Latest news with #Chattanooga
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
First look: Covenant Logistics Group Q2 earnings
Covenant Logistics Group Inc. reported $302.85 million in total revenue during the second quarter, a 5% year-over-year increase from the same period in 2024. Freight revenue rose 7.8% year-over-year in the second-quarter to $276.5 million, while truckload operations decreased 1% to $199.6 million. Chattanooga, Tennessee-based Covenant (NASDAQ: CVLG) reported adjusted earnings per share of 45 cents in the quarter, compared to 52 cents in the same year-ago quarter. 'The highlight of our second quarter's results was year-over-year freight revenue growth of 7.8% to $276.5 million, an all-time high for any quarter in the history of our enterprise,' Covenant Chairman and CEO David R. Parker said in a news release. 'This milestone was achieved despite an operating environment that remained competitive throughout the quarter across many Expedited, Managed Freight, and non-specialized equipment Dedicated accounts.' Freight revenue per tractor per week decreased 3.2% year-over-year to $5,543. Revenue in the expedited truckload segment fell 10% to $97.3 million, while dedicated segment revenue rose 9% to $102.3 million. Covenant's managed freight segment saw revenue of $77.5 million in the second quarter, an increase of 28% from the same time last year. The warehousing segment had revenue of $25.5 million during the quarter, a 1% year-over-year gain. During the quarter, Covenant repurchased 1.6 million shares of outstanding common stock at an average price of $22.69 per share, amounting to $35.2 million of the company's $50 million stock repurchase program. 'Our 49% equity method investment with Transport Enterprise Leasing contributed pre-tax net income of $4.3 million, or $0.12 per share, roughly in line with the prior year quarter's results of $4.1 million,' Parker said. Covenant will hold a conference call to discuss results with analysts at 10 a.m. Thursday. Covenant Logistics GroupQ2/25Q2/24Y/Y% ChangeTotal revenueTruckload combined:RevenueFreight revenue (ex fuel)Revenue per total mileRevenue per tractor per weekManaged freight:RevenueAdjusted operating incomeExpedited freight:Revenue (ex fuel)Adjusted operating incomeAdjusted earnings per share The post First look: Covenant Logistics Group Q2 earnings appeared first on FreightWaves. Effettua l'accesso per consultare il tuo portafoglio
New York Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Celtics' Jayson Tatum ‘on a mission' during surprise workout in Chattanooga
Near the end of an offseason basketball practice at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga last Wednesday, Liam Vitters heard some news he could not believe. Celtics star Jayson Tatum, one of Vitters' favorite players, was set to work out at the school the following day. A Chattanooga assistant coach informed Vitters that Tatum, in the area for former teammate Kemba Walker's wedding, would be stopping by the university's training facilities. Advertisement 'You're joking, right?' Vitters replied. The Chattanooga staff had tried to treat the visit as a secret to protect Tatum's privacy while on campus. But, several weeks earlier, a mutual friend had reached out to Chattanooga assistant Ricardo Rush, Jr., to see if Tatum could use the school's weight room on the day of Walker's wedding. The ceremonies, in Trenton, Ga., were only 20 minutes away. Even while traveling, Tatum wanted a top-shelf facility where he could continue rehabbing from the torn Achilles he suffered during the Celtics' second-round playoff loss in May. 'Oh, s—,' Vitters said. 'That's crazy.' Sure enough, as the Chattanooga Mocs finished a workout on July 17, Tatum arrived at the gym with his Celtics trainer, Nick Sang. For Tatum, the stop was another step forward in a long rehabilitation process. For the Mocs, it provided an opportunity to see how one of the world's best players approaches his time in the gym. After meeting Chattanooga athletes and taking pictures with them, Tatum spent the next hour and a half focusing intently on Achilles rehab and weightlifting. Vitters and teammate Parker Robison said Tatum seemed to be 'on a mission' from the moment he entered the gym. 