Sondra Kelley: Director of Risk Management at Howard Leasing Inc.

When you speak with Sondra Kelley, you immediately understand two things: she takes her work seriously, and she leads with heart. As the Director of Risk Management at Howard Leasing Inc., Sondra brings over 30 years of combined experience in workers’ compensation and risk management. Even with all that time in the field, she’s just as energized by the challenges of the job as she was on day one.

“No two days are ever the same,” she says. “From managing claims and reviewing medical records to helping clients resolve safety hazards, it’s a job that keeps me thinking, moving, and problem-solving every single day.”

Her work goes far beyond spreadsheets and policy manuals. Sondra is deeply hands-on, working closely with carriers, legal teams, and clients to create safer workplaces, resolve claims efficiently, and support injured employees in their recovery. “I love the variety,” she explains. “Legal matters, investigations, compliance... it’s never boring.”

Her path to this profession wasn’t exactly straight. “In my early years, I explored careers in medicine, law, and investigations,” Sondra says. “Eventually I found workers’ comp, and it just made sense. It checked all the boxes for me.”

Sondra’s strength lies in her ability to manage complex situations while staying grounded in compassion. She’s the one people turn to when a client needs guidance, a claim needs attention, or a new risk appears. She approaches each task with deep knowledge and a calm, steady presence.

But there’s more to Sondra than her professional accomplishments. Years ago, she survived a near-fatal car accident, trapped in her vehicle for two hours with more than ten broken bones. “Onlookers didn’t think I’d survived,” she recalls. “It was the most difficult experience of my life, and I don’t take being here for granted.” That perspective grounds her every day. Her biggest source of strength? Her family, especially her seven-year-old grandson, who is autistic. “He is my hero,” she says. “He teaches me about resilience, love, and courage every single day.”

Outside of work, Sondra finds peace through creative expression. She paints, draws, writes poetry, and creates artwork for the people she loves. “It’s my way of decompressing and reconnecting with myself,” she shares.

Even with all her years of experience, she remains open to learning. “My daughter taught me the most,” she says. “Raising her gave me more insight, strength, and humility than anything else in life.”

If she could have one wish come true, Sondra wouldn’t ask for anything extravagant. “I’d take my whole family to Alaska. We’d be under the stars, in nature, glamping together. That’s my idea of a perfect night.” Her advice to others is simple and heartfelt: don’t lose sight of balance. “Work can take over if you let it, so I remind myself to unplug, enjoy my weekends, and be present with the people who matter most.”

With creativity, loyalty, and a tireless work ethic, Sondra Kelley is more than a leader in her field. She’s the kind of person who shows up with empathy, handles the hard stuff with grace, and reminds us all that resilience is often quiet, but always powerful.