Preferred Mutual Announces Executive Team Appointments

NEW BERLIN, NY – Preferred Mutual (“Preferred Mutual”) Insurance Company President and Chief Executive Officer, Christopher P. Taft, recently announced several key promotions within the company’s management team. “As we look to our future,” Taft commented, “we have identified the opportunity to capitalize on enterprise perspectives in order to drive our strategic initiatives by building upon our leadership team.”

Jeff Lopata – Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer

Since Joining Preferred Mutual in 2005, Jeff has been instrumental in developing and driving enterprise digital, project management and operational strategy. Jeff will work with the organization’s leadership team to develop corporate strategy and catalyze new initiatives that will drive the achievement of the company’s short and long-term vision.

Jenifer Rinehart – Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Jenifer joined Preferred Mutual in 2017 and has over 20 years in the insurance industry and over 30 years in Human Resources. Jenifer will drive the transformation of the organization’s talent into a cohesive enterprise team, creating shared values and goals, while understanding the unique needs of its operations and employees.

Michele Graham – Senior Vice President of Strategic Services

Michele joined Preferred Mutual in 2004. Michele will utilize her experience in building enterprise services to shape the company’s operational performance. Leading the company’s project management, business services and product advancement functions, Michele will drive strategic and operational improvements with a focus on efficiency and advancing the customer experience.

Tim Hyle – Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Tim joined Preferred Mutual in 2008. Tim will lead the organization’s planning and financial strategies to drive strong performance results that support corporate goals. Tim will also oversee critical organizational functions including reinsurance, investments and risk management.

Ray Muller – Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary and Data Analytics

Ray joined Preferred Mutual in 2018, bringing over 30 years of actuarial expertise to the company. Ray will drive pricing sophistication as well as strategic and operational decision making through the advancement of analytics and actuarial capabilities.

Dave Smith – Senior Vice President of Technology

Dave joined Preferred Mutual in 2010. Dave will develop and advance the organization’s digital strategy, enterprise architecture, and delivery of state-of-the-art cyber security. Dave will be instrumental in driving business strategy, advancing distribution partnerships and enhancing the customer experience through technology.

Ernie Weeks – Senior Vice President of Underwriting and Sales

Ernie joined Preferred Mutual in 2015, bringing over 35 years of insurance industry experience in both underwriting and sales. Ernie will develop and direct the organization’s underwriting/sales growth and profit strategies while continuously advancing levels of service we provide to our agents and customers.

“We are excited about leveraging the talents of our staff to continue to drive our organization forward, prepare us for the future, and execute on our strategic plans and initiatives,” Taft stated. The realignment of the Executive Team also reinforces Preferred Mutual’s focus on delivering on the promise to help our customers Live Assured.

About Preferred Mutual

Preferred Mutual Insurance Company provides property and casualty insurance coverage to more than 232,000 individual and business customers through an exclusive network of more than 500 independent agents throughout New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In business since 1896, Preferred Mutual is rated “A” by A.M. Best Company and is headquartered in New Berlin, New York. Learn more at .