Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame announces 2024 inductees
West Des Moines, Iowa — The Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame (IIHOF) has announced this year’s inductees. This is the 27th anniversary of the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame. An induction ceremony for the 2024 honorees will be held at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 8, at The Meadows Event Center in Altoona, Iowa. Registrations for the event are open until Oct. 1.
The IIHOF will also award a total of $25,000 at the event to 11 students expecting to pursue insurance-related careers.
To be eligible for induction, IIHOF nominees must have an Iowa connection, serve as a role model for young people as well as others in the insurance business, exhibit the highest standards of ethical conduct and have significantly impacted the insurance industry.
The 2024 inductees are:
Irv Burling (posthumous)
Irv Burling was a transformative leader in the insurance industry, serving as president and CEO of Century Life of America from 1976 to 1993. Under his leadership, Century Life evolved from a small organization into a dynamic financial services provider, reaching millions of credit union members. Burling was pivotal in forming the “Permanent Affiliation” between Century Life and CUNA Mutual Group (now TruStage), a partnership that ensured the long-term success of both organizations. His leadership was characterized by his belief in the power of cultural and organizational synergy. A dedicated community leader, Burling also made lasting contributions to Waverly, Iowa, and the broader insurance industry. He served on multiple boards, including Wartburg College and the Life Office Management Association, and authored Winning Without Greed, a book on servant leadership. Burling’s legacy is marked by his vision, compassion, and dedication to service.
Bob O’Hollearn, a seasoned insurance executive, began his career with Allied in 1972. Over the years, O’Hollearn held numerous leadership positions, ultimately becoming Regional Vice President in both Des Moines and Sacramento. His influence extended beyond his professional roles, and he served as mayor of Johnston, Iowa, and participated on boards of several community organizations. Since his retirement in 2015, O’Hollearn has remained an active community leader, currently chairs the Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa board and serves on the Des Moines Performing Arts board. He is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and is celebrated for his lasting impact on both the insurance industry and his community.
Jeff Menary, CEO of Grinnell Mutual, has dedicated his entire 44-year career to the company, holding various leadership roles before becoming CEO in 2017. Despite facing significant personal health challenges that required a hiatus, Menary returned to lead Grinnell Mutual through some of the industry’s most challenging times, including a global pandemic and historic natural disasters. Menary’s commitment to his employees is exemplified by his creation of the Care & Share program, which has provided nearly $400,000 in support to Grinnell Mutual employees in need. He holds a Master of Business Leadership degree from William Penn University and several insurance designations. Menary’s legacy at Grinnell Mutual and within the industry is marked by his compassionate and effective leadership and unwavering dedication to the mutual system.
Lynn Schreder, co-owner and president of KHI Solutions, has been a driving force in Iowa’s health insurance landscape since joining the company in 2009. Under her leadership, KHI Solutions has grown into a leading health insurance wholesaler that is recognized for its commitment to clients, independent agents, and the community. Schreder’s dedication to the industry is evident through her involvement in organizations such as the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and the Iowa Association of Health Underwriters (IAHU), where she has received multiple awards for her contributions. A passionate advocate for both her profession and community, Schreder’s influence has shaped the health insurance industry in Iowa.
For more information:
Jeff Jeffus
IIHOF Chair
Jlbkwdm@yahoo.com
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About the IIHOF
The Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame was founded in 1997 to recognize outstanding contributions to the Iowa insurance industry. A selection committee evaluates nominations on standards including ethics and impact on the industry. The Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation and donations can be tax deductible. Learn more at www.iihof.org.
