How did you get started in the industry?
Katie Kennard: In 2009, I was contacted by an old friend who worked in the insurance industry and was looking for an account manager in the Chicago area. With a strong background in customer service and a desire to challenge myself professionally, I took the opportunity—and that’s how I began my journey into the insurance world.
What do you think sets you apart in your field?
KK: What sets me apart is my genuine passion for the ever-changing world of Medicare compliance. I thrive on finding practical, client-focused solutions and take pride in making complex regulations manageable. My commitment to education, innovation, and mentorship allows me to lead with both strategy and empathy, guiding teams and clients through challenges with clarity and confidence.
What is your favorite quote or motto?
KK: Just be yourself.
What do you think is the most important skill that a successful professional needs to have?
KK: Empathy is the most important skill a successful professional can have. It allows you to truly understand clients’ and colleagues’ perspectives, build trust, and lead with compassion. Empathy turns challenges into collaborative solutions and transforms leadership from directive to supportive—fostering stronger teams, better outcomes, and a lasting impact.
How long have you been with IMPAXX?
KK: I’ve been with the company going on 2 years. It’s exactly where I was meant to be.
How has MSP compliance evolved since you first joined the industry?
KK: MSP compliance has changed a lot since I started 16 years ago. Back then, it felt more like a checkbox—now it’s a full-on strategy. Between Section 111 reporting, audits, and constant updates from CMS, it’s become more complex and more critical. It’s gone from reactive to proactive, and staying ahead of it is more important than ever.
What do you like most about your job?
KK: What I love most about my job is the opportunity to create meaningful, collaborative solutions that make a real difference—for our clients, our industry, and our team.
What do you think makes you unique as a team member?
KK: I’m collaborative, dependable, and genuinely invested in helping others grow, which helps create a supportive and high-performing environment.
What is your favorite memory from working at IMPAXX?
KK: My favorite memory from working at IMPAXX is our first full team meeting, where most of us were meeting in person for the first time. Despite that, it instantly felt like we were old friends—like no time had been lost. The connection, energy, and shared purpose in that moment really captured what makes this team special.
What do you like best about IMPAXX’s culture?
KK: What I love most about IMPAXX’s culture is the genuine sense of support and collaboration. Everyone is encouraged to bring ideas forward, help one another grow, and work together to solve challenges. It’s a culture that values both excellence and empathy—and that balance makes it a place where people truly thrive.