Meet Our Team
We are a team of professional gerontologists. We consult. We research. We educate.
The Aging Insights Team brings extensive knowledge in how people age, helping The Hartford better understand the preferences and diverse experiences of adults age 50 and older. They apply knowledge of health, behavior, and social trends to guide product design, communication, and the customer experience. Additionally, they develop and deliver specialized training for The Hartford’s employees. These activities support The Hartford in building trust, reducing barriers, and supporting independence and well-being of 50 plus customers. The Hartford has had this in-house expertise since 1984, guiding The Hartford to unparalleled success in understanding and serving the mature market.
Our Gerontologists
The members of The Hartford’s Aging Insights Team are highly skilled and have advanced degrees in gerontology. This rich academic foundation provides the unique knowledge to understand the experience of aging and how to support people as they grow older, with the goal of promoting well-being, independence, safety, and quality of life across the lifespan.
Debra Kleesattel, Ph.D.
Director and Corporate Gerontologist
Debra Kleesattel is responsible for designing and implementing programs that provide unique offerings for The Hartford’s older customers. Kleesattel has over 25 years of experience leading cross functional teams in the development and implementation of multiple projects, programs, and initiatives in support of older customers. She is committed to positive and meaningful consumer experiences, recognizing the multifaceted needs of 50+ customers. Debra has a Ph.D. in Gerontology from the University of Kentucky.
Christi Vrban, M.A.G.
Assistant Director and Corporate Gerontologist
Christi Vrban leads The Hartford’s industry-leading mature market education programs. Vrban is responsible for the development, delivery, and measurement of the Center’s core curriculum, utilizing multiple formats and platforms to achieve optimal learning outcomes. Christi brings her 18 years of instructional design experience and is highly skilled in producing media-rich, interactive gerontology learning courses. Christi also founded and leads The Hartford’s internal community for employees who are family caregivers, established out of her experience of caring for her parents; this group supports employees who are providing care at various stages while working. Christi completed her M.A. in Gerontology at USC’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and is currently working on her Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Susanna Smith, M.G.S.
Senior Customer Experience Advisor and Corporate Gerontologist
Susanna Smith advances The Hartford’s customer experience strategy with a focus on the 50+ market – individuals navigating aging, lifestyle changes, and major life transitions such as retirement, caregiving, and home safety. She partners across teams to uncover opportunities and implement improvements that strengthen competitive advantage while fostering customer preference, satisfaction, and loyalty. Drawing on expertise in gerontology, voice of customer management, and inclusive experience design, Smith is committed to keeping customers at the heart of every decision. She earned a Master of Gerontological Studies from Miami University of Ohio.