Lutheran Trust is dedicated to providing quality service and products to church organizations. Operations began in Missouri in 1989 and have since expanded throughout the entire continental United States. We offer insurance products to churches and church organizations, including, but not limited to, senior living communities, day care centers, schools and social service organizations.

These organizations face unique loss exposures and we continue to work with our carriers to improve their products and keep them innovative and flexible. When losses occur, we work closely with your claims adjuster to help solve and prevent any unforeseen problems in the settlement process. It is important to us that in a claim situation, settlement is smooth and expeditious.

"We insure the Church, the Steeple, the Pastor and the People”^® is our motto. We think you will find our level of commitment to providing our customers with the best possible insurance products and services to be second to none.

Management

Kermit Starnes - President
Kermit has over 30 years of experience in commercial and personal lines insurance. He was the Regional Marketing Vice President of Safeco Insurance Companies prior to forming the agency. He has worked extensively with churches, parochial schools, and colleges across the United States to provide them with the best coverages available. Kermit’s formal education includes a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Masters of Business Administration as well as numerous continuing education opportunities within the insurance industry as both a participant and an instructor.

His commitment to the well being of the Christian community is shown in his involvement with local churches and parochial schools through the organizing and sponsoring of various fundraising activities.

Kim Fielder - Executive Manager, Risk Analysis & Product Development
Kim has over 20 years of experience in commercial lines insurance. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree from Lindenwood University and the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter designation (CPCU) from the Insurance Institute of America. She has obtained her Certified Risk Manager (CRM) and Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designations, as well. Kim has an exceptional knowledge of the insurance products available in the marketplace and the insurance exposures faced by commercial entities. She is continually striving to keep current and provide each insured with the coverages and products that best meet their needs.

Christy Kessler - Manager, Commercial Department
Christy obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from Southeast Missouri State University in 1991 and a Masters in Business Administration from Lindenwood University in 1998. She has been with the agency since September 1991, and is experienced in both personal and commercial lines of insurance. Christy has an exceptional knowledge of the insurance exposures churches and other not-for-profit organizations face today, and she strives to keep abreast of the coverages available to best meet customer needs. Her responsibilities include managing the agency Marketing and Policy Services departments, and she holds the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), and Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designations.

Dave Lehmann - Commercial Sales Manager
Dave graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and earned his Masters in Business Administration from Lindenwood University in 1998. He started with the agency in November 1991. Licensed in property and casualty and life and health lines of insurance, he has an excellent working knowledge of the insurance exposures faced by churches in today’s litigious society.

Beth Raso - Office Manager
Beth has been with the agency since 1994 when she was hired as the assistant to the vice president. She is a graduate of Lindenwood University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Education. Her responsibilities include: clerical staff supervision, corporate training, human resources, direct mail, meetings/events, travel planning, and assisting the sales and customer service teams. She holds a Property and Casualty license and a CISR designation.

Kip Starnes - Commercial Sales Manager
Kip joined the agency in June 1991. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri, St. Louis. He later earned his Masters in Business Administration from Lindenwood University in 1998. Holding licenses in both property and casualty and life and health lines of insurance, Kip has an exceptional knowledge of the products available for churches and works diligently towards providing each insured with the coverages to best meet their individual needs.

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Sales

Michele Canchola - Commercial Risk Management Specialist
Illinois and Indiana Representative
Michele joined the agency in February 2001. She graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Michele has been in the insurance business since 1984 and has attained the following industry designations: Associate-Insurance Agency Administration (AIAA), Associate-Customer Service (ACS), Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) and Fellow-Life Management Institute (FLMI).

Lorri Cowger - Commercial Risk Management Specialist
Colorado, Southern Iowa, Kansas, Missouri Representative
and states not indicated elsewhere
Lorri joined the agency in August 1993. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and earned an M.B.A. from Lindenwood University in 1998. She is licensed in both property and casualty and life and health lines of insurance and has also obtained her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. Maintaining a current knowledge of liability issues that face church organizations, she has extensive coverage knowledge in several states.

