5 Questions with NCCI Data Expert Maria Snow

Movers & Shakers

If the words "data" and "workers' compensation" pop up together, it's a good bet that "NCCI" isn't far behind, and if you're talking data at NCCI, Maria Snow is the go-to thought leader on all things data in the industry. We were lucky enough to borrow some of Snow's time for a Q & A.

WCC: What events led to your Workers' Compensation Data Leadership role?

MS: I learned about industry data formats for organizations like NCCI and ISO while working at Travelers in the Property and Casualty Data area. From there, I got involved with supplying data files, collaborating on rule interpretation, and engaging company actuaries on interrogatories. I discovered immediately that I enjoyed every bit of it and wanted to know all the answers to all the questions. My work at NCCI has helped to enhance my industry knowledge through working in several departments and divisions. This experience and diversified skillset have earned me my current position as the head of NCCI’s Data Division. On this path, I acquired more data-specific designations and skills, including (AIDA) Associate in
Insurance Data Analytics and (FIDM) Fellow of Insurance Data Management. The data component connects to so many parts of the Workers' Compensation picture and motivated me to keep learning the stories behind how the data was reported.

WCC: What are some critical areas of focus for you in your role?

MS: Data is the building material of all the services NCCI performs as a licensed rating and advisory organization in support of a healthy Workers Compensation system. I am passionate about supporting our stakeholders. I lead teams that support insurance data providers in meeting their data reporting
obligations with NCCI. Our goal is to do so with the least burdensome approach while achieving the necessary data completeness and quality to serve stakeholders. The data collected, validated, and evaluated for use by NCCI’s Data Resources division is the foundation for NCCI’s loss cost and rate filings with state regulators, Experience Rating Mods, Legislative Analysis, research, and many other
products and solutions NCCI also provides critical Proof of Coverage Services that support carriers in their
reporting requirements. There are so many facets to data leadership these days including Data Governance, Data Stewardship, and ensuring appropriate use. The continuously evolving subject matter keeps every day interesting.

WCC: What's the biggest motivator for you at work?

MS: NCCI is part of a system to protect and help injured workers. NCCI is also highly engaged in our local community. I feel proud about what I do. It is easy to put my heart into it, and I feel fortunate to
be a leader in such a valuable and rewarding environment as we have at NCCI. I also work directly with many customers and stakeholders, and I spend a lot of time listening to the voice of NCCI’s customers. Opportunities to make a difference are motivating to me. I enjoy putting stakeholder feedback into action with those who make the results happen. I am also excited to tackle challenges and opportunities for the future.

WCC: What is something unique to your specific role at this time?

MS: I am currently leading NCCI’s Data Strategy to position NCCI with the best-possible data for the future, while partnering with NCCI’s data providers on how to do that efficiently and effectively. I have enjoyed all the opportunities this has created to prepare and deploy talent on the strategy, and it is exciting to see the leaders of the different facets of the strategy working together to build a comprehensive plan. It has really been inspiring to see both more experienced and newer members of the NCCI talent pool come together so cohesively.

WCC: What's a lesson you've learned in your career that you wish you could share with your younger self?

MS: First, I want to shout out Data Professionals Week and recognize everyone working in this critical profession. Check out NCCI’s newly released edition of The Data Connection for the latest news, data quality updates, reporting enhancements, and recent communications. I have come to understand
that most employers want you to bring your whole self to the role – heart, mind, spirit, inspiration, and logical thinking and execution. I would encourage my younger self to relax and think with all parts of my brain right out of the gate. While I needed to know the database models to write the queries, I also needed to look around and think about what I was doing and why and ask and learn.

My career became far more rewarding as I continued to grow in this way of thinking. It is OK to be a bit extra sometimes. Maybe something great will come of it, and if nothing else, others will want to bring their full heart and mind into their workday by seeing it is OK.

Share This Article: