MARBLE, Pa. (EYT) – On December 31, 2015, President and CEO Robert (Bob) A. Fitzsimmons retired from Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Marble, Pa., after a 50-year career.
In the early 60’s, Bob Fitzsimmons began working for the company as a policy and loss clerk; he then moved on to completing loss prevention inspections that led to roles as a Field Underwriter and Marketing Representative. Bob worked with field agents and assisted in the writing of insurance policies, especially in the farm underwriting area. He sat at many kitchen tables with the company’s agents to give each policyholder adequate insurance coverage.
This experience and dedication to the company paved the way to his position of company manager and the titles of Secretary and Treasurer and finally assuming the title of President and CEO – a title he held for 37 years.
With Bob’s guidance, Farmers Mutual has achieved profitable growth over the years with the assets growing to almost 40 times what it was in 1965.
As a single state carrier, Farmers Mutual has attained an “A-” rating with A.M. Best under Bob’s leadership. During his tenure, he has led the company through the merger or assumption of four additional insurance companies.
In 2015, Farmers Mutual attained the STAR (Stakeholder Team Accomplishment Recognition) award for its corporate achievement in the insurance industry. Based on statutory financial statements submitted to NAIC, only 30 companies qualified for this award in 2015.
Bob has been actively involved as a supporter, advocate, and leader in the mutual insurance industry throughout his career. Over the years, Bob has participated in numerous committees and seminars as a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (PAMIC) and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC). He has served on the Board of Directors for PAMIC and several other industry related boards and was Chairman of PAMIC for its 2006 to 2007 fiscal year. He was inducted into the NAMIC Merit Society in 2008.
Bob will remain on the Board of Directors of the company.
Chief Financial Officer Eric Schmader was promoted to Bob’s role in the company on January 1, 2016.
A native of Brookville, Jefferson County, Bob resides in Lickingville with his wife Barbara.
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