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Resource Center | News
Karen K. Farris Named a 2009 Women in Business Awards Honoree by the Dallas Business Journal Release Date: July 2009DALLAS, Texas – Karen K. Farris, CPCU, ARM, President and CEO of Roach Howard Smith & Barton (RHSB), a leading independent insurance brokerage firm and Assurex Global partner, has been named an honoree in the Dallas Business Journal's 2009 Women in Business Awards. Ms. Farris, who made the list of the Top 25 Changemakers, is being recognized by the Dallas Business Journal for her leadership and accomplishments in her company, her industry and her community. The Dallas Business Journal's second annual Women in Business Awards also includes the Top 25 Women to Watch and a Business Ally Award for a male CEO who supports the corporate advancement of women. “I am honored to be named among so many of D-FW’s most prominent female executives,” says Ms. Farris. “I believe it’s important to make the most of D-FW’s thriving business community. For me, both as a female and as a business-owner, that means working to make a difference not only within my company but also in my industry and in the community. It’s encouraging to know so many influential female executives go to great lengths to make a positive impact in business as well as in the lives of others.” Karen Farris’ accomplishments as a leader and an agent for change are substantial. Karen joined RHSB in 1982 as Vice President of Marketing and soon after founded the firm’s Technology Practice. Today, because of her foresight and vision, this specialized practice group has evolved to become one of the firm’s signature programs and recently expanded to include life science and media specializations. Karen became the RHSB’s first female shareholder and was elected to the board in 1989. She became President in 1994 and Chief Executive Officer in 1996. To date, she remains one of the insurance industry’s only female presidents and CEOs for an insurance brokerage firm of its size. Under her leadership, the firm has tripled in size with a current client base exceeding 7,000. With accomplishments extending well beyond her company, Karen has made a significant difference in the insurance industry and in her community, thereby serving as a role model and mentor for many female professionals. She was the first female member of the Park Cities Rotary and the first female president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Dallas. To date, the defining moment in her career was being named the first female chairperson of Assurex Global, the largest private brokerage network in the world with over 20,000 insurance professionals in 558 offices on six continents. Karen is passionate about giving back to the community and dedicates her time to a number of local nonprofits, such as the Park Cities Rotary Club, through which she volunteers with Meals on Wheels, the Angel Tree and the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. She is also a long-time volunteer with the American Heart Association, which includes membership in the nonprofit’s Insurance Committee. Karen’s community service also includes her work with Attitudes & Attire, a Dallas-based organization dedicated to promoting personal growth for women seeking self-sufficiency, where she serves on the board of directors. < Back to News |
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