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NOTABLE Women IN CONSTRUCTION HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | NOVEMBER 3, 2025 B3 L eyna Erickson New England Area Construction Practice Leader ASSUREDPARTNERS, A GALLAGHER COMPANY L eyna T. Erickson is the New England Area Construc- tion Practice Leader at AssuredPartners, A Gallagher Company, a global insurance brokerage, risk man- agement, and HR & benefits consulting company. She is responsible for designing and maintaining tailored risk management, insurance and surety solutions for con- struction firms in New England and beyond. With 22 years in the insurance and surety business, she is focused on deliver- ing for her clients, growing her team of construction industry professionals and mentoring the next generation. Leyna is a lifelong Connecticut native and is driven to support the com- munity where she lives with her husband and two sons.. What first drew you to specialize in working with construction companies, and how did your career in this niche begin? I grew up in a blue-collar family, which gave me deep respect for the people who build and maintain the systems we all rely on. My father worked in HVAC, and his strong, calloused hands bore the evidence of that work ethic that was so in- spiring to me. When I entered the insurance field, serving the construction industry felt natural—these are real, grounded people. Their grit inspires me to deliver the fast, specialized expertise they deserve in a complex, ever-changing industry. Which skills or qualities have been most valuable in help- ing you succeed as a broker within the construction sector? Persistence, authenticity, and technical expertise define my approach. In insurance and bonding, we don't sell tangible products — we sell trust, service, and advocacy. Our value lies beyond coverage and premiums; it's about being a true business advisor clients can rely on when challenges arise. In construction, that trust delivers real impact — from contract advisement and safety improvement to helping firms bid more competitively, a great broker relationship can be a huge advantage in one of the toughest industries. What advice would you give to someone, especially a young woman, who is considering a career in insurance or broker- age for the construction industry? Don't "fake it 'til you make it." The best advice I ever received came from my mother: do your homework. It was a valuable lesson that success comes from preparation and genuine expertise. In construction insurance, credibility is everything— contractors can spot inexperience instantly. Learn from indus- try veterans, ask questions, and understand the unique risks across all construction sectors. For women in this male-dom- inated field, hard work and authenticity are powerful tools. By mastering our craft, we help reshape the industry to value skill and results over gender. AssuredPartners, a Gallagher company, is a leading insurance and risk management firm providing customized solutions in commercial insurance, employee benefits, and personal coverage. With a client-first approach and national reach, the company partners with businesses and individuals to protect assets, manage risk, and support long-term growth and stability. One Financial Plaza 2nd Floor 755 Main Street, CT, 06103 (860) 426-6200 www.assuredpartners.com