West Des Moines, Iowa — Homesteaders Life Company President, CEO and Board Chair Steve Shaffer announced that Nick Gerhart has been appointed the company’s Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Gerhart will direct Homesteaders’ long-term strategic growth and innovation.
“In his four years as Homesteaders’ EVP-Chief Innovation Officer, Nick developed a deep familiarity with our company and products as well as a broad understanding of the end-of-life space. With his unparalleled knowledge of insurance operations, he has the ideal skillset to assume this role,” Shaffer commented. “I look forward to how Nick will move our company forward in his role as COO and help us continue to grow as a leading partner to funeral professionals.”
“In my previous role as EVP-Chief Innovation Officer, I gained invaluable experience throughout the business. I am excited to continue to grow and lead a great team of colleagues in my new role as COO,” Gerhart said. “Homesteaders is poised for great growth and a bright future, and I am honored to have a part in helping move us forward.”
Prior to joining Homesteaders, Gerhart served as Chief Administrative Officer at FBL Financial and Commissioner of the Iowa Insurance Division. A resident of Johnston, Iowa, Gerhart and his wife, Jessica, have four children. He is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and the Saint Louis University School of Law and is heavily involved in community and philanthropic organizations including ChildServe and Pi515.
Homesteaders Life Company, a mutual company owned by its policy holders, is a national leader providing products and services to help people design a better farewell.