Insurance
President and CEO
Church Mutual Insurance Co. | Merrill
Marquette University double graduate, former lawyer and retired Navy Reserves officer Richard Poirier is prepared to close out his career in 2024 after eight years at the helm of Church Mutual Insurance Co. Headquartered in Merrill and credited as the largest insurer of religious organizations in the country, Church Mutual has nearly 1,200 employees, 800 of whom are based in Wisconsin. Following a site search that included other states, the company announced plans to open an office in downtown Milwaukee’s 833 East building.
Education: Bachelor’s and J.D., Marquette University
Career advice: “Know your employees, know your customers, know your numbers.”
Book everyone should read: “‘Team of Rivals’ by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It’s about the political genius of Abraham Lincoln and learning how to balance personalities to forge a strong team.”
Fun fact: “My dream was to play professional hockey.”
Why are you excited about the future: “The college talent we’re bringing to the organization; these young people are the next generation, full of energy and fresh ideas. They have a strong commitment to purpose, and they want work that is professionally fulfilling but also makes a positive impact on others. At Church Mutual, we always talk about elevating the human condition, and this generation’s beliefs align so well with that goal.”