Alliant 2026 Women in Construction Honoree:
Kelly Kinzer
Building high-performing teams and investing deeply in talent have been among the most meaningful and lasting contributions for Kelly Kinzer, Global Head of Construction and Surety, Zurich.
“I have never looked back.” – Kelly, of joining the construction insurance industry directly after graduating from college.
Meet Kelly
When Zurich Insurance visited Kelly’s college campus to recruit young professionals, the advertisement piqued her interest, and she decided to stop by the informational session on the way home from softball practice that day. She still feels fortunate for that chance encounter.
Kelly was hired by Zurich as a construction underwriting trainee in the San Francisco office as her first job after college, and says, “I have never looked back.”
“I was really intrigued by the concept of underwriting, insurance and the construction industry; in particular, thinking about the career opportunity and future potential.”
Investing in Top Talent
“My greatest impact has come from building strong, high-performing teams and investing deeply in talent. I believe our industry advances when leaders actively mentor, advocate and create opportunities for others. Helping colleagues grow into their strengths, supporting their development and ensuring they have a voice and a seat at the table has been one of the most meaningful and lasting contributions of my career to date.”
Diversity Delivers Strong Outcomes
“Having a diverse team is something I rely on every day. It’s one of the key reasons our team consistently delivers strong outcomes.”
Kelly believes that no single role, experience level or area of expertise gives any one person all the answers; rather, bringing people together with different backgrounds, perspectives and ways of thinking helps teams look at challenges from every angle. In her experience, this mix has helped pressure test ideas and ultimately led to more thoughtful, well-rounded decisions.
Lessons from Kelly’s Construction Career
"Construction is an industry built on trust and problem solving, and the most successful careers combine the technical knowledge with strong partnerships.”
Kelly shares her advice for the next generation. She encourages young professionals to become technical experts in their disciplines to gain a unique edge—reach out to networks, ask questions and stay connected. She recommends taking on stretch roles, as growth happens when you challenge yourself with responsibilities that may feel slightly bigger and out of your comfort zone. Finally, Kelly advises, “Use your voice. Your perspective is not only valid, it’s valuable—and the industry benefits when people show up and bring their whole self to the table.”
Looking Ahead
Women in Construction Week recognizes leaders like Kelly Kinzer who are shaping the future of the industry through expertise, mentorship and a commitment to progress.
Her journey reflects what makes construction meaningful: continuous learning, real-world impact and the opportunity to build something that lasts.
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