An insurance professional with more than two decades of experience, Hiawatha Franks currently holds the position of claims director at The Hartford in Lake Mary, Florida. Throughout his career, Hiawatha Franks has consistently worked to enhance his skills, earning several professional designations, including Associate in Risk Management and Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU).

Conferred by the professional organization The Institutes, the CPCU designation is the property-casualty industry's premier credential. Procuring the designation requires passing eight courses and examinations, meeting an experience requirement, and agreeing to abide by a strict code of professional conduct. Typically, the credential takes nearly four years to complete, making a strong level of commitment a requirement for those seeking the designation. 

Upon completion, however, CPCUs are considered property-casualty experts, and as a result most receive increased job security. Furthermore, many designees go on to work in management positions, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills to improving the companies they lead.