Forty Under 40: Cammie Harp Scott

Cammie Harp Scott turned a potential tragedy into a fulfilling lifestyle, and she hasn’t looked back since. Scott was finishing a master’s degree in industrial engineering at the University of Arkansas when she found out she had thyroid cancer. Suddenly faced with surgery and radiation therapy, Scott’s priorities changed. Sitting in a cubicle for eight hours each day seemed less appealing, and family time became more valuable.

When she was diagnosed, Scott had cancer insurance, which she said made that time in her life a little easier. Already carrying her realtor’s license, Scott laid aside her plans to become an engineer.

Four years after treatments for the cancer stopped, Scott continues to enjoy her career in insurance sales. Most of her work stems from representing American Family Life Assurance Company, which specializes in supplemental insurance policies. Cancer insurance is one of the biggest sellers for Scott, and she said she enjoys working with patients to help relieve some of the stress of the disease.

Scott’s career choice suits her, as she serves more than 100 accounts in the area. Gross sales for Scott’s agency doubled in 1999, and she said business should only grow. Reduced medical benefits from company policies strengthen supplemental agencies like AFLAC, Scott said.