MERRILL, Wis. - Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. (a stock insurer)¹ today announced two leadership promotions that reinforce the company’s focus on innovation and disciplined growth. Pam Rushing has been promoted to chief operating officer (COO), and Neil Ziegler has been promoted to chief underwriting officer – admitted.
“Pam is a decisive, future focused leader who cuts through complexity and mobilizes teams to deliver results,” said Alan Ogilvie, president and CEO. “In this role, she’ll help us innovate how work gets done — in ways customers, brokers and colleagues will feel every day.”
As COO, Rushing will lead with a focus on digital transformation, ease of doing business, and creating a more consistent experience for customers and distribution partners. She will work closely with teams across the company — from Claims to Information Technology — to simplify processes, accelerate execution and strengthen frontline support.
“Stepping into this role is an exciting opportunity to further support our teams and strengthen how we operate,” Rushing said. “We’re focused on working smarter and making it easier for our customers and brokers to get what they need — quickly and simply.”
Rushing joined Church Mutual in June 2023, as president – subsidiaries and chief underwriting officer. Previously, she served as president – specialty property and casualty at The Hanover Insurance Group.
Ziegler joined Church Mutual in January 2025 as vice president – religious markets underwriting. He has more than 20 years of underwriting and leadership experience with a focus on strategy, distribution partnerships and business growth.
In his new role, Ziegler will oversee admitted underwriting strategy and execution, aligning closely with distribution and operations to ensure clear broker guidance, timely and consistent customer decisions, disciplined risk selection, and long-term performance.
“Neil is a disciplined, market aware leader,” Ogilvie said. “He understands our customers and distribution channels, and he brings a clear, consistent approach to underwriting that balances risk, speed and service.”
