40 Under Forty 2021: Mary E. Roy

Photo | Erika Sidor Mary E. Roy

Photo | Erika Sidor 40 Under Forty, Class of 2021 members (from left) Seth A. Pitts, CFE, Mary E. Roy, Brittany Gesner and Ross Bradshaw at the New Dia cannabis dispensary in Worcester (Special thanks to Ross Bradshaw)

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By Sloane M. Perron

Mary E. Roy, 39

Title Vice president
Company Quaker Special Risk, in Worcester
Residence Millbury
Birthplace Boston
College Worcester State University

Click here to read about the other 40 Under Forty, Class of 2021
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In the 18 years Mary E. Roy has been with Quaker Special Risk, she grew the personal line department from $1.3 million in 2004 to $40 million in 2021.

Relationship building is crucial to Roy’s work as she brokers hard-to-place insurance for customers with unique needs, and she has strong relationships with more than 500 local insurance agents and more than 25 national insurance companies. When COVID complicated communication, Roy quickly adapted and found solutions resulting in onboarding new major retail agencies, and she found new ways for clients to complete necessary submissions and inspections during the lockdowns. She is one of the few at Quaker who specialize in both high net worth and surplus lines placements, and this year has been writing premiums above $3 million month after month. Prior to COVID-19, Mary served on the board of the child welfare and behavioral health nonprofit YOU, Inc. before the board was dissolved after YOU was acquired by the Seven Hills Foundation of Worcester. After the pandemic, Roy is hopeful to find another nonprofit to donate her time to.

What TV or movie character would you like to be? Wonder Woman - superhuman strength, speed, flight, fast healing, and wears amazing boots.

What is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you? My best friend came over late one night to rock my newborn baby so I could get some sleep. Those early days are so tough, and I am forever thankful for her selfless act of love.

What message would you now like to give your 10-year-old self? Be kind, have compassion, and lead with your heart. As long as you have a good moral compass, you can stand strong in your decisions. It is OK to make mistakes as long as you learn something. Also, beauty is being smart, confident, and comfortable in your own skin.