Ronald Rutledge

Ronald Rutledge began his career in insurance while still in college, working as a licensed life insurance agent and crop hail adjuster. After graduating from Drake University in 1981 with a degree in Business Administration and a focus on Computer Information Systems, he joined Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa (FMH), where he would spend the next 40 years shaping the future of crop insurance.

He was appointed to the FMH Board of Directors in 1993 and named Chief Information Officer in 2006. Rutledge quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Assistant Treasurer and eventually President and CEO in 2010. Under his leadership, FMH doubled its premium volume from $500 million to over $1 billion and expanded from a regional to a national provider through the acquisition of John Deere Insurance Company. He was named Chairman of the Board in 2013 and continues to serve in that role following his retirement as CEO in 2021.

Rutledge’s tenure was marked by innovation and strategic foresight. He led the adoption of precision agriculture technologies, oversaw major IT transformations, and restructured FMH’s operations to improve efficiency and profitability. His leadership extended beyond FMH, serving on the boards of National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS), the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB)—including its Executive Committee—the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), and the Iowa Insurance Institute.

In 2017, Rutledge testified before the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee as Chairman of CIRB, advocating for the crop insurance industry. His efforts earned him the CIRB Chairman’s Award and the NCIS Crop Insurance Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. He also played a pivotal role in launching CIRB’s Emerging Leaders Program, which has since graduated over 100 future industry leaders.

Rutledge’s impact reaches far beyond the boardroom. Known for his humility and generosity, he has championed community initiatives ranging from fundraising for childhood cancer research to supporting local food banks. His approachable leadership style and commitment to mentorship have left a lasting impression on colleagues and emerging professionals alike.

Ron Rutledge’s legacy is one of transformation, advocacy, and service—qualities that make him a fitting inductee into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame.