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.®

Outreach Outlook: Springing into Action – The Season of Growth
March 2026

There is a distinct shift in the air when March arrives. You can feel it on the job sites, and you can certainly feel it in the classrooms. As the winter chill begins to lift and the days are a little longer, the construction industry naturally wakes up f

Chairman's Message: Laying the First Brick - A Fresh Start
March 2026

As we head into a new year, I’m excited and, honestly, grateful to step into the role of Chairman of the Mason Contractors Association of America. This industry has been good to my family, and I see this role as a chance to give back and help move things

GEN NXT: 2026 Skills Challenge Winners
March 2026

After another successful year of the Skills Challenge, the MCAA had the opportunity to speak with the three 1st Place winners of each skill level. Get to know their journeys, motivations, and the mindsets they have in order to compete in a national compet

2026 World of Concrete Recap
March 2026

The 2026 World of Concrete Convention marked another successful year for masonry. From the world-renowned Skills Challenge and Fastest Trowel on the Block competitions to the new innovative GEORGE AI class, we gained a lot of ground in pushing this indust