Why Alliant? An Interview with Mark Sulek, Alliant Public Entity

Mark Sulek has joined as Vice President in the Public Entity, Education and Pooling specialty vertical. Mark joins Alliant from a leading international broker with over a decade of public entity risk financing expertise. Mark will focus on reducing the total cost of risk for Alliant clients, balancing their individual exposure and risk appetite.

We sat down with Mark to discuss his career journey, his passion for the public entity sector and what he sees on the horizon for the industry. 

Alliant: What attracted you to join Alliant? 

Mark: One of the main reasons I made the switch was Alliant’s strong focus on specialization—particularly with serving public entities. This kind of targeted expertise is incredibly important as the needs of municipalities, school districts, and other public sector organizations are highly specific and often complex. By concentrating our resources and knowledge in this space, we're able to provide more tailored risk management solutions, better anticipate potential challenges, and deliver a level of service that truly makes a difference. 

Alliant: What has impressed you the most? Or what have you found unique about Alliant? 

Mark: What’s impressed me the most is the level of commitment Alliant has to the public sector and the depth of expertise at the leadership level. It’s not just surface-level support; it’s a clear, strategic investment in the people that understand the needs of public organizations. On top of that, the people I’ve met have been incredibly supportive and welcoming, which speaks volumes about the culture here. It’s been a great first impression, both professionally and personally.

Alliant: How long have you been in the insurance industry, and what led you to a career in insurance?

Mark: I started my career as an elementary school teacher. I really enjoyed working in education, but I had some close family friends who were in the insurance industry, and their experiences sparked my interest. That led me to make a transition, and I eventually moved to the brokerage side, specifically focusing on public entities. My 10 years of experience at a large brokerage firm solidified my passion for serving public sector clients.

 
Alliant: Do you think you landed in the public entity sector because of your experience as a teacher?  

Mark: I think there may have been a supporting factor there. Having worked in a school, I understand firsthand how important every dollar is—and how far it needs to stretch, especially in government, community-based organizations. That perspective really drew me to specialize in this industry. There’s a sense of purpose in knowing that the work we do directly supports institutions that serve the public, and that’s always resonated with me.

Alliant: Do you feel that the company that you choose to work for impacts your success as an insurance professional? And if so, how.

Mark: Absolutely. The company you choose to work for plays a huge role in your success as an insurance professional. It impacts everything from the level of support and resources you have, to the quality of the products and services you can offer to clients. What stood out to me about Alliant is the leadership’s commitment to investing in the public entity space, and the collaborative culture they’ve built. When you’re backed by a team that truly understands your market and equips you with the right tools and expertise, it makes you more effective, more confident and ultimately, more successful in serving your clients

Alliant: Are there any emerging trends or technologies in the insurance space that you find exciting?

Mark: One of the most exciting trends I’ve seen is the growing interest in alternative risk financing strategies. There’s been a noticeable shift away from purely traditional risk transfer models, and more organizations—especially in the public sector—are exploring different ways to manage and finance risk. That’s been accelerated by the hardening market conditions we’ve seen in recent years, especially post-COVID.

Another area that stands out is the increased emphasis on data and analytics. Carriers are placing more value on accurate data and strong risk control practices, and that’s pushed us as brokers to provide better analytical tools and insights to our clients. It’s no longer just about premiums and policies—it’s about taking a more holistic view of the total cost of risk and helping public entities make smarter, more informed decisions.

Alliant: What are your goals for the next year or so in your new role?

Mark: My primary goal in this role is to continue serving and supporting public entity clients in a meaningful way. I want to bring them the tools, resources and deep expertise that the collective team here at Alliant has cultivated. I'm also focused on emerging trends and being proactive—helping clients navigate changes in the industry and developing innovative strategies that work for the unique challenges they face. Ultimately, advancing how public entities manage risk, not just locally, but across the country.

Alliant: Do you have a perspective on the future of risk management in the public sector or how the industry can better support clients? 

Mark: I’d emphasize the importance of continued support for public sector organizations. It’s not just about serving existing entities—it’s also about helping to grow the risk management profession itself, both as a specialized career path and as an academic focus in universities. I’m really encouraged to see that development happening, and I want to be a part of supporting and advancing it.

It’s going to take collaboration—between firms like Alliant, industry partners, and the public entities themselves—to continue elevating the level of sophistication in how risk is managed. That’s how we ultimately provide better outcomes for the communities these organizations serve. I look forward to contributing to that mission.

You can connect with Mark during the Annual PRIMA conference in Seattle, June 1-4.

Mark can be reached at Mark.Sulek@alliant.com or 267.418.6556.