Detroit

Chapter Leaders

Gretchen Cross

Chapter President

Gretchen Cross stands as a prominent figure in the insurance arena, currently holding the esteemed position of President of the Detroit chapter of the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA). With a robust background spanning over a decade, Gretchen brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role.

In her capacity as a Global Client Executive at Liberty Mutual Insurance, Gretchen demonstrates exceptional leadership and strategic prowess. Her responsibilities entail engaging key clients within the Fortune 50 in the Midwest Zone, fostering positive experiences, and driving value creation through effective collaboration with broker partners and internal stakeholders. Gretchen's keen understanding of business trends in the Michigan marketplace positions her as a thought leader, consistently seeking growth and partnership opportunities to enhance the overall Midwest Zone's book of business.

Prior to her role at Liberty Mutual, Gretchen held pivotal positions at AIG, where she showcased her business development acumen as a Client Director and Business Development Manager. Her dedication to maximizing profitability and promoting strategic initiatives has been instrumental in elevating the success of the organization.

Gretchen's journey in the insurance industry began as a Distribution Analyst at AIG, where she honed her skills in sales, marketing, and office administration. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the industry, further solidifying her position as a respected leader within the Detroit insurance community.

Gretchen's commitment to excellence and passion for driving positive change make her a valued leader within the NAAIA Detroit Chapter. Her dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion within the industry serves as an inspiration to professionals across the region.

As President of the NAAIA Detroit Chapter, Gretchen continues to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, driving meaningful impact and fostering a culture of collaboration and success within the Detroit insurance community.

Jason Allen

Chapter Vice President

Jason Allen serves as the Vice President of the Detroit chapter of the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA), bringing over a decade of experience in the insurance industry. Currently, as the Regional Claim Manager at The Auto Club Group, Jason oversees adjusters and Independent Adjusting Firms to ensure the appropriate resolution of weather-related claims in the Greater Detroit Area.

Jason's educational background includes a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Lawrence Technological University and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration and Management from Wayne State University.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Jason is actively involved in volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit, where he serves as a Big Brother, dedicating his time to mentoring students and positively impacting children's lives.

With his wealth of experience, dedication to community service, and leadership skills, Jason plays a vital role in driving the mission of the NAAIA Detroit chapter, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the insurance industry.