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Patricia Kerr, CMP

PAST Kerr started her career in the insurance industry holding various positions, but after about four years became bored. In 1995, she “fell into a role as a junior meeting planner for Manulife Financial and as they say, ‘the rest is history,’” she jokes. Without any formal meeting planning training, she relied on her instincts and learned on the job and eventually found she had a true passion for the industry. 

CRED  As Kerr grew in her role, so too did the company’s meeting planning department. She has been instrumental in developing the SMMP at Manulife, and during her tenure, meetings have gone from a “one-man show” with Kerr alone handling the company’s annual incentive program to a centralized department that plans more than 300 meetings a year across all divisions of the company.

A-HA MOMENT Kerr will never forget being named one of Financial & Insurance Meetings magazine’s “5 Rising Stars” back in 2002. “It was at that moment, I realized the importance of vision,” she recalls.

In fact, she has continued to be recognized for her vision and drive in the industry ever since. “My election to the FICP Board of Directors was another significant marker for me,” says Kerr. “I am truly humbled by that exceptional honor.”

GIVING BACK Kerr is passionate about the HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre, a facility in Ontario that helps cancer patients and their families, and dedicates much of her time to this cause. “I have been blessed to be able to use my professional skills to run both an annual golf tournament and a ‘Labor for Hope’ dinner and auction [to benefit the organization]. To date, we have been able to raise close to $100,000 for HopeSpring. Last year, I was able to involve my 10-year-old son in the golf tournament. Passing the passion for giving to my children is a joy.”

ADVICE “Get involved! I have learned so much from the strong relationships I have built through years of volunteerism. One person with passion can effect change, lead, and create a greater good.”

Next Page: Kari Kesler
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