Watkins previously served as the former chief brand and marketing officer at Aflac Inc. starting in 2018. While working at the insurance company Watkins launched a new era in Aflac’s marketing department which led to a partnership with ESPN’s College Gameday. Watkins also encouraged more attention towards Historically Black Colleges and Universities, educated Americans about health and wage gaps, and showed policyholders who they could combat health and wage disparities using Aflac’s products. It should come to no surprise Watkins was previously named one of AdWeek’s Most Powerful Women in Sports for 2021.

“Shannon’s personal and professional commitment to standing in the gap between those who need greater support and the institutions that can provide it is a difference-maker in how people perceive Aflac as a company that truly cares. Aflac is making a difference due in great part to Shannon’s vision on advancing our business with a particular concern for the diverse communities we represent,” said Aflac U.S. President Teresa White, according to a press release.

Sean Tresvant

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