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
  • Two men stand inside a machine shop, with their hands touching as they communicate via protactile.

    How Costco is Supporting Valuable Training for People Who Are DeafBlind

    February 29th, 2024

    In a world that continually strives for inclusivity and equal opportunities, there are shining examples of organizations that go above and beyond to make a difference. One such example is the remarkable partnership between Costco [...]

  • Two portraits, side by side. On the left is a light-skinned man with light brown hair, wearing a suit and smiling. On the right is a medium dark-skinned woman with brown curly hair, wearing a colorful floral shirt beneath a magenta blazer, smiling.

    John Craddock and Lachelle Smith Join the Lighthouse Board of Trustees

    October 18th, 2023

    The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is excited to announce two new exceptional additions to our Board of Trustees, John Craddock and Lachelle Smith. Their impressive backgrounds, dedication to their communities, and passion for [...]

  • Portrait of Dave Bertsch, a light skinned man with grey hair.

    Welcome New Foundation Board Members

    April 20th, 2023

    Join us in welcoming our two newest Foundation Board members, Dave Bertsch and Yue Ou, at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. Dave and Yue both bring a wealth of experience and a unique [...]