ARA Insurance announced Phil Kelling, president and CEO, plans to retire effective Feb. 29, 2020, and his replacement will be current ARA Insurance CFO John Kennedy.
Under the leadership of Kelling, who has been with ARA Insurance since 1997, the agency grew from four independent agents to a premier insurance program with a network of insurance agents who support the needs of ARA members nationwide.
Kelling’s accomplishments included the startup of ARA Insurance Limited, developing a rental-specific risk management program, improving insurance coverages, and institutionalizing ARA Insurance’s culture to serve its members as the highest priority.
“It has been a pleasure to serve ARA Insurance for the last 22 years,” Kelling said. “The organization is in a very good position and I foresee a great future ahead for the industry and the members we serve. I’m grateful to those who served in volunteer roles to help guide the program work of ARA Insurance and make it the industry leading insurance provider that it is today.”
Kennedy, a CPA who joined ARA Insurance in August 2017, comes into the role of president of ARA Insurance with a wealth of experience in the insurance industry. His career began in public accounting at McGladrey & Pullen LLP, and he has experience in the telecom and mortgage industries.
Prior to joining ARA Insurance, Kennedy spent 10 years in the insurance premium finance industry having served as the corporate controller for IPFS Corporation.
Kennedy’s background includes earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Iowa State University and earning his Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He also earned the insurance industry designation of Certified Programs Leader (CPL).
“I look forward to the challenge of building on our successes from Phil’s tenure and continuing to improve in all aspects of our operation,” Kennedy said. “Our strategic core purpose is centered around serving ARA members and striving for excellence in all of our program work.”
Tony Conant, ARA CEO, said Kelling has effectively led ARA Insurance and thanked him for his service.
“The ARA Insurance board of directors is proud of his achievements, his leadership, and contributions to the equipment and event rental industry,” Conant said. “I’m confident in John’s ability to continue building upon the success of ARA Insurance and to take the organization to the next level.”
For more information, visit www.ararental.org.
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