Owatonna, MN – Federated Insurance® Chairman Jeff Fetters recently announced that Nicholas R. Lower has been appointed the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2024, upon the retirement of its current Chief Executive Officer, Michael G. Kerr.
An Ohio native, Lower graduated from Muskingum University and joined Federated Insurance as a marketing representative in Ohio in 1999. Over the years, he has held all leadership roles in the company’s Marketing function, leading to him being named Director of Marketing in 2017. He has also overseen Federated’s Association Risk Management Services Department, as well as its Marketing Administration and Incentives areas. Most recently, he has served as President and Chief Operating Officer and chaired Federated’s Operations Team, with responsibility for the company’s Marketing, Field Services, Underwriting, Information Services, and Association Risk Management Services functions, as well as its Life Operations and Agency Operations.
As President and Chief Executive Officer, Lower will now also assume greater responsibility for Federated’s Claims, Actuarial, and Human Resources functions.
“Nick is among the most driven, disciplined, and dedicated individuals to walk our halls,” Fetters stated. “As a proven leader with extraordinary character, Nick energizes and elevates performance among us all. He brings a wealth of experience, operational knowledge, and a deep care for Federated people and clients to this role. Nick and his wife Jessica will continue to reside in Owatonna and serve as phenomenal ambassadors for Federated Insurance, the value we bring to clients, the career opportunity we provide employees, and the investments we make in our community.”
“This leadership transition also marks the end of a remarkable, 42-year Federated career for Mike Kerr and his wife, Jo Anne,” Fetters said. “It is impossible to overstate the impact Mike has made during his professional journey from marketing representative to CEO. He has been instrumental in numerous organizational achievements over the years and embodies the very best of our culture. We will be forever grateful for his and Jo Anne’s service.”
