Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company, a leading commercial insurance provider, has over 20 University of Mount Olive alumni among its 180 Goldsboro-based employees.

These graduates contribute to the company’s steady growth and success while aligning their values and skills with the thriving culture at Atlantic Casualty.

Mark Bryan, Vice President of Human Resources at Atlantic Casualty and a UMO alumnus, recently sat down with Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations at UMO, to discuss the importance of recruiting local talent and how the values instilled at UMO play a key role in the company’s workplace environment.

“The culture here is uniquely awesome,” said Bryan. “What sets us apart is not just our business acumen but also our values. It’s about partnership and a shared belief system, which makes UMO graduates a great fit. Our values—integrity, collaboration, and community-mindedness—align well with UMO’s emphasis on ethical leadership and hands-on learning.”

With more than 400 employees nationwide, Atlantic Casualty focuses on its local roots in Goldsboro.

The company, which specializes in high-risk commercial insurance, actively seeks to hire from nearby educational institutions, especially UMO.

Bryan highlights that many employees, including UMO alumni, bring technical skills and dedication to the region’s growth.

“UMO alumni embody the culture fit we’re looking for,” Bryan added. “They are down-to-earth, community-focused, and bring a strong sense of responsibility—qualities that are vital to thriving in our environment. We’ve grown by 30% annually since 2016, and much of that growth has been driven by local talent.”

Bryan also emphasized the variety of departments where UMO alumni excel.

“We’ve got UMO grads in nearly every department—human resources, IT, accounting, underwriting, and claims,” Bryan said. “Their collective contributions are vast, helping drive everything from technology development to client services. One notable success story is Jose Arteaga, a former intern who has worked his way up to become a supervisor in the company.”

Arteaga said, “Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for the lasting impact UMO has had on my career. “The University’s focus on personal growth, intellectual curiosity, and leadership development prepared me not only for the challenges I face in my role at Atlantic Casualty, but also for my broader commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those around me. UMO has played an instrumental role in my journey, and I am proud to continue that legacy in my work today.”

Atlantic Casualty’s commitment to employee growth is further evidenced by its educational reimbursement program. The company offers continuing education and student loan reimbursement as part of its employee benefits package.

Bryan underscored the critical role that UMO plays in Atlantic Casualty’s talent pipeline.

“Having UMO right in our backyard is huge,” Bryan said. “We see more UMO alumni working here than from any other school. Their education, particularly in business, IT, and finance, aligns perfectly with our needs. And they come ready to make an impact.”

Beyond professional development, Atlantic Casualty is known for offering an exceptional work environment.

The company ensures a balance between productivity and employee well-being with benefits like a hybrid work schedule, health and dental insurance, and even an on-site café with a chef providing free meals on Wednesdays.

The quiet hum of white noise throughout the facility and a dedicated space for brain breaks—including puzzles and corn hole—provide an atmosphere conducive to focused yet relaxed work.

As Atlantic Casualty continues its rapid expansion, the company remains dedicated to hiring local talent and nurturing partnerships with educational institutions like UMO.

This ensures that employees not only excel professionally but also contribute to the community’s overall prosperity.