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.®

HangTite Blended Cement Products Joins the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program as a Gold Partner
November 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is excited to announce that HangTite Blended Cement Products has joined the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program (MAP) at the Gold Level.

ONE Spokane Stadium: A Unifying Force in Spokane’s Downtown Core
November 2025

Located in the vibrant arts and entertainment district of Spokane, Washington, ONE Spokane Stadium is a beacon of community, sport, and culture, showcasing the best of multifunctional urban design. Spearheaded by ALSC Architects, the stadium was designed

MCAA And Alan Pettingale Announce Strategic Partnership To Restore America’s Masonry
November 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) has established a strategic partnership with Alan Pettingale, President and Founder of Specialized Masonry Restoration and creator of the Brick Talk Live podcast and Masonry Restoration Magazine. The par

Westlake Royal Stone Solutions Renews Cornerstone Partnership in the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program
November 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is excited to announce that Westlake Royal Stone Solutions will renew its distinguished Cornerstone partnership in the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program.