Racine-based Johnson Insurance Services has hired Joanne Szymaszek as its new president.
Szymaszek most recently managed sales for the employer group market in Wisconsin at Humana Inc., working on managed health care, workplace wellness and productivity, and team building for the insurance company’s Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota markets. She has 30 years of experience, the past 14 of which were at Humana Inc.
At Humana, Kristine Seymour, regional vice president of Humana’s commercial market in the Great Lakes, will take over Szymaszek’s responsibilities.
“The transition is a natural fit given Kristine is still based in the market and oversees Humana’s growth, performance and direction for all employer group, wellness and specialty benefit products in Wisconsin,” said Cathryn Donaldson, a Humana spokesperson. “Moving forward, we expect to see continued business-as-usual for both our employees and clients.”
At Johnson Insurance, Szymaszek replaces Michael Derdzinski, longtime associate and interim president, who has served in the role since former president Mark Behrens was promoted to chief financial officer of Johnson Insurance Services parent company Johnson Financial Group in June.
Szymaszek holds a BBA in marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She serves as board chair of March of Dimes and sits on the board of Junior Achievement of Greater Milwaukee.
“With Joanne’s strong record of success in sales leadership, financial analysis and relationship management, I am confident that she will complement our holistic approach to meeting our clients’ insurance and overall financial needs,” said Thomas Bolger, president and chief executive officer of Johnson Financial Group.
Johnson Insurance is one of the largest privately held independent insurance agencies in Wisconsin, with offices in Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Appleton, Madison, Janesville, Eau Claire and Arizona. It has more than 180 employees.
