Celebrating Women’s History Month with Wanda Day & Cecelia McMahon

“I started at Black Insurance Agency May 18, 1980 as an account manager.  The agency was later purchased by Peoples First Community Bank and I continued my employment with them.  The agency name was changed to Peoples First Insurance Services, LLC sometime later.  This May, I will be with the company 44 years.  Over the years I have worked mostly in the commercial lines unit in many compacities.   Currently I am in the role of commercial lines processor doing underwriting review for commercial insurance policies. 

The insurance industry has had many changes since 1980, most have been an improvement.  Technology has evolved from merely an accounting system to a complete management system.    Early in my career, it was the woman’s role to manually rate and type policies and mail them to the insurance carrier and the insured premiums were collected in-house and receipts were handwritten.  Customers came into the office to handle business.   Producers or agents were primarily men, and women handled the office responsibilities and were not licensed by the Florida Department of Insurance.  Today, policies are rated on the web, ordered, delivered to PFI electronically or the carrier emails to our insureds.  Forms can be signed electronically, and premiums paid online.  Most of the contact can be by email or phone.  Cell phones have made a great impact.  Insureds can even sign their applications on their phone and make payments on their phones.    PFI women have been given more opportunities to become producers or agents and the office service personnel are encouraged to become licensed with all expenses paid. 

My accomplishments at BIA/PFI (RA) that I am most proud of is a working environment of high quality and standards. I have earned a General Agents License, Customer Service License, Accredited Customer Service Representative and Certified Professional Insurance Women designations.  Agency management and staff hold themselves accountable with high standards to provide clients with excellent service and products.  We do our best to give clients the best insurance products we can and customer service that is second to none in this industry. PFI enjoys excellent reputation with insurance brokers and carriers. Peoples First Insurance was awarded “Best of Bay” in 2024 and “Business Excellence” award by the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce.” 

“My journey in the insurance industry began in 1983 when I started working in Personal Lines Insurance. Eight years later, in 1991, I transitioned into the Commercial Lines department, a role I have held ever since.

My career took a significant turn in 2007 when I became a 220 agent, further solidifying my expertise and commitment to the field. Over the years, I have also earned CPIW and ACSR designations.

Reflecting on the changes over the decades, particularly for women, the landscape of the insurance industry has undergone dramatic transformations. When I first started, the absence of modern technology meant that we had to manually type policies, correspond through USPS, and create multiple copies of documents using carbon paper. Today, the pace of work has accelerated with the advent of computers, fax machines, and email, making processes faster but also more demanding. The industry itself has evolved, with more frequent changes in rules, coverage options, and exclusions, necessitating a dynamic approach to staying informed and adaptable.

For young women considering a career in this field, my advice is two-fold: first, ensure that you have a genuine interest and readiness for the challenges and rewards that come with meeting customers’ insurance needs. The industry can be stressful, yet it offers significant satisfaction from providing essential services. Second, prioritize continuous education. The insurance landscape is constantly changing, with new regulations, coverage adjustments, and state statutes emerging. Staying informed and educated is crucial for success and resilience in this dynamic industry.

I’m proud to be part of the Peoples First Insurance Services team and to be a part of this Women’s History celebration!”