Dedicated. Resilient. Focused. Thorough. Relationship builder. Classy. All of these are words one might hear from Julie Marshall’s colleagues when trying to describe the singular mark she has left on the culture and trajectory of insurance company USAble Life. The executive vice president of partner management is set to retire June 30, leaving in her wake countless grateful peers and a track record of service dating back to the organization’s earliest days.
“Working at USAble Life has been a rewarding experience, as I’ve witnessed our transformation from a modest Arkansas business into a prominent company spanning numerous states,” Marshall said. “The connections I’ve made here are truly valuable, and I am leaving with wonderful memories and lasting friendships.”
Marshall got her insurance start in regional sales for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield before becoming just the 29th employee at USAble Life. A 1976 business graduate of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, she entered the professional world and, later, the insurance industry at a time when it was still heavily male dominated. Being one of few women in her field did not deter her, however, and she became an indispensable part of USAble Life’s success in the decades that followed.
“Julie is known by our partners across the country, and they would all say that she is a tireless leader and a person of great integrity,” one USAble Life colleague said. “She will always be the example and will always work to do it right for everyone she works with. She is, in one word, ‘respected.’”
Originally a single-state carrier focused on life products, USAble Life went on to build a strong regional presence with more than more than $600 million in revenue, serving all segments with dental, life, disability and supplemental products — with Marshall at the forefront for much of it. Marshall’s work as a leader and connector was instrumental in forging partnerships between USAble Life and Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans that shaped the former’s growth for years afterward. Her contributions to expanding the supplemental and ancillary product portfolio further played a key role in positioning the company for sustained success.
“Julie has played a foundational role in shaping USAble Life into the organization it is today,” said another USAble Life peer. “The team is stronger, more connected and better positioned for the future because of her influence. Her legacy of dedication, high standards and commitment to excellence will continue to guide the organization even as she steps away to enjoy well-deserved time with family and friends.”
Her influence can be seen in other ways, as well. Over the course of more than 40 years at USAble Life, she has served as a role model, mentor and manager to dozens of employees, many of whom now have leadership positions at the company. A natural leader, Marshall set the pace of achievement for her team and helped build a blueprint for excellence that employees still strive to follow today.
“She has set high standards for all of us,” said USAble Life President and CEO Richard Macy. “She casts a long, long leadership shadow that we all will benefit from for years to come.”
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