Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company (PLM) has announced several executive leadership changes and promotions as the company continues to focus on profitability, growth, and innovation. The Philadelphia-based insurer said the changes are part of its long-term strategy to prepare for the future while supporting continued operational development.
PLM named Steve Firko, CPCU, president, effective immediately. Firko succeeds John K. Smith, CPCU, who will continue serving as chief executive officer after more than 27 years with the company. Firko will report to Smith in his new role.
As president, Firko will oversee claims, accounting, regulatory, human resources, and information technology operations. PLM said Firko will also help execute the company’s strategic vision.
Smith said Firko has held leadership roles across multiple divisions during his more than 20 years with PLM and has developed extensive expertise in the wood industry niche.
“Steve is a highly respected leader who has served in leadership roles across divisions at PLM. He has gathered years of expertise in the wood niche and has been a valuable resource to our team, as well as to our policyholders,” Smith said.
Smith also said Firko and the broader PLM leadership team have played an important role in shaping the company’s strategic direction.
Firko joined PLM as a field manager and later advanced through leadership positions in marketing, underwriting, claims, loss control, customer service, and operations. Most recently, he served as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Across nearly 40 years in the industry, Firko has worked with insureds, brokers, and industry associations within the wood and insurance sectors.
“I’m honored to step into the role of president at PLM and continue building on the foundation of a mutual institution established over 130 years ago,” Firko said. “PLM has always been defined by its commitment to its policyholders and the wood industry, and I look forward to working with our talented team to advance that mission while embracing innovation and navigating the challenges ahead.”
PLM also announced several additional executive promotions across the organization.
Lindsey N. DiGangi, CPCU, was promoted to senior vice president and chief operating officer, succeeding Firko. In her new role, she will oversee underwriting, field operations, loss control, marketing, customer service, operations and agency operations through Green Tree Risk Partners. DiGangi previously served in leadership positions across several PLM departments.
The company also promoted BJ Gardner to the position of assistant vice president of information technology. Gardner most recently served as director of IT and has nearly 20 years of experience at PLM. His background includes systems architecture, infrastructure and technology operations.
In addition, Ray Rogers was promoted to assistant vice president of claims. Rogers previously served as director of property claims and has worked at PLM for more than two decades. He joined the company in 2001 and has held several claims-related roles during his tenure.
Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company is a property and casualty insurer serving the lumber, woodworking and building material industries. Based in Philadelphia, the company has more than 130 years of experience and provides coverage for more than 5,500 businesses nationwide. Its offerings include property, general liability, inland marine, business automobile, commercial excess liability and equipment breakdown coverage.
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