Job Changes

It is my pleasure to announce that Ryan Swanson is promoted to the position of Claims Support Specialist II in the Home Office Claims - Centralized Services Department.

Ryan joined Federated in October 2023 as a Claims Support Specialist I. Since then, he has consistently delivered exceptional service to claims professionals and policyholders. One of Ryan's key strengths is his ability to adapt to change. He loves to learn and quickly grasps new concepts and applies them effectively, showcasing his ability to grow in an everchanging work environment. Another attribute of Ryan's is his ability to build positive working relationships, both with his current team members, and with other people he networks with through interactions of his current position. 

Ryan will be an integral part of our financial processing team, where he will communicate with business partners and insureds regarding claims financial transactions and fulfill customer account requests. Congratulations, Ryan!
Tammi Ferch
Centralized Service Supervisor

I am pleased to announce that Jon Duban is promoted to Commercial Underwriter III.

Jon brings strong attention to detail to his underwriting territory. He has worked hard to surround the Federated underwriting disciplines and applies them effectively. His ability to produce a high quality work product is just one of the strengths he brings to our team. Jon has dedicated extra time and effort towards growing in his underwriting role, including his focus on passing insurance education exams. His commitment to grow and develop will continue to serve him well in the underwriting department.

Please join me in congratulating Jon on his well-deserved promotion.
Whitney Stanke
Underwriting Manager – Central Region

I am excited to share that Aly Schulz has been promoted to Claims Representative IV.

Since joining Federated in February 2011, Aly has worked in the Client Contact Center, Certificate Center, and as a Special Accounts Service Representative before joining the Claims department in March 2020. Aly has been exclusive to the ERPL department since 2021. Her excellent customer service, enthusiasm for learning and eagerness to take on new challenges have not only elevated the quality of her work but inspired those around her.

Please join me in congratulating Aly on this exciting next step in her career!
Troy Titus
Claims Team Supervisor

I am pleased to announce that Logan Schindler has been promoted to the position of IS-Systems Developer I within the Information Services Department.
 
Since joining Federated, Logan has been a valuable member of the Life IS Support Team. He has completed Oracle configuration training and has taken the lead in developing and testing critical business functionalities within PolicyPro. Logan is an integral part of the team, consistently providing outstanding support and customer service to our Life Business Partners.
 
Logan's forward-thinking mindset and eagerness to learn will continue to enhance his domain knowledge and make him a tremendous asset to our team.
 
Please join me in congratulating Logan on his well-deserved promotion!
Zach Svir
IS – Systems Developer II Supervisor

I am excited to announce that Lisa Myrick has been promoted to the role of HR Payroll and Support Specialist.

Lisa joined Federated in December 2021 as a P&C Billing Specialist in Corporate Accounting-Customer Accounts. She brought with her a diverse and valuable background in correctional services, child support enforcement, and emergency communications. Throughout her time here, she has demonstrated strategic thinking, excellent communication, and a strong results-oriented mindset.

Lisa thrives in fast-paced environments, consistently takes initiative, and delivers work of the highest quality. Her skills and dedication make her an outstanding addition to the HR team.

Please join me in congratulating Lisa on this well-deserved opportunity!
Cathy Schauweker
HR Services Supervisor

It is my pleasure to announce the promotion of Kaitlyn Nehowig to Commercial Underwriter III.  

Kaitlyn joined the Federated Underwriting Department in 2023. Since that time, she has shown a commitment to learning and development, working hard to establish herself in her career. She demonstrates incredible attention to detail, commitment to our underwriting disciplines, and performs high quality underwriting on a daily basis. Kaitlyn has made quality relationships, which has made her a valuable asset to the East Central Region.

Please join me in congratulating Kaitlyn on this well-deserved promotion!
Zeke Schroeder
Regional Underwriting Manager

I am pleased to announce that Brandon Diederichs has been promoted to the position of Commercial Underwriter III.

Brandon joined the Underwriting Department in 2023 and has spent time in both the North Central and East Central Regions. During that time, he has quickly learned the underwriting role and continued to improve his skills and knowledge base. His strong relationship building skills and attention to detail make him a great asset to the East Central Region and will serve him well in this role.

Please join me in congratulating Brandon on this well-deserved promotion!
Zeke Schroeder
Regional Underwriting Manager

I am excited to announce the promotion of Kari Wannarka to the position of Driver Representative II – Special Account!

Kari began her journey with Federated February 2023 as an Associate, where she quickly demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for learning. Over time, she mastered a wide variety of tasks, consistently going above and beyond expectations. Her dedication and focus opened the door for her to transition into the Specialist Role, which has since evolved into the Driver Representative I position.
Throughout her time in this role, Kari has continued to fine-tune her knowledge and skills. She approaches every challenge with determination and a problem-solving mindset, making her an invaluable asset to the team. Her positive attitude, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her not only a standout employee but also a fantastic co-worker.

Please join us in congratulating Kari on this well-deserved promotion!
Anna Maas
P&C Support Services Supervisor

I’m excited to announce that Sara VanHoudt has been promoted to P&C Business Coordinator.

