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TRUENORTH Announces Next Phase of Leadership Succession Plan
TrueNorth Companies , L . C ., a closely and privately held risk management and insurance brokerage firm headquartered in Cedar Rapids , Iowa , is proud to announce more leadership advancements and transitions with the intention of securing TrueNorth ’ s future as a legacy company and broker of choice .
“ We have taken executive-level stability to heart as we prepare TrueNorth for everything the future holds ,” said Jason Smith , CEO of TrueNorth . “ It ’ s a privilege and an honor to announce these significant leadership advancements that will serve to fuel and strengthen TrueNorth ’ s planned trajectory in the years and decades to come .”
Three appointments took place effective January 2024 : Robynn Westphal , TrueNorth ’ s General Counsel and Lead Counsel for our Transportation Division has been appointed the role of Chief Legal Officer ; Chris Gulker , Transportation Practice Leader has assumed the role of Executive Vice President of Transportation ; and Samantha Rogers recently joined TrueNorth as Vice President of Human Resources . Trent Tillman , formerly the Executive Vice President of the Transportation Division , now serves as TrueNorth ’ s President and Chief Revenue Officer . Randy Rings , TrueNorth ’ s former CLO , will remain on the board as Secretary and has accepted the role of Managing Director working alongside Executive Vice President Dru Bridges in TrueNorth ’ s First MainStreet platform . These promotions took place in January as part of TrueNorth ’ s thoughtful and deliberate approach to developing exceptional talent internally and positioning the firm for the future .
Robynn Westphal Chief Legal Officer
As TrueNorth ’ s Chief Legal Officer , Robynn oversees contracting ; negotiations ; sophisticated program structures ; insurance policy interpretation and coverage analysis ; regulatory issues ; claims and litigation ; policy creation and implementation , while playing an active role on the firm ’ s many committees . Prior to CLO , Robynn served as TrueNorth ’ s General Counsel and Lead Counsel for the firm ’ s Transportation division . Robynn originally joined TrueNorth in 2006 , and positively impacted the firm and transportation industry through volunteer and association engagements .
“ I am honored to have been appointed Chief Legal Officer of such an incredible organization . My 17 years at TrueNorth have provided me an opportunity to learn directly from the firm ’ s founders , collaborate with skilled teams to provide exceptional service and achieve professional and personal growth with the support of TrueNorth ’ s executive team . I will continue to use these valuable lessons and experiences to lead TrueNorth ’ s legal initiatives , leveraging the team ’ s integrity and talent to provide TrueNorth support and guidance .”
Chris Gulker Executive Vice President , Transportation
As Executive Vice President of TrueNorth ’ s Transportation division , Chris Gulker oversees the strategic direction of the division . Chris Gulker has been an integral part of the TrueNorth family for over a decade , contributing his expertise exclusively within our Transportation division . His journey with TrueNorth began over 10 years ago and over the years , his dedi-
60 customized logistics & delivery Magazine I spring 2024