Alison Smith: Risk Generalist at City of Cape Coral

Alison Smith’s path to workers’ compensation wasn’t a straight line—it was a journey shaped by unexpected turns, deep personal growth, and a steady commitment to helping others. Now serving as Risk Generalist for the City of Cape Coral, Alison brings more than experience to the table—she brings heart.

Before landing in her current role, Alison worked in the court system handling domestic violence cases. A temporary job at a law firm led to nearly a decade of experience in both personal injury and insurance defense. After stepping away to become a truck driver—a detour that came with discovering she was pregnant—she found herself applying for the Risk Generalist position with the City in early 2017. “It was the job I wanted, and the timing was perfect,” she recalls. “I love it.”

For Alison, the most impactful part of her role is simple: connection. “I like being able to talk to the employees—who are really my co-workers—and help them through the workers’ comp process,” she says. “We build relationships. We have a bond. I think that helps them feel supported and seen, and that makes all the difference.”

It’s that human approach that defines Alison’s work. Her philosophy is rooted in communication, teamwork, and a sense of shared purpose. “We’re all rooting for each other. We all want them to come back,” she says. “It’s about working together, not just checking boxes.”

When faced with difficult decisions, Alison leans into collaboration—drawing on the knowledge of her Risk Manager and trusted colleagues, and giving herself space to reflect. “I take a step back, process the situation, and talk it through. That time and teamwork matter.”

One of her most memorable moments came not from a claim, but from a call with a citizen whose license had been mistakenly suspended. Alison stepped in, navigated the red tape, and helped reinstate it. “She sent me a message later saying how much it meant to her—that no one else had taken the time. That really stuck with me. I realized: this is what I’m meant to do. I’m here to help.”

Her personal philosophy is built around three traits: positivity, happiness, and empathy. “I love to laugh,” she says. “I try not to take life too seriously. I look at the bigger picture—and it’s happy. And I feel deeply. I feel what others are going through.”

That deep sense of connection extends to her mentors as well. She credits Sue McKenzie, a colleague from early in her legal career, as someone who brought laughter and family values into her life at just the right moment. And then there’s Cora Molloy, who guided Alison through personal and professional challenges with unwavering support. After years of silence, a chance reunion at the WCI Conference turned into an emotional embrace—one Alison had hoped and prayed for. “She helped prepare me for this job, just from everything she taught me.”

Outside of work, Alison finds joy and balance in her five-year-old daughter, who she names—without hesitation—as the center of her world. When she needs to unwind, she hops in the car, rolls down the windows, turns up the music, and lets the stress melt away.

When asked what she’d change in the industry, her answer is clear: awareness. “I don’t think everyone understands what workers’ compensation really is,” she explains. “Sometimes even employees don’t realize what the process looks like or that it’s there to help them. I’d love to offer sessions that walk through the basics so people feel informed and empowered.”

Her commitment to return-to-work efforts reflects that same dedication. She stays in close contact with supervisors, checks on employees regularly, and works hard to find opportunities for them to remain active and engaged at work. “We don’t want to lose anyone,” she says. “We do everything we can to keep our people here.”

With over 2,100 employees—including the charter school system—Alison wishes she had more hours in the day to build relationships face to face. “I want people to know who I am. I want them to see my face and know who they’re talking to. That’s how trust is built.”

And that’s exactly what Alison does: she builds trust. With a laugh, with a listening ear, with a deep understanding that behind every claim is a person. Her story is a reminder that the most powerful kind of leadership doesn’t always come from a title—but from a heart that’s committed to showing up for others, every single day.