Pekin Insurance Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pekin Insurance has 4 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, information technology, operational management, and human resources.

Committed to providing comprehensive coverage since 1921, Pekin Insurance delivers reliable business, auto, home, life, and health insurance solutions while maintaining a strong focus on community-centered protection and long-term financial stability.

Leadership Roles at Pekin Insurance

  • Chief Financial Officer - Ryan Hanson
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Joel Jackson
  • Chief Information Officer & Vice President - Christopher Izatt
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Cynthia Blackburn
  • Ryan Hanson - Chief Financial Officer

    Ryan Hanson, the Chief Financial Officer at Pekin Insurance, directs all fiscal planning and capital allocation strategies. Overseeing the financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer manages investment portfolios and risk assessment protocols to ensure long-term solvency. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to optimize capital reserves across the Midwest market. By implementing rigorous auditing standards and financial reporting frameworks, Ryan Hanson directly impacts the fiscal resilience of the company. The Chief Financial Officer monitors market fluctuations to adjust pricing models for auto, home, and life insurance products. Through precise budget management and strategic resource distribution, Hanson secures the necessary funding for technological upgrades and operational expansion. Maintaining fiscal discipline remains the primary objective for the Chief Financial Officer, ensuring that every dollar supports the core mission of providing reliable insurance coverage to policyholders.
    Ryan Hanson

    Joel Jackson - Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Joel Jackson, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Pekin Insurance, manages the daily execution of business operations and service delivery. Overseeing the coordination between underwriting, claims, and sales departments, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless workflow integration. This leadership role involves optimizing operational efficiency to support the diverse portfolio of business, auto, and health insurance products. By refining internal processes, Joel Jackson directly impacts the quality of service provided to policyholders across the regional footprint. The Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align operational output with corporate growth targets. Through the implementation of lean management practices, Jackson reduces administrative overhead while increasing throughput. Maintaining operational excellence remains the primary objective for the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, ensuring that the company consistently meets the evolving needs of the insurance market.
    Joel Jackson

    Christopher Izatt - Chief Information Officer & Vice President

    Christopher Izatt, the Chief Information Officer & Vice President at Pekin Insurance, architects the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks necessary for modern insurance operations. Overseeing the integration of advanced data analytics, the Chief Information Officer & Vice President ensures that policy management systems remain secure and efficient. This leadership role involves driving digital transformation initiatives that streamline claims processing and customer service interactions across the entire enterprise. By modernizing legacy software, Christopher Izatt directly impacts the speed and accuracy of insurance underwriting. The Chief Information Officer & Vice President coordinates with external technology partners to implement scalable cloud solutions that support regional growth. Through the deployment of robust data protection protocols, Izatt safeguards sensitive policyholder information against emerging cyber threats. Maintaining a high-performance technical environment remains the primary objective for the Chief Information Officer & Vice President, ensuring that digital tools consistently enhance the overall value proposition for clients.

    Cynthia Blackburn - Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Cynthia Blackburn, the Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Pekin Insurance, directs talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the workforce strategy, the Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the company attracts and retains top-tier professionals capable of supporting the insurance business model. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits packages and training programs that foster professional growth and employee engagement. By cultivating a high-performance work environment, Cynthia Blackburn directly impacts the overall productivity and morale of the organization. The Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with department heads to align staffing levels with strategic business objectives. Through the development of inclusive workplace policies, Blackburn strengthens the internal foundation of the company. Maintaining a robust and motivated workforce remains the primary objective for the Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, ensuring that human capital consistently drives the success of the enterprise.
    Cynthia Blackburn

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Pekin Insurance Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Pekin Insurance?
    Pekin Insurance is led by Ryan Hanson (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Joel Jackson (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) and Christopher Izatt (Chief Information Officer & Vice President).
    Who is part of Pekin Insurance’s executive team?
    The executive team of Pekin Insurance includes leaders such as Ryan Hanson (Chief Financial Officer), Joel Jackson (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer), Christopher Izatt (Chief Information Officer & Vice President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Pekin Insurance have?
    Pekin Insurance has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Pekin Insurance’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Pekin Insurance includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer & Vice President, Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer.