Marie C. Gallanar

Marie C. Gallanar is a respected leader in risk management, insurance strategy, and manufacturing industry advocacy, bringing more than two decades of experience helping organizations navigate complex business risks and achieve sustainable growth.

Driving Growth and Industry Innovation

Marie currently serves as Manufacturing Practice Group Leader at Propel Insurance, where she leads strategic initiatives and client solutions for complex manufacturing and industrial organizations. Throughout her career, she has advised executive leadership teams on risk management, insurance program design, and long-term business resilience across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, food and beverage, and defense-related sectors.

Prior to joining Propel Insurance, Marie held leadership roles with Woodruff Sawyer and Parker, Smith & Feek (an IMA company), where she built and led successful manufacturing-focused practices, expanded market presence, and earned recognition for exceptional business development and client service. She is known for her collaborative leadership style, commitment to mentoring emerging professionals, and ability to build strong partnerships within the business community.

A Leader in Risk Management and Manufacturing

A recognized thought leader in her field, Marie is a published author and frequent speaker on risk management, workplace safety, insurance market trends, and issues affecting manufacturers and business leaders. She regularly presents to executive, financial, and industry audiences, sharing practical insights that help organizations strengthen resilience and prepare for future challenges.

Commitment to Community and Workforce Development

Marie’s commitment to community service is reflected in her extensive volunteer leadership. She has served on the boards of Women in Manufacturing Washington, Washington DECA, and the Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound, while also supporting organizations such as Junior Achievement and professional associations focused on workforce development, education, and entrepreneurship.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from California State University, San Bernardino, and has earned both the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) designations.

Serving the Mission of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

As a member of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. Board of Trustees, Marie brings valuable expertise in strategic planning, risk management, organizational growth, and community engagement, helping advance the organization’s mission of creating opportunities for people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities.

A woman in a teal colored blouse, shoulder length hair, stands in front of a large window with the city in the background
  • A medium portrait of George Abbott, a light skinned man, smiling. He is wearing a suit coat with a blue button up shirt beneath.

    Welcome George Abbott

    June 15th, 2021

    As an advocate for people with disabilities throughout my entire life, I am excited to bring my passion and experience to the Lighthouse team.

  • Portrait of President and CEO Cindy Watson, a light skinned, blonde haired woman holding a white cane.

    Letter from President and CEO Cindy Watson

    June 15th, 2021

    Despite all the difficulties and negative impacts caused by COVID-19, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. persevered and remained robust, focused, and ever more dedicated to its mission.

  • Mae Mullen standing in the garden with a mask on

    Mae Mullen Becomes First Female DeafBlind CNC Operator

    November 20th, 2020

    When we feature the success stories of the Lighthouse, or highlight a program that needs community support, we interview employees and community members, and collaboratively write their story with them. On occasion, we get [...]