Federated names new president

Federated Insurance has named Mike Keller, executive vice president and chief financial officer, its next president, effective Jan. 1.

As president and chief financial officer, Keller will support the chairman on strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and board matters. He will champion the mutual company structure and financial strength that sets Federated Insurance apart from competitors.

“Mike has an impressive 23 years of leadership and financial stewardship at Federated Insurance, along with over a decade of experience in public accounting and consulting, including auditing prominent insurance companies at Ernst & Young and leading insurance industry benchmarking at Ward Group,” said Nicholas Lower, Federated Insurance chairman, resident and CEO. “He has been instrumental in strengthening our financial position, diversifying our operations, and deepening our investment in employees, clients, and the community.”

Keller joined Federated Insurance in 2003 and has held numerous leadership roles in the company’s financial operations and on its executive team. He has also played key roles in important Federated acquisitions over the years. He will continue to lead the company’s financial and facilities operations, as well as non-traditional investments such as real estate and venture capital. He is a 1992 graduate of the University of Cincinnati.

“Mike has strengthened the communities where our employees live and work by overseeing strategic investments in capital projects and local charitable causes,” Lower said. “Most notably, he helped establish the Federated Challenge in 2005. Over the years, he significantly contributed to it becoming Minnesota’s largest private charity event, which has raised more than $67 million for youth mentoring.”

Keller and his wife, Nancy, live in Owatonna. The Kellers are active in the community, and he serves on the board of directors of Make-A-Wish Minnesota.