'The crazy thing was that he showed up, said 'Hi,' took some pictures, and then got right to work,' Robinson said. 'You could tell that he was really serious about this injury. Got right on a (training) table and his trainer (Sang) just got right to it, started rehabbing, doing some strengthening stuff for that torn Achilles.' According to the players, Tatum got a massage, stretched, and performed band work before progressing to some upper-body lifts. Though Tatum's movement was still severely limited by the injury, the players were amazed by the way he approached every facet of his workout. Even between sets, Robison marveled at how Tatum stayed locked in. Advertisement 'He's constantly focused,' Robison said. 'In between sets, he's always focused, he's never goofing around. It's like his mind is set on what he's doing.' 'He couldn't do much,' Robison added. 'But what he was doing, the very limited stuff he was doing, he was taking it very seriously and very detailed. All the little small things that we sometimes overlook, he was really good (at them) and did them consistently.' Celtics GM Brad Stevens has emphasized how diligently Tatum has approached the rehabilitation process. The Chattanooga players were able to see some of the work in action. The sight left an impression on Vitters. 'When you're coming off an Achilles tear, you could easily say like, 'Oh, this sucks, whatever,'' the 6-foot-5 rising sophomore guard said. 'To be taking it so seriously, be so intent in your actions and everything you're doing, I feel like it shows us if he's that serious when he's limited, then we should be that serious when we're not limited.' The Celtics have not released a timeline for Tatum's recovery, but Stevens said in early July that the All-Star was 'progressing at an incredible rate' from his injury. While rehabilitating, he and Jaylen Brown, who underwent a right knee arthroscopic debridement procedure in June but is expected to be ready for training camp, have spent more time than usual at the team's practice facility this summer. When Tatum has left the Boston area, Sang has traveled with him, according to Stevens. 'Jayson is working every single day,' Stevens said earlier this month. 'He has literally been here every day, except when he took a few days' break. But when he takes a few days' break, Nick goes with him.' Sang's presence allows Tatum to stick to his regimen, even on the road. The two are often inseparable, working together to prepare Tatum's body. The first major injury of his NBA career has brought a new set of challenges this offseason, but they have attacked the rehab with purpose. The effort to find a quality gym near Walker's wedding provided evidence of that. Advertisement Chattanooga has hosted other big-name athletes in the past, including former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens, a graduate of the school. Strength coach Kevin Rodriguez communicated with Sang throughout the week before the visit to ensure Tatum would have everything he needed. Rodriguez wanted to do whatever he could to provide Tatum with as much privacy and space as necessary during his time there. 'They were so cool,' Rodriguez said of Sang and Tatum. 'I had mentioned to them like, 'Hey, we're going to have other athletes in here training: my basketball team, women's basketball and some volleyball players.' And they were cool. They were like, 'No, man, this is y'all's home. We don't mind having anybody around.' So that was cool. …It was good for not only the men's basketball team, but our women's basketball team and our women's volleyball team to see him as well.' Rush said Tatum took time to interact with players on each of the teams and take photos. When Tatum was working out, Rodriguez wanted everyone in attendance to soak up some of the NBA champion's attitude. 'We all know what happened this past year with him (with the injury),' Rodriguez said. 'And he's trying to get back (onto the court). There's a lot of people that wouldn't just bring someone with them on the road, you know what I'm saying? Whether it's for a personal matter, whether it's for a business matter, (they can see) that he's trying to get back into the game, and he's going to do whatever he needs to do to get himself back to where he was. 