Jodi Palerma is head of strategic initiatives for Cigna Investment Management (CIM), which has responsibility for $30 billion in invested assets.
Palerma has responsibility for overseeing the development and execution of strategic initiatives for the organization. In this role, she is responsible for identifying opportunities for technological advancement, creating implementation plans, and ensuring those plans are implemented successfully.
Palerma is also a 2016 graduate of the emerging leader development program at Cigna Corp. As part of the program, she traveled to Belgium, China, UAE, South Korea, Philippines, Thailand, England and Ireland.
In 2018, she completed a short-term project in Dubai.
What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far?
Senior leaders have an obligation to mentor and support women in the workforce — to aid in their professional development, to help build their confidence, and to guide them through challenges.
Mentoring is one of the top strategies to help close the gender gap in leadership. Being a champion for other women is my biggest accomplishment.
What’s the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally?
I graduated from the Duke Health and Wellbeing Leadership Program in 2021. It develops transformational leaders and innovators in health care. The cohort included doctors and executives working on pilots, to improve the healthcare system.
I am re-engaging with the fellows, to focus on the next evolution of health care and position myself at the forefront of the healthcare transformation.
What’s one of the biggest professional challenges you’ve overcome?
I haven’t always had good female role models to look up to, in the heavily male-dominated operations and tech fields. It is important I am a strong female role model who inspires others by sharing my story, providing resources, and demonstrating how to overcome challenges.
How are you involved in the community?
I have held leadership roles for the Bushnell Park Foundation and Hartford Neighborhood Revitalization boards. I am a graduate of the Leadership Greater Hartford Quest and Executive program. I am a member of Connecticut Women’s Council and am very involved in the Cigna “Women in Finance” mentorship program.
What legacy do you want to leave after your career is over?
I am a fan of the book “Everyday Legacy,” which advocates that you understand the legacy you wish to leave behind and take action today.
I try to treasure every moment, be grateful and be present with those who matter most. I create this every day and for that, I hope to be remembered.