Susan W. Shoval, CPCU President and Chief Operating Officer

Susan W. Shoval is a founder and the president of GUARD Insurance Group, the parent organization of several affiliates engaged in insurance activities. While under her guidance, the organization has evolved into a significant, regional Workers’ Compensation carrier licensed in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Following 25 years of steady but controlled growth, GUARD successfully merged with Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings, Ltd. Susan is now working with Clal toward realization of the group’s ambitious plans to become an all-lines insurer.

During Susan’s tenure, GUARD has been recognized by A.M. Best Company as an A- “Excellent” rated carrier and was also selected by them as a 2004 finalist in e-Fusion – a national awards program which spotlights innovative uses of technology to address insurance business challenges. In 2001, the company was named one of the 50 Best Large Places to Work in Pennsylvania, achieving the rank of #2.

Susan is a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) who graduated magna cum laude in economics from Cornell University and with highest honors in advanced studies from the College of Insurance in New York City. She is a member of the Committee of 200 (a professional organization of preeminent women entrepreneurs and corporate leaders throughout the country) and of a similar local organization named Circle 200.

Susan’s professional and civic involvements currently include serving as a director of Highmark, a Blue Cross/Blue Shield Company and the largest health insurance company in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. She is a director and officer of Wilkes University and the chair of its Finance Committee. She is also a board member of the Joint Urban Studies Center, a group which focuses on the revitalization of small- and medium-sized cities, and she is co-chair of the Luzerne County Diversity Task Force. Previous major associations have been with the Earth Conservancy (a non-profit corporation for land reclamation and revitalization), the United Way of Wyoming Valley, and Wyoming Seminary (a college preparatory school) as well as several religious organizations.

In addition, Susan has received a number of leadership, community service, and professional awards, including the following honors: