Mitzi Thoma, vice president of marketing for the past 12 years, plans to retire at the end of 2025. •
INDUSTRY NEWS
KANSAS MARKETPLACE HEADLINES
ELLIOTT NAMED BIG I YOUNG AGENT OF THE YEAR
KAIA Vice President / Treasurer Brock Elliott of Elliott Group was recently named as the Big " I " Young Agent of the Year at the recent Legislative Conference in D. C. Thank you for all your work for our industry, Brock!
SELZER NAMED U. S. CROP INS, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Former Kansas Insurance Commissioner, Ken Selzer, CPA, was recently sworn in as the Associate Director of the $ 20B US Crop Insurance program.
Selzer previously worked in the insurance industry for over 40 years, including roles at Aon and Employers Re.
COLUMBIA INS. EXPANDS RVP ROLES
Columbia Insurance is pleased to announce expanded leadership responsibilities for its regional vice presidents( RVPs). These officers will now lead key strategic initiatives in addition to their current roles as heads of their respective regional offices.
“ This is an exciting step forward in our strategic growth journey,” said Keith Maciejewski, Columbia Insurance’ s vice president and chief underwriting officer.“ Our RVPs have been instrumental in shaping our vision and now they will lead the charge in executing it across critical areas.” New assignments include:
Shelly DeVore, vice president of agency distribution and management, will optimize agency engagement and develop new resources to support growth.
Shane Martinez, vice president of middle market, will guide Columbia’ s underwriting, service capabilities and engagement strategies for larger policyholders.
Byron Smith, vice president of alternative markets, will identify innovative revenue opportunities and expand Columbia’ s reach through non-traditional channels.
Todd Ruthruff, Columbia’ s president and chief executive officer, said he is confident this team will help lead Columbia into an exciting new chapter.
“ Our regional vice presidents have consistently demonstrated our people-first vision which defines Columbia’ s values. By expanding their roles, we’ re empowering them to drive innovation and growth in ways that will deepen our partnerships and strengthen our market presence.”
BROTHERHOOD MUTUAL INSURANCE ANNOUNCES EXEC CHANGES
Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Co., headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, recently announced three changes to their executive leadership team.
Gabe Brown was named vice president, sales and operations – Brotherhood Works – affiliates. He leads current programs, while exploring future products, sales initiatives and strategies.
Drew Smith is now vice president of marketing. He joins Brotherhood Mutual after over 27 years with American Specialty Insurance & Risk Services, Inc. where he served as vice president client services, chief marketing officer, and was president of the company for over nine years.
Mitzi Thoma, vice president of marketing for the past 12 years, plans to retire at the end of 2025. •
MAY / JUNE 2025
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