Lynn Whitehead, CIP, ACIP, CRM
TD Insurance
Toronto, ON

This profile is based on excerpts from the nomination package submitted by Moira Gill, MBA, AVP Government and Industry Relations, TD Insurance.

“Lynn’s passion for her work and the industry is contagious, and anyone who has the pleasure to work with Lynn can see the impact she makes,” writes Laurie Balfour, Executive Director of the Automobile Insurance Rate Board. As an established leader, Lynn’s contributions have been invaluable to her employer, the insurance industry and the policyholders who benefit from her dedication and hard work.

In her role as Director, Environment, Government & Industry Relations at TD Insurance, Lynn’s primary job function is to communicate company and industry positions to government and regulators, and to relay government positions back to the industry. Lynn’s diplomatic approach allows her to build bridges with multiple stakeholders, and to advocate for real change.

Lynn is a trusted and diligent advisor to the CEO of TD Insurance, providing direct support on complex issues such as the impact of provincial and federal elections, and new COVID measures on the industry.

Due to her vivacious style and comfort level in front of large groups, Lynn is frequently asked to speak at industry events. She is well versed on a variety of emerging issues in the industry - from autonomous vehicles to disaster mitigation efforts.

“Within the industry there are few with her breadth or depth of knowledge, which has been acknowledge by the number of committees she has been asked to participate on and chair,” writes her nominator, Moira Gill.

Lynn has volunteered her time as part of the Canadian Association of Direct Relationship Insurers (CADRI), where she’s taken on roles including Chair of the Atlantic and Western Committees, and where she’s been a longstanding and active member of the Ontario Committee. At IBC, Lynn has taken on roles including Chair of the Alberta Committee, member of the Ontario and Personal Lines Committees, and has been active on the Towing and Storage Task Force. Her collaborative approach and advocacy have been critical for both Ontario and Alberta auto insurance reform. Recently in 2020, she was appointed to the FSRA Technical Advisory Committee on Rate Regulation and continues to provide advice and recommendations to the regulator on industry issues.

“Over the past six years, I have on multiple occasions had the pleasure to accompany Lynn to industry and government engagement activities,” writes Christopher Cooney, VP Modelling and Analytics at TD Insurance. “In our interactions with these groups, I have had the opportunity to note Lynn's highly effective interaction style, her professionalism, and her passionate advocacy for insurance consumers and industry issues.”

Lynn has been a proponent of lifelong learning and has achieved her CIP, CRM and ACIP designations, and recently completed a Financial Acumen designation designed for TD Insurance high potential leaders from Rotman's School of Business. Lynn also holds her Yellow Belt – Lean Six Sigma.

At the Insurance Institute of Canada, Lynn has volunteered her precious time proctoring exams, and has been Board Chair and member of both the Special Events and Academic Committees. Over the years, Lynn has provided seminar material, instructional support and has presented at CIP Society Symposium events. Recently, Lynn was also asked to be part of an industry task force reviewing and building the framework for the new Chartered Insurance Professional program; she continues to provide timely insights and ongoing support in this role.

Lynn is both a formal and informal mentor to her colleagues looking for advice in the next stage of their career. She is known for being approachable and generous with her time. She is also a mentor for COSTI Immigrant Services, an organization that provides educational, social, and employment services to help immigrants in the GTA attain self-sufficiency in Canadian society. Lynn has been active for many years in TDI Women in Leadership and Disabilities Committees.

Lynn is an active participant in her organization’s volunteer activities, including repairing a home damaged in the Katrina hurricane with Habitat for Humanity while in New Orleans as part of a leadership recognition event. She participates in yearly company organized volunteer days at homeless shelters, and she regularly contributes to animal welfare charities.

Between her contributions to her organization, the industry and her community, Lynn provides invaluable leadership and is the definition of a consummate professional.

“Lynn's work both behind the scenes and on the front line, will have a tremendous impact not only for the insurance industry, but also for consumers and the general public at large who have long been victimized by sectors badly in need of regulation and reform,” writes Lynn’s supporter Rachel Pano Senior Counsel, Legal Resource Team, TD Insurance.

The insurance industry is better for having Lynn in it. It gives the CIP Society immense pleasure to award Lynn with the 2021 Established Leader Award. Congratulations!