SIC Services was built with customers in mind and the values we believe in.

Karen Alford brings more than 26 years of hands-on experience in the Excess & Surplus (E&S) industry to her recruiting business. She saw a clear need for E&S-specific expertise in the recruiting space—someone who truly understands the insurance language, the market landscape, the key players, and the distribution channels. Karen provides organizations and candidates with a knowledgeable partner who can bridge industry insight with recruiting excellence.

Throughout her career at Scottsdale Insurance Company / Nationwide E&S, Karen held a variety of impactful roles—including Underwriting, Claims, Marketing, Business & Learning Consulting, and Project Manager. She led numerous underwriting company-wide initiatives to achieve strategic business goals. Her deep understanding of team dynamics and organizational success directly translates to her ability to identify and place top talent in the E&S industry.

Karen has also been an active contributor to the broader insurance community. She was a member of the Under Forty Organization (UFO) within AAMGA (now WSIA), where she served as Associate Chair of the UFO Board of Directors. From 2014 to 2018, she founded and led the AAMGA/WSIA Emerging Issues and Innovation Committee. Her vision was to unite industry professionals to collectively examine emerging risks and trends, assess their potential impact, and develop strategies to either mitigate risks or capitalize on new opportunities. Assembling this high-performing and knowledgeable committee required in-depth industry insight and a keen eye for subject matter expertise—skills Karen now applies in her recruiting efforts.

One of the highlights of Karen’s career was a week-long international visit to Lloyd’s of London. There, she engaged with Lloyd’s executives—including then-President Inga Beale—and gained firsthand exposure to the operations of the London Market. Observing underwriters and brokers at work in “The Box” provided invaluable insight and remains one of her most memorable professional experiences.

With decades of industry experience—attending events, serving on boards and committees, and building long-standing relationships—Karen has earned a reputation grounded in trust, integrity, results, and meaningful connections. Her clients value her deep industry knowledge, tireless work ethic, and proven ability to deliver.

Karen partners only with organizations she would personally consider working for, because company culture and the way employees are valued are paramount. She brings unmatched passion, experience, and insight to every search, making her a trusted and respected partner in E&S recruiting.

Outside of work, Karen is a devoted wife to her husband, a dedicated Fire Captain, and a proud mother to their daughter, Peyton. She finds daily joy in the company of their beloved rescue pup, Bailey. Grounded in strong faith, Karen and her family are passionate about giving back, actively volunteering and supporting causes that hold deep personal meaning.