Sara began her career at Federated in 2022 as a Select Processor and quickly made a strong impression through her dedication, adaptability, and eagerness to grow. Over the years, she's expanded her technical skills by mentoring others, serving as a resource to her peers, and becoming cross trained. 

Sara exemplifies Federated’s culture through her relationship-building strengths and active involvement in several committees. Notably, she was a participant in Federated’s inaugural Ambassador Program. Sara brings a strong technical foundation, a passion for learning, and a natural ability to create meaningful connections. 

These qualities make her an excellent fit for her new role, and we’re confident she’ll make a positive impact. Please join me in congratulating Sara on this well-deserved promotion and wishing her continued success in this exciting new chapter!
Jade Turbes
P&C Support Services Supervisor

I am excited to announce that Devan Vincent has been promoted to Associate Recruiter.

Since joining Federated in April 2023 as part of the Marketing Customer Service team, Devan has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to our Federated Culture through her positive attitude, collaborative spirit, and dedication to excellence.

Devan brings with her prior recruiting experience, a passion for connecting with people, strong communication skills, and a creative approach to problem solving. We’re confident she’ll make a positive impact and help us achieve our goals of bringing in top talent for Federated. 

Please join me in congratulating Devan on this well-deserved promotion!
Jolene Kunkel
HR Employment Manager

I am pleased to announce that Ileah Dotson will be promoted to Office Services Specialist II.

Ileah joined Federated in January 2024 and has quickly made a positive impact. She has built strong relationships with our Marketing team through her professional and friendly phone interactions. She eagerly learned the Policy Assembly task, contributing to the team’s success.

Her excellence in Voice Communications, dedication to supporting various areas within Office Services, and consistent delivery of outstanding customer service have all played a key role in earning this well-deserved promotion.

Please join me in congratulating Ileah on her continued growth and success at Federated.
Bonnie Opsahl
Voice Communications and Policy Services Manager

Nate began his career with Federated as a Claims Development Trainee on February 18, 2008. He has experience in several roles in the Twin Cities Service Office, Owatonna, and the Field Service Office over the past 17 years, including Claims Representative I, Appraiser I, Field Claims Representative, SIU Sr. Investigator, Field Team Supervisor. He has experience in Workers' Compensation, Auto Physical Damage and Property claims as well as investigating fraud.

Nate also has significant experience in working on projects, including involvement in the development of our partnership with CCC Intelligent Solutions, Inc., and helping lead the APD vision project which ultimately led to the creation of the APD Service Office. In his current role of Property & Casualty Claims Manager – Special Projects Nate has been integral in the development, inception and now the preparation of implementing Claim Center. 

The past experiences and relationships he developed, combined with his work ethic, organization, attention to detail and eye for talent will help Nate to be successful in leading the APD office into the future.
Matt Duchnowski
Director of Field Operations

I am pleased to announce that Brody Dunsmoor has been promoted to IS - Systems Developer III. 

Since joining the Life PolicyPro team last year, Brody has become an integral part of our Quality Assurance efforts. He has built strong, collaborative relationships with our vendor partners and continues to deepen his understanding of our new system, consistently bringing added value to the team.

Please join me in congratulating Brody on this well-earned promotion.
Wendy Espinoza
IS – Business Technology Manager

I am pleased to announce that Zach Svir has been promoted to System Developer III-Supervisor within Information Services.

Since joining Federated in 2021, Zach has been a valued member of the IS Life team. In the last year he transitioned from the PolicyPro Project to the Life Support Team, where he has played a key role in supporting PolicyPro and our business partners. Zach’s work-ethic, positive attitude, and leadership are just a few qualities that will contribute to his success in his new role. 

Please join me in congratulating Zach on this well-deserved promotion!
Jessica Bogut
IS – Business Technology Manager

I am pleased to announce the promotion of Holten Bradley to IS – Systems Developer II.

Since joining Federated, Holten has been an integral part of the ClaimCenter DataMart team. His enthusiasm for learning, ability to quickly grasp new concepts and willingness to take on challenges have made a significant impact. Holten is also known for his strong collaboration skills, often building connections and working effectively with teams across the organization.

Please join me in congratulating Holten on this well-deserved recognition of his contributions and continued growth!
Amanda Simon
IS – Business Technology Manager

Nels Knutson has been promoted to the Senior Building Engineer role in the JEF building.

Nels has been working closely with Tom Burt and gaining experience in operating the physical plant in the JEF building for several years. He has become proficient in all aspects of engineering and has surrounded all other building maintenance procedures. Nels is a quick learner, self-starter, and has proven to be reliable and dedicated.

Please join me in congratulating Nels on this well-deserved promotion!
Jamie Vogt
Facilities Manager

April Razo will be promoted to the role of Accountant.

