Gabriel Carrillo Joins UCF to Transform Insurance Education
Gabriel Carrillo, an accomplished insurance industry veteran, has joined the University of Central Florida (UCF) as the head of the Center for Risk Management and Insurance Education, aiming to transform the sector amid looming large-scale retirements.
With a career that spans over three decades in underwriting and risk management, Carrillo brings a wealth of experience to UCF. His move comes as the insurance industry faces significant changes, with predictions from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicating that half of the current workforce will retire by 2036. Rather than seeing this as a crisis, Carrillo envisions it as a prime opportunity to revitalize the industry by attracting new talent and harnessing innovation.
New Educational Initiatives at UCF
Since his appointment in July 2025, Carrillo has been proactive in leveraging UCF’s capabilities to bolster insurance education. Notably, he is guiding the university towards launching a robust risk management major and minor in Fall 2026. With approval from UCF's Board of Trustees and contingent on the Florida Board of Governors' decision, this new program aims to integrate practical and research-driven elements. Future plans include an MBA and continuing education courses, underscoring the comprehensive nature of Carrillo’s vision for UCF's insurance education offering.
Industry Perception and Workforce Prospects
A significant challenge identified by Carrillo is the insurance industry's perception issue. Often viewed negatively in media, insurance careers are sometimes unfairly characterized. Carrillo is tackling this by connecting UCF students with professionals from various fields who operate in risk management roles and by emphasizing the industry's dynamism and importance beyond traditional settings.
As the need for risk management professionals is expected to rise by 17% annually, Carrillo highlights the career growth potential. Entry-level salaries ranging from $60,000 to $90,000 showcase the sector as a promising career path with job stability and opportunities for advancement.
Focus on Financial Literacy and Industry Partnerships
Addressing existing knowledge gaps, Carrillo emphasizes financial literacy as crucial for new graduates, equipping them to guide clients in making well-informed insurance decisions. Collaborating with Ron Piccolo, Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives, Carrillo seeks to establish partnerships with industry leaders to enrich the curriculum and offer students direct exposure to industry practices.
| Program | Launch Date | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Management Major/Minor | Fall 2026 | Includes practical and research-driven education elements. |
| MBA and Continuing Education | Future Launch | Broadens scope of insurance educational offerings. |
Granting a Voice to Industry Stories
Carrillo plans to launch a podcast, "No One Does This on Purpose," focusing on personal stories of individuals who've found their niche in insurance. Sharing his own journey—from a summer job at an insurance company during college at Purdue University to becoming a key influencer in the industry—Carrillo aims to inspire students and professionals alike.
With UCF becoming the 77th institution offering a risk management and insurance education program, Carrillo is confident in leveraging the university's unique positioning and robust academic framework. Collaborating with industry titans and academia, UCF is poised to nurture a skilled workforce, ready to tackle emerging risks and reinforce community resilience.