For Thomas P. Nerney, University of Mary Washington’s 2012 Executive-in-Residence, business is about putting the heart first, with a clear focus on the people in the organization and an emphasis on company culture.
Nerney, chairman, president and chief executive officer of United States Liability Insurance Group (USLI), spoke to about 100 regional business leaders and community members at a business breakfast on Friday, March 23 at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center. John F. Chappell, former chairman of worldwide pharmaceuticals for SmithKline Beecham, served as a moderator.
“We create a team culture,” Nerney said of USLI. “We wake up every day with the goal of being the best we can be.”
During the two-day Executive-in-Residence program, Nerney met with students, alumni, faculty and community members to share his experience at the helm of an A++-rated Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary.
During the breakfast, Nerney explained how the company focuses on cultivating a positive environment for its 700 employees.
“‘Leadership with heart’ comes down to the principle that every decision you make, you own,” he said.
Nerney also hosted a career forum, “Planning Career Development and Understanding the Importance of Corporate Culture,” at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center. The forum was open to the campus community and the public.
Nerney has been chairman, president and CEO of USLI since 1996. A resident of Villanova, Pa., Nerney and his wife are founding members of A Front Row Seat to Learning and The Nerney Family Foundation, two local not-for-profit organizations. They also serve on the Board of Trustees at La Salle Academy.
Nerney serves on the Board of Governors of the Academy of Risk Management and Insurance and is a member of the Board of Trustees at Cabrini College. He received an M.B.A. from The Haub School of Business at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pa., and a bachelor’s in social science and philosophy from Cabrini College.
Established in 1989, the Executive-in-Residence program is coordinated through the UMW College of Business and the Division of Advancement and University Relations. Since its inception, the program has brought 40 well-known and established business leaders to the university.
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News release prepared by: Brynn Boyer