Since joining Federated in November 2020, April has made significant contributions across various areas of the Accounting department. She was promoted to Associate Accountant in January 2024 and currently supports the accounting and reporting needs of several subsidiaries. April also plays a key role in the Federated Challenge, ensuring the smooth execution of payment and collection processes with our donors. In addition, she is an active member of our Diversity and Inclusion Team. Throughout her time at Federated, April has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional growth by earning the ARS and APS designations as well as her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. 

April’s keen attention to detail and dedication to continuous learning will serve her well as she takes on this new role. 

Please join me in congratulating April on this well-deserved promotion!
Rachel Peterson
Accounting Manager

I am pleased to announce the promotion of Adam Hanson to the position of IS-Systems Developer II within the Information Services department. 

Since joining Federated in 2023, Adam has made significant contributions to the Life PolicyPro project. Throughout his time on the project, he has worked on several teams - including Integrations, Data Migration, and most recently, Configuration- demonstrating adaptability and strong technical aptitude. 

Adam is a quick and eager learner who consistently asks questions bringing value to every team he works with. His dedication and growth have earned him this well-deserved promotion. 

Please join me in congratulating Adam!
Lindsay Danks
IS – Business Technology Manager

Jack Pawlak has been promoted to the position of Claims Representative II.

Jack was a part of the Underwriting Department for 2 years as an Underwriting Support Specialist working with Select Express and Select accounts. He joined Claims on January 28, 2024, handling 1st Party Property. Jack has demonstrated key investigation skills and in depth coverage analysis worthy of promotion to a Claims Representative II position.

Please join me in congratulating Jack on his well-earned promotion to Claims Representative II.
Jordan Day
Claims Team Supervisor

I am happy to announce that Jake Shea has earned a promotion to the position of Associate Actuary-P&C.

Since joining Federated in June 2021, Jake has been a key contributor to the P&C Actuarial Services department. Most recently, he has been instrumental in the success of our Property and Special Accounts pricing teams, making meaningful contributions that have directly supported profitable growth. Jake also recently earned his Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS) designation — a significant milestone that reflects his commitment to professional development.

Jake's strong work ethic and drive for accuracy will continue to be key assets to our team and will undoubtedly serve him well in this new position.

Please join me in congratulating Jake on this well-deserved promotion!
Trevor Soupir
Director of Actuarial Pricing

I am pleased to announce that Tuigun Bekishev has been promoted to the position of IS-Systems Developer II.

Tuigun joined Federated in June 2023 serving as a front-end developer for the Client/Corp Comm IS Team. During his first two years, he has worked on several mySHIELD enhancements and has assumed a lead role in addressing vulnerabilities for our public websites. Recently, he has also assisted with on-boarding and mentoring other developers. His knowledge, motivation, and skills bring important value to the team.

Please join me in congratulating Tuigun on this well-deserved promotion.
Scott McCauley
IS – Business Technology Manager

I am pleased to announce the promotion of Evan Haglund to the position of IS - Systems Developer IV within Information Services.

Evan is currently a member of the ClaimCenter project team, where he has been leading the conversion of several large and complex integrations from Eclipse to ClaimCenter. He is a technical trailblazer, expert, and leader on the team who consistently shoulders a large and difficult workload while always striving for excellent results. His technical expertise is routinely leveraged by his team and project mates, and he has mentored others to expand skillsets, enable work sharing, and increase project throughput. On top of that, he has outstanding problem-solving skills. All marks of a great teammate and technical leader.

Evan's drive for results, technical expertise, perseverance, and next level commitment are very deserving of this promotion. Please join me in congratulating him on this well-deserved promotion!
Julie Tapp
IS – Business Technology Manager

Erika Mutch has been promoted to the position of Service Assistant Team Lead.

Since joining the Marketing Customer Service team in 2022, Erika has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to learning and growth. Her deep understanding of our documentation and processes has made her an invaluable resource in the training room and across numerous projects. Erika’s ability to translate complex information into clear guidance has not only supported her peers but also strengthened our team as a whole.

In addition to her technical expertise, Erika brings prior leadership experience that will serve her well in this new role. Her collaborative spirit, problem solving mindset, and dedication to excellence make her a natural fit for this next step.

Please join me in congratulating Erika on this exciting next step in her career!
Emily Brekke
Marketing Services Supervisor – Team Leads

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Guidry to the position of District Marketing Manager effective August 1, 2025. Matthew will assume the responsibilities in the Jackson, Mississippi district.

In 2021, Matthew began his Federated career as a Marketing Development Trainee in Owatonna, MN. Matthew became a Marketing Representative in Jackson, Mississippi. His accomplishments include four Monthly Leadership Awards, three Big Hitter Awards, and three Chairman’s Council trips. 

Matthew’s optimistic attitude, leadership abilities and disciplined approach in implementing the Business Plan will serve him well and all point towards future success in his new role as a District Marketing Manager.

Matthew, his wife Teagan and their daughters will remain in the Jackson, Mississippi area. Our congratulations to Matthew on this exciting new opportunity! 
Mike Pennington
Vice President – Director of Field Operations – Marketing

Dan Horecka
Regional Marketing Manager