The Horton Group Names Penny Solski as Chief Operations Officer

Solski makes company history as the third female to join Horton’s Executive Team.

Chicago (Oct. 20, 2020) – The Horton Group, one of the largest privately-held insurance brokers in the United States, announced that Penny Solski has been selected by the board of directors to assume the role of Chief Operations Officer (previously serving as Vice President of Horton’s Risk Advisory and Benefit Solutions). She makes Horton history by becoming the third female to join the company’s Executive Team. 

A headshot of Penny Solski is available to download HERE. 

In this position, Solski, who is approaching her 20th anniversary at Horton, will be responsible for overseeing Horton’s Risk Advisory, Employee Benefits, Personal Insurance, and Consulting operations in all offices.   Her focus will be on establishing policies to enhance the customer and employee experience, while utilizing technology to ensure an excellent customer experience.   One of her main objectives is to create a sense of togetherness for employees while everyone is working virtually. 

“Penny is a dynamic leader who thinks outside of the box and seamlessly navigates her team through this ever-changing industry,” said Dan Horton, Chief Executive Officer. “She has worked tirelessly to help The Horton Group grow since her first day here, and we can’t imagine anyone else more suited to be our Chief Operations Officer. We look forward to seeing what she accomplishes in this new role.” 

These last five years have been monumental to Horton, as the agency added three women to their Executive Team. Solski joins Michelle Trueblood, Chief Human Resources Officer (appointed in 2015); and Tricia Pucek, Chief Financial Officer (appointed in 2017). 

“When I started my career in insurance, it was typical to see females in the industry, but you rarely saw them in management,” Solski said. “It is an honor to now be working alongside two other female officers to lead this agency. Together, we make each other stronger and pave the path for more women to succeed here.” 

Solski began working at the agency in 2001 as the Director of the Claims Management Services. She transitioned her claims team to be more specialized and integrated ways for sale and service teams to work together. Her desire to help the company grow resulted in a natural transition to the operations department, where she was responsible for the oversight of marketing and placement of new and renewal commercial insurance programs, and client services. 

Before she joined Horton, Solski began her career on the insurance carrier side in claims. Quickly, she moved into management, eventually transitioning to a branch manager for a Third-Party Administrator (TPA). There, she oversaw the underwriting, accounting, safety, and claims operation of a Large Multi-Million-dollar TPA. 

“20 years seems like a long time, but it goes by quickly. I’m excited. Horton gets me up every day and keeps me excited for the work I have the opportunity to do,” said Solski.