University of Cincinnati
08/19/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/19/2026 11:19
Carl H. Lindner III Center for Insurance and Risk Management welcomes first executive director
Carl H. Lindner III Center for Insurance and Risk Management welcomes first executive director
Shannon Lewandowski joins after an accomplished career in the insurance industry
4 minute read August 19, 2026 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Print Story Like
The Carl H. Lindner III Center for Insurance and Risk Management has named Shannon Lewandowski as its inaugural executive director.
Lewandowski joins from Great American Insurance Group, where she was most recently development program director for business data and analytics. Prior to Great American, Lewandowski enjoyed a lengthy career at American Modern Insurance Group, holding several leadership roles.
Lewandowski will build on the center's strong foundation while expanding opportunities for Lindner students, faculty and staff to engage with the insurance and risk management industry. She will work closely with Ann Hofmann, PhD, who continues as academic director, stewarding the college's insurance and risk management academic programs and advancing the center's thought leadership.
I want students to come in and choose this major and fall into insurance and risk management because they want to and because they're excited about it.
Shannon Lewandowksi Executive Director, Carl H. Lindner III Center for Insurance and Risk Management
"I'm energized by the opportunities ahead under Shannon Lewandowski's leadership," said Lindner dean Marianne Lewis, PhD. "Shannon brings an exceptional depth of insurance industry experience, complemented by strong expertise in analytics and AI. This unique combination positions the center to strengthen industry partnerships, expand opportunities for our students and faculty, and drive innovation in insurance and risk management."
Lewandowski's career began in early childhood education and social work. Later, she took a position with American Modern thinking it would be a temporary venture into insurance. Twenty-three years later, she has worked across claims, sales, account management, training, business data and analytics, and led learning and development efforts to advance data and AI literacy - all while serving as an advocate for talent and career development.
Lewandowksi joins the center after stints with Great American Insurance Group and American Modern Insurance Group.
"I can show students how my career evolved," Lewandowski said. "The opportunities are there. So many people that I talk to fell into insurance by accident or took the job as a stepping stone. I want to change that narrative. I want students to come in and choose this major and fall into insurance and risk management because they want to and because they're excited about it."
Named a Global Center of Insurance Excellence by the International Insurance Society, the center provides students with access to academic excellence, industry connections and professional development opportunities. For partners, the center is a link to career-ready talent who can meet the industry's growing workforce needs.
"We want to pair our students with partners in the region, but also connect with carriers outside of the area," Lewandowski said. "Our partner relationships are critical. We need to have them tell their story on how insurance and risk fits into their business."
Inaugurated in 2012, the center enters its 14th academic year in 2026-27. Lewandowski is excited to build on the legacy of the Lindner family and its commitment to higher education and the insurance industry.
"The center exists because of a shared belief that investing in talent development strengthens both the industry and the region," she said. "I see my role as continuing that momentum by expanding partnerships, creating even more opportunities for students, and helping position the center as a leading resource for insurance and risk management education."
Featured image: Shannon Lewandowski in Lindner Hall's Lindner Legacy area. Photos/Grant Freking.
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Featured image at top of Shannon Lewandowski. Photos/provided
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University of Cincinnati published this content on August 19, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 19, 2026 at 17:19 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]