent Teachers Association and Sports Boosters. She also served as a mentor with the Laurentians Investing in Networking and Careers for St. Lawrence University and as a member of its parents committee. She is on the McNeil Academy Advisory Board of Le Moyne College and was recently named a trustee for the college. She is also a member of the campaign steering committee of the Mohawk Valley Health System.

She was elected to the New York Insurance Association’s Board of Directors in 2020 and has served as the Go Red chairwoman for the American Heart Association Mohawk Valley. As part of her involvement, she is committed to raising awareness about heart disease with Utica National employees and to raise funds for the American Heart Association.

Martin lives in Clinton, New York, with her husband Chris Carr, and has two sons, Ethan and Spencer.