PHILADELPHIA — April 29, 2025 – Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company (PLM), the largest mutual insurer dedicated to wood-related businesses, appointed two new members to its Board of Directors: Steve Sallah and Don Blackwell, CPA. Sallah and Blackwell have a proven track record with careers in financial leadership positions at major lumber and building materials and insurance businesses, respectively.
“Steve and Don bring not only deep expertise and proven leadership, but also unique perspectives that align with our long-term vision as a mutual organization,” said PLM Chief Executive Officer John Smith. “Don’s strong financial and insurance background reinforces our commitment to stability and sustainable growth, while Steve’s experience in the lumber industry brings valuable insight into how we can continue putting the needs of our policyholders first. Their guidance will help ensure PLM remains a trusted partner to the lumber and building materials industries for generations to come.”
Sallah was the president & CEO of LBM Advantage for 13 years until he retired in 2024. He joined LBM Advantage (formerly ENAP) in 2008 as chief financial officer. Prior to working with LBM Advantage, he worked at IBM for 16 years. Sallah began his career in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a nuclear engineer and submarine officer on the USS Norfolk out of Norfolk, Virginia. Sallah received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and his MBA from Harvard Business School.
Blackwell is a certified public accountant who began his career at Ernst & Young in Indianapolis, where he spent six years. He then transitioned to the property and casualty insurance industry, serving as a financial officer at four different carriers over a 31-year span—including Indiana Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company (ILM) and, following its affiliation, PLM, where he ultimately retired. His tenure at ILM and PLM provided him with deep experience in the wood and building materials industry. Blackwell holds a degree in accounting from Indiana University.