'I wanted these guys to see that … he's still trying to get some work in and trying to get back. So I think just having that professional mindset that, 'Hey, I'm going to dedicate two to three hours of my day every day to work on my body, get back.' So that's what we preach with our guys. Like, we want you guys to be professionals. We want you guys to act like professionals. But we want you to treat your bodies like professionals as well. … And that's what he's doing. So that's something that I think was cool for our guys to see.' For Vitters, the visit was also a personal treat. The Arlington, Va. native grew up loving the Celtics because of his father's ties to the New England area. Also a passionate Duke supporter, Vitters has followed Tatum's career closely throughout the years. As such a big fan, Vitters said he freaked out a little bit upon learning Tatum would be working out at Chattanooga. After witnessing the seriousness Tatum showed in the gym, Vitters considered himself fortunate to see a small window into the five-time All-NBA player's greatness. 'That was one of the best things ever,' Vitters said. Advertisement Vitters hopes the Chattanooga program can build on its success after winning the NIT championship last season. He believes Tatum's visit, as brief as it was, should serve as inspiration for his team. 'If he can be doing that hard of work while still being injured, think about all we could be doing perfectly healthy,' Vitters said. 'And if we treat that, if we take that and use it going forward, hopefully it'll help us with our whole team.' (Top photo courtesy of Will McCutcheon / Chattanooga Basketball)
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Outraged mother reveals unusual method daycare staff used to discipline her toddler
A furious Tennessee mother claimed daycare staff disciplined her young daughter by spraying her in the face with a water bottle. Samantha Cuzzort said her three-year-old daughter, Elowyn, was 'inappropriately disciplined' at the Shiny Penny Child Care Center in Chattanooga, about 130 miles south east of Nashville. The outraged mother wrote on Facebook that she was asked to pick up her daughter on July 7 'due to one of her meltdowns.' She said that Elowyn told her the teacher had sprayed her in the face with water and the young girl repeated the claims the next day when she didn't want to go back to daycare. 'I was talking to her about what happened and what I could do to make her feel safe, because she seemed a little scared to go to daycare,' Cuzzort told WTVC. 'So I asked her again, you know what happened? And she said that she sprayed her while she was crying, and I got very frustrated.' Cuzzort said she and Elowyn's father asked the daycare to provide surveillance footage of the incident, but management refused and the parents filed a complaint with the state. She also shared a copy of the daycare's newsletter that said the staff is trying to get the kids outside as much as possible and that they use spray bottles to keep cool. 'We do have spray water bottles that teachers use to cool children down. The children absolutely love being spritzed with water,' the letter said. 'Of course, we ask them if they want to be sprayed before we spritz them with cool water.' The daycare said if parents would like their child to be opted out of the spraying, they can contact their teacher or management. 'She wasn't outside when this happened. When I picked her up from daycare that day, she was laying on the carpet where she was when I left her,' Cuzzort said. 'When I saw that, I thought it was immediate defense and deflection to validate what they were doing.' contacted the Shiny Penny for comment. DHS confirmed to that they are investigating the matter. 'We are aware of an incident that occurred at The Shiny Penny Child Care Center and the agency is currently under investigation,' a DHS spokesperson said. According to a copy of the daycare's newsletter, the staff is trying to get the kids outside as much as possible and that they use spray bottles to keep cool State child care licensing requirements prohibit potentially shaming, humiliating, frightening, verbally abusive and injurious discipline methods, according to DHS. Cuzzort said her daughter is afraid to go to daycare now and she hopes the DHS investigation will provide answers as to what happened to her daughter. 'She would start crying and kind of tucked down behind my leg, and I would have to actually crouch down and try to talk to Elowyn and help her go to class, but she got to where she couldn't acclimate herself, she just wouldn't go,' the mom said.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Alison Krauss & Union Station, Billy Strings Lead 2025 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Nominees
