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Contemporary Administrative Professionals are obliterating outdated perceptions of the role by consistently producing at a high-level and becoming essential, key contributors to National Life.

From decision-making, influencing and leadership, these positions are more demanding than ever. They operate as a business manager in their own right and are an integral part of their respective team and National Life.

In recognition of Administrative Professionals Day on April 25th, we’ll be highlighting a few of our administrative professional colleagues this month.

Meet Kara Saylor. Kara is the Executive Assistant to Tom Anfuso and the OCIO Team. She has been with National Life for 2 years and works from our Vermont Campus. We asked Kara a little bit about herself. Please stop by and say hello to Kara anytime you are in VT!

  1. If you were CEO for the day, what would be the first thing on your to-do list? I would implement a “Get to Know Each Other Day.” No work, meetings or phone calls. Only activities that include moving around the floors, getting to know each other.
  2. What brought you to Vermont? I came on a whim! A friend of mine was getting ready to attend school here and I wanted a change.
  3. What brought you to National Life?I was working for a company in southern VT and the commute did not help! I applied at National Life with high hopes and got a job in the People Center.
  4. What has been your most interesting job experience? I worked at a whitewater rafting company, Wilderness Voyageurs, in PA for 6 years. That was a rush! I got to experience the outdoors in a whole new light, met some GREAT people and rafted Class V rapids that I never would have without Wilderness Voyageurs.
  5. What is your most cherished family heirloom? My Gummy’s (Grandma😊) cook book! She has recipes in there that have been passed down through generations.
  6. What was your first job? During summers in high school, I worked kids’ activities at Yogi Bear Campground. This did involve dressing up as Yogi from time-to-time (thankfully no picture evidence of this!).
  7. What was your most memorable vacation? My sister’s wedding this past summer in Jamaica. Surrounded by family and close friends, we all spent a week in paradise celebrating and enjoying everything the island has to offer.
  8. What’s the biggest strength you bring to National Life? My enthusiasm! I am always one to jump in and assist with projects or happenings around National Life.
  9. What’s your fondest childhood memory? Top of the list would have to be the beach vacations we took as a family every year.
  10. Where can we find you during the weekends? Hanging out with my dog, Theo!

Photo at top: Kara Saylor, far left, attends her sister’s wedding in Jamaica.