40 Under 40: Kylee Anele Merritt
Manager of Workers Compensation; Lippert; With company: 11 years | Industry experience: 11 years
As manager of workers’ compensation for Lippert, Kylee Merritt handles one of the most complex areas of employee care. She helps guide the organization through employee injuries, complex claims, litigation, return-to-work decisions, regulatory responsibilities and risk-reduction opportunities. Her colleagues say she demonstrates leadership by executing her job with strategy, accountability, and compassion and by uniting people around a common purpose.
She works with human resources, operations, legal, insurance, medical providers, and external partners to ensure that injured team members receive thoughtful support while the company maintains consistent, defensible and financially responsible claim practices.
She has helped develop stronger claims-management infrastructure, including enhanced tracking, reporting, recordkeeping, provider coordination, investigative practices and reserve oversight.
In 2024, Kylee helped close 40 litigated claims, despite beginning the year with 38 litigated claims and several longstanding matters that had seen limited progress. The closed claims included the rapid resolution of a newer litigated matter, filed in September 2024 and closed by Dec. 10, 2024.
“Kylee’s contribution is ultimately measured not only in claims closed or processes created, but also in the clarity, consistency, and care she brings to decisions affecting injured employees and the organization,” her nominator says.
Kylee’s leadership extends beyond her company. She took the lead in organizing a multiday enterprise Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) conference, which included detailed coordination of speakers, sponsors, training sessions, volunteer activities, awards, logistics and executive programming.
“Her leadership style is practical and service-oriented,” her nominator says. “She is willing to work behind the scenes, solve difficult problems, develop structure where it is needed, and provide others with the information necessary to make informed decisions. Whether reviewing years of claims data, coordinating an enterprise event, assisting with an injury investigation, or guiding a complicated claim, Kylee consistently turns complexity into clear, actionable direction.”
Kylee has continued to expand her professional expertise. She’s earned the Certified Workers’ Compensation Professional, or CWCP, designation, originally obtaining the credential in October 2022 and completing recertification in 2024. She also earned the Certified Family Medical Leave Specialist, or CFMLS, designation through Michigan State University in November 2024.
Outside of work, Kylee enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris, their daughter, Noelle, and their two Yorkies. She is a proud, active dance mom who supports her daughter’s growth both in and outside the studio.
Kylee’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:
Never stop learning and never underestimate the power of relationships. The RV industry is built on people, and the most successful leaders are those who take the time to listen, remain curious and invest in others. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand for opportunities outside your comfort zone. Growth rarely happens when everything feels comfortable. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to learn, adapt and help others succeed along the way.
“Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” — Walt Disney
This quote has guided both my professional and personal life. Continuous learning, embracing change, and having the courage to move forward have created opportunities I never imagined and continue to shape the leader I strive to become each day.
What it means to Kylee to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:
Being recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree is both humbling and deeply meaningful. I have spent the last 11 years growing my career within the RV industry, surrounded by talented leaders who have challenged me, mentored me and helped me become the professional I am today. This recognition represents more than individual achievement. It reflects the incredible teams I’ve worked alongside, the opportunities Lippert has provided, and the impact that can be made when we focus on serving others. I am honored to be recognized among so many outstanding professionals who are helping shape the future of our industry.
