PHILADELPHIA — Jan. 6, 2025 – Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company (PLM), the largest mutual insurer dedicated to wood-related businesses, today announces several leadership changes and promotions within the company’s executive staff. The changes are part of PLM’s strategy to enhance the organization’s profitability and growth and prepare for the future, while recognizing the changing complexity of the business of insurance.
A PLM veteran for more than two decades, Steve Firko, CPCU, will assume the role of executive vice president (EVP) and chief operating officer (COO) overseeing all front-line customer-focused operating departments including underwriting, field operations, claims, loss control, marketing, customer service, and operations as PLM continues to evolve to meet the market demands of the future.
“Steve is a deliberate and thoughtful leader who not only knows insurance but understands the unique risks and features of the wood niche,” said PLM President and Chief Executive Officer John Smith, CPCU, in announcing executive moves that include Firko. “We have built an incredible team at PLM, including Steve and many others, and I am proud to see our team’s dynamic professional growth and development as we position the company for its next 100-plus years of success.”
Firko most recently served as senior vice president (SVP) of business development, loss control and customer service at PLM. His notable career spans nearly 40 years in the industry, including professional and management-level positions at several multinational insurance companies and board and committee responsibilities at the Pennsylvania Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (PAMIC) and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC).
“I’m proud to be part of a thriving organization like PLM that not only remains committed to its mutual purpose instilled by its founding nearly 130 years ago, but also continues to innovate and evolve,” said Firko. “With our stakeholders as our focus, I look forward to carrying on PLM’s commitment to providing continued support to our insureds, their brokers, and the larger lumber and building material industry as we, together, navigate an increasingly complex environment.”
Other executive changes and promotions announced by PLM include:
- Rich Hall, formerly SVP of underwriting, has been appointed as EVP and will assume responsibility for regulatory and government affairs, as well as for special projects critical to PLM’s future growth and profitability.
- Steve Hicks, CPCU, formerly assistant vice president (AVP) of underwriting, has been appointed as Vice President (VP) of underwriting.
- Lindsey DiGangi, CPCU, formerly AVP of marketing, has been appointed as VP of field operations.
- Sean Briscoe, formerly AVP of underwriting, has been appointed as VP of loss control.
- Erin Selfe, CPCU, formerly VP of information technology, has been appointed as SVP of information technology.
- Harold Jamison, JD, CPCU, formerly, SVP of government and regulatory affairs and human resources, has been appointed as general counsel.
