At Brown & Brown Absence Services Group, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions and creating a positive impact for our customers, clients and teammates. To support this commitment, we have proudly assembled a leadership team rich in knowledge, experience, and creativity to cast the vision for the future of our organization while also developing and executing our strategies for success.
This month, we’re pleased to introduce Melissa Prudente, Director of Administrative Services & Second Injury Fund Recovery. Melissa has been with Brown & Brown for over 20 years, having the distinction of being hired as the first teammate referral.
In her current role, she is responsible for managing multiple cross-functional services and our second injury fund business, which supports workers’ compensation carriers. Throughout her tenure here, she has worked in many roles, which she feels has helped her become open to new opportunities and grow comfortable with going outside her comfort zone.
Before her role at Brown & Brown, Melissa earned her Master’s in elementary education and spent time as both a preschool and first-grade teacher. Today, she is a recognized leader at Brown & Brown, and in looking at her experience she shares:
“I’ve had the opportunity to grow up and learn here, and have experienced many, many changes. I’m truly excited about the diversification of our business, which builds opportunities for our shareholders, teammates, and clients and customers.”
We asked Melissa to further reflect on her career at Brown & Brown Absence Services Group, as well as what she is most excited about for the future of the organization. Here’s what she had to say:
What led you to work here?
I was the first employee referral (our referral bonus was non-existent at the time). I was interviewed but didn’t hear back for about a month, so I had accepted a different position in an unrelated field when I got the callback and was offered the job. I took my first role here as an administrative assistant because it had better benefits.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I love my current role because it is so diverse. At any given time, I am troubleshooting, meeting with teammates, meeting with clients, participating in organizational strategies, collaborating with leaders, providing support to my teams, or pitching in to meet goals.
What is your work background?
Prior to joining this organization, I worked as a bagger, cashier, and in the courtesy booth at a supermarket. I also worked as an assistant teacher in a daycare/preschool and waitressed (I’ll admit I was not a fantastic waitress).
I have my Master’s in elementary education, and I’m licensed as a teacher. I completed a year-long practicum teaching first grade. I also worked at a small marketing firm.
I’ve been with this organization for 21 years and have had many varied roles. I’ve learned that you need to go outside your comfort zone when opportunities arise, and each day has learnings to take away.
How do you go about prioritizing in a role that is so varied?
There are some things I love doing, and some things I would rather not do. But everything is important, and I’ve learned that the time of day really helps me with prioritizing what to focus on. I’ve learned to recognize peaks and valleys in my energy levels, which helps me maximize my productivity by the type of work that needs to be done.
