Pierce Elected PCI Chairman; Whitburn, Tierney Appointed to Vice Chair Positions

Harvey R. Pierce, chairman and chief executive officer of the American Family Insurance Group was elected chairman of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) at its annual meeting today.

Pierce began his career with American Family in 1963 as an agent in Minnesota. During his 41-year career with American Family, Pierce has held various positions including district sales manager, state director, regional vice president and executive vice president of field operations. He assumed the position of president and chief operating officer in January 1990 and served in that role for nine years before being elected chairman and chief executive officer.

PCI members also elected Gerald Whitburn, president and chief executive officer of Church Mutual Insurance Company, as first vice chair and Thomas J. Tierney, chairman, president and chief executive officer of the Vermont Mutual Insurance Group, as second vice chair.

Whitburn joined Church Mutual Insurance Company in 1996 as vice president, administration, became executive vice president and was elected to Church Mutual’s Board of Directors in 1998. He became president and chief operating officer in January 2000 and chief executive officer in 2001.

Prior to joining Church Mutual, Whitburn had an extensive career in state and federal government. In 1995 and 1996 he was Secretary of Health and Human Services in Massachusetts. From 1991 to 1995, Whitburn served as the Secretary of Health and Social Services in Wisconsin and earlier served as Wisconsin’s Labor Secretary. Whitburn also worked for the United States Senate from 1981 to 1987. For three years during the Vietnam War period, he served on the staff of the Secretary of the Navy at the Pentagon.

Tierney began his insurance career as an underwriter with General Accident Insurance Company in 1971. In 1973 he joined Vermont Mutual as an underwriter and was promoted to Field Underwriter in the state of Maine in 1977. He has held positions as account executive/producer, the marketing representative and regional marketing manager of Campbell, Payson & Noyes/Commercial Union Insurance Companies in Portland, Maine.

Tierney returned to Vermont Mutual in 1990 as vice president. He was promoted to executive vice president in 1992 and to executive vice president and chief operating officer in 1995. He was elected chairman of Vermont Mutual Insurance Group in April 2004.

Topics Vermont Church