Bill Deyke - Commercial Risk Management Specialist
Nebraska and South Dakota Representative
Bill joined the agency in 1998. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Licensed in property and casualty and life and health lines of insurance, he has an excellent understanding of the insurance challenges that face today’s congregations. His commitment to the Christian community is revealed through volunteered time and effort with various boards and youth organizations in his area.

Brent Finseth - Commercial Risk Management Specialist
Northwest Minnesota and North Dakota Representative
Brent joined the agency in April 2005 and brings an eager-to-serve attitude to the company. He currently serves 12 counties in Northwest Minnesota and the entire state of North Dakota. Brent received his Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Bemidji State University in the spring of 2005. He is currently licensed in property and casualty as well as life and health lines of insurance. Brent's background and training have prepared him to meet and serve the insurance needs of his churches and other organiations.

Diane Gibson - Commercial Risk Management Specialist
Virginia and West Virginia Representative
Diane joined the agency in September 2007 bringing with her 11 years of Property and Casualty experience. She is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications. Licensed in Property and Casualty lines of insurance and active in many ministry areas within her church, she understands the importance of diverse and dynamic ministries and works with each church to meet their unique insurance needs.

Dave Hotopp - Commercial Risk Management Specialist
Michigan Representative
Dave joined the agency in the summer of 2006. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Biola University, an M.Div from Talbot Theological Seminary, and is licensed in property and casualty insurance. Dave has over 20 years of full time, senior level pastoral experience in both small and large church ministry. This experience has given Dave special insight into the issues facing churches today. He also brings significant expertise and understanding in Risk Management as he assisted churches of all sizes in developing comprehensive Risk Management programs while serving in the ministry.

Brian McCormick - Commercial Risk Management Specialist
Northern Iowa and Minnesota Representative
Brian joined the agency in March 1996. He is licensed in property and casualty and life and health, and represents the agency in Central and Southern Minnesota, including Minneapolis. Brian is extensive in his involvement with those churches he works with to ensure they understand the importance of being properly insured. Brian is a 1992 graduate of Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and currently holds the Certified Insurance counselor (CIC) designation.

Ron McFadden - Commercial Risk Management Specialist
Michigan Representative
Ron joined the agency in September of 2007. He is licensed in property and casualty and represents the agency in southwestern and southeastern Michigan. He proudly served in the United States Armed Services and brings 17 years of extensive sales experience to the agency. He is active in his church with the music ministry and understands the exposures and risks that churches face in today's litigious society. Ron has a passion to serve and protect and looks forward to working with churches to ensure that they are properly protected.

Keith Mueller - Commercial Risk Management Specialist
Michigan Representative
Keith graduated from Valparaiso University in Indiana, in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He started with the agency in June of 1990. Keith is licensed in both property and casualty and life and health lines of insurance. He holds the Certified Professional Service Representative (CPSR) designation, the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation and the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. Keith manages the Michigan office and is well educated in providing extensive protection in all areas of insurance.

Matt Pahde - Commercial Risk Management Specialist
Illinois, Missouri and New York Representative
and states not indicated elsewhere
Matt joined the agency in December 1997. He is a graduate of Maryville University, St. Louis with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Licensed in property and casualty and life and health lines of insurance, Matt has an excellent knowledge of the insurance challenges that face today's congregations and works to provide each with coverage that are specific to their needs. Matt also holds the respected Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation and maintains the knowledge to adjust to an ever-changing insurance industry.

Joel Richmond - Commercial Risk Management Specialist
Wisconsin Representative
Joel joined the agency in July 1996. He holds degrees in Electronic Engineering and Business Administration, as well as licenses in property and casualty and life and health and he holds a Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation. His working knowledge of the insurance exposures faced by congregations and their churches is an asset to the agency. Joel is also active in a number of professional associations at both the church and community level.

Paula Sabo - Commercial Risk Management Specialist
Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee Representative
Paula joined the agency in December 1997. Licensed in property and casualty and life and health, she brought with her over 13 years of extensive knowledge of insurance needs including those unique to Florida.

