Kristin S. Palmer Appointed Head of Communications at the I.I.I.

NEW YORK, March 22, 2017—Kristin S. Palmer has been named Senior Vice President, Head of Communications, at the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). Palmer was previously Vice President, Media Relations for the AARP, the nation’s largest nonprofit organization with nearly 38 million members. 

“As the insurance industry continues to evolve to meet the needs of the marketplace through digital innovation, strategic partnerships and bolstering the use of big data, the I.I.I. is increasingly focused on effectively promoting the remarkable value of insurance for consumers, government and commercial entities,” said Sean Kevelighan, the I.I.I.’s Chief Executive Officer. “With a proven track record of success in strategic communications in both the private and public sectors, Kristin will work to strengthen the perception and reputation of the industry.” 

During her time at AARP, Palmer successfully oversaw earned media efforts for several consumer facing initiatives and products including AARP Travel, driver safety, brand campaigns, multicultural engagement, digital platforms, events and publications, such as AARP The Magazine. 

“Over the past 15 years, I have had the pleasure of working on a variety of high-profile consumer and public policy issues that positively impact and influence both business and community. Whether it was working with local public television stations and FEMA to announce a next generation Digital Emergency Alert System, working with Atlanta city officials to implement a city-wide disaster preparedness plan or launching AARP’s first consumer technology product and travel platform, I have enjoyed my work immensely,” said Palmer. “I am thrilled to work with Sean and the I.I.I. leadership team during such an important time for our members and the industry.”  

Prior to joining AARP in 2012, Palmer was the Director of Public Affairs for the child care advocacy group Child Care Aware of America® and served as Senior Communications Manager for the Honorable Mayor Shirley Franklin in the City of Atlanta where she managed the daily operations of the Mayor's Office of Marketing and Communications. Previously, Palmer managed communications for the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the Association of Public Television Stations. She began her career at Brodeur Partners, a global communications agency, and The Kamber Group, a boutique public relations firm. 

Ms. Palmer will report to Ms. Andréa C. Basora, the I.I.I.’s Chief Marketing Officer, and head of the I.I.I.’s newly-formed Marketing and Communications Department. Ms. Jeanne Salvatore, the I.I.I.’s Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, has been named the I.I.I.’s Chief Engagement Officer and Senior Spokesperson. In that role, Ms. Salvatore will oversee the I.I.I.’s existing and new relationships with the I.I.I.’s key audiences. 

Palmer, who will be based in the I.I.I.’s Washington, D.C., office, joined the I.I.I. on March 20. In addition to leading the I.I.I.’s media relations operations and acting as a primary I.I.I. spokesperson, she will be responsible for developing a communications strategy that expands the I.I.I.’s digital footprint, increases brand awareness and boosts engagement with the organization’s key stakeholders.  

The James Madison University graduate resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and two young sons. 

For more information, contact Michael Barry, the I.I.I.’s Vice President, Media Relations, at michaelb@iii.org; 917-923-8245. A headshot is available here.  

The I.I.I. has a full library of educational videos on its You Tube Channel. Information about I.I.I. mobile apps can be found here. 

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY. 

Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500; www.iii.org