Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame announces 2024 inductees
The Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame has announced its 2024 inductees.
To be eligible for induction, nominees must have an Iowa connection, serve as a role model for young people and others in the insurance business, exhibit the highest standards of ethical conduct and have significantly affected the insurance industry, according to a news release.
This year’s inductees are:
Irv Burling (posthumous)
Irv Burling served as president and CEO of Century Life of America from 1976 to 1993. Under his leadership, Century Life evolved from a small organization into a financial services provider that reached millions of credit union members, according to a news release. He helped form the permanent affiliation between Century Life and CUNA Mutual Group, now TruStage, a partnership that ensured the long-term success of both organizations. Burling contributed to the community of Waverly and the insurance industry. He served on multiple boards, including Wartburg College and the Life Office Management Association. He also authored “Winning Without Greed,” a book on servant leadership.
Bob O’Hollearn
Bob O’Hollearn began his career with Allied in 1972. He held numerous senior leadership roles, including serving as regional vice president in both Des Moines and Sacramento, Calif. His community involvement includes serving as the mayor of Johnston from 2000 to 2003 and serving on the boards of several community organizations. Since his retirement in 2015, O’Hollearn has remained active in the community. He chairs the Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa board and serves on the Des Moines Performing Arts board. He is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa.
Jeff Menary
Grinnell Mutual CEO Jeff Menary has spent his entire 44-year career at the company, holding various leadership roles before becoming CEO in 2017. He returned to Grinnell Mutual following a hiatus due to personal health challenges and led the company through the pandemic and historic natural disasters, the release said. Menary created the Care & Share program at Grinnell Mutual, which has provided nearly $400,000 in support to employees in need. He holds a master of business leadership degree from William Penn University and several insurance designations.
Lynn Schreder
Lynn Schreder, co-owner and president of KHI Solutions, has helped shape Iowa’s health insurance landscape since joining the company in 2009. Under her leadership, KHI Solutions has grown into a leading health insurance wholesaler that is recognized for its commitment to clients, independent agents and the community, according to a news release. Schreder is involved in industry organizations such as the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and the Iowa Association of Health Underwriters, where she has received multiple awards for her contributions.
An induction ceremony for the honorees will be held at 5 p.m. on Oct. 8 at the Meadows Event Center in Altoona. The Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame will also award a total of $25,000 to 11 students who plan to pursue insurance-related careers. Registration for the event is open until Oct. 1.