Robert Shinafelt - Commercial Risk Management Specialist
Ohio Representative
Rob is a Business Management graduate of Malone College in Canton, Ohio. With over 30 years of experience in the insurance business, he is licensed in property and casualty as well as life and health lines of insurance. Rob has pursued many continuing education courses to keep current his knowledge of coverages vital to churches and related organizations. He holds the Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) designation.

Brent Styan - Commercial Risk Management Specialist
Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey Representative
Brent has over 20 years experience in the insurance industry. Just prior to joining the agency, Brent assisted a large denomination in the development of their Risk Management Program. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia, and a Professional Management Certificate from the Graduate School of Business at the University of Southern California-Los Angeles. He attained the Associate of Risk Management (ARM) designation and the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation; and, is licensed to write both property and casualty and life and health coverages.

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Service

Aimee Fancher - Commercial Policy Services Specialist
Aimee joined the agency in October 2007 as a Commercial Policy Services assistant. She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Advertising and minors in Communication Studies and Psychology. Aimee is currently licensed in property and casualty lines of insurance and is pursuing her Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation.

Tracy Henry - Commercial Policy Services Specialist
Tracy joined the agency in 2003 with three years experience handling claims. She is licensed in property and casualty and holds a Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation.

Maliea Johnson - Commercial Policy Services Specialist
Maliea joined the agency in May of 2006 and brought with her six years of customer service experience in the insurance industry. She is licensed in property and casualty lines of insurance and has obtained her Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation. She is currently pursuing her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation.

Peg Mantle - Commercial Policy Services Specialist
Peg joined the agency in March 2000 and is licensed in property and casualty. She graduated from Bryant and Stratton Business School in Buffalo, New York and continued her education at Clarion University in Clarion, Pennsylvania. Peg has obtained her Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation and she brought with her an excellent knowledge of Customer Service with 10 years of experience. Her work as church administrator for 5 years gives her a good understanding of the needs of religious organizations.

Carmen McLaughlin - Commercial Policy Services Specialist
Carmen joined the agency in May 2005 and brought with her over 20 years experience in property and casualty insurance in both personal and commercial Lines. She holds a Certificate in General Insurance and has obtained her Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation.

Susan Nickel - Commercial Policy Services Specialist
Susan joined the agency in May 2005 and brought with her 35 years of property and casualty insurance experience. She has completed the Insurance Institute of America course in General Insurance and has obtained her Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation. Susan continually strives to provide the highest level of service possible to each and every insured. Her knowledge and years of experience allow her to expertly assist those seeking answers and provide them with a better understanding of their insurance coverages.

Rebecca Pflum - Commercial Marketing Specialist
Rebecca joined the agency in August 2005 and brings with her several years of customer service experience. She graduated from Lindenwood University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, and is licensed in property and casualty insurance. Rebecca has obtained her Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation, and is currently pursing her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation.

Joanie Smith - Commercial Policy Services Team Leader
Joanie joined the agency in September 1995 and brought with her 23 years of property and casualty insurance experience. She completed the Insurance Institute of America course in General Insurance and currently holds the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. Joanie keeps up to date on changes within the industry and is keenly aware of the many issues facing our customers in today's fast paced world. She is always willing to impart her knowledge and experience to agents and customer service personnel seeking answers to questions or problems, thereby allowing them to provide a level of service that consistently exceeds customer expectations.

Mary Tersteeg - Commercial Policy Services Specialist
Mary joined the agency in May 2000. She graduated from The University of Minnesota, Duluth in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Mary obtained her Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation in 2003.

June Waddock - Commercial Policy Services Specialist
June joined the agency in December 1993 as a customer service representative, bringing with her 14 years of customer service experience. She is experienced in both personal and commercial lines of insurance. June completed her Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation in November of 1996.

Lesley Wardwell - Commercial Marketing Specialist
Lesley joined the agency in May 1998. She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Lesley holds both the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation.

Charlie Wehmeier - Commercial Policy Services Specialist
Charlie joined the agency in December 2003 and has worked the past 20 years in the claims management field. She is currently licensed in property and casualty lines of insurance and has her Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communications in 1995 and a Masters in Marketing in 2000, both from Lindenwood University.

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