Spotlight on PLM

Celebrating John Kennealy’s Service and Welcoming Courtney Flanagan

PLM is proud to recognize John Kennealy following his retirement from PLM and to welcome Courtney Flanagan as his successor as Vice President of Claims. John led PLM’s claims function for more than seven years, concluding a distinguished 43-year career in the insurance industry. During his tenure at PLM, he played an important role in advancing claims operations while reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsive, expert service for policyholders and business partners nationwide.

John’s leadership, expertise and dedication have been tremendous assets to PLM’s claims operation and the company as a whole. PLM extends its sincere appreciation to John for his many contributions and wishes him the very best in retirement and the next chapter ahead.

Following John’s retirement, Courtney has stepped into the role of Vice President of Claims, bringing extensive claims and legal experience to the position. She will oversee PLM’s claims operations and strategy, with a focus on advancing performance, supporting team development and ensuring customers across the country continue to receive the high level of service they expect from PLM.

Prior to joining PLM, Courtney served as Vice President of Claims at Encova Insurance Company. In that role, she led litigation operations across more than 20 jurisdictions and oversaw the company’s commercial casualty claims strategy.

Courtney’s background also includes senior leadership positions spanning litigation, medical claims and casualty operations, along with experience practicing as a litigator. She earned her Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School and completed her undergraduate studies at Indiana University.

With her depth of experience, strategic mindset and collaborative approach, Courtney is well positioned to build on the strong foundation John helped establish at PLM. PLM is excited to welcome her to the team and looks forward to her leadership as the organization continues strengthening claims operations and delivering responsive service to policyholders.

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PLM Underwriter Sydney Stenson Named in HBSDealer’s Top Women of 2026

Congratulations to Underwriter Sydney Stenson, who has been recognized as a “Rising Star” in HBSDealer’s Top Women of 2026.

The HBSDealer Top Women Awards celebrate the talented women across the hardware and building supply industry with the potential to make a positive difference within their company and the industry.

Sydney was recognized as a “Rising Star” due to her rapid career progression, measurable business impact and leadership both within PLM and across the broader insurance and lumber industries. She brings a fresh leadership approach to PLM, spurring significant business growth through the development of the HardwareXpress program and by providing a distinct perspective on the lumber industry’s complex risks. As a recent chair of PLM’s United Way campaign for several years, she helped drive company culture and collaboration across the organization to raise over $500,000.

Beyond PLM, Sydney is deeply committed to advancing women and talent within the industry. She helps shape the next generation of insurance leaders as vice chair of the Next Generation Board for ISOP and in leadership roles with the CPCU Society of Philadelphia and the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF).

Sydney’s proven business results, leadership and community involvement has strengthened PLM’s position as a trusted insurer in the LBM industry and paved the way for other women to follow in her footsteps. Congratulations to her again on this well-deserved honor.

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More News at PLM

ABS Receives a 5% Dividend
PLM is pleased to announce a dividend payout for participating members of the ABS Safety Group Dividend Plan for the 2025/2026 plan year.

Thanks to strong group performance and a continued commitment to safety and risk management, the plan ended with a 26.77% loss ratio for a 5% dividend return. More than $278,000 was paid out to the members of the program.

PLM’s Safety Group Dividend Plans are offered in partnership with select trade associations and buying groups to encourage proactive safety practices and reward strong collective performance

Under the program, eligible PLM-insured members of the association may enroll in the dividend plan. Premiums and losses for participating members are combined to calculate the group’s final loss ratio at the end of the plan year. If the group achieves a favorable loss ratio, members may qualify for a dividend payout based on eligible earned premium.

To learn more about PLM’s dividend programs, contact Susan Cho at scho@plmins.com or visit www.plmins.com/dividends.

A Celebration of Service and Legacy
Back in May, PLM hosted its annual Retiree and Legacy Employee Luncheon, bringing together local retirees and long-tenured employees with 20 or more years of service.

This yearly event is an opportunity to celebrate those who came before us and helped lay the foundation for the company we are today. Their hard work, dedication, and contributions have played an important role in PLM’s success.

Coming Together for a Great Cause
Each year, insurance companies from across the Philadelphia area join for a day of friendly competition at the Annual Philadelphia Insurance League Softball Tournament, all in support of the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance (PCA). PCA provides hope, healing, and justice for children and families impacted by abuse, exploitation, and violence.

This year, Team PLM had plenty to celebrate. We advanced to the semifinals in the tournament and, for the second year in a row, took first place in fundraising, raising more than $19,565 and helping PCA achieve a record-breaking $102,736 in total funds raised.

A huge thank you to everyone who played, donated, and cheered us on. We’re proud to support our community both on and off the field.