Officers & Directors 2020

Matt has worked for Country Financial since 2003. Since that time he has held various claims leadership roles. He is currently the Workers’ Compensation and PIP/MP Claims Manager. Matt has been a CPCU member since 2010. 

Craig joined Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. in May 2016 as a Sr. Account Manager - Arch Unit.  Prior to that he was with AIG for 26 years, most recently as a Client Service Manager for the claim area.  Craig is an experienced premium auditor developing that skill after graduating from St Cloud State University with a degree in accounting. 

Craig holds his CPCU designation and is a Certified Insurance Premium Auditor (CIPA) as well as a member of the Twin Cities Insurance Club. Craig enjoys fishing and DIY construction projects. 

Rick started his insurance carrier in 1977 with Economy Fire and Casualty in Freeport, IL. Originally from Wisconsin, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. His insurance career includes time with The St Paul Companies. Rick was at Austin Mutual 17 years, retiring Jan 2018. Over the years, Rick has been involved in the Boy Scouts of America, International Visitors Group and the American Red Cross.

Rick has been on the MN CPCU board since 2012 and leads the Good Works Committee engaging members in volunteer service activities in the community.

Cheri is currently Operations Coordinator for Personal Lines.  She has been employed at RAM Mutual Insurance Company since 1993.  At RAM, she has worked in H.R., Underwriting and R & D.  Prior to insurance, Cheri was front end operations manager for a large retail chain and a high school social studies teacher.  Cheri resides in Esko, MN with her husband and three daughters.  She also serves on the board of directors for Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity.

Ruth is currently a Permanent Total and Dependency Benefits Specialist at SFM Mutual Insurance Companies where she has worked since 2001. Prior to that she worked at Wausau Insurance. Ruth obtained her BA in Business Administration at the University of St. Thomas in 1999.   She obtained her CPCU designation in 2018. Ruth looks forward to serving on the MN CPCU board and the Website/Communications committee.

Allen started in insurance as an underwriter trainee at St Paul Companies. Before joining CNA in April, 2014, he worked 10 years as a Senior Underwriter at MMIC group, specializing in medical malpractice. He recently left OneBeacon Insurance Group as Assistant Vice President in the complex risk division to join J&R Agency. He holds a Management Degree from St Cloud State University. 

Gary is the Subrogation Claim Manager for Western National Insurance Group.  He has 30 years or experience in the insurance industry.  Prior to Western National, Gary managed a dedicated claims unit for a national restaurant chain, was the Risk Control Manager for a retail store chain, and was employed in the claims department of insurance carriers.

Gary is a past president of the Minnesota Chapter and has served on several of the Chapter’s committees.  He obtained the CPCU designation in 1997.