Available Stops:
“We work with businesses whose leaders are serious about people, growth, risk and opportunity. Our clients hold high standards for their professional partnerships; the opportunity to contribute to their success is special.”
Practice Area: Commercial Risk
For more than two decades in the industry, building relationships with leaders of middle market companies has been the most rewarding aspect of Christen’s work.
In leading the firm’s new business development, Christen cultivates relationships with western middle market companies whose sophisticated operations, complicated exposures and intensive service expectations portend compatibility with the decidedly different approach of Durham & Bates.
Christen finds collaborating with Durham & Bates clients inspiring and stimulating. “We are designed to help clients achieve their highest potential. These are deserving leaders we respect and admire, growing important companies. It’s incredibly meaningful work.”
As a Board member of Durham and Bates, a mature ESOP, Christen also leads the firm’s standing relative to the national and regional ESOP community. Toward this end, she presents regularly to Regional & National ESOP audiences through both the National Council Employee Ownership (NCEO), and the Northwest ESOP Association. Christen is also a member of the Executive Committee.
“Working with ESOP companies has proven to me the striking and positive impact on communities, economies and stakeholders that these employee-owned companies create. ESOP companies represent the heart and soul of business, and at their highest level, can bring out the very best in people.
Aside from her professional pursuits, Christen also loves the sporting challenges of an endurance variety: running marathons; long hikes; snow shoeing and fishing with her daughter are among her favorites.
And if you see Christen wearing earbuds on her runs, there’s a good chance that Barry Manilow is actually singing to her.
![Durham & Bates Insurance [logo: wordmark]](/images/logos/wordmark.svg)