Who's Who

Trosino brought leadership strength to tough challenges

State Farm President retires

After a 44-year career, President, Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer Vince Trosino retired on Dec. 31. Trosino began his State Farm® career in Pennsylvania as a trainee in 1962, and joined State Farm’s senior leadership team in 1986.

His operational leadership guided the Company through several defining moments, including Hurricane Andrew in 1992, a decision in 2002 to exit and then re-engage in the New Jersey auto market and State Farm’s entrance into banking and mutual funds.

A vocal proponent of business ethics and continued personal development, Trosino represented State Farm as a board member at the Brookings Institute, served two consecutive terms on the Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board and is a past member of the American Judicature Society. He was awarded the prestigious Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2001.

Trosino calls State Farm a great American business success story and says the hallmarks of integrity, trust and financial strength make the Company a “national treasure.”

At the 2006 National Agency Convention, Trosino looked back on his time at State Farm and the changes that have taken place. “In recent years, State Farm has faced some very tough challenges in a fast-changing business environment. I can say without embarrassment that the work that’s gone on over this period has been harder, longer and more strategic than anything else I’ve seen in my 44 years with the Company.”

Trosino plans to remain on the Vulcan Materials Company board of directors, and will spend retirement visiting family and traveling with his wife, Pat, who he calls his best friend and special mentor. He will also be golfing and fly fishing with his friends.

Brunner honored by legal society

Chief Justice of the United States John G. Roberts, Jr. congratulates Kim Brunner for being inducted into the Warren E. Burger Society.

Kim M. Brunner, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for State Farm Insurance Companies®, was inducted into the Warren E. Burger Society at a ceremony held in Washington, D.C., in November.

Brunner was inducted into the society for his ongoing work in helping to improve the administration of justice in the United States and his continuous service as an enthusiastic voice in support of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) within the legal community.

The NCSC, headquartered in Williamsburg, Va., is a non-profit court reform organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership and service to the state courts. It was founded in 1971 by the Conference of Chief Justices and Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger. Burger served as Chief Justice from 1969 to 1986 and promoted the adoption of modern management techniques in the nation’s judicial system.

The Burger Society annually honors individuals who have demonstrated the highest commitment to improving the administration of justice through extraordinary contributions of service and support to the NCSC.

“It was a great honor to be recognized by such a prestigious group,” said Brunner. “Keeping the legal system both fair and efficient is in the best interest of our customers, State Farm and society as a whole.”

Ommen recognized for volunteer work

Stan Ommen and Desiree Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Director of USA Freedom Corps.

In September 2006, Stan Ommen, State Farm Bank® CEO, was presented the Presidential Volunteer Service Award by the USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House created in 2002. The award, intended to help encourage and expand volunteer efforts across the country, honors Americans who have made serving others a central part of their lives.

Ommen was nominated for the award by the Financial Services Roundtable, a consortium of the nation’s largest financial services institutions. An active member of the Roundtable, he served as the 2006 chairman of the national Community Build Day effort.

In its fifth year, the 2006 event expanded to include a variety of projects, including rehabilitating homes, community landscaping, back-to-school book drives and preparing meals for the homeless. Efforts by 5,000 volunteers from all 50 states combined to serve 2,000 families, 25,000 school children, and 14,700 individuals.

In addition to leading volunteer efforts at a national level, Ommen has been actively involved in a myriad of local volunteer and civic endeavors throughout his life.

“It’s humbling to be honored at such a level,” said Ommen. “But for me, and most others I know dedicated to volunteerism, the real reward comes in being able to help others.”