RICHARD C. KEITH

A lifelong Des Moines area native, Richard graduated from Roosevelt High School, then Drake University with a bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree in biology. After graduation, Richard was a biology teacher with the Des Moines Public Schools for a number of years.

He began his insurance career as a part-time claim adjuster for IMT Insurance during summers. In 1978, he joined IMT full-time as the reinsurance claims manager. This began a 26-year odyssey through the company ranks, culminating in 2004 when he was named president and CEO. In 2011, Richard was elected chairman of the board of directors of The IMT Group.

One of Richard’s lifelong passions is education. In 1980, he was responsible for the creation of an education department at IMT Insurance to enhance insurance knowledge of both employees and independent agents. He was the first employee at IMT to receive the CPCU designation and spent 18 years as a CPCU and IIA instructor at Drake University. Richard is the main reason nearly 50 current employees of The IMT Group hold the CPCU designation. He has been active with the Iowa chapter of the CPCU Society, serving as the chapter’s president in 2011 and 2012.

In the community, Richard has been involved with the American Cancer Society, American Red Cross and the Northwest Rotary Club. Richard and his wife Cindie served as honorary co-chairs for the 29th annual Blank Children’s Hospital Festival of Trees and Lights.

Richard’s vision and innovative thinking, combined with a steadfast commitment to the independent agent distribution channel, resulted in an unprecedented period of growth and profitability for The IMT Group. He has inspired many current and future leaders in the property casualty industry by sharing his knowledge, passion and ‘we are going to have fun’ attitude throughout his career.