 In sharing this news, Blackburn said, "I am extremely grateful to
have worked with exceptional management, dedicated people and a
quality board during my years at Country."Our business is about
helping people protect what they have, save for the future and
achieve financial security, and I am proud of the many services we
provide our clients," Blackburn added. "It has been my privilege to
lead this organization for 10 years. I have great confidence in our
people and believe Country is well-positioned to enhance and build
upon our long-standing history of superior customer service."
Blackburn has served as CEO since August 2001. He is also
retiring as chairman of the boards of directors of Cotton States
Insurance Group, Alpharetta, Ga.; Holyoke Mutual Insurance Company
of Salem, Mass.; and Middlesex Mutual Assurance Company of
Middletown, Conn.
In the past decade, the Country Group doubled its geographic
footprint through strategic alliances, growing from operations in 23
states to across most of the nation. During that same period, assets
for the enterprise grew from $8.1 billion to $14.3 billion while
annual revenues increased from $2 billion to $3.3 billion. Country
has been continuously ranked on the Fortune 1000 list since 2004 and
is currently ranked No. 624.
Blackburn is a past chair of the board of governors of the
Property Casualty Insurers Association of America and immediate past
chair of the board of trustees of Lincoln College, Lincoln. He also
serves as second vice chair on the board of directors of Memorial
Health System.
[to top of second column] |
Philip Nelson, Country Financial president, indicated the search
process has begun for a new chief executive officer.
___
Country Financial, founded in 1925, serves 1 million households
and businesses throughout the United States. The company has
consistently received high ratings for financial strength, operating
performance and customer loyalty from independent rating agencies.
For more information, go to
www.countryfinancial.com.
[Text from
Country Financial]
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