Alison Krauss & Union Station, Billy Strings and the Alison Brown/Steve Martin/Tim O'Brien collaboration '5 Days Out, 2 Days Back' lead the slate of nominees for the 2025 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, presented by Get It Played. The 2025 IBMA Awards will be held Sept. 18 at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga, Tenn., during the annual IBMA World of Bluegrass, which runs Sept. 16-20. This marks the awards ceremony's first to be held at the venue in Chattanooga, following a long stint in Raleigh, N.C. The nominees and honorees announcement was made during a live event held at the SiriusXM Studios in Nashville. More from Billboard Morgan Wallen's 'I'm the Problem,' Kendrick Lamar & SZA's 'Luther' Lead Luminate's 2025 Midyear Charts GWAR's Blöthar Urges Americans to 'Rise Up!' Against Trump Effort to Defund Public Media: 'This Could Very Well Silence the Music' Premios Juventud 2025 Will Take Place in Panama: Here's Everything We Know Alison Krauss & Union Station, Strings, Appalachian Road Show, East Nash Grass and The Del McCoury Band are competing for the entertainer of the year honor. Alison Krauss & Union Station, who released their first project in over a decade earlier this year, were previously named entertainer of the year in 1991 and 1995. Strings took home the entertainer of the year honors in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Del McCoury Band's 2024 win in the category marked their 10th overall entertainer of the year win. Meanwhile, the Appalachian Road Show celebrate their second nomination in the category, while East Nash Grass earn their first nomination in the category. (They earned the IBMA's new artist of the year accolade last year.) Also announced were this year's Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inductees, which are pioneering Black guitarist Arnold Shultz, who influenced musicians including Bill Monroe; bluegrass band Hot Rize (which included musicians such as Tim O'Brien, Pete Wernick, Nick Forster, Charles Sawtelle and Bryan Sutton over the years) and group The Bluegrass Cardinals, who toured from 1974 to 1997. 'IBMA is excited to bring the biggest night in bluegrass to our new host city, Chattanooga,'Ken White, executive director of IBMA, said in a statement. 'Our mission is to inspire innovation by recognizing the great work done by artists this past year and to honor tradition by inducting new members into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. The early influence of Arnold Shultz on Bill Monroe continues to shine through in the playing of even the youngest member of Kids on Bluegrass. You will undoubtedly see once in a lifetime performances. Don't miss it.' This year's IBMA distinguished achievement award goes to five recipients: Alan Arthur Knoth, Penny Parsons, Ron Thomason, Sidley Austin LLP and Missy Raines. Knoth, also known as 'Cuzin' Al,' a pioneering bluegrass radio host who influenced the bluegrass music community in Northern California. His career launched at KTAO in Los Gatos, Calif., in 1970 and continued at KFAT in Gilroy and at KPIG in Freedom. His show, 'Cuzin Al's Bluegrass Show,' highlighted traditional bluegrass music along with Hawaiian songs and comedic recordings. He also helped inspired the creation of the Santa Cruz Bluegrass Society and served on the California Bluegrass Association board. Parsons spent more than 45 years advocating for bluegrass music as a writer, publicist, producer, manager and booking agent, launching her career in 1979. Her work has included time at Sugar Hill Records, Record Depot Distribution and MerleFest, as well as leading her publicity and promotions firm the Penny Parsons Company. Parsons has contributed to Bluegrass Unlimited since 1981 and worked with bluegrass artist Curly Seckler, working as his manager, producer and biographer from 2004 to 2017. Her accolades include the 2016 IBMA print media person of the year award and her biography, Foggy Mountain Troubadour earning the Association of Recorded Sound Collections certificate of merit. Thomason, leader of the Dry Branch Fire Squad, began hosting the Grey Fox Festival in 1984. He started with Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys in 1969, then joined the Dry Branch Fire Squad and promoting traditional bluegrass music. The law firm Sidley Austin LLP has contributed to the IBMA through pro bono legal services since 2015, when Sidley Austin partner and co-head of the company's global corporate governance practice Holly Gregory initiated the partnership. The firm provided support in transitioning the IBMA to 501c3 nonprofit status, protecting the IBMA's intellectual property and assisting with travel visa processes for international bands, among other support. Trailblazing bassist Raines has won the IBMA's bass player of the year honor 10 times and is the first woman to achieve the honor. She is known for work as a duo with Jim Hurst, but also for leading Missy Raines & the New Hip, co-founding the Helen Highwater Stringband and issuing the Grammy-nominated project Royal Traveller. More nominations are set to be revealed, including nominees for the 2025 IBMA Momentum Awards, which highlight artist and industry professionals in the early stages of their bluegrass music careers, as well as the 2025 IBMA Industry Awards. The nominations will be announced the week of July 20. See the full list of this year's nominees below: Entertainer of the year: Alison Krauss & Union StationAppalachian Road ShowBilly StringsEast Nash GrassThe Del McCoury Band Song of the year: '5 Days Out, 2 Days Back' – Alison Brown, Steve Martin, Featuring Tim O'BrienSongwriters: Steve Martin/Alison BrownProducers: Alison Brown/Garry WestLabel: Compass Records 'Big Wheels' – Authentic UnlimitedSongwriter: Jerry ColeProducer: Authentic UnlimitedLabel: Billy Blue Records 'Coal Dust Kisses' – The GrascalsSongwriters: Susanne Mumpower/Jerry SalleyProducer: The GrascalsLabel: Mountain Home Music Company 'My Favorite Picture of You' – Darin & Brooke AldridgeSongwriters: Darin Aldridge/Brooke Aldridge/Dennis DuffProducers: Darin Aldridge/Mark FainLabel: Billy Blue Records 'Outrun the Rain' – Jason Carter & Michael ClevelandSongwriters: Terry Herd/Jimmy YearyProducers: Jason Carter/Michael ClevelandLabel: Fiddle Man Records Album of the year: Arcadia – Alison Krauss & Union StationProducer: Alison Krauss & Union StationLabel: Down the Road RecordsCarter & Cleveland – Jason Carter & Michael ClevelandProducers: Jason Carter/Michael ClevelandLabel: Fiddle Man Records Earl Jam – Tony TrischkaProducers: Tony Trischka/Lawson WhiteLabel: Down the Road RecordsHighway Prayers – Billy StringsProducers: Billy Strings/Jon BrionLabel: Reprise Records I Built a World – Bronwyn Keith-HynesProducers: Brent Truitt/Bronwyn Keith-HynesLabel: Sugar Petunia Records Vocal group of the year: Alison Krauss & Union StationAuthentic UnlimitedBlue HighwaySister SadieThe Del McCoury Band Instrumental Group of the year: Billy StringsEast Nash GrassMichael Cleveland & FlamekeeperMolly Tuttle & Golden HighwayThe Travelin' McCourys Gospel recording of the year: 'Blue Collar Gospel' – Jerry Salley Featuring The Oak Ridge BoysSongwriters: Rick Lang/Bill Whyte/Jerry SalleyProducer: Jerry SalleyLabel: Billy Blue Records 'Dear Lord' – Darin & Brooke AldridgeSongwriter: Daniel DavisProducers: Darin Aldridge/Mark FainLabel: Billy Blue Records 'Even Better When You Listen' – Joe Mullins & The Radio RamblersSongwriters: Rick Lang/Mark BonDurantProducer: Joe Mullins & The Radio RamblersLabel: Billy Blue Records 'He's Gone' – Jaelee RobertsSongwriter: Kelsi HarrigillProducer: Byron HouseLabel: Mountain Home Music Company 'Wings of Love' – Authentic UnlimitedSongwriters: Jesse Brock/Stephen Burwell/Jerry Cole/Eli Johnston/John MeadorProducer: Authentic UnlimitedLabel: Billy Blue Records Instrumental recording of the year: 'Bluegrass in the Backwoods' – Jason Carter & Michael ClevelandSongwriter: Kenny BakerProducers: Jason Carter/Michael ClevelandLabel: Fiddle Man Records 'The Drifter' – Danny RobertsSongwriter: Danny RobertsProducers: Danny Roberts/Andrea RobertsLabel: Mountain Home Music Company 'A Drive at Dusk' – Authentic UnlimitedSongwriter: Jesse BrockProducer: Authentic UnlimitedLabel: Billy Blue Records 'Kern County Breakdown' – Jason Carter & Michael ClevelandSongwriter: Buck Owens/Don RichProducers: Jason Carter/Michael ClevelandLabel: Fiddle Man Records 'Ralph's Banjo Special' – Kristin Scott Benson, Gena Britt & Alison BrownSongwriter: Ralph StanleyProducer: Alison BrownLabel: Compass Records New artist of the year: AJ Lee & Blue SummitBronwyn Keith-HynesJason CarterRed Camel CollectiveWyatt Ellis Collaborative recording of the year: '5 Days Out, 2 Days Back' – Alison Brown & Steve Martin Featuring Tim O'BrienSongwriters: Steve Martin/Alison BrownProducer: Alison Brown/Garry WestLabel: Compass Records 'A Million Memories (A Song for Byron)' – Darin & Brooke Aldridge Featuring Vince GillSongwriter: Vince GillProducers: Darin Aldridge/Mark FainLabel: Billy Blue Records 'Cora Is Gone' – Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski Featuring Rob McCoury & Billy StringsSongwriter: Mac OdellProducer: C.J. LewandowskiLabel: Turnberry Records 'Outrun the Rain' – Jason Carter, Michael Cleveland, Jaelee Roberts & Vince GillSongwriters: Terry Herd/Jimmy YearyProducers: Jason Carter/Michael ClevelandLabel: Fiddle Man Records 'Ralph's Banjo Special' – Kristin Scott Benson, Gena Britt & Alison BrownSongwriter: Ralph StanleyProducer: Alison BrownLabel: Compass Records Male vocalist of the year: Billy StringsDan TyminskiDel McCouryGreg BlakeRussell Moore Female vocalist of the year: AJ LeeAlison KraussBrooke AldridgeJaelee RobertsSierra Hull Banjo player of the year: Alison BrownGena BrittKristin Scott BensonRon BlockTony Trischka Bass player of the year: Barry BalesMike BubMissy RainesTodd PhillipsVickie Vaughn Fiddle player of the year: Bronwyn Keith-HynesJason CarterMaddie DentonMichael ClevelandStuart Duncan Resophonic guitar player of the year: Andy HallJerry DouglasJustin MosesMatt LeadbetterRob Ickes Guitar player of the year: Billy StringsBryan SuttonCody KilbyMolly TuttleTrey Hensley Mandolin player of the year: Alan BibeyJesse BrockRonnie McCourySam BushSierra Hull Music video of the year: '5 Days Out, 2 Days Back' – Alison Brown & Steve Martin Featuring Tim O'BrienSongwriters: Steve Martin/Alison BrownProducer: Alison Brown/Garry WestVideographer: Joseph SpenceLabel: Compass Records 'A Million Memories (A Song for Byron)' – Darin & Brooke Aldridge Featuring Vince GillSongwriter: Vince GillProducer: Jenny GillVideographer: Travis FlynnLabel: Billy Blue Records 'Big Wheels' – Authentic UnlimitedSongwriter: Jerry ColeProducers: Bryce Free/Kyle JohnsonVideographer: Bryce FreeLabel: Billy Blue Records 'Gallows Pole' – Appalachian Road ShowSongwriter: Traditional arr. Barry Abernathy/Jim VanCleve/Darrell WebbProducer: Steve KinneyVideographer: Steve KinneyLabel: Billy Blue Records 'Tennessee Hound Dog' – The GrascalsSongwriter: Felice Bryant/Boudleaux BryantProducer: Ty GilpinVideographer: Nate ShuppertLabel: Mountain Home Music Company 'The Auctioneer' – The Kody Norris ShowSongwriters: Leroy Van Dyke/Buddy BlackProducer: James GilleyVideographer: Nate WilesLabel: Rebel RecordsBest of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
15-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Shelia Anderson To Lead Digital And Tech Transformation At Unum Group
Unum Group Headquarters in Chattanooga, TN Shelia Anderson Leads Digital Future at Unum Unum Group, a global leader in workplace benefits with a legacy spanning over 175 years, has announced Shelia Anderson as its new executive vice president and chief information and digital officer. The company, which offers a wide range of services through its Unum and Colonial Life brands including disability, life, dental and vision insurance, generated $12.9 billion in revenue and delivered $8.0 billion in benefits in 2024. Anderson began her new role on April 28, 2025, assuming leadership of the Digital Transformation Organization (DTO). The DTO is responsible for delivering cutting-edge technology solutions designed to enhance growth and deepen customer engagement. She reports directly to Unum president and CEO Rick McKenney. 'Our commitment to innovation enables us to advance our purpose of helping the working world thrive throughout life's moments,' said McKenney. 'The addition of Shelia to our executive team continues to accelerate our digital strategy, enhancing both customer and employee experiences. She brings deep expertise and a clear strategic vision to fully leverage technology for the benefit of our customers.' Unum's Shelia Anderson Anderson said she was drawn to Unum Group's strong market position in the group benefits space, as well as its focus on technology as a strategic enabler. 'Unum Group's thriving culture and reputation as a leader in employee benefits first captured my interest, and I continue to be impressed by the way the company is leaning into innovation, investing in technology and enhancing customer satisfaction,' Anderson emphasized. Now 11 weeks into the role, Anderson has focused on listening, learning and laying the foundation for a multi-year digital transformation strategy. 'One of the biggest things I'm doing is spending time learning the business to make sure we anchor our technology initiatives back to what matters most," she said. She seeks ideas that are truly differentiating, including enhancing broker experience, evolving core products and driving more value through a robust digital ecosystem. She also cited Unum's leadership team and particularly McKenney's embrace of technology as a major draw. 'There's a clear message from the top down that technology matters,' she noted with excitement. 'It's part of the culture Rick is building here. That trust and support are already evident and energizing.' Anderson joined Unum following a nearly three-year tenure as CIO of Aflac. Prior to that, she held senior roles at Liberty Mutual, USAA, Hewlett-Packard and Electronic Data Systems. Her career has consistently focused on streamlining operations through integrated IT frameworks and advancing digital capabilities. Her recent work includes adopting emerging technologies such as AI and cloud, with a particular emphasis on data-driven platforms and claims automation. As she shapes the next chapter of Unum's technology journey, Anderson is applying a holistic lens across people, process and technology. 'I'm looking closely at our enterprise architecture to ensure it's strategically aligned and optimized for the future,' she noted. 'I'm also beginning a talent assessment to make sure we have the right people, skills and roles to carry us forward.' The foundation for this work includes a long-term operating model that supports run, grow and transform capabilities. 'We need to invest in growing the business while managing our run operations efficiently,' she said. 'That means building a flexible workforce, improving architecture health and strengthening our overall technology ecosystem.' Key priorities moving forward include accelerating AI innovation and data-driven value creation, with an early focus on customer-facing use cases. 'We're already doing a lot with emerging capabilities like gen AI to drive value for customers,' Anderson said. 'Partnering with our head of strategy, we're doubling down on that.' She also plans to explore how Unum can better harness ideation from across the company. 'We want to improve how we capture and scale innovation internally,' she said. 'There's a big opportunity to better leverage data as a strategic asset to unlock insights and improve outcomes.' 'There's an amazing culture here,' she added. 'The strength of the leadership team and the alignment I've seen across the organization are incredibly impressive. I feel fortunate to join a company where the people are not only talented, but also fully invested in building something extraordinary together.' Peter High is President of Metis Strategy, a business and IT advisory firm. He has written three bestselling books, including his latest Getting to Nimble. He also moderates the Technovation podcast series and speaks at conferences around the world. Follow him on Twitter @PeterAHigh.
