Federated Insurance® Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

Words: Mason Contractors

Owatonna, MN — Federated Insurance® Chairman Jeff Fetters recently announced that Nicholas R. Lower has been appointed the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2024, upon the retirement of its current Chief Executive Officer, Michael G. Kerr.

An Ohio native, Lower graduated from Muskingum University and joined Federated Insurance as a marketing representative in Ohio in 1999. Over the years, he has held all leadership roles in the company’s Marketing function, leading to him being named Director of Marketing in 2017. He has also overseen Federated’s Association Risk Management Services Department, as well as its Marketing Administration and Incentives areas. Most recently, he has served as President and Chief Operating Officer and chaired Federated’s Operations Team, with responsibility for the company’s Marketing, Field Services, Underwriting, Information Services, and Association Risk Management Services functions, as well as its Life Operations and Agency Operations.

As President and Chief Executive Officer, Lower will now also assume greater responsibility for Federated’s Claims, Actuarial, and Human Resources functions.

“Nick is among the most driven, disciplined, and dedicated individuals to walk our halls,” Fetters stated. “As a proven leader with extraordinary character, Nick energizes and elevates performance among us all. He brings a wealth of experience, operational knowledge, and a deep care for Federated people and clients to this role. Nick and his wife Jessica will continue to reside in Owatonna and serve as phenomenal ambassadors for Federated Insurance, the value we bring to clients, the career opportunity we provide employees, and the investments we make in our community.”

“This leadership transition also marks the end of a remarkable, 42-year Federated career for Mike Kerr and his wife, Jo Anne,” Fetters said. “It is impossible to overstate the impact Mike has made during his professional journey from marketing representative to CEO. He has been instrumental in numerous organizational achievements over the years and embodies the very best of our culture. We will be forever grateful for his and Jo Anne’s service.”

About Federated Insurance: Founded in 1904, Federated Insurance is a national insurance and risk management organization that serves the property, casualty, and life insurance needs of clients in select industries. The organization has more than 500 recommendations from state, regional, and national associations and buying groups, and is rated A+ (Superior) by industry analyst A.M. Best®.

At Federated Insurance, It’s Our Business to Protect Yours.®

Chairman’s Message: When Things Don’t Go as Planned
June 2026

Not every day in this business goes the way we planned. Some days, everything lines up. The crew is moving well. Materials are on time. The job is flowing the way you hoped it would. And then there are the other days. The ones where something breaks. T

Fechino Files: Trust Your Subs, Just Document!
June 2026

When I was working for a large masonry contractor, we typically performed masonry work with our own employees. When we would construct large Segmental Retaining Walls, often we would require a subcontractor who had larger equipment for different portions

Marvelous Masonry: Borobudur
June 2026

For masonry contractors and suppliers, few structures offer as much practical insight as Borobudur. Built in the 9th century in Central Java, this massive stone monument remains as one of the most advanced examples of large-scale masonry construction ever

Wrapping Up Our Year And A Look Ahead
June 2026

It is amazing another year has gone by and what a year it has been. We have seen a lot of progress on so many fronts. All of this happens specifically due to the support of our members. Your support this past year is positioning our industry to make huge