Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame

Three weeks ago, we inducted four industry professionals into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame. We know there are many more who should be considered for future induction - including at our October 7, 2025, event at Prairie Meadows. Do you know our next inductee? Nominations are now open and will remain open through June 1, 2025. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/dgxTkNGf.

Photos from our 2024 Induction Ceremony are now available at the link below. Congratulations to the inductees and scholarship recipients and a huge thank you to the sponsors who make this annual event possible! https://lnkd.in/gFW2CRms

The stage is set for our 2024 Induction Ceremony!

In addition to recognizing our four inductees on October 8, we will also recognize our eleven 2024 scholarship recipients. Want to be part of the crowd? Ticket sales end on Tuesday, October 1. For more information, visit: www.iihof.org. Anna McCarty Benjamin Jarchow Isabella Lopez Isabelle Dolan Kendall Starcevich Kiersten Sheeder Mackenzie Sheridan Sara Rhomberg Wayko Wagner Will Klein William Lopez

More than 300 attendees are registered for our Induction Ceremony on October 8 at Prairie Meadows. If you want to be part of it, be sure to get your tickets before the October 1 deadline. We hope to see you there as we recognize four new inductees and 11 scholarship recipients. It is sure to be a night to remember! https://iihof.org/

Inductee Profile #4 - Jeff Menary Jeff Menary began his 44-year career with Grinnell Mutual in 1980, starting as a marketing representative and holding various leadership roles for over 25 years. He steadily advanced through positions including marketing and reinsurance manager, director of underwriting, assistant vice president of commercial lines, and vice president of reinsurance. By the end of 2017, he was appointed president and CEO, succeeding Larry Jansen. In 2017, just months before Jansen’s retirement, Menary was gravely ill with West Nile virus, spending nearly six months in the hospital. However, determined to lead Grinnell Mutual, he returned in June 2018. Since then, he has guided the company through major events like the global pandemic and a derecho, showcasing his strength as a compassionate and effective leader. In January 2024, Menary stepped down as president but remains CEO ahead of his planned retirement. A highlight of his tenure is the creation of Grinnell Mutual’s Care & Share program, which has distributed nearly $400,000 to employees facing unexpected needs. Menary also holds several insurance designations, including CPCU and CRM, and has earned degrees from William Penn University and Central College. He remains active in the community, serving with organizations such as the Iowa Fair Plan Association and coaching local high school sports. Menary and his wife Renee live in Grinnell, Iowa, and have two children and two grandchildren. Read more about Jeff at his full IIHOF profile at: https://lnkd.in/dB3j4bkV

Inductee Profile #3 - Lynn Schreder Lynn Schreder is the co-owner and president of KHI Solutions, a leading health insurance wholesaler in Iowa. Since joining KHI in 2009, she has grown the women-owned business significantly, serving clients and independent agents statewide. Passionate about community service, Lynn has volunteered with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and JDRF, fundraising for her nephews and all those living with these diseases. Originally from Cedar Rapids and a graduate of Iowa State University, Lynn transitioned from teaching and coaching high school kids to a 15-year sales career at AT&T. She joined Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she learned the intricacies of health insurance. This experience led to her co-ownership of KHI Solutions. Lynn is known for her professionalism, positive attitude, and dedication to finding the best solutions for her agents, clients, and employees. She keeps up with legislative updates, offers continuing education courses, and provides personalized training for agents. Active in industry organizations, Lynn has been a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) since 2009, serving as president of NAIFA Iowa in 2022. She received NAIFA’s Unsung Hero Award in 2016 and the Gene Helton Memorial Award in 2019. Lynn also served as the president of the Iowa Association of Health Underwriters (IAHU), influencing Iowa’s health insurance legislation and received the Legacy of the Year award in 2022. The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) was instrumental in Lynn’s professional development, becoming president of NAWBO Iowa and soon after earned the Legacy Award in 2019. Learn more about Lynn: https://lnkd.in/g6xgaMzq

Read our 2024 inductee press release here and look for it in your local news! https://lnkd.in/gVGgyJpu

Inductee Profile #2 - Bob O'Hollearn Bob O'Hollearn, a seasoned insurance executive, began his career with Allied in 1972. Over the years, O'Hollearn held numerous leadership positions, ultimately becoming Regional Vice President in both Des Moines and Sacramento. His influence extended beyond his professional roles, and he served as mayor of Johnston, Iowa, and participated on boards of several community organizations. Since his retirement in 2015, O'Hollearn has remained an active community leader, currently 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 and is celebrated for his lasting impact on both the insurance industry and his community. Read more about Bob: https://lnkd.in/dYj-zSpa

Inductee Profile #1 - Irv Burling Irv Burling served as president and CEO of Century Life of America from 1976 to 1993, where he led a significant transformation, turning a small, conservative organization into a progressive financial service provider for millions of credit union members. He was instrumental in forming the “Permanent Affiliation” between Century Life and CUNA Mutual Group (now TruStage), securing a strong future for both organizations. Beyond his professional achievements, Irv was a dedicated community leader and author, known for his servant leadership principles and lasting contributions to Waverly, IA. He passed away in 2015 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Read more about Irv at: https://lnkd.in/gNN3SS8x