Encova Insurance is making some changes to its leadership team as a longtime executive gets ready to retire. John Kessler, who has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer for over 40 years, plans to retire at the end of 2026. To prepare for his departure, the company has brought two new senior leaders on board.
Brandon Marshall has been named senior vice president of agency operations and marketing. He brings a wealth of experience, having worked previously as an independent insurance agent and leading several key teams at Encova, including underwriting, claims, and loss control.
Meanwhile, Casei Phillips has been promoted to senior vice president and chief communications officer. This new role is the first of its kind at Encova. Phillips will focus on connecting the company’s strategic goals with its communication efforts, ensuring clear and consistent messages inside the company and out in the wider world.
In related news from the insurance world, NI Holdings Inc., based in Fargo, North Dakota, has named Kelly Dawson as senior vice president and chief human resources officer. This role is newly created, giving Dawson responsibility over all areas of HR, such as recruiting, employee engagement, compliance, and development. She brings more than 20 years of experience from previous leadership roles at Border States and Noridian Healthcare Solutions LLC.
Both companies are clearly preparing for the future by appointing leaders who can guide them through changes and support their teams effectively. With these new additions, Encova and NI Holdings are setting the stage for continued growth and strong leadership in the years ahead.