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Strate Insurance Group, Inc., a trusted insurance, risk management, and employee benefits advisory firm, is proud to announce a significant change in its leadership structure.

Katherine Strate Smith has purchased a controlling interest in the company, becoming president and CEO. This momentous transition marks the third generation of the Strate family to own and lead the business.

Smith expressed her enthusiasm for this new chapter, saying, “It is an immense honor to lead Strate Insurance Group and carry forward the family’s legacy of serving our community. I am committed to nurturing our clients’ trust and ensuring we remain a reliable insurance and risk management partner for generations to come.”

The continuity of the Strate legacy remains strong. Tom Strate, the company’s leader for almost 40 years, assumes the role of vice president and chief financial officer. Together, Strate and Smith are co-owners and business partners, fortifying the agency’s foundation for continued growth and prosperity.

“I am thrilled to welcome Katherine as the new President and CEO of Strate Insurance Group. As a third-generation Strate family member, her passion, dedication, and fresh perspective will undoubtedly drive our agency to even greater heights. Together, as co-owners and business partners, we are committed to upholding our family’s legacy of exceptional service and community engagement.

“Katherine’s leadership marks an exciting chapter for our agency, and I am confident that she will lead us towards a future of continued success and growth,” said Strate.

This is a groundbreaking moment for insurance industry, which has historically been dominated by male leadership. This milestone marks an inspiring step towards increased gender diversity in the sector and exemplifies the potential for women-led agencies to thrive.

Strate Insurance Group has a longstanding commitment to its community, and this change in ownership underscores the company’s dedication to Morristown and the Lakeway Area. With Smith’s strategic vision and leadership, the agency aims to uphold its position as a trusted insurance and risk management partner, providing personalized solutions to its valued business and personal clients.

Smith’s impressive career accomplishments speak to her ability to take on the role of President and CEO with confidence and vision. A 2005 graduate of Morristown-Hamblen High School West, Smith went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts with a major in public relations at the University of Georgia, where she excelled as a member of the prestigious Arch Society and Pi Beta Phi fraternity. Her dedication to her field was evident through her service on the executive committee for PRSSA and her graduation from the ILA program at the Terry College of Business.

Throughout her career, Smith garnered invaluable experience working with esteemed clients such as Chick-fil-A, Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, The Home Depot, Microsoft and T-Mobile. In 2018, she returned to her hometown of Morristown, joining Strate Insurance Group as a Business Insurance Sales Agent. Her commitment to excellence saw her ascend through the ranks, serving in various leadership positions, including chief customer officer and COO.