Rich Poirier to Become New Church Mutual CEO
MERRILL, Wis.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Church Mutual Insurance Company, a leading provider of insurance
services to religious organizations and schools in all 50 states, today
announced the planned succession of the company’s senior executive
leadership.
Michael E. Ravn, chief executive officer, (CEO), will retire effective
January 8, 2016. Ravn began his career at Church Mutual Insurance
Company in 1986 as a workers’ compensation claims analyst, and has held
positions of increasing responsibility across several functional areas
including claims, underwriting and administration. He was appointed to
the CEO position in January 2010, after serving as the company’s chief
operating officer (COO).
Ravn, who served as CEO for six years, will continue to serve on the
company’s Board of Directors.
“The Board of Directors is very grateful for Mike’s strong leadership as
CEO,” said Allen Leverett, non-executive chairman of the Church Mutual
Insurance Company Board of Directors. “Mike led our company through many
challenges while at the same time driving impressive growth and
profitability. When Mike was selected to lead the company in 2010,
Church Mutual Insurance Company had policyholders’ surplus of $393
million and direct written premium of $569 million. Today, Church Mutual
Insurance Company is the premier insurance provider for religious
organizations and has strong financial footing with a record high
policyholders’ surplus of more than $580 million and direct written
premium of over $660 million.”
Richard V. Poirier, president Church Mutual Insurance Company, will
succeed Ravn.
“We expect the transition to be seamless,” Leverett said. “The members
of the Board and senior management followed a thorough succession
planning process. Rich, who joined Church Mutual in 2011 from a senior
management position at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, has extensive
industry experience in addition to most recently serving as president of
the company. The Board of Directors is excited to have Rich lead Church
Mutual and carry on its strong tradition.”
“I am proud of the company that Church Mutual is today,” Ravn said.
“It’s been an incredible experience to lead the company and it’s been a
lot of fun. I’ve had the privilege to work alongside a team of extremely
talented individuals and for a rare company that has always emphasized
strong values and integrity paired with a mission shared with our
policyholders to improve the human condition.”
Poirier said, “I am honored to be asked to lead this great company and
our employees in providing risk mitigation and protection products and
services to organizations that make a difference and improve the human
condition in our communities and across our nation. I have a strong
commitment to our company’s mission, values, policyholders and employees
and I am confident that commitment will enable us to achieve great
success in the future.”
About Richard V. Poirier, JD
Rich Poirier joined Church Mutual in April 2011 as vice president —
claims and was promoted to chief operating officer in October 2011. He
was named president in 2014.
Prior to joining Church Mutual, Poirier had an extensive career in
senior management with Wausau and Liberty Mutual Insurance companies.
Poirier earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University in
1983. Following graduation, he was given a direct commission in the
United States Navy through its Law Education Program. Poirier earned his
Juris Doctorate from Marquette University in 1986. Following law school
graduation, he entered four years of active duty as a Navy judge
advocate in Norfolk, Va.
Following his discharge from active duty, Poirier continued his service
in the Navy Reserves. He held a number of prestigious assignments,
including two commanding officer tours. He retired in 2010 at the rank
of Captain. His numerous awards and decorations include two Navy
Achievement Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals and a Meritorious
Service Medal.
Poirier currently serves on the Board of Directors of Aspirus Health
Services, the Marathon County Chapter of the Boys and Girls Club of
America and the Wausau Wolf Pack Youth Lacrosse Association.
About Church Mutual Insurance Company
Church Mutual Insurance Company was founded in 1897 and offers
specialized insurance for religious organizations of all denominations,
including religious-related schools, camps, denominational offices and
senior living facilities. Church Mutual markets most lines of commercial
property and liability insurance, including multi-peril, workers’
compensation and commercial auto insurance.
Fact Sheet
Church Mutual’s mission is to be the premier provider of insurance
services to our customers in the religious institutional marketplace and
other compatible markets.
Headquarters
• 3000 Schuster Lane, Merrill, WI
Founded
• 1897
Financials
• $1.45 Billion in Assets (2014)
• $580 Million in Policyholders’ Surplus (2015 EST.)
• $660 Million in Direct Premiums Written (2015 EST.)
Market Area
• All 50 states and the District of Columbia
Products and Services
• Most lines of commercial property and liability insurance, including
multi-peril, workers’ compensation and commercial auto insurance
Insurance Specialty
• Churches, schools (public/private, K-University), camps, conference
centers and assisted living centers
Number of Employees
• 802 home office
• 242 in the field
Awards and Recognition
• “A (Excellent)” rating with A.M. Best Company
• 2015 Ward’s 50 Top Performing Property and Casualty Insurance Companies
• National Customer Service Center ranked top 10 in nation by
BenchmarkPortal
Website
Contacts
Church Mutual Insurance Company
Jay Lillge, Corporate
Communications Manager
(715) 539-4503
jlillge@churchmutual.com
3000
Schuster Lane, Merrill, Wis. 54452
