Westminster Alumnus Leader Moves Into New Executive Position
Many Westminster names fill the columns of business news in America’s major metropolitan areas as young Westminster alumni take their place as leaders of industry.
In recent months, one of those names was Chris Panettiere ’93 ΦΔΘ from Atlanta, Georgia, who moved into the position of Senior Vice President of Employees Benefits for Lockton, the world’s largest privately held, independent insurance broker and consultant.
In his new executive role, Chris provides expertise to businesses who want to enhance their employee benefits programs.
“When I work with businesses, I make sure to truly understand their goals and challenges,” says Panettiere. “From there, we work together to structure a program that protects their most valuable asset, their employees.
Chris brings 20 years of consulting experience to his new position and previously served as Executive Vice President and Georgia Employee Benefits Practice Leader for nine years at global insurance broker Willis Towers Watson.
In spite of his busy schedule, Chris still finds time to give back to his alma mater and has been a member of the Westminster Board of Trustees since 2010.
Chris readily admits that his years at Westminster where he was President of the Junior and Senior Class, a resident advisor, and a Student Ambassador prepared him for the business world.
“I loved the campus, the professors, and the fraternity life,” Chris says. “And I gained friendships and knowledge about the business world that have lasted me a lifetime.”
Chris was a business administration major with an emphasis in marketing and Spanish.
He earned his first job while still in school in May 1993 from an interview with the insurance company Aetna, Inc.
During his four years there he rose to a senior level marketing and sales position before moving to Anthem Health Plans of Virginia as an Account Executive.
He took a position in 2000 as Principal Business Development Consultant with Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. before leaving in two years to join Willis Towers Watson.
In his new position at Lockton, Chris will apply all his experience in health and welfare programs, human resources strategy, plan design, administration, compensation, and financial security programs to help businesses be successful.
“In every tough situation I have ever encountered after graduation, I always think back to my time at Westminster,” says Chris. “The experiences and education there truly prepared me for the demands and pressures of the business world outside the walls of Fulton.”
Chris has a wife Cathy and two daughters, Cora and Lucy.
“I loved this school when I was there and still love it today!” says Chris about the Blue Jay